Blogging is just a hobby for some, but if you're making a substantial amount of money from your blog, you need to start thinking about it more as a business.
There's a huge debate in the blogging community about whether you should do it for money or do it for the love of the blog. I don't want to get into that here. What I want to talk about is making smart business decisions.
I recently talked to a friend about the business of blogging, and I've realized that starting out is tough. About two years ago, when I started blogging in a professional way (i.e., more than my LiveJournal blog), it was hard to understand blogging. Every month, as more and more people flood the blogging world, it gets even harder.
Here's some unsolicited business advice I'd like to mention. Add your own in the comments below!
Get a laptop. Sure you can blog from your desktop, but if you are a blogger, taking a sick day or vacation is an amazing way to kill a blog. If possible, you need to be connected every single day. Sure, you can use the post-ahead function, but you can't answer emails, reply to comments, and fix problems in advance. A laptop is a great way to stay connected, even when you travel...and beyond that, it is amazing to be able to sit outside, go to an Internet bar, or just lay in bed to blog. Remember, a laptop that you use for business is a business expense.
Keep track of your income. Yes, US networks or clients are supposed to send you a 1099 at the end of the year if you've earned at least $600. Many don't, and you may work for some companies that are not from the US. You are responsible for tracking and reporting your income. Having an updated spreadsheet is crucial for tax purposes, and it only takes a moment of your time.
Sign contracts. Personal blogs are great, but many bloggers are now interested in working for a corporate client or blogging network. YOU NEED A CONTRACT. Even if it is just ONE page, specify how and when you'll update and how and when you'll be paid. Protect yourself so that your client can't just disappear.
Ask for a raise. If you're working for someone, you should get a raise periodically. Most networks already have this worked into the system. However, if you work for someone for a year and haven't gotten a raise, ask for one politely, even if it is just a small one. Remember, inflation will leave you in the dust if you don't. If you can't getting raises, you're actually making less every year.
Schedule time for blogging. This is important whether you're keeping a personal blog or working for someone. If you don't, one thing leads to another and before you know it, it's midnight and you've fed the cat, made diner, vacuumed, picked up the kids, watched your favorite tv show, and showered...but you haven't blogged.
