How Much to Charge for Blog Posts - Blogging Tips Weekly

It has been a while since my last Blogging Tips Weekly. Let's cut the crap and get started.

 

How much to charge for blog posts? 

If you write a beauty, fashion or skin care blog, you have been approached by advertisers. When they ask you to write a blog post, containing links that promote their businesses, how much should you charge?

First of all, blogging is hard work.

And you should absolutely charge for writing blog posts for others. 

However, you must write quality content, with relevant information that not only benefit advertisers but also help readers.

Determining a price for each blog post - my own formula:

There are many formulas out there. Just search the web. They are all valid, and I have used a few in the past. 

Recently, as more opportunities came, I started seriously thinking about the subject: perhaps I should create my own valuation, instead of blindly giving out a number (based on another person's experience)?

Why a formula?

Because now you can justify why you should get paid for the particular amount you asked for.

Also, when you create a more elaborate media kit (which I am working on), you have something to base it on.

Ready to start? Here are the steps:

Step 1: Determine Your Title

If you were looking for a real job, you'd start with a title, right? (Like "registered nurse" or "software developer.") Same goes for a blogging job, even if it is a one-time only post, on a hobby blog.

Like I said, blogging is hard work, so treat it like a real job.
  
I used "web writer" or "content writer." They sounded appropriate.
     

Step 2: Set Experience Level     

Also like job searching, you need an experience level. 

I know many of you started blogging a long time ago, but might have taken a while to become professional. I advise counting experience from when you began writing quality content.

Girlie Blog Seattle began in 2008, but I started providing valuable content only one year ago. Therefore, I am still at "entry level." 

** Note: you can also set experience level by PR number: 0 - 1 for entry level, 2 - 4 for junior, and so on. I didn't use this method because it felt aggressive.   

Step 3: Research Industry Salary

Now, go to websites like salary.com or glassdoor.com to find the average salary for an entry level content writer.

Do realize that these salaries come from professionals with proper education. If you don't possess the same qualifications, then do as I did and settle for the lower end of the range.

Step 4: Convert to Hourly Rate

Salary.com already provides "hourly" rates. Otherwise, use the formula below:

<Yearly Salary> / 52 / 5 / 8

Mine came out to $20 per hour.  
 

Step 5: Estimate Effort

How long does it take for you to write, edit, and promote the post?

Usually, it takes me two hours to do everything.

Step 6: Conduct Final Calculation

$20 x 2 = $40

I shall charge $40 per paid blog post :O) And I have been since Jan.

But wait! It's not all about money.

Greed, one of the seven deadly sins, can drive a person nuts. 

Don't get caught up in the money.

Advertisers have budgets, and cannot always afford $40 per post. However, they can pay in other ways.

Two months ago, I created thorough and unique content for an advertiser for free, due to our history. (It was for her personal project.) Even though I did over two hours of work, it was worth it. Because not only did she promote my blog in return, she also offered me two paying opportunities a month later, when budget allowed.
 
Greed never gets you anywhere, but generosity does. Some people are out to exploit you -- beware of them -- but if you have an established relationship, a free post once in a while can only help you both.

Thanks again for reading.

 

No matter which formula you use, I wish you luck.

 

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