Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#21

Post by ggambetta » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 7:22 AM UTC

k1ns wrote: post #16

ggambetta wrote: post #4

Two lifetimes ago, I was running a game dev company [0]. As part of that, I did some research about client-side prediction for twitch games. Ended up not making such a game, but I wrote a few articles with the results of my research [1]. Over time, and to my surprise, they became one of the three often cited articles about the topic, the other two being the Valve wiki and Gaffer on Games. One lifetime ago, I was work…

I just want you to know that your write-up of client/server architecture and programming was the single best resource that I used when exploring that area of software development. I read Valve's, Gaffer's, and yours, dozens of times each. Yours was the silver bullet. I also appreciated your examples at the end simulating a client/server model as those were very helpful. I made a really simple game with my knowledge […

Thanks for your kind words :)

Tried to try Joustme, but I couldn't get past "searching for opponent" :( Let's hope HN gives it a boost!

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#22

Post by romanovcode » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 9:48 AM UTC

chrisa wrote: post #14

I actually just wrote a blog post about this :) https://www.breakintoconsulting.com/blog/2018/4/4/tips-for-w... Basically - I think the point of a blog (at the beginning) is not really to be lead gen for consulting gigs. Instead, it's a place to plant your flag on the internet and say "This is what I'm an expert in". Eventually, that may lead to consulting leads - but at least at the start, it's really just a way to…

Looks like a medium ad to me.

Also, the title says "Tips for Writing Your First Three Blog Posts" but you discuss only about first blog post. Or am I not getting something?

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#23

Post by ajeet_dhaliwal » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 12:06 PM UTC

qxf2 wrote: post #13

My company maintains a very popular blog on testing. It has helped us land mutliple clients. We get a few inbound enquiries every month - usually from really small startups and/or QA directors that are looking to quickly implement test automation. After my own personal network and past clients, my blog is the most reliable source of clients. The simplest post that resulted in a client was one we wrote on how to run a…

I haven't heard of your company or blog which is a shame since I specifically seek out material and partners in this space (see my profile, would be good to work with you).

The blog efforts at my company are admittedly poor. Without a dedicated writer the focus on resources invariably ends up directed towards new product features, fixes, customer care and on other types of marketing. Our blog has become the stereotypical 'new features' blobs that I have seen many others become. The truth is writing great content takes a huge amount of time. I do think it's worth making time to do it right if you can devote the attention and resource based on not only the significant traffic bump it can bring but also the higher quality of leads.

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#24

Post by k1ns » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 2:44 PM UTC

ggambetta wrote: post #21

k1ns wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just want you to know that your write-up of client/server architecture and programming was the single best resource that I used when exploring that area of software development. I read Valve's, Gaffer's, and yours, dozens of times each. Yours was the silver bullet. I also appreciated your examples at the end simulating a client/server model as those were very helpful. I made a really simple game with my knowledge […

Thanks for your kind words :) Tried to try Joustme, but I couldn't get past "searching for opponent" :( Let's hope HN gives it a boost!

Thanks for trying it out! The reason you couldn't find an opponent is actually due to the fact that no one plays it (I skipped the part of actually showing this to people). The project was strictly exploratory and, for me at least, it served its purpose. Every now and then some of my friends will want to play a round of oddball or duel it out which has been an awesome experience! If you remember the arcade game JOUST, just imagine it as a multiplayer PvP and you probably have it pegged. Thanks again!

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#25

Post by chrisa » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 9:13 PM UTC

romanovcode wrote: post #22

chrisa wrote: post #14

I actually just wrote a blog post about this :) https://www.breakintoconsulting.com/blog/2018/4/4/tips-for-w... Basically - I think the point of a blog (at the beginning) is not really to be lead gen for consulting gigs. Instead, it's a place to plant your flag on the internet and say "This is what I'm an expert in". Eventually, that may lead to consulting leads - but at least at the start, it's really just a way to…

Looks like a medium ad to me. Also, the title says "Tips for Writing Your First Three Blog Posts" but you discuss only about first blog post. Or am I not getting something?

I'm not affiliated with medium at all - it's just the easiest way to get started blogging (in my opinion), and it's what I use (I cross post this blog to medium).

I guess you're right about the three vs one though - I should make that more clear. I used three because it's the number I give in the "First Client Checklist": https://www.breakintoconsulting.com/first-client-checklist

Basically - I say that if you want to be an independent consultant, you should start a blog and write at least three posts as a way of demonstrating that you're an expert in that area.

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#26

Post by redmaple » Thu, Apr 05, 2018, 10:54 PM UTC

codegeek wrote: post #9

As a potential client, it is very valuable to me. I have reached out to a few people based on their blog posts. It doesn't always convert in an opportunity but it does give you a good advantage and edge. Plus it is not a lot of work if you really think about it. It just comes down to your ability to put your thoughts and knowledge into words. It does help.

> Plus it is not a lot of work if you really think about it.

I think this is like saying _software development is simple_. Good articles take time and research so if there is no ROI it may not be worth the time sink.

Re: Ask HN: Blogging to get contracting/job leads?

#27

Post by pryelluw » Sat, Apr 07, 2018, 8:45 PM UTC

My main source of leads and important industry contacts has been content marketing (in written form).

I write about the subjects I want to work in and tend to go fairly deep into it.

It is highly a great way to generate leads over the short and long term. I've been doing it for more than 5 years and directly attribute my success to it. To the point that I also do it for certain others (as a side gig).

There is no how to book about it. Just a desire to write and time to do it well.