If you’re a regular LWB reader then you’ll know all about the various radical thoughts that have been running through my head over the past few weeks.
Two posts in particular have given a strong hint of how things will be changing in my business in the near future: How I Plan to Revolutionize My Online Business and My Thoughts on the Future of Leaving Work Behind. If you haven’t read them yet I encourage you to do so now.
My announcement in this post represents a huge milestone in my business. It represents me stepping away from something big and stepping into something bigger. It represents positive change and major growth. Most importantly, it takes me a step closer to what I consider the truest and purest form of the Leaving Work Behind concept.
Announcing the Launch of Clear Blogging Solutions
Let’s get the (rather exciting, for me at least) formalities out of the way first.
Today I am delighted to officially announce the launch of my new content marketing agency: Clear Blogging Solutions.
Clear Blogging Solutions provides content marketing services to bloggers and small businesses who understand the value of content marketing but need assistance in terms of execution (whether that be because they lack the expertise or simply don’t have time to do it themselves).
Our core service offerings are blog article writing (on just about any topic), and social media management and development. We also provide other services to ongoing clients, such as eBook development, link building, copywriting and WordPress website maintenance.
If you’re a blogger and you need help in producing and/or marketing your content, we can help. If you’re an online startup who needs a content marketing solution so that you can focus on the areas in which you can benefit your business the greatest, we can help. If you’re a small business who is looking to establish or develop your online presence, we can help.
That’s the sales pitch out of the way — if you’re interested, check us out and get in touch.
Now I want to explain why and how Clear Blogging Solutions came about.
The Problem With Freelancing
I love freelancing — it completely changed my life.
In September 2011 I was seriously fed up, having failed consistently in my make money online efforts for around six months. I was desperate and willing to give anything a try. So I tried freelance writing.
I’m not going to get into the specifics here (read this, this and this if you want to learn more about the story of how I built a freelance writing business out of nothing), but I went from earning nothing to making thousands of dollars per month in just a few months. My freelance writing earnings peaked in May 2013 at $6,206.
That peak month worked out to approximately one and a half times the monthly salary in my last job in about one third of the hours. My equivalent hourly rate was $152 (slightly below my record of $161 in June 2013). I still have to pinch myself.
However, there was a problem with this business model — it isn’t scalable. I only have so many hours available, and quality writing is mentally taxing work that you can only do so much of before you burn out.
Not only that, but I was compromising my other projects in an effort to squeeze every last penny out of my freelancing business and keep breaking income records. Not a good recipe for long term growth. I was obsessed with numbers (I broke my income record four months running) and had lost sight of the bigger picture.
A Time for Change
I have known for a long time that freelance writing isn’t a scalable business model, but I’ve never been able to see an obvious route into converting my assets (i.e. my writing/business skills, client base, contact list, website, etc.) into a scalable business model.
The obvious route was to take on writers and work in a more editorial-style role. However, my major concerns were that it would be a labor-intensive job and that quality writers could not be found for reasonable prices (i.e. prices that would still allow me to make money).
My opinion on that front changed quickly when I put a call out for paid writers for my online dating authority site. I received around ~30 applications, and while the majority weren’t suitable for my needs, there were a healthy handful of writers who I felt were pretty damn capable. More capable than I was expecting, quite frankly.
Although I had originally intended to hire one writer, I ended up hiring two (and really wanted to take on another one or two). My attitude towards the quality of available writers changed overnight.
This greatly reduced the reasons to not go down the “blogging agency” route. I was now faced with a more manageable problem — teaching my writers how to blog effectively and trusting them to be organized and reliable (in fact, that was what inspired my recent post on seven fatal mistakes that freelance writers make).
In short, I could potentially see the basis for a successful and scalable business.
The Birth of a New Business
So I decided to test the waters.
Working with my dating site writers was remarkably similar to the dynamics of a blogging agency — I just happened to be both the editor and the client. From that experience I knew that there was potential. Since I was already turning away new client requests at this point I figured I had nothing to lose by redirecting new clients to my writers.
The idea was simple:
- My writers communicate with the clients directly.
- Their work goes through me and I act in an editorial role to ensure that everything is up to scratch.
- Clients pay me directly and I pay my writers at their desired rate.
- The writers can talk to me if they have any questions or need any further assistance. Similarly, the client can talk to me at any point if they so desire.
The writer is paid at their desired rate and the client gets a top quality end-product that is to my editorial standards. I get my cut for attracting and landing the clients and doing the editorial work.
In this way I might spend fifteen minutes editing a piece rather than two hours writing it. As the writers get better and a level of trust evolves, my involvement can be relatively limited. I can work with far more clients and generate far more revenue in far less time. At least, that’s the idea.
Within a couple of weeks I had landed two new clients through the Clear Blogging Solutions brand. Things were underway.
What Next?
Clear Blogging Solutions has been in existence for a few weeks now — this is essentially the “hard launch.” It is my intention to grow the business exponentially from this point onwards, but that will of course rely upon the number of client referrals I receive and successfully convert.
At this stage I am negotiating with a few prospective clients and expect for a proportion of those deals to go through. I am hoping that this post will generate further interest and that my bylines across the web will bring in further enquiries. I may also dabble in “cold emailing” to targeted prospects, but I’ve not made a decision on that front yet.
The issue is certainly not with the quality of my solution. I am extremely delighted with the pool of writers I have already gathered and know that with my editorial oversight, we can produce a huge amount of high-quality content. The issue will be in effectively advertising our service to those people that will be interested by it.
I expect to obtain referrals from three main sources:
- This website (see the “Blogging Services” link in the navigation bar)
- Bylines on blogs that I currently write for
- Referrals from existing clients
I would also like to set up relationships with content marketing firms who need writing services and partnerships with web design / SEO agencies and the like. If you own such an agency, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’m taking a relatively laissez-faire approach to marketing at this stage. I feel like I already have a pretty good “web” established that may be able to drive a decent number of prospective clients to the business. Only time will tell if that is the case.
What About My Existing Clients?
I have no intention of stopping my writing work with any of my existing clients. I love working with them and hope to continue to do so.
I feel like my own writing work is at a manageable level — just because I have created a scalable business model for writing services does not mean that I cannot still offer those services myself.
Having said that, working with a talented writing team does help me to make the whole process easier. When appropriate they can help me with research, planning and content production. The client will always get the same top quality product they have always received. In fact, with my additional resources I can look to provide even more value. It’s a win/win situation.
Having said that, I have been in touch with all of my existing clients already to let them know of the new setup. I certainly don’t intend to keep anyone in the dark.
Do You Want to Work With Me?
I am currently building a database of writers to pick from when working with new clients. As I said when I was looking for writers for my authority site:
To put it simply, I want to find me, circa September 2011 — a hungry freelance writer who has raw talent but little experience. My offer to you is simple: The opportunity to earn money and improve your blogging skills.
I’m looking for people with solid writing and blogging skills. Particular areas of expertise are beneficial but not necessary. Competition is pretty high but I will carefully consider every single application I receive, and if I don’t have anything for you right now, I may well do at some point down the line.
If you are interested in applying then please fill out this form. I will be in touch if I feel there is an opportunity for us to work together.
What Do You Think?
I would love to get your feedback on this major new direction in terms of my writing business.
Do you think it is a good move? Do you foresee any potential pitfalls? Is there anything that you would do differently or additionally?
Please don’t be shy — share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below!
Gina Kerrigan says
It’s been a pleasure being on your writing team, Tom. I know you’ll do marvelously in your new content marketing business, and I can’t wait to see (and read about) where it takes you. Wishing you every success in this new venture!
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Gina, your support is greatly appreciated!
Gina Kerrigan says
Like Nick, I should add that it’s been great working alongside you in your authority site project, Tom. Professionalism and a team spirit always make for a refreshing freelancing experience. Many thanks.
Tom Ewer says
My pleasure Gina — that goes both ways, you’ve been a pleasure to work with 🙂
george says
Wow! Nice opportunity, hoping to work with you
Tom Ewer says
Make sure you fill in the form! 🙂
george says
I have already done that. Waiting for your response
Tom Ewer says
I’ll be in touch if any opportunities arise 🙂
Bon Crowder (@mathfour) says
Yay Tom!
Tom Ewer says
Yay indeed!
Connie Brentford says
Great decision, Tom and best of luck! Providing a comprehensive service to small business is the way to go. Scalability was the reason I stopped freelance writing and started writing books. I write less and I make so much more per word.
Tom Ewer says
And that, in a nutshell, is the key!
Kirsty Stuart says
This sounds great Tom – it’s the perfect solution for you. I checked out the site a few weeks ago when you put the link up in the navigation bar and thought it’s a great idea. (Website looks great too!)
I wish you all the very best with it. Keep us posted. Gotta go now as I have a form to fill in… ;o)
Tom Ewer says
Thank you! 🙂
Williesha Morris (@WillieshaMorris) says
Done and done! Can’t wait to work with you, Tom!
Tom Ewer says
Cheers 🙂
Anca Dumitru says
Since today is August 1st, here’s to new beginnings, Tom! Great food for thought and glad to see your business take off! 🙂
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Anca 🙂
Christina Buiza says
Great idea, Tom. I’m happy to hear that you aren’t looking for writers with extensive experience.
You mention that you taught your writers how to blog effectively. In terms of making the best use of your time, I’m curious to know how long it took you to train your team. Do you see this as a potential drawback if you work with a larger database of writers?
And to answer your question… do I want to work with you? Yes! Form, completed and sent!
Tom Ewer says
Hey Christina,
Good question. At the moment my approach is pretty inefficient — I work with my writers individually to improve their skills. In the future I plan to be far more organized about it. Stay tuned for more on that front!
Cheers,
Tom
Miss Fancye says
Good on you Tom! As an avid reader of this blog I respect and support your decision to expand to include Clear Blogging Solutions.
Tom Ewer says
Thanks!
Ericson Ay Mires says
I think it’s great that you’re expanding your business model. The way I see it, you’re putting yourself in the best possible position to help us become full-fledged freelance bloggers.
So really, it’s a double whammy!
Tom Ewer says
You’ve hit the nail on the head then Ericson — the fact that I can use this is a vehicle to help others is not lost on me.
Dave Irwin says
Sounds like an amazing new adventure and a great opportunity, Tom. I wish you tons of success.
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Dave!
Nick Di Fabio says
Tom, it’s an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you as a Clear Blogging Solutions writer.
I highly recommend that other interested writers apply for the role that Tom is offering in this post. I can personally attest to his patience, guidance and helpful nature. In fact, he’s even gone so far as to record screencasts showing edits and post improvement ideas.
I’m excited and very much look forward to providing Clear Blogging Solution clients with excellent quality work in a timely manner : )
Tom Ewer says
Thank you for your kind words Nick, it’s great working with you!
Christelle says
Tom, I checked the Clear Blogging Solution last week, can’t remember how I happened on it, but I liked what I saw very much. I love your approach, your transparency in all you do, and I think this is a great move. Best of luck with everything!
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Christelle!
William says
I have always been a fan of this blog. Been reading for ages. I hope your new endeavour works out really well for you Tom!
Tom Ewer says
Thank you William, and thank you for your ongoing support!
Ruth Zive says
I know you are going to be successful! Bravo Tom!
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Ruth! Whenever I finally get over to Toronto you can expect a big hug for all that you’ve done to help me 🙂
Kevin Vertommen (@kevinverto) says
Congratulations on this next step.
Took a look at the CBS website and you might want to reduce the font size a tad. Perhaps it’s just me but I had trouble reading the big title.
Anyway, good luck with your new business.
Tom Ewer says
Appreciate the feedback Kevin, I’ll give that some thought. Thanks!
Travis says
Tom,
This is an amazing example of how to take something you like to do and are good at and scaling it. It provides a great blueprint for people like myself who are trying to scale a business or a project that at first, doesn’t seem like it lends itself to that.
Thanks so much for sharing how you did it, and I’d say good luck, but come on…we both know you’ll succeed!
Tom Ewer says
We’ll see Travis…I fail at plenty of things — I just happen succeed at enough of them too 😉
Iain says
Looks like you are well on your way to something much bigger.
I checked out the clear blogging solutions website. It looks good.
I am curious how it is going to play out.
Great job.
Tom Ewer says
Thanks Iain!
Jawad Khan says
Hey Tom!
Great to see the next big step in your, already, inspiring journey.
Hope it turns out to be a success as well.
Cheers
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Jawad, appreciate that 🙂
Karl Dennis says
Love it! So glad our team is getting this kind of exposure! Bring it on Tom 🙂 Glad to be on board!
Tom Ewer says
Glad to have you on board Karl!
Dan Netting says
This is a real testiment to how doors will open and things will happen if you just press on and keep persuising your dreams.
I bet if someone had said to you in early 2011 when you first started that in two and a half years time you will be running your own writing team with a host of high paying clients already onboard, you would have laughed in their face.
But now look. You worked hard, consistently, day by day, never quitting, always presenting yourself with more oppotunities.
If success could be represented by just one word I would pick….persistance.
Massive congrats, Tom. You earned it.
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Dan and I couldn’t agree more — persistence really is the key more than perhaps anything.
Tiare says
Congratulations, Tom & Team!
Are you accepting freelance applications?
Tom Ewer says
Yep! See here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SO4Kham-er9Oojwm-eFvv4dWO89RImLqXl2wYElxyPw/viewform
Tiare says
Thanks. Sorry for asking when you linked to it in the post. But the link wasn’t working for me. All good now.
Tom Ewer says
No problem 🙂
Mariana says
This is great Tom, can’t wait to read about the journey—very inspirational as well.
Expect an application form from me!
Tom Ewer says
I’ll look out for it!
Daryl says
Hope I’m not too late to the party! Been busy trying to set up my own new website. My application is winding it’s way through cyberspace, hope we get the chance to work again Tom
Tom Ewer says
Not too late at all! I hope that CBS is going to be around for a long time 🙂
Dan Erickson says
Looks interesting. I’ll consider signing up, but my own blog and book writing is already taking large amounts of my time. I’ll think about it.
Tiare says
Mahalo!
Jitendra Vaswani says
Tom I am on your blog for the first time, I am really inspired by you. Keep giving solutions. Your decision is solid I say.
Tom Ewer says
Thanks Jitendra — I’ll try my best!
Bilal Ahmad says
Dear Tom,
I have done MBA two years ago. I have experience of content article writing. I can write even on any topic. I can make some change but I never get any opportunity . I have make account on various freelancer sites as Odesk, Elance etc but nobody listen to me. I have also left my last job and now free every time . I search for job all the day on internet. I have learnt your articles and want to work with you. Please help me in doing so. I hope i will do better for you.
Thanks and Regards
Bilal Ahmad
Tom Ewer says
Hello Bilal,
I’m afraid the issue might be that your writing style is perhaps not as fluid and natural as many of the other writers out there. Your best chance of getting more work would be to work on your writing.
Cheers,
Tom
Sumit Khantwal says
I just read $161/hr as a free lancer.Initially I was like What :O but it takes lots of hard work to achieve that level.
Tom Ewer says
It certainly does! I would never intentionally mislead anyone into thinking that it’s easy 🙂
Pankaj Murthalia says
thats way too much helpful for a newbie like me! thanks for the info
Brece Mark says
Thanks for sharing brother. I always look forward to seeing future posts. You’re still the goods friend
Dave Dally says
I think it is great that you are expanding your business model. The way I see it, you are putting yourself in the best possible position to help us become full-fledged freelance bloggers.
frank says
Wow! Nice opportunity, hoping to work with you
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