Blogger Job Description (What Does a Blogger Do?)
Blogging is an ever-evolving job in the world of online entrepreneurship. If you’re considering a blogging career, the multifaceted answer to “What does a blogger do?” may surprise you! We’ll explore the many aspects of this role and the opportunities available today.
Blogging has certainly evolved over the past two decades! The role of a blogger today is vastly different from when blogging first started in the early ‘90s.
At that time, bloggers wrote about topics that interested them, or they shared about their lives, hobbies, interests, or expertise. Many blogs functioned as online diaries or journals, and some blogs featured photos or a simplified graphic design.
The early 2000s marked a key shift in the blogging world as large blogging platforms such as Blogger and WordPress launched. With these platforms, it became much easier for everyday users to quickly set up a site and begin posting. Users could also experiment more with design and aesthetics and reach wider audiences through different platform features.
Blogs also became recognized as legitimate online publishing spaces for businesses. They became a place for cultural and entertainment commentary, political dialogue, and community hubs for hobbies.
Notably, the early 2000s also brought blog monetization into the blogging landscape as BlogAds and later Google AdSense offered ways for bloggers to incorporate general and niche-specific ads onto their web pages.
Now, there are over 600 million blogs on the Internet, and there are even subcultures of micro-blogging through social media and other photo-sharing sites. A blogger’s job is as varied as the industry and purpose of the site!
What a blogger’s job looks like today
Today, blogging is an entire industry, and bloggers wear so many different hats.
Blogging used to be more streamlined. For the last several years, many bloggers focused simply on creating blog posts and monetizing via ads. Now, the actual blog posts are only one component of blogging as a business!
So, what do bloggers actually do?
- They generate ideas, create content calendars, and write posts. They research keywords and stay up to date on industry trends. They photograph content, create images, design graphics, and customize website themes.
- They recruit email subscribers and send email content. They network and collaborate with other brands or bloggers. They share their content and expertise on podcasts and on social media.
- They develop, manufacture, and sell tangible or digital products. They might even offer a service related to their content.
- They handle any range of technical tasks relating to site optimization, platform hosting, or ad monetization.
A blogger’s job will also depend entirely on the industry or niche. Some of the largest blogging niches today include travel, lifestyle, health and wellness, fashion, technology, personal finance, food, and more!
Ultimately, the day-to-day activities of a blogger include quite a spectrum of possibilities! Written posts are no longer the primary element in a profitable blog. Successful bloggers must diversify their platforms and influence to create a sustainable blogging business.
Skills bloggers should have
Considering the multi-faceted world of blogging today, bloggers need a range of skills to grow a blogging business.
First, bloggers need to be willing to learn. Technology and industry trends are always changing, and a blogger needs to be able to learn on the job and adapt to new information. A majority of your skills as a blogger will likely be self-taught!
Bloggers need to be creative thinkers. There are predictable formulas to set up an income-generating site, but there is no cookie-cutter approach to success. Creativity especially comes into play as you think about growing a long-term business and continually developing new ideas or ways to serve your audience over time.
A successful blogger also needs to be a self-starter. There are many opportunities to learn from others in online spaces, but you have to take actionable steps to move your business forward. You need to be motivated, know your “why” behind your business, and operate as your own boss (manage your time, set up accountability, etc.).
There are plenty of other skills that will come in handy as a blogger, but another non-negotiable is being comfortable with technology. You don’t have to know how to use every tool or platform, but you do need to be able to learn the tools essential to your blog! Even the most seasoned bloggers will attest to the ongoing need to adjust to the changes in apps, platforms, and site features as they develop.
Types of bloggers
As the realm of blogging has expanded, there are now varied and growing opportunities to work in the industry!
- You can work for a company as a blogger who creates its blog content. Scroll through a handful of websites for established businesses and you will likely find a blog featured within a few minutes! More and more businesses recognize the value of publishing updated blog content as a way to connect with their audiences and increase their web presence.
- You can also work as a ghostwriter for a blog. This could be a full-time employee role or a contractual copywriter position. As a ghostwriter, you essentially write in the author or company’s brand voice to reflect their ideas and content.
- You can also create your own blog and run a business centered around your own brand or expertise. As an aspiring blogger, you may be wondering how exactly to narrow (or widen) your topics of interest. We have more helpful information here on how to find your blog niche.
Income potential of bloggers
One of the most frequently asked questions about blogging is: “How much can a blogger make?”
Generating income from a blog takes time, just like any other business. The dollar amount can vary wildly from year to year, but the good news is that earning revenue from a blog is an option for anyone.
To look at some recent reports of blogging income, you’ll want to look at various niches. Here you can view recent income reports of food bloggers, including specific numbers for some of the most well-known foodie sites on the web today! Food blogging is a huge subcategory, and most bloggers mention that their income is a result of multiple sources.
This post on blogger income reports will give you an even broader overview of the types of blogs that are bringing in substantial income. And this only scratches the surface of income potential!
Ultimately, most successful bloggers are not tied to one income stream. Today, a unique combination of revenue-producing ventures can enable bloggers to truly run a successful business! If you’re wondering more about how and where bloggers earn their income, we have more info for you on how to make money blogging.
A blogger’s job description may not be as clear-cut as roles in other professions, but that’s the beauty of it! Blogging allows many people the opportunity to dream, create, and grow in ways they could never have imagined.
Are you an aspiring blogger looking to learn more about starting a blog? Connect with us here or find us on Instagram at @sparkmediaconcepts!