Hey hey, travelpreneur!
No preamble this week, just diving right into the content with the answers you’ve been seeking about writing for publications…
Q: Should you ever write for free or for ‘exposure’?
A: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills, my friend. So, whenever possible, make sure that you get compensated for your travel content (your creative output is valuable - never forget that). However, there are 3 instances where I may suggest that someone work for exposure:
If you’re just starting out and don’t have a portfolio of writing samples yet.
You get a comped/sponsored trip in exchange for your travel content that is of equal value.
To expand your audience and reach more people (e.g. guest posting).
Q: Should I follow up with an editor after sending a query letter (pitch)?
A: Yes, most definitely. Most editors are busy people and replying to pitches isn’t their only job so sometimes emails fall through the cracks. I usually suggest sending at least one short and sweet follow-up email after your initial pitch. You can send it between 2 and 4 weeks after your first email. If you don’t get a reply after that, move on to the next publication.
Q: Should I write the article in full before I pitch it to an editor?
A: Nope, don’t waste your time like that. Always pitch a story idea first and write it later. You may come across some publications that ask for the article “on-spec” which means fully written. But just because you send them a fully written article, doesn’t mean that they’re obligated to publish it. So, rather pitch a few different story ideas/angles and make sure the editor wants it before you put in the time and effort to write the content.
Q: Do you pitch a story to an editor before going on the trip or afterward?
A: It really depends on your situation. If you’re a new travel writer it’s better to pitch a story after you’ve traveled to avoid putting too much pressure on yourself. However, if you’re a more established travel writer who has worked with an editor and publications before, you can totally pitch a story idea ahead of your travels. A commission will help you secure sponsorships but it can be a stressful situation if you don’t understand the industry yet.
Q: How can I write and send more pitches?
A: Just like most things, batch your pitches. I generally do a pitching sprint of 25 pitches in 1 week. However, you could make it 10 in one week and do this once a month. The more you do it, the faster it goes and the more opportunities attract. That’s why we do monthly pitching sprints in the Wildly Successful Travelpreneurs membership (look out for the update about this next week).
The Good Stuff 🔥
The response I got about my List Building Challenge for Travel Bloggers was overwhelming; so I’m going ahead with it! The challenge will run from 29 August - 2 September and will take place in a private Wildly Successful Travelpreneurs community (not Facebook).
Sign up here to receive updates and a personal invite to the community closer to the challenge!
So, why do I want to share this knowledge?
Well, because I think email marketing is essential for businesses (yes, your travel blog is a biz); especially with the volatile social media algorithms.
I avoided this for such a long time. During the first 6 years of my blog/biz, I only collected about 500 subscribers! But since November last year, I have quadrupled my email list. Plus my open rate is +- 45% and the click rate is +-23% - those are much higher numbers than the industry average. This helped me not only hit my income goal for this year but surpass it!
And I want that for you!
One of the best ways to grow your email list (fast) like me is to participate in summits or bundles. To learn how to get started with this fun list-building tactic, check out this course from my favorite biz mentor1 (get $100 off at the intro price if you join by tomorrow).
Another interesting list growth technique is to utilize pop-ups (the right way). When done correctly they can give your readers exactly what they need at the perfect time. Check out this course by the affiliate marketing queen Leanne2, to learn how to grow your list with pop-ups.
Freebies 🆓
👉 Free training3 - How a 10-minute task generated $600 (and how you can replicate this same strategy over and over!)
👉 Scaling Solopreneur Summit! 35 expert interviews from business owners around the world who specialize in helping Solopreneurs create massive success in their online business. Started yesterday, but you can still join!
👉 Lucrative Leads Summit! Join 30+ Lead Generation Experts to help you build a consistent stream of leads for your business without cold pitching or discounting your rates to sell out your VIP Days.
Paid & Sponsored Opportunities 🤑
👉 Explore the Czech Republic for 8 days, all-expenses-paid. Calling all culture vultures! This October, Matador is giving you the chance to explore the Czech Republic on an all-expenses-paid trip!
👉 Pitch Sierra Magazine! Jen is looking to take pitches for lifestyle adventure stories, mostly about the US. Great guidelines in the Twitter thread.
👉 Chimu Adventures are seeking to hear from top-tier Australian-based media to join us on our South Pole flight this November. This exciting trip is the first and only commercial scenic tourist flight to the South Pole directly from Australia, departing Melbourne on Nov 27, 2022, so we're sure that it will lend itself to amazing story ideas! If you're able to secure a commission to cover this exciting event, please reach out to Meg Hall with an expression of interest via meghall@chimuadventures.com.au
👉 English Content Writing Internship in Travel Start-up (Remote). Are you driven by the exploration of new places, cultures, and nature’s wonders and wildlife? Do you believe that travel can be a force for good that is reciprocally beneficial? If so, are you ready to use craftsmanship with words to make others dream about their next big adventure and its potential bigger positive impact? Then Viatu might be the right destination for your next big professional endeavor.
👉 Pitch AFAR! Nick is looking for travel stories all about the Cayman Islands. Guidelines here.
Interesting Reads... 📰
👉 Save time and stay informed: The DONUT newsletter features only relevant and influential stories daily and is 100% FREE! It also has the coolest memes and awesome discounts! 😉🍩
👉 Check out Refind. Every day Refind picks 7 links from around the web for you, tailored to your interests. Loved by 50k+ curious minds.
Bonus Content 🤩
👉 Dream job opportunity. A secluded resort in Baa Atoll (Maldives) is looking for someone to run its bookstore. Not only will the successful applicant get to live and work in the Maldives, earning $750 per month, but they’ll also get to stay in a deluxe villa that would usually cost $36,500 per night totally free for an entire year.
Travel Plans ✈️
We’re heading to the Cape Winelands this week to explore the 2nd oldest town in South Africa (Paarl) for our second luxury wine farm stay!
Let’s connect on Instagram if you’d like to follow along on our Winelands adventure!
💌 Have something you’d like to promote to 2020+ Wildly Successful Travelpreneurs readers? Purchase ad or sponsorships space. Learn more here!
Until next week…
With love,
Daniella
PS. If you want to become a travelpreneur:
✈️ Grab one of my FREE courses, books, or templates for travel bloggers: https://payhip.com/OurSoulfulT...
✨ Work with me privately to make your travelpreneur dreams come true: https://payhip.com/b/wXeEV
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