Should you take the job?

I was recently “interviewed” by a friend who’s just starting out in her freelancing career. Specifically, she was curious about some of the ads she’s seen looking for professional bloggers. On the off-chance any of my readers are in the same place, I’ll share with you what I told her when she asked whether she should apply for some of these jobs.

Do you have ideas for it?
I try not to turn down jobs just because I’m worried I won’t be able to come up with material. Having ideas are half your job as a professional blogger. However, if the subject is “lacrosse” and you’re not sure whether that’s the one that gets played on ice or with horses or what, you might want to turn it down. Otherwise, be prepared to do a whole lot of research.

Does it pay?
I never work for free. Ad revenue and exposure are not payment. As a good blogger, you have a unique, valuable skill. Your time and work are worth money. Would a plumber work for ad revenue? Would a cab driver take you home if you promised to give him “exposure” by telling your friends about him? You are a professional providing a service, so don’t underestimate your worth.

The only exception to this is if you genuinely love the company or organization and want to volunteer your time and talent to help them out. In my friend’s case, she was considering volunteering to help jump-start some blogs for local organic growers. These are companies she’d be volunteering for anyway, and writing for them would also help bulk up her resume.

Does it pay enough?
Low-paying gigs are standard in the blogging world, and they’re a good way to bulk up your resume while you look for higher-paying work. However, there’s low paying and then there’s laughable. Don’t write 500 word posts for $1. There are better options out there.