How to Ghostwrite Blogs for Businesses
Think about learning to cook. You start with the basics, right? Maybe just frying an egg or boiling pasta. You follow a recipe, maybe mess it up a few times, but eventually, you get the hang of it.
Ghostwriting blogs for businesses is kind of like that. You need the right ingredients – your skills – and a good recipe – a clear process – to serve up something valuable for your clients.
What's the Deal with Ghostwriting Blogs?
So, you're writing blog posts, but someone else's name goes on them. That's the core of it. Businesses need good content to connect with people online, but often they don't have the time or maybe even the knack for writing. That's where you come in.
From my experience, businesses hire ghostwriters for a few solid reasons:
- They need the writing chops: You can turn their ideas into clear, engaging posts.
- You know online stuff: Many of us pick up SEO knowledge, which helps get the blog seen.
- It saves them time: They can focus on running their business while you handle the content.
- Keeps things regular: A steady flow of posts is good for their online presence and search rankings.
- Making ideas sound good: You can take rough concepts and polish them up.
- Matching their voice: A big part of the job is learning to sound like them.
- Professional polish: You ensure the final piece is error-free and looks sharp.
What Skills Do You Actually Need?
It's not just about being able to string sentences together. Here’s what matters:
- Adaptable Writing: You need to write clearly and concisely for online readers (think scannable). More importantly, you have to bend your style to match each client. One day you might be conversational, the next more formal.
- SEO Basics: Understanding keywords helps your clients get found. You don't need to be a guru, but knowing the fundamentals is key.
- Efficiency: Businesses often need good content turned around reasonably quickly. Quality and speed matter.
- Research Skills: You'll likely write about things you don't know much about initially. Good research is non-negotiable for creating accurate content.
- Versatility: Can you switch between different tones and voices? This helps the content feel authentic to the client's brand.
- Listening: Really hear what the client wants and needs. Then, actually do it. Sounds simple, but it's crucial.
- Condensing Info: Taking complex stuff and making it easy to understand is a valuable skill online.
- Formatting Savvy: Know how to use headings, short paragraphs, and lists to make posts easy to read on a screen.
- Attention to Detail: Following instructions (word count, keywords, deadlines) meticulously shows professionalism.
How Do You Find These Gigs?
Alright, the practical part. Finding work takes effort. Here's what I've seen work for others and myself:
- Show Your Work: Build a portfolio. If your work is ghostwritten, ask permission to share or create specific samples showcasing different business voices.
- Network: Tell people what you do. Old clients, friends, other writers – you never know where a lead might come from.
- Cold Pitching: Reach out directly to businesses you think could use help with their blog. A little research on them first goes a long way.
- Job Boards (Smartly): Some free boards are okay, but paid/vetted ones sometimes have better quality gigs. Look for companies hiring writers generally, too.
- Use Social Media: Make it clear in your profiles (LinkedIn, etc.) that you offer blog ghostwriting for businesses.
- Agencies: Consider working with content agencies. They find the clients; you do the writing. It can simplify things, especially when starting out.
- LinkedIn: Be active. Connect with potential clients (like marketing managers) and join relevant conversations. Don't just lurk.
- Authors (Sometimes): If you're also into book ghostwriting, sometimes authors who publish often need blog content too.
Working Effectively with Business Clients
Once you land a client, making it work smoothly is key. Misunderstandings waste time and energy.
- Get Clear Upfront: Understand their audience, brand voice, content style, and target keywords before you write a word.
- Use Content Briefs: Create (or ask for) clear instructions for each post. Topic, keywords, tone, length – get it all down. It saves headaches later.
- Clarify Everything Else: Talk about deadlines, research depth, how they want sources cited, revision rounds included in the price, etc. No assumptions.
- Communicate: Check in. Ask questions if you're stuck. Keep them updated.
- Allow for Creativity (Sometimes): While guidelines are vital, if you're experienced, good clients often appreciate you bringing ideas. Don't let them over-outline everything; they hired you for your skill.
- NDAs are Standard: Expect to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. It’s normal practice to protect their info and your ghostwriting role.
- Collaborate: Be open to feedback and provide revisions as agreed. It’s a team effort to get the content right for their goals.
A Quick Word on Ethics
Is ghostwriting okay? Generally, yes, especially for business blogs sharing useful info. The focus is on the quality of the information under the business's name.
The main thing is that the content should genuinely reflect the business's expertise and values. You're helping them share their knowledge, not making things up.
Getting Paid and Contracts
Let's talk money and agreements. This is where being direct and clear prevents future problems.
- Setting Rates: You can charge per word, per article, or per project. Your rate depends on the work's complexity, research needed, your experience, etc. Beginners might charge less to build experience; seasoned writers charge more.
- Payment Milestones: For bigger projects, get paid at different stages (e.g., after outline, first draft, final). This protects both you and the client if things change.
- Royalties? Usually No: For blog posts, getting paid upfront or per milestone is much more common and stable than hoping for royalties.
- Get It In Writing: A contract is essential. Even for small jobs, an email summary outlining the agreement is smart. Include:
- Project Scope: What exactly are you writing? (e.g., number of blog posts, topics)
- Services: What's included? (Writing? Research? Sourcing images? Uploading?)
- Ownership: Make it clear the client owns the final content.
- Revisions: How many rounds are included? What costs extra?
- Payment Schedule: How much, when? Initial deposit?
- Deadlines: When are things due?
- Confidentiality (NDA): Mention the agreement.
- 'What If' Clause: Briefly cover what happens if the client isn't satisfied (within reason – protect yourself too).
Use a template if you need to, but having a legal eye look it over isn't a bad idea down the road.
Building a ghostwriting career takes consistent effort in developing skills, finding work, and managing client relationships professionally. It’s about showing up, doing good work, and being clear in your dealings.