What Do You Think About Writing For Exposure?
Every so often I get one of these offers - just write an article (or two, or three) for us free of charge and it will help you market your freelance writing business by giving you exposure as a writer on our website. You probably know the kind of offer that I mean. If you’re a freelance writer, then you’ve probably gotten some of these offers yourself.
Now, a decade or two ago, this type of offer might have had some real merit. Back then, it was pretty difficult and possibly costly for a writer to promote their skills. Only large companies could afford to have a web presence and traditional advertising was (and is still) expensive. The offer to write for exposure would have been. . . well, somewhat tempting.
I’d say that blogging and social media have changed all that. For a few hundred dollars almost anyone (and I mean anyone) can have a web presence and promote themselves. At no additional cost, that same someone can sign up for multiple social media venues and use those venues to promote their website - the only limitation being the time that it takes to actively participate in social media.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against doing an occasional guest post as a favor or as a possible way to expand my own audience when I have time. I’ve done it in the past and I’m sure that I’ll do it again. Nor am I against accepting a guest post here from bloggers whose work I am familiar with and admire (particularly if they are NOT trying to hard sell a product that is only marginally related to this blog’s topic). In fact, I know of several bloggers who have successfully used guest posting to build their community.
However, when it comes to writing with only exposure for compensation, I am generally against it. For one thing, it takes valuable time away from working on paying gigs. Plus, in my experience, such offers rarely live up to the promises made. Most of those who make the offers are talking in terms of potential exposure (if they really did have a successful venue they would be able to compensate the writer for their work).
At any rate - this is my experience with write for exposure gigs. What’s yours?
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About the Author: I am a successful freelance writer with 20 years of copy writing experience. I am available for consulting, business writing, copy writing, editing, technical writing, and web content writing. In addition, I have written an ebook, 
Mark Dykeman | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi there, I’ve been lurking for awhile and I thought I’d decloak long enough to comment.
I don’t work in your industry, so in many ways I’m writing out of school. However, I do see your point about balancing the needs (and opportunities) for paying work vs. exposure. I’m assuming at this point in your career that you definitely don’t need to do work for exposure, as you’ve stated above.
In my case, as a blogger who has had one article published in print, but literally hundreds of blog posts and articles published electronically and 95% for free (excluding shares of ad revenues, I guess), I definitely see the value in writing for exposure, because that’s mainly what I do with this hobby. Perhaps it could be helpful for a freelancer, but I think it must be equally important to show that you can get paying work. Does that make sense?
Laura | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Hi Mark!
First of all, I must say that I’m flattered to have a lurker when I’ve been MIA from this blog for so long. . .
I think that you have a very valid point about getting experience - however, I also think that it’s important to be selective about where you blog or post for exposure.
If you select the wrong publication, then you’ll find that you don’t actually have any additional exposure (although you may have a clip for your portfolio).
I think what I was getting at is that it’s possible to build your own exposure by creating and promoting a blog.
Great perspective, though!
Vivienne Quek | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Laura, I agreed with you totally on being selective. Anyone who is invited to write for exposure should take a serious look at the nature of that online publication and it’s audience. If there is no synergy between the writer and the publication, WIIFM? A wrong association may give wrong impression and perception. That would take lots of efforts to rectify.
Lillie Ammann | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
Laura,
It’s nice to see a new post here!
Generally, I don’t think it’s a good idea to write for exposure. Usually people that make that offer can’t give as much exposure as it would take to make it worth the time.
The exception to my recommendation against writing for free is this: I think it’s wise to donate writing to charities and nonprofits you believe in. You still get exposure (and in some cases direct contact with community leaders who are involved in the organization and who can give you future business). But you are also making a worthwhile contribution to support a cause you are committed to rather than just providing free material for someone else to use to make money.
Laura Spencer | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Vivienne and Lillie!
I agree that writing for the wrong publication could harm your brand - that’s a great point.
Lillie - I am all in favor of volunteering for charities (including writing). While I think that making business contacts shouldn’t be your sole reason for volunteering, sometimes the contacts do get made and it can be beneficial to the writer. Thanks for reminding us!
--Deb | Nov 21, 2008 | Reply
Being selective is important, but within reason, I don’t think doing free writing is any worse than any other pro bono work … you just can’t do it ALL the time!
Jennifer | Nov 27, 2008 | Reply
I’m just newly launched myself into freelance writing and have done some free writing before. It built up my portfolio so I was grateful. At this point thought, although my portfolio isn’t busting out from working, I think I am at that level that I can ask for $ for my work.
Great blog! I’ve added you to my blogroll.
Ray Johnson | Make money on the internet | Nov 29, 2008 | Reply
Writing on those really big sites will help you drive some reader to your blog, no?
Lindsay | Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
Well, I make a living from my own blogs and websites, so I’m not looking to freelance, but I have gotten offers from people who have seen work I’ve submitted (for free) to sites such as AC and ezinearticles. Of course, I was mainly submitting those articles to get links back to my site!
Personally, I’m open to working for free if it comes with a link back to my site (from a quality blog or website that has an established reader base), but as far as just “getting my name out there,” no thank you.
Sarah | Dec 26, 2008 | Reply
Being selective is important, but within reason, I don’t think doing free writing is any worse than any other pro bono work … you just can’t do it ALL the time!
Solomon | Jan 4, 2009 | Reply
I personally believe anyone who wants an article or a write up needs to understand that the writer has to spend sufficient quality time to write it. And anything written without proper attention goes waste as it won’t have any appeal. And impacts negatively of the writer too.
I feel one has to respect the time and effort that goes into writing and should be paid at least some amount.
And I believe, inorder to write we need to buy some books to read too. And the money….
Great post!
Russell | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
I agree. However, if you are a newbie, you could try to get stuff on Suite 101, Triond, Associated Content and similar if you want to have stuff published “3rd party” (but certainly not for the money they offer at PPC rates). You’re just as well off having your own publishing platform (”blog” if you will) and the idea of guest blogging does appeal if the site is right. But at the end of the day it is about networking and persuading respectable content buyers and editors - and your high quality writing ability will be expected whist your niche expertise will be the sale clincher.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post. All the best!