One of the most effective strategies that helps me make more money as a freelancer (as well as find other ways of making money) has been learning how to leverage media opportunities. In this case, I mean getting quoted in reputable outlets, blogging for large media outlets and guest posting for popular sites within your niche.
Now, there is some controversy here as it pertains to blogging for large media outlets or guest posting because, more often than not, they don’t pay. The Huffington Post, for example, is often criticized for not paying their bloggers. They’ve addressed the issue in the past, stating that bloggers are not obligated to write therefore they are not technically employed by The Huffington Post. Additionally, being a Huffington Post blogger is about having the opportunity to start a broader conversation. However, the fact still remains that they are getting a lot of the content on their site for free.
The Huffington Post isn’t the only one either. I’ve blogged and guest posted for several high-profile media outlets. I’ve also had a lot of my work syndicated across major channels and have never been paid for it. However, it has made me a lot more money. In this post, I’ll explain exactly how I leverage these media opportunities to make more money.
I can charge a lot more for my content marketing clients.
I recently updated my portfolio with all the articles I’ve written for major media outlets. Within a week I had three high-quality and very well paying clients contacting me to write content for them. In fact, it’s some of the highest paying work I’ve ever been contracted for.
This is not a coincidence. Because I leveraged my media opportunities by updating my portfolio, these clients saw that I produce high-quality work for very reputable organizations.
I also leverage media opportunities when I’m pitching potential clients. I always make sure to lead my pitch with the fact that my work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc. It never fails to catch their attention.
It has led to other revenue generating opportunities.
Another way in which I leverage media opportunities is by using it to make money as a consultant. I’ve done podcasts and teach classes about how to get featured in top media outlets. I get hired to coach people on how they can build their brands online. And, most recently, since I specialize in millennials and money, I’ve been approached for consulting in terms of teaching people about millennials as consumers.
None of this would be possible if I did not actively seek out and leverage media opportunities. They may not pay me for an article, but the amount of money I’ve been able to make as a result of even having my name featured in these places would not have been possible otherwise.
