Archive for the ‘Freelance Advice’ Category
Nov 18, 2009 Freelance Advice
Freelance writing is a difficult gig. Not every writer can deal with the stress of constantly producing work that will hopefully be accepted and published. Deadlines, editors or low-ball pay is often the norm in this industry. It takes a while to get comfortable, find a writing pace and start seeing money roll in. I don’t always have a good day freelancing but I do have a lot of friends in the same field, who understand my frustrations.
Writing communities are amazing support groups that can offer free advice, tips on growing as a writer and insights to great paying opportunities. This is the only job I’ve had where competitors are your friends. There is plenty of room for everyone and no need to cut throats in order to get a paid assignment. Join a community or message board dedicated to freelance writing. You will network and get plenty of free advice from people who have been in your shoes. The support is great too, especially on a day when you have a writer’s block.
A big part of success as a freelancer comes from having a well-developed freelance writing portfolio. I believe that a good portfolio should not have a niche, but show several categories and range. Showing your clients that you can research and write about anything will give you access to more assignments.
The types of jobs are also different. I develop web content and SEO articles. Other writers get paid to ghost write or to develop electronic books (e-books). You may not be able to grasp SEO and that is okay. Search engine optimization is evolving daily. What works today may not produce as good of results tomorrow, so we have to adapt. You might be better at ghost writing or getting paid to write fiction. I certainly have no skills for fiction, so I stick to my comfort zones. The point is that there is plenty of chances for you to finding a comfortable writing zone as well.
In the end, it will be okay and you will make it in this industry. Do not be afraid to write and write about what you love. Sometimes even your worst day can give you great writing ideas.
*This is not a sponsored blog post.
Nov 12, 2009 Freelance Advice, General
I thought I was blogging for the day, but I just picked up our mail. I’ll never be fully able to explain my hatred for daily mail. Specifically stupid bills that show up in our mail box. How do I make them stop coming? Oh wait, that’s not what this is about.
As my frequent readers and friends know, my son was recently sick. He was diagnosed with H1N1 and a bacterial infection that gave him a bilateral ear infection. That is an ear infection in both ears, which also caused both of his eardrums to rupture. Being a mom is so much fun. Especially when you have to sleep sitting up while holding your child in your arm, just so that he can get twenty minutes of sleep. Then screaming starts back up again for hours and hours…
We spent two weeks taking Kody to doctor’s appointments and we even made trips to the ER. I wish doctor’s appointments qualified for frequent flyer miles, we would be on our way to Jamaica right about now. Kody had; one doctor’s appointment (I couldn‘t get an appointment with the pediatrician so we saw another doctor), three trips to the specialist (ear, nose and throat), three trips to the ER and three trips to the pediatrician’s office.
We had a pharmacy at our house, with several different antibiotics, Tamiflu, Motrin, Tylenol and everything but horse tranquilizers. Trust me, I would have asked for horse tranquilizer if I knew it would have made him feel better. Tamiflu did not seem to do much since the doctor on our first ER trip failed to diagnose him with H1N1. Therefore it was too late but we did try it. In the end, shots of Rocephin antibiotic helped with his bacterial infection and H1N1 we suffered through on our own. Well, two bottles of Motrin and Tylenol did help a little bit with constant fever.
Today I picked up a stack of statements from his doctor’s visits and emergency room trips. I have a bill in my hand that is close to $2,000. This is for a single trip to the emergency room, when he was diagnosed with H1N1. The rest of the statements are not under $100 and there is literally a pile. His Rocephin shots were $135 each, and he received three doses. His medical statements from this ordeal are literally in the thousands of dollars.
My son is finally better. I am so glad that he is healthy and has survived this terrible ordeal. I’d like to think that we were vigilant parents who persisted that he gets prompt care for his health problems. We banged on doors, made a million phone calls and yelled at the pediatrician’s office. His bacterial infection would have been cleared up days ago if they would have just given him an appointment. The staff at the pediatrician’s office did feel my wrath and had their asses properly chewed out.
I am also thankful that the insurance company has covered every single penny of his care. I know it does not happen often and I’m counting my blessings. Then again, we do have good healthcare and pay for it dearly. I, as self-employed, have carried a private health insurance policy for years and my son was on it until recently. The policy cost me hundreds of dollars a month but was worth every penny. My husband, while he was self-employed, also had a private but expensive health insurance policy the entire time. The policy Kody is on now covers most of his care, including the craziest two weeks of our lives.
The point is, we HAVE health insurance. We may not always have perfect finances and I do freelance which is not the most secure job in the world. But we always have health insurance policy so that crazy and frequent medical visits like this can be covered.
You may be a freelancer too, or you may have another self-employment venture that offers no health insurance. I beg you to find private insurance. So many companies offer it. I know it may not always be in the budget but you need to be covered. If something bad happens it will cost you even more than a monthly premium. Demand Studios is even talking about offering health care to freelance writers. Find out the details and eligibility requirements. It may take 3 articles a month for Demand Studios and you will be covered with them. Whatever it takes, find yourself a policy and buy into it.
We got lucky, but trust me we have had some bad days when paying the monthly premium was not exactly easy. We still paid it though and I’m so glad that we did.
Nov 12, 2009 Demand Studios, Freelance Advice, Web Content
Yesterday I posted a message on Twitter that I was all about new experiences. Contrary to popular belief, it was not anything dirty but was related to Demand Studios work. Demand Studios, the greatest freelance writing gig one could get accepted for, has several style guides and strict rules to follow. I have done How Does, About, Fact Sheet and Strategy styles for Demand Studios. The format I am most comfortable with is Strategy. Recently, most of my work has been Strategy articles. Yesterday I was brave enough to try something new; Quick Guide and List.
Demand Studios has over 100,000 titles to choose from in different style formats. Despite the variety, titles can get boring or all the good ones will be picked through. I decided to try something different both for experience but also for a chance to write about interesting subjects. It was scary but I tried my best…
Quick Guides are fairly new to Demand Studios. I attempted one months ago but their search function was broken. I searched for “water fountain” and got results that had nothing to do with water or fountains. Now that he issue is fixed, I can find relevant and interesting articles to include in my Quick Guide. I also found a picture that was both cute and relevant. The article was about non-profit organizations, so I picked a picture of a smiling kid. Then the search for articles began… so how do I choose what to include?
My non-profit organizations Quick Guide could have been done in a variety of ways, there was not anything specific the title asked for. So I figured that Overview, Abouts and How to information on non-profit would be helpful. I lined them up so that guide covered everything informative about non-profit organizations such as what they are or classifications of “not for profit”. I also included how to start a non-profit, about tax filings, exemptions and donations. Then I figured non-profit organizations always run fundraisers and accept donations, so I included information about that aspect as well. Overall, I found 15 relevant articles and wrote a quick overview. I like Quick Guide overviews because we have more freedom and flexibility. We can spice it up and make it sound really fun, while engaging the reader.
This morning my first Quick Guide was accepted and I received a very nice compliment. The editor found my article to be informative, helpful and even called it “excellent”. Trying and succeeding at something new felt inspiring.
My List article was a fun topic, but required research and more writing. List articles are different from Strategy, requiring little more in-depth and rigid information. I probably wrote more than what was required and explained in detail. The article was accepted however without a rewrite. I read it again this morning and it seems just fine. There was no “awesomness” or comments from my editor. I might try another List style today just to get familiar with that format.
Nov 3, 2009 Blogging, Freelance Advice
I am a freelancer, which is the term I prefer over “work at home mom”. Calling me a stay at home mom is an insult. I had a career before having my child, and I’ve worked hard to have the liberty to work only for myself. I’ve been self-employed for many years now, but I also freelance in several fields including writing and web design. I also write web content, articles and anything else for private clients that come and go. Therefore the term freelancer best describes my working situation.
As I’ve mentioned on this blog many times, I write for several online publishers such as Associated Content and Demand Studios. I try to write for Demand Studios every single day, since their paycheck is consistent and always guaranteed. My other online writing gigs are more for fun. I can’t say that you can turn Associated Content into a steady and full-time paycheck. Maybe a writer or two would argue this, but I do not see it happening. It is still a fun writing gig and a way to make extra money. This month I expect to receive close to $500 for my October page view bonus from Associated Content.
Besides writing articles and content, I do paid blogging using this very website. I could start several blogs and run paid blogging on each site, but I just do not have the time. Still this single blog can make more than $500 a month in paid postings. The troubles with paid blogging are that every website has its own rules and payout schedules. The other problem is that you have to wish and hope that an advertiser will pay well. Advertisers do not always pay well for paid postings, sometimes they try to ask for everything and pay nothing.
Paid blogging however can be a great source of supplemental income. The time that I spent with my sick child, I was unable to work and had only enough free minutes to keep up with my e-mail. This affected my income but paid blogging payouts rescued me. I ended up receiving several payouts and meeting several minimum payout amounts, which gave me money when I needed it most.
I have done 65 blog posts for PayPerPost, and their requirement is having to wait 30 days for a blog post payment. Thirty days seems like a long time but it is a standard requirement across the board. The good thing about PayPerPost is that the payment is sent out on day 30, after a review and approval. There is no need to meet a minimum payout amount.
PayPerPost v4.0 comes from the same company that owns PayPerPost. This system is a little different, advertisers find you and make an offer. You write a blog post and after approval it is paid out in 30 days. However, you have to meet a minimum of $50 balance in order to withdraw the funds.
Izea, the same company that owns PayPerPost, also has SocialSpark. I like this system the best of all Izea brands, because it pays well and the blogging opportunities can be really interesting. After your paid blog post is reviewed it is paid out in 30 days, but this system has a minimum $25 withdrawal. So you have to wait for several opportunities to be paid out before cashing out.
I also use Sponsored Reviews, BlogToProfit and Blogvertise. I’ve never had problems with these companies but I haven’t had much in offers. The payments have usually been reasonable, but I’ve noticed a few advertisers trying to sneak in too many links for the price of one. Advertisers need to understand that we are trying to make a living too, it’s unfair to ask for 4 or 6 links in a single blog post and pay as much as they would for a single link.
Paid blogging payouts can take some time to meet. I’ll be the first to admit that I get annoyed waiting around for payments, but I also completely forget about them. Then one day I get e-mails that payments have been sent to my PayPal account! This week I was lucky to meet payout requirements for most of these websites. They certainly saved my behind when I needed the money and had no possible time to work. So paid blogging gets a big “Thank you!” and thumbs up.
If you are a writer for Associated Content, Demand Studios or any other content website, consider having a blog. It does not take much to setup a decent blog and start building up traffic. Monetize it and do some paid blogging, then use those funds for supplemental income. You can do wonders with the extra money that shows up in your Paypal account.
Tags: blog, paid blogging, payperpost, sponsored blog, sponsored post
Sep 30, 2009 Freelance Advice, General, Writing Resources
If you already write for DemandStudios.com and AssociatedContent.com, you would have heard about private clients from writers on those websites. Private clients are excellent to find as they can usually pay better for web content and SEO articles. What are private clients? They can be anything from individuals who need a blogger, articles for their website or marketing companies that need search engine optimized content either for their website or clients’.
We all have our different methods of obtaining work, but I can speak from my experiences. You should know that some private clients require writers to sign confidentiality agreements or provide additional information before work can be assigned. The work is often exclusive, meaning you are giving full-rights to the client. Charging for private work depends on the writer and the agreement signed. I have done work on flat fee basis or per word, that is something you’d have to discuss with your client. If you write for the websites mentioned, you will often hear from other writers how they have a private client. Where do they find these high paying jobs though?
You Own Website – I have talked about this extensively, but a freelance writer honestly needs a website. Not a blogspot blog or another free site. A professional website, that can serve as a portfolio and a way for clients to see samples. Do not send free, unpublished samples to anyone – unfortunately there is people looking to scam writers. Send your clients to your website, so they can see work you have done, which topics you can cover and the work quality.
The website can serve for marketing purposes too. My website has a services section where I explain exactly what I as a writer can offer. Freelance writers can be bloggers as well, it honestly helps with polishing SEO skills. I get plenty of private client work through my website,
Forums – Some writers will advise you to find a single niche and stick to it. I am against that. I believe you should be flexible to write about any subject, in any category and learn to research topics you have not covered before. You’ll be surprised at all the new things you will learn – but you will also show writing skills in covering those topics.
I have joined several different forums where I can advertise my writing services. For example, one forum is technology-related and this is an area I can write about while blind-folded. You will be surprised at how many website owners and entrepreneurs are hanging out in forums, looking for qualified individuals that can write web content for their websites.
Sales person – Be a sales person, not just a writer. Present yourself as an expert in a certain category, and show off your quality work. This can be used in direct approach to business owners, utilizing social media and doing some hard work through e-mail. Think about how many business owners are in your area. You could approach them in person, over the phone, e-mail or through a sales letter. Most businesses have a website but have no clue what SEO is or how it can benefit them. Explain this to them, and state that you can turn their website content into SEO friendly content that will bring Google attention to their business. To a business, this can mean beating out competition and bringing in more sales.
Offer other services besides writing, such as helping them out with social media. Do not be afraid to approach people directly and sell your services. It takes a little hard work but it always pays off. And if you do get a private client that is local, treat them well. They will always refer quality services to another business owner.
Textbroker and Elance – I like these two services because you can find decent work, but you can also build up a relationship with the clients through these two services. I have seen often writers being approached after completing and turning in good work.
Craiglist – Some will say that Craiglist is full of scammers, and honestly it does have its share of bad apples. It also has a lot of honest business owners and people who are looking for skilled writers. Be smart though, as I said before – do not send free samples to anyone! Send them to your website instead.
Do not be afraid to try something completely out of the box. Your approach may be different, but that does not mean it will fail. Be brave enough to try something different and work on your own technique. Your first try may not be as polished as your 5th, but it can bring in a good client that will be willing to pay top dollar for your services.
Tags: advice, assignments, Demand Studios, freelance writing, private clients
Sep 24, 2009 Blogging, Freelance Advice, General
I was looking through my daily list of assignments and realized that I write over 10,000 words a day. This is on a normal day consisting of blogging for a private client, Demand Studios, paid postings and articles I’m working on for Associated Content or Bukisa. On some days, I even add more work by blogging or working for private clients. AND I prepare articles to be resold on Constant Content.
I’d like to meet my daily goal of writing 2,500 words for Demand Studios. I’d like to achieve my second goal of writing at least 1000 words a day on Associated Content. With Demand Studios paying so well and on time, I push Associated Content aside to have more time for DS assignments. Writing for Associated Content though can be a relief, especially since I can write about celebrity news or any gossip that interests me that day. But I dislike Associated Content views because I feel like their daily views counter needs some tweaking. That is the only thing that discourages me from writing daily articles and publishing on AC consistently.
My other goal that I would like to achieve is daily blogging. A daily blog post here about freelancing and all of the helpful tidbits that I find along the way. Also, I’d like to have some time to blog every day on my pet project about reality shows. It’s such a fun idea but I can’t seem to find the time to do it all. Husband and child need to be fed and played with…
I do write every day, no matter how large or how insignificant a task may seem. I also realized something today. No matter how many words I write or how many articles I have written, I will have spelling and grammar typos. That is so damn annoying.
I’d like to say that the points of my post are that every writer should have goals, but they should also write daily. Even if you do not meet your daily writing goals, keep on typing those words! You do not have to write a 10,000 word masterpiece every single day. A 250 word blog post can do wonders for your writing career and it can help warm your fingers up in the morning.
Tags: advice, articles, blog, Blogging, Demand Studios, freelance, how to, writer, writing
Aug 28, 2009 Freelance Advice, Writing Nook
The majority of questions sent to me about freelancing have something to do with upfront payments, income and money in general. I know that we need money in order to pay bills, but nothing should ever keep you away from realizing a dream. The other percentage of people seem to have a general fear and the “I don’t think I can” attitude. Fear should not be pulling the emergency break in your dream machine, if this is what you want to do then by all means toss fear out the window and hit the pedal to the metal.
Think how many successful people would have never made it big if they were afraid to try out an idea, or approach a customer about trying their product. Fear does not work, but self-confidence and “I can do it” attitude always bring in positive results. I would not be here today or have accomplishments under my belt if I was terrified. I used to work in an industry dominated by men. Me, a twenty year old little girl with very little money and a bag full of dreams, went toe to toe with big men with a lot more money and a lot of resources. I made some of those men cry. They may not admit to it, but I know they were cowering in a corner.
Now money and freelance writing can be great partners or they can be mortal enemies. I can’t tell you that I achieve my financial goals every single day and sure I count my pennies just like everyone else. My husband and I have gone toe to toe over finances, my stern decision to freelance (forever!) and some days self-employment truly does suck. But you know what? I can work like a horse and I excel at everything I decide to do, because I always do my best. You can do it, and don’t allow fear to tell you otherwise.
When it comes to money, freelance writers have to be on top of their game in order to get paid. They should also know that things like pay day loans are not for everyone. I hate seeing freelance writers who can write well, make good money but can’t manage their finances for shit. And this is somehow related to the post, because I see writers complaining about money and bills, only to turn around and blow every penny on something way too stupid to even mention. It blows my mind really. Self-employment does not require an accounting degree, but it does require a little common sense.
Aug 25, 2009 Freelance Advice, General
Letting The Cat Out Of The Bag: Is Freelancing Really For You? is a really interesting article, that talks about what us freelancers (often) think about. Is this really for me? Will I really make a good living just by writing and live happily ever after? Will I bring home a paycheck every week by writing? Freelancing is rewarding, but it is not easy. I also dislike very much when people tell me how awesome working from home is. It can be nice. The niceness is not guaranteed. Just like earning a full-time income with freelance writing is not guaranteed.
I was self-employed before becoming a full-time freelance writer. My self-employment taught me the basics of having to fend for myself, pay taxes, get health care on my own, and controlling my income. With freelance writing, the uncertainty of your income can be overwhelming. I know I can make $1,000 a week just by writing for Demand Studios. I know I can, but sometimes I just can’t. My income is negatively affected if I take a day or even an hour off. Some weeks I have other obligations and responsibilities, so I can only make $150 from Demand Studios alone. That is a huge drop in income. Such is the life of a freelance writer, if you want to get paid every day you have to work every day.
The same can be true if you are writing for a private client. Private clients can give you a huge contract, but it comes with rules such as deadlines. You have a set amount of time to turn work in and once that is done the ride stops. That contract will only bring in money while it is valid and while you are working for the client. Once the client is gone so is the paycheck. It can take weeks or months to find another private client. And then again, what happens if you do not get paid?
Scams are always out there and unfortunately for us, freelance writers can fall victim to jerks. You can be the nicest person in the world and very honest, but that does not mean the individual you are dealing with is on the same value level. You can work your tail off on writing projects for someone, only to have them not pay you for any of it. Despite warnings and red flags, it still happens. Scam is another freelance writing fact that affects your income in a bad way.
I will say that freelance writers should never depend on a single website for a paycheck. It is always a good idea to put your eggs in multiple baskets. Mixing upfront, flat-fee payments and residuals is a good way to always get money coming in. It may be a trickle effect instead of a waterfall, but it is still a good idea to have multiple payments coming into a single account.
The way freelancing affects your income can also affect your entire household. I’ll be dead honest and say that some days our household is a little manic depressive and stressed out. We both have to bring in a weekly paycheck in order to pay bills, eat, enjoy life and put money into the savings account. It’s not always roses when mommy’s payments are smaller than expected.
“It’s either feast of famine”, is the quote we like to use in our household.
Tags: Demand Studios, freelance, freelancing, income, payments, stress, writing
