Do Bloggers Need Contracts? 3 Tips You Should Know

After blogging for a while, you’ve finally built up a following that’s big enough to make you think about quitting your day job and writing full-time. Although it may strike most people as an odd career choice, blogging can be financially rewarding. Because more people rely on blogs and articles today, those who devote their time and effort to writing great material are well rewarded. And if you are one of them you might be thinking: Do bloggers need contracts? 

But first, let’s go back to the basics.  

What is a blog?  

A blog is an online journal or informational website displaying information in reverse chronological order, with the latest posts appearing first at the top. It is a platform where a writer or a group of writers share their views on an individual subject. 

Today, there are more than 570 million blogs on the web. The number of bloggers in the USA alone is set to reach 31.7 million users by 2021. 

Since blogging has become a lucrative career, you may be thinking about starting your own blog. However, before you begin, there is one question you should ask yourself. Do I need a contract if I want to be a blogger? 

1. What Do Contracts Mean in the Sense of Blogging? 

In the primordial days of blogging, bloggers were more like free spirits. But now there are many regulations in the industry. This is why many people wonder about contracts. If you’re new to the whole experience and want to ensure that you have the best time moving forward, then you’re probably thinking of the same thing. 

Well, here’s the answer you’re looking for: Yes, you’ll need a contract 

In the context of blogging, a contract is the same as it is in any other field: It’s an agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law. When you follow through with your goal of becoming a blogger yourself, you’ll need to learn how to create a document that outlines the rights of each party and their respective obligations.  

You’ll be making blogs for your own website and for paying clients. So, it’s essential to protect yourself with a contract. 

2. Who Do You Usually Draft Contracts for and Sign Them With? 

While each blogger has its own set of clients depending on their niche, activity level, and industry position, there are common types of clients that require a contract. Once you begin your career as a full-time blogger, here are the types of professionals you end up signing into an agreement with:  

• Sponsors: These are the networks, agencies, and brands that will sponsor content on your channels and contract you to endorse them in your content. 

• Service Providers: These are the people who provide a service to your business—such as graphic designers or WordPress maintenance consultants—so that your blog can stay up and running. 

• Contractors: These are the professionals that will help you run your entire blog and online presence as you climb the ranks, take more opportunities, and handle more jobs. Examples of professionals that fall under this category are virtual assistants, social media managers, and other types of outsourced professionals.  

3. What Should Be in Your Contracts as a Blogger? 

Drafting a contract for blogging work can be a daunting process. Don’t let the air of mystery and intimidation stop you from learning the details:

• Deliverables: In a contract, this section specifies what each party must do. As a blogger, your deliverables will be blog posts, scheduled social media endorsements, and anything else you commit to executing. A client’s deliverables will come in the form of payments or services rendered. 

• Payment Terms: This section outlines the important rules for payments. It is best to be meticulous about this part of the contract. It will help you if you have any problems getting paid or if there are any payment issues. 

• Ownership of Intellectual Property: Due to an increase in the number of people who are wondering how to use a contract, this component has become a hot topic. With this, you can have a much easier time understanding how your content can be used pursuant to the contract! 

If you’re not entirely sure how to include these details in your contract or write your documents well enough to enforce them, Creators Legal has an array of contracts you can use!  

The Wrap 

When you begin your career as a blogger, it’s crucial to understand the importance of contracts from the get-go. Bloggers need contracts to protect their work and their payment. If you want to craft well-rounded documents that will have your best interest in mind, consider all the key points mentioned above and make sure you follow them. 

Creators Legal is the first and only legal platform for content creators. It is designed just for content creators to craft simple, straightforward, and trustworthy contracts in a fast, easy-to-use platform. With a powerful form builder, a secure e-signature system, and your own personalized dashboard to store and organize all your contracts, you can get yourself protected in minutes without the need for expensive entertainment lawyers!