Travel writing's best-kept secret
You don't need a massive social media following to write for major publications like LA Times and Thrillist.
James here.
Chloe Caldwell proves it.
She landed her first major writing gig with just 4,000 followers.
While most aspiring travel writers obsess over building their Instagram numbers…
Chloe took a completely different approach.
She realized something most writers miss…
(Although it’s pretty obvious when you think about it.)
Major publications?
Who already have an audience…
Care more about your writing than your social media stats.
So instead of spending years building a following, she created a simple blog.
Not to attract readers.
Not to make money.
But to use as writing samples for bigger publications.
This was her foot in the door.
Her first pitch included a blog post about Jamaica.
Nothing fancy…
Just solid writing about her experience.
She sent it out and…
Publications responded:-)
Soon she was writing for LA Times, Thrillist, and other major outlets.
All while having fewer followers than most micro-influencers.
Can the path of "build a huge following first" work?
For sure.
But…
Publications want good writers, not necessarily big influencers.
(Influencers can come with their own sets of headaches.)
And hotels?
Most care about seeing their name on the top of Google…
Then care about 1 time Instagram viewers.
This is why Chloe's approach works so well for beginners.
And nearly anyone can start today.
Even with a small following.
Would you like it if I interviewed Chloe or another travel writer to talk more about how to get paid to travel?
(Or at least get trips for free.)
“Heart” this note and I’ll know if I should bring in a Travel Writer or two to talk to us.
In your corner,
James Foster