You
can learn how to freelance since this is the best way you can improve your
writing skills and at the same time earn money while you work from home. A
freelancer works from home on contract basis, he or she is self employed and so
the services they give earns them money. A freelancer can choose when to work,
where to work and whom to work for.
Freelance writing is
all about being an independent writer who does different projects, which are
from several companies, it also requires one to be committed and serious with
the work they do. Aim high and have a target so as to be successful.
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Some
of the common fields in freelancing are: Website developer, Copy writing,
Computer programming, Proof reading, Data entry, Graphic designer and many
more.
3 Reasons Why You Can Freelance From Home
1.
Time
You
can freelance with ease and set your own working time. When you work from home
as a freelancer you can work part time or full time. Freelancing also does not
put any work strain on you because you choose the kind of assignment you think
you can tackle.
2.
You can
work from home
Freelancing
does not necessarily need an office. You can work at the comfort of your home.
You only need basic technology that comes along with freelancing. Some of the
things you require are a computer with Internet connection, business email,
word processing software, telephone, data security and the required skills
depending on the tasks.
3.
You are
your own boss
Working
from home as a freelancer, one needs to have top most discipline. You don't
have a supervisor over you, so you have to remind yourself of the deadlines and
even keep checking the progress of your work.
How to Begin Freelancing
If you have several skills, focus on at
least two of your strongest points that you are skillful with and are
frequently sought after services in the industry. Prepare a good resume;
remember your portfolio tells much about your capabilities. If need be, you can
hire a professional to prepare the resume at a fee. Including examples of work
that you have done previously is an added advantage. Evaluating competition in
the niche that you choose is vital because this will tell you the market size
and the ability to take up new writers.
Where to find freelance assignments
The
lists of freelance sites are coming out every day. For you to learn how to
freelance and succeed, you need to find out the authenticity of the site before
engaging one self. Most sites post their requirements of writers on their site.
It is advisable to browse through various sites for topics of your skill.
a.
Upwork.com
b.
Magazines
c.
Guru.com
e.
iwriter.com
Always
remember to deliver good quality work on time, since there is a strong demand
of quality freelancers.
How to Freelance and Avoid Being Scammed
1.
The assignment
Watch
out on unworkable deadlines. If the deadlines are too soon be on the caution
and also for jobs with remarks such as "It's really easy job". This
could be a bait to get you into the scam.
2.
The compensation
As
the saying goes, "when the deal is too good think twice". Generous
payments are used to lure you into scams. Once you are in and the job is done
you will never get paid.
Some
clients will promise to pay you after the delivery of the final product. It is
good to withhold the delivery of the final product until payment is done.
3.
The client
Your
qualification will determine the kind of assignment to do. If the client offers
you a job of different qualifications it could be an indicator of a scam.
A
client that does not have contact should be avoided as quickly as possible.
8 Ways to Show You Are a Professional in Freelancing
Learning
how to freelance in a
professional way is vital. Freelancer jobs are for professional candidates.
Before
your potential clients give you an assignment, they try to figure out on which
class you fall: the good or the bad class.
The
question here is, how can you show that you are a hard-working and a honest
freelancer? Every little thing you do counts.
1.
Have a
business identity
Just
like any other online home business, it is important to have a professional
business identity.
A
business identity consists of;
a.
Business Cards
b.
Well designed website
c.
A business logo
2.
Your pricing should be set up
Setting
up your pricing structure early will help you when you are placing your
freelance charges. This makes you not to overcharge or undercharge.
3.
Present your previous work
Be
sure to present previous work from other clients if at all you have any. In
case you do not have any previous work; you can simply volunteer and obtain
one, which can later boost your profile as a freelancer.
4.
Show your clients testimonials and comments
Make
sure your testimonials are real. It is important to include your previous
clients detailed information, just in-case anyone wants to find out the truth.
5.
Confidence
Whenever
you are talking to your clients, don't be unsure about yourself. Learn to be
confident, because clients will buy your confidence before they buy your
service.
6.
Your information
should be detailed in the website
Most
clients will want to know more about you before working with you as a
freelancer. Adding your detailed information on your website will be an added
advantage for you. This can give you a lot of credibility.
7.
Dressing code
Your
dressing code is very important when dealing with your clients face to face.
Your dressing code will tell much about you. Be neat in your overall
appearance.
8.
Be willing
to say no
Turning
down some requests that are not in your area of expertise make you look
professional. You cannot be a professional in every field. Choose exactly what
you are experienced at.
5 Factors to Consider Before Charging Your Client in Your Freelance Business
The
biggest challenge in freelance business is how much you can charge your clients
for your services.
The
competition on freelancing is too high, so it is advisable not to overcharge
because you will not get hired. On the other hand if you undercharge you will
starve. Ideally, the best way is to be average while being competitive.
1.
Level of
skill and experience
This
goes without say, when you are well skilled in a particular area of business,
you can charge more in your services, unlike when you are not well skilled.
This is because the services rendered by both skilled and unskilled are really
different. On the other hand if you have more experience your charging rates
are higher.
2.
The market demand
When
the demand is great your charges should be high. When there is too much work
coming in it is always a sign of high demand. When you are really competing to
get jobs is a sign of low demand which will make the charges go a little bit
down.
3.
Who is
your client?
The
Charges will always vary from client to client. Some clients are repeat
customers, some jobs are riskier, and some really need a lot of effort and much
more.
4.
Your take
home
Freelancing
is business. Make sure you can be able to pay for your expenditures and at least
remain with a few dollars to take home. Regardless of the competition in the
industry, you must ensure that the prices you choose are fair. A business owner
who charges a fair price is certain to rank higher amongst competitors.
Choosing a fair price for your services can be dependent on the level of skill
and services that are offered.
5.
Size of
your business
A
small business does not have much expense; it does not have great bills and
also it does not have many employees to pay salary. This makes them feel
comfortable charging a little bit lower. When the business is big, the charges
will be higher because of the huge expenses that come along with it.
4 Ways to Keep Your Clients in Your Freelance Business
1.
Always offer excellent service
The
market is very competitive. Every client is looking out for the best services.
No one wants to pay for anything that is average. Good services will boost your
home business
because you will get more clients.
2.
Contact and communication
Having
the clients contact is important because it makes communication easy. You can
talk to each other at any time should changes arise. When you communicate you
keep them posted in your progress. Communication gives your clients peace of
mind. Make sure you answer all the emails and phone calls from your clients. It
is a way of building trust and letting them know that the deadline will be met
by you.
3.
Offer incentives
to your repeat customers
Building
a strong relationship with your regular clients is vital. You can offer them
free incentives occasionally. By doing so, you make them feel appreciated and
make them long for your services.
4.
Ask about
client's comments
Ask
your clients on general view of your performance. Genuine clients will tell you
if there is anything you should reflect on to make your business more favorable
to their needs. And by so doing you will build a good relationship with your
clients and they can possibly come back for your services.
6 Mistakes to Avoid As a Freelancer
1.
Saying "Yes" always
Learn
to say No when you find out that the client has a workload that you cannot
accomplish at their desired time.
2.
Interruption
A
freelancer has to be much disciplined in order to get their work done on time
and accurately. Interruption like housework, Internet surfing and television
can hinder you from submitting quality work on time. Find a place that is quiet
in order for you to concentrate.
3.
Over committing
Do
not commit all your time to one client. You need time for yourself; you need
time to market yourself, you need time to unwind and also time to catch up with
your personal life.
4.
Under pricing
You
have the right to earn a fair price for your service. Learn to compare the
volume of the assignment with the pay and see if it is worth. This is a major
point to be considered especially if you have a family to look after.
5.
Communication
Freelancing
is one of the areas that are affected by scam. Sending and receiving emails is
not a perfect substitute of one-to-one talk. Sometimes it is important to
communicate with the clients' office so that you may know whom you are dealing
with. Make sure that the company is legit before engaging yourself. Find out
what people are saying about the company.
6.
Clarity
Time
and time again freelancing contracts end up in disputes because of lack of
clarity of terms in the very beginning. Get to understand and agree on the
contract to avoid disputes with your client.
Conclusion:
Freelance writing is about excellence and time keeping, this builds trust
amongst the two parties.
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