Oct
10
Read Write Web posted some fascinating findings from a survey it conducted recently, in which they asked 20 bloggers and social media consultants how much they make. An intrusive and personal question perhaps, but that’s why half of them agreed to give out that information on an anonymous basis.
Rather than write it all again, I’m going to use my coverage for WPN liberally:
It looks like the average rate on a per-post basis is $25, though some reported to make as little as $10 and as much as $80. “Let’s say these people are half-time pro-bloggers making $25 per post, writing 3 posts per day,” Kirkpatrick [of RRW] says. “That’s $75 per half-day, a little less than $20 per hour, about $1500 to $1750 per month for half time work. Take two of those jobs at once, do it for a year, and you’ll make about $40k.”
You could do worse, but in-house bloggers seem to be doing better. According to Kirkpatrick, respondents reported annual salaries ranging from $45k and $55k with benefits up to $70k, $80k and $90k with bonuses. “We’re tempted to say, based on the anonymously submitted but descriptive replies we got, that the closer to pure journalism our respondents were doing the lower their wages were,” he says. Now that’s interesting. Critics of blogs as news sources (like the one discussed in this article) ought to love that little nugget.
Those in-house bloggers still didn’t make as much as the participating social media consultants who make as little as $150 an hour, and most commonly about $300 an hour. That’s fascinating considering the amount of sponsored content infiltrating social networks. I have to wonder how the pay rates of these consultants reflect their practices in terms of white hat/black hat.
These numbers (while it should be kept in mind that there were only 20 anonymous participants) might make you jealous or provide you with motivation to reach that point (unless you’re already in the same range or are doing better). What do you think?
Popularity: 10% [?]
Hi Chris,
I’d just like to point out that I’m not a critic of blogs as news sources – in fact, if you read the piece you link to, it’s stating that blogs make for excellent sources of both breaking and ongoing news.
My actual criticism in that piece was at journalists who decry blogging as non-relevant.
I’d be grateful if you could amend, particularly since your piece went out to the WebProNews network, of which I’m a blog partner.
Thanks,
Danny.
Hi Danny,
I read the piece, and I know what you’re talking about. I wasn’t trying to imply that you were one of the critics, but I recalled your piece as talking about the critics, which is why I linked to it. Perhaps the wording of the link could’ve been better on my part. I’ll see if I can change the wording a bit.
Hi Chris,
I notice that the wording is changed – appreciate your response.
Sorry if I implied that you hadn’t read the post – I should have said “for anyone reading” instead. Seems we were both using the same wording keyboard…
Thanks again, always interested in your posts – make some very valid points.
Have a great weekend,
Danny.
I read this article as well, really very interesting. On one hand I would love to get a few paid hosting gigs, on the other hand it would take away the fun of blogging!
Reading these results makes me want to quit life and become a social media consultant . . . or more of a blogger . . . or something. I suppose some don’t think that’s much money, but I would love 40K a year.
I read a number of articles this week along the same topic. Wonder why everyone is suddenly talking about this topic
I would be glad if somebody comes up with a list of people making more than say $25K per annum out of blogging.
Cheers,
Ajith
I had read the post and I was actually a little surprised that people felt this was big news. I haven’t written at less than $25 (and most often, it’s more) per post in a long time. Not trying to brag or anything, but… yeah. Why is it shocking bloggers make a living at their job?
@ Ajith – I’d be one of those people. Hi. Pleased to meet you.
I would like to get there, but I have a long way to go!
I am surprice to see that people earning 25$ for post.
i make 125$ in a mounth
@James, nice work sir, do you mind if I ask whether blogging is your main or only source of income, are you a pro blogger?
@ PS3 – Problogger, yes. Main source only, no, good crikey. It isn’t that easy to blog for a living that inspiration comes instantly. I wish!
Thats pretty interesting. I have never gone the route of making money by writing for someone else, but if you love writing then there is definitely some serious cash there.
wow…..online income to be main income, if focus I think great income online possible in two or three years
surprise…..it’s my first $100 after 3 month online from google adsense
