By Ganesh Verma
The trend of freelance jobs is increasing now a day. Many web development projects are coming into freelance market. So there is demand for skilled programmers and freelance web designer to work on projects. Freelancers are paid on project basis. Their are plenty of sites which offers freelance jobs. But before you start working as a freelancer you should know some things that are needed in this field to become successful.
Following are some tips to become a successful freelancer.
1. Register to top freelance sites and do not forget to create portfolio of your previous work. Always check these sites for new projects.
2. While offering service for a freelance projects, accurately estimate the time and cost needed to complete the project. Because the person who are offering the jobs is neither interested in wasting his time nor money if it is not done in specified period. So first do time and cost estimation.
3. While bidding on freelance projects, also provides links of your previous work. This will help you in getting more projects in hand.
4. After bidding on projects, send a private message to the job provider. This shows the client you interest in project.
5. Always offer quality work and timely delivery to the customer. This will help you in getting more projects for the same job provider. i.e. Create a good professional relationship with you job provider.
6. You must have an online bank account so that you will get your money in your account. So open an account at online money transaction sites like paypal.com.
7. Always ask for the client to escrow money in his account to avoid getting cheated
8. If while bidding on a project; if you are not certain about some requirements, then ask these issues before accepting the project.
9. After successfully completing project ask the client to write a review of your work. Because rating will decide your quality of work and help you to get more projects from that site.
10. Also give follow up services to clients if he asks for it.
These top 10 freelance jobs tips will help you start a successful freelance career.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
How to Become a Successful Freelancer
By Ganesh Verma
The trend of freelance jobs is increasing now a day. Many web development projects are coming into freelance market. So there is demand for skilled programmers and freelance web designer to work on projects. Freelancers are paid on project basis. Their are plenty of sites which offers freelance jobs. But before you start working as a freelancer you should know some things that are needed in this field to become successful.
Following are some tips to become a successful freelancer.
1. Register to top freelance sites and do not forget to create portfolio of your previous work. Always check these sites for new projects.
2. While offering service for a freelance projects, accurately estimate the time and cost needed to complete the project. Because the person who are offering the jobs is neither interested in wasting his time nor money if it is not done in specified period. So first do time and cost estimation.
3. While bidding on freelance projects, also provides links of your previous work. This will help you in getting more projects in hand.
4. After bidding on projects, send a private message to the job provider. This shows the client you interest in project.
5. Always offer quality work and timely delivery to the customer. This will help you in getting more projects for the same job provider. i.e. Create a good professional relationship with you job provider.
6. You must have an online bank account so that you will get your money in your account. So open an account at online money transaction sites like paypal.com.
7. Always ask for the client to escrow money in his account to avoid getting cheated
8. If while bidding on a project; if you are not certain about some requirements, then ask these issues before accepting the project.
9. After successfully completing project ask the client to write a review of your work. Because rating will decide your quality of work and help you to get more projects from that site.
10. Also give follow up services to clients if he asks for it.
These top 10 freelance jobs tips will help you start a successful freelance career.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
The trend of freelance jobs is increasing now a day. Many web development projects are coming into freelance market. So there is demand for skilled programmers and freelance web designer to work on projects. Freelancers are paid on project basis. Their are plenty of sites which offers freelance jobs. But before you start working as a freelancer you should know some things that are needed in this field to become successful.
Following are some tips to become a successful freelancer.
1. Register to top freelance sites and do not forget to create portfolio of your previous work. Always check these sites for new projects.
2. While offering service for a freelance projects, accurately estimate the time and cost needed to complete the project. Because the person who are offering the jobs is neither interested in wasting his time nor money if it is not done in specified period. So first do time and cost estimation.
3. While bidding on freelance projects, also provides links of your previous work. This will help you in getting more projects in hand.
4. After bidding on projects, send a private message to the job provider. This shows the client you interest in project.
5. Always offer quality work and timely delivery to the customer. This will help you in getting more projects for the same job provider. i.e. Create a good professional relationship with you job provider.
6. You must have an online bank account so that you will get your money in your account. So open an account at online money transaction sites like paypal.com.
7. Always ask for the client to escrow money in his account to avoid getting cheated
8. If while bidding on a project; if you are not certain about some requirements, then ask these issues before accepting the project.
9. After successfully completing project ask the client to write a review of your work. Because rating will decide your quality of work and help you to get more projects from that site.
10. Also give follow up services to clients if he asks for it.
These top 10 freelance jobs tips will help you start a successful freelance career.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Thursday, 21 January 2010
3 Things a Freelance Copywriter Should Avoid
By Mj Ces
Even if you are the best freelance copywriter, you are never prone to forming certain habits that are just not appropriate for someone who is running his own business at home. Writing is a career, not just a job. Unlike a job, when you ruin your chances, you can still find another job and move on. However, since freelance writing is a career, when you do certain negative actions, it could be the end for your writing business.
For these reasons, here are the three habits any freelance copywriter should avoid:
1. Procrastination
Do not leave any task half-finished, thinking that you can simply continue with it the next day. This is a poor work habit and one which most successful people frown upon. We should never procrastinate and just try our best to finish what we have started.
2. Be over confident
When you have been into freelance writing for quite some time now, sometimes your success can go to your head. You become too confident with every project that you do, denying any chances of you commiting some writing errors. You can be confident, that is for sure, just avoid turning into someone who always thinks he is the best in what he does.
3. Not accepting mistakes
Freelance copywriters are also just human beings and therefore highly capable of committing mistakes. Some writers who have been quite successful can at times be too egotistical, always thinking that they can never go wrong in their writing and with their decisions. You must learn to accept your mistakes and use this new-found knowledge to advance in your writing career.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Even if you are the best freelance copywriter, you are never prone to forming certain habits that are just not appropriate for someone who is running his own business at home. Writing is a career, not just a job. Unlike a job, when you ruin your chances, you can still find another job and move on. However, since freelance writing is a career, when you do certain negative actions, it could be the end for your writing business.
For these reasons, here are the three habits any freelance copywriter should avoid:
1. Procrastination
Do not leave any task half-finished, thinking that you can simply continue with it the next day. This is a poor work habit and one which most successful people frown upon. We should never procrastinate and just try our best to finish what we have started.
2. Be over confident
When you have been into freelance writing for quite some time now, sometimes your success can go to your head. You become too confident with every project that you do, denying any chances of you commiting some writing errors. You can be confident, that is for sure, just avoid turning into someone who always thinks he is the best in what he does.
3. Not accepting mistakes
Freelance copywriters are also just human beings and therefore highly capable of committing mistakes. Some writers who have been quite successful can at times be too egotistical, always thinking that they can never go wrong in their writing and with their decisions. You must learn to accept your mistakes and use this new-found knowledge to advance in your writing career.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Friday, 15 January 2010
How Freelance Copywriters Work
By Tom F Albrighton
Once a job has been arranged and commissioned, the freelance copywriter is ready to begin writing. Some freelance copywriters find it easiest to write in the format and tone of the target medium, while others may prefer to brainstorm ideas, perhaps not even using any writing medium at all. Some copywriters find that their best ideas occur to them when they are in a situation far away from orthodox work environments. Most experienced freelance copywriters keep pen and paper to hand around the house, so that if a catchy slogan or compelling concept occurs to them, they can jot it down and ensure it gets used.
It's a safe assumption that most freelance copywriters are now using Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing program for their writing. The sheer ease of use in being able to write, rewrite and restructure your work makes this a no-brainer for the vast majority of freelance copywriters. However, many do prefer to use pen and paper for some assignments, particularly highly creative or short-copy work such as writing company taglines or advertising slogans. Computers offer a huge range of distractions for the freelance copywriter, such as checking their email or updating an online profile, and it can be worth getting away from these in order to focus on the core task of creative writing.
Most freelance copywriters will go through several iterations of their writing before sending anything to their client, typically removing a great deal of writing that isn't needed before they submit their first draft. In fact, it could be argued that the most important skill of the copywriter isn't creating text, but taking away the writing that isn't required.
Many copywriting projects can be completed by a copywriter working alone. However, others require a level of partnership and co-working in order to produce the most effective copy. Adverts, for example, rarely depend on copywriting alone for their impact: the most effective ads are created by a copywriter working in partnership with a creative designer or art director, perhaps supported by a client account manager who represents the client's wishes and priorities. This type of setup is most likely in an agency arrangement. The copywriter and art director work closely together, perhaps brainstorming ideas and refining them in partnership before collaborating in the actual production of the ad.
Once the actual creative content is being created, the copywriter takes responsibility for the words, while the art director considers what images or graphics will best convey the message. However, the two roles can and should overlap: good copywriters will often suggest designs or images to go with their words, while experienced art directors may well suggest an 'image plus slogan' idea. In this situation, it's down to the expert in each area to confirm that the idea is sound and refine it as far as possible. Savvy creatives know that good ideas can come from anywhere, so they won't mind sharing the credit.
Once upon a time, the copywriter might have submitted their work to the client via fax or even mail. Nowadays, of course, they will usually send a first draft in the form of a Word document attached to an email.
For many freelance copywriters, meeting the client is a rare occurrence, and in fact it is becoming more and more common for freelance copywriters to work with clients that they have never met or even spoken to by phone. While this can make the freelance copywriter feel rather isolated, it does bring the benefit of allowing them to work with clients who are located anywhere in the world. It can also made communication between client and copywriter quicker and more efficient.
If appropriate, the freelance copywriter may send comments along with their writing, either in the text itself or in an accompanying email. This helps the client to understand the context of the decisions that the freelance copywriter has made, as well as allowing the copywriter to raise queries or request more information that will help them to write the next draft.
When the client receives their writing from the freelance copywriter, they will review it to confirm that it meets their expectations and is fit for purpose. They may then provide feedback to the freelance copywriter in the form of comments directly into the Word document, or perhaps via email or phone. Most freelance copywriters will allow the client to provide feedback on their writing in the form that the client prefers, although in some situations they may wish to achieve some kind of paper trail or record of the changes that have been requested, particularly if the material is commercially or legally sensitive in some way.
The finished copy will usually be passed to another professional in order to be presented in the target medium - a graphic designer, for example, or a web developer. Some freelance copywriters with appropriate experience will agree to liaise with these professionals in order to ensure that the client's copy is presented in the best possible light. For website copywriting, it's often essential to review the text once it's in place, to make sure that navigation and other web-specific features are working in harmony with the copy. A good copywriter will provide useful recommendations to ensure that the writing is working as hard as it possibly can.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Once a job has been arranged and commissioned, the freelance copywriter is ready to begin writing. Some freelance copywriters find it easiest to write in the format and tone of the target medium, while others may prefer to brainstorm ideas, perhaps not even using any writing medium at all. Some copywriters find that their best ideas occur to them when they are in a situation far away from orthodox work environments. Most experienced freelance copywriters keep pen and paper to hand around the house, so that if a catchy slogan or compelling concept occurs to them, they can jot it down and ensure it gets used.
It's a safe assumption that most freelance copywriters are now using Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing program for their writing. The sheer ease of use in being able to write, rewrite and restructure your work makes this a no-brainer for the vast majority of freelance copywriters. However, many do prefer to use pen and paper for some assignments, particularly highly creative or short-copy work such as writing company taglines or advertising slogans. Computers offer a huge range of distractions for the freelance copywriter, such as checking their email or updating an online profile, and it can be worth getting away from these in order to focus on the core task of creative writing.
Most freelance copywriters will go through several iterations of their writing before sending anything to their client, typically removing a great deal of writing that isn't needed before they submit their first draft. In fact, it could be argued that the most important skill of the copywriter isn't creating text, but taking away the writing that isn't required.
Many copywriting projects can be completed by a copywriter working alone. However, others require a level of partnership and co-working in order to produce the most effective copy. Adverts, for example, rarely depend on copywriting alone for their impact: the most effective ads are created by a copywriter working in partnership with a creative designer or art director, perhaps supported by a client account manager who represents the client's wishes and priorities. This type of setup is most likely in an agency arrangement. The copywriter and art director work closely together, perhaps brainstorming ideas and refining them in partnership before collaborating in the actual production of the ad.
Once the actual creative content is being created, the copywriter takes responsibility for the words, while the art director considers what images or graphics will best convey the message. However, the two roles can and should overlap: good copywriters will often suggest designs or images to go with their words, while experienced art directors may well suggest an 'image plus slogan' idea. In this situation, it's down to the expert in each area to confirm that the idea is sound and refine it as far as possible. Savvy creatives know that good ideas can come from anywhere, so they won't mind sharing the credit.
Once upon a time, the copywriter might have submitted their work to the client via fax or even mail. Nowadays, of course, they will usually send a first draft in the form of a Word document attached to an email.
For many freelance copywriters, meeting the client is a rare occurrence, and in fact it is becoming more and more common for freelance copywriters to work with clients that they have never met or even spoken to by phone. While this can make the freelance copywriter feel rather isolated, it does bring the benefit of allowing them to work with clients who are located anywhere in the world. It can also made communication between client and copywriter quicker and more efficient.
If appropriate, the freelance copywriter may send comments along with their writing, either in the text itself or in an accompanying email. This helps the client to understand the context of the decisions that the freelance copywriter has made, as well as allowing the copywriter to raise queries or request more information that will help them to write the next draft.
When the client receives their writing from the freelance copywriter, they will review it to confirm that it meets their expectations and is fit for purpose. They may then provide feedback to the freelance copywriter in the form of comments directly into the Word document, or perhaps via email or phone. Most freelance copywriters will allow the client to provide feedback on their writing in the form that the client prefers, although in some situations they may wish to achieve some kind of paper trail or record of the changes that have been requested, particularly if the material is commercially or legally sensitive in some way.
The finished copy will usually be passed to another professional in order to be presented in the target medium - a graphic designer, for example, or a web developer. Some freelance copywriters with appropriate experience will agree to liaise with these professionals in order to ensure that the client's copy is presented in the best possible light. For website copywriting, it's often essential to review the text once it's in place, to make sure that navigation and other web-specific features are working in harmony with the copy. A good copywriter will provide useful recommendations to ensure that the writing is working as hard as it possibly can.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Legitimate Work From Home As a Freelance Copywriter
By Allison B Blackburn
If you have a love of writing and have a good command of the English language and you are proficient with a computer, then you may be able to earn a living and work from home as a freelance copywriter.
There are numerous benefits to working for home as an article copywriter or SEO copywriter including:
Flexibility of working and the good points
When choosing to work from home you are able to work at a time that suits you. This means that you are able to choose how long you work for, you can work 1 or 8 hours per day or even alternate the amount of time you work on a daily basis to suit you.
When you are working from home you are your own boss, there is no one looking over your shoulder and of course as you work from home there are no travel costs involved.
You can work from any room in your home if you have a laptop so this provides you with great flexibility. You are even able to work from your bed, if you do not want to get out or if you are sick. Finally you may choose to take a day off if you wish without any hassle from your boss as you are your own boss.
The drawbacks you may wish to consider
However, there are some drawbacks, which have to be weighed up against the good points when you work from home as a freelance copywriter, so it is not for everyone. You may wish to consider the following before rushing into trying to find legitimate work from home.
When working from home you need to have self-control if you wish to earn, as you can only earn whilst working and it may be tempting to keep taking time off whenever you want or you can often be distracted when in your home environment. As all your work will be online if you have problems with your internet connection at home or you do not have a fast enough connection, it can be very frustrating when trying to research or upload work.
There are many websites online offering you the chance to work from home and some are not genuine. This may mean that if you take the risk and payout money you may lose it and not see any gain from it.
One of the downfalls when working for yourself is being able to find clients to work with on an ongoing basis, this is often very difficult at first, but if you are determined and stick with it, it can pay and you may build up a client list.
Another downfall in the beginning when establishing yourself as a freelance copywriter is that you are not able to earn as much as you may potentially earn once established. Usually you have to build up slowly and often work for smaller fees than you would like. However once established and you have proven yourself to be a great SEO copywriter you may charge a little more. With this in mind it takes determination and some time before you establish yourself and get regular clients and begin to see profits;
Depending on how much you do earn when you work from home, you may have to pay tax and national insurance in the UK and declare your earnings to the Inland Revenue. If working from home as a business then you need to keep records of your income and expenditure, which takes time and is often confusing to the majority of individuals at first.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
If you have a love of writing and have a good command of the English language and you are proficient with a computer, then you may be able to earn a living and work from home as a freelance copywriter.
There are numerous benefits to working for home as an article copywriter or SEO copywriter including:
Flexibility of working and the good points
When choosing to work from home you are able to work at a time that suits you. This means that you are able to choose how long you work for, you can work 1 or 8 hours per day or even alternate the amount of time you work on a daily basis to suit you.
When you are working from home you are your own boss, there is no one looking over your shoulder and of course as you work from home there are no travel costs involved.
You can work from any room in your home if you have a laptop so this provides you with great flexibility. You are even able to work from your bed, if you do not want to get out or if you are sick. Finally you may choose to take a day off if you wish without any hassle from your boss as you are your own boss.
The drawbacks you may wish to consider
However, there are some drawbacks, which have to be weighed up against the good points when you work from home as a freelance copywriter, so it is not for everyone. You may wish to consider the following before rushing into trying to find legitimate work from home.
When working from home you need to have self-control if you wish to earn, as you can only earn whilst working and it may be tempting to keep taking time off whenever you want or you can often be distracted when in your home environment. As all your work will be online if you have problems with your internet connection at home or you do not have a fast enough connection, it can be very frustrating when trying to research or upload work.
There are many websites online offering you the chance to work from home and some are not genuine. This may mean that if you take the risk and payout money you may lose it and not see any gain from it.
One of the downfalls when working for yourself is being able to find clients to work with on an ongoing basis, this is often very difficult at first, but if you are determined and stick with it, it can pay and you may build up a client list.
Another downfall in the beginning when establishing yourself as a freelance copywriter is that you are not able to earn as much as you may potentially earn once established. Usually you have to build up slowly and often work for smaller fees than you would like. However once established and you have proven yourself to be a great SEO copywriter you may charge a little more. With this in mind it takes determination and some time before you establish yourself and get regular clients and begin to see profits;
Depending on how much you do earn when you work from home, you may have to pay tax and national insurance in the UK and declare your earnings to the Inland Revenue. If working from home as a business then you need to keep records of your income and expenditure, which takes time and is often confusing to the majority of individuals at first.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Thursday, 7 January 2010
What Does a Freelance Copywriter Do?
By Tom F Albrighton
A freelance copywriter is anyone who produces content or text on demand. The 'freelance' indicates that they operate as a free agent, usually carrying out clearly bounded copywriting projects or commissions on an ad hoc basis and for a range of clients. 'Copywriter' is a loosely defined term, since copywriting often includes a range of tasks that may be much more precisely defined in other industries (such as publishing): writing, rewriting, structuring, planning, editing, copy-editing, proofreading and liaison with a range of other professionals such as graphic designers and web developers.
When they work with businesses, copywriters provide support to the marketing function by writing marketing materials such as brochures, advertisements and websites. Typically, the freelance copywriter will deal with the marketing manager or marketing director, although in a smaller firm the MD or CEO may approach the freelance copywriter direct.
Freelance copywriters also work with agencies, where they support the creative work of the agency by adding a copywriting function to their service portfolio. While many agencies offer writing services, they may choose to use a freelance to do the actual work - either because they lack the capacity for copywriting in-house, or because they need the skills of a specialised copywriter.
Freelance copywriters also work with other types of client - public sector organisations, charities, academics - anyone who needs something written might be interested in the services of a copywriter.
Many freelance copywriters list their services in traditional directories, just like any other business. However, for the vast majority, the key way of linking up with new clients is through the internet. Most copywriters now have their own web presences, often optimised for search engines so that they can attract web users who enter terms such as 'copywriter' or 'freelance copywriter'. To reduce competition, they may also seek to rank for terms such as 'copywriter Norwich' or 'copywriter London'. To build up the profile of their site, copywriters may seek coverage in online copywriting directories, such as these examples at Yahoo and FreeIndex.
Once contact has been made, the freelance copywriter meets with the client to determine what kind of copywriting is required. This means considering such important aspects as purpose, tone of voice, target format and (most importantly) the situation of the reader and the response that the copywriter is aiming to elicit from them. Good copywriters will carefully gather all this information before beginning their copywriting.
Before beginning work, the freelance copywriter will seek to agree a price with their client. Most copywriters charge by the day, although some may agree to charge by the hour, or (for some types of commission) by the word or thousand words. Charging by the word carries the risk that many revisions will be required in order to get the copy right, leaving the copywriter undercharging. However, for some tasks (such as the creation of large amounts of search-engine friendly copy), the per-word basis may be appropriate.
A realistic estimate of time requirements is essential, and the client needs to appreciate how much work can go into a freelance copywriting commission. For example, the creation of a three-word slogan might involve several days of liaising with company executives, reviewing competitors' content, brainstorming and evaluation.
Many copywriters work without a full, legally binding contract in place. While not ideal, there are many reasons why they might choose to do this. First and foremost is the desire to please the client by getting on with the actual writing instead of getting tied up in negotiation. In any case, an email from the client to the freelance copywriter with explicit authorisation to proceed is usually sufficient basis for the copywriter to begin work.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
A freelance copywriter is anyone who produces content or text on demand. The 'freelance' indicates that they operate as a free agent, usually carrying out clearly bounded copywriting projects or commissions on an ad hoc basis and for a range of clients. 'Copywriter' is a loosely defined term, since copywriting often includes a range of tasks that may be much more precisely defined in other industries (such as publishing): writing, rewriting, structuring, planning, editing, copy-editing, proofreading and liaison with a range of other professionals such as graphic designers and web developers.
When they work with businesses, copywriters provide support to the marketing function by writing marketing materials such as brochures, advertisements and websites. Typically, the freelance copywriter will deal with the marketing manager or marketing director, although in a smaller firm the MD or CEO may approach the freelance copywriter direct.
Freelance copywriters also work with agencies, where they support the creative work of the agency by adding a copywriting function to their service portfolio. While many agencies offer writing services, they may choose to use a freelance to do the actual work - either because they lack the capacity for copywriting in-house, or because they need the skills of a specialised copywriter.
Freelance copywriters also work with other types of client - public sector organisations, charities, academics - anyone who needs something written might be interested in the services of a copywriter.
Many freelance copywriters list their services in traditional directories, just like any other business. However, for the vast majority, the key way of linking up with new clients is through the internet. Most copywriters now have their own web presences, often optimised for search engines so that they can attract web users who enter terms such as 'copywriter' or 'freelance copywriter'. To reduce competition, they may also seek to rank for terms such as 'copywriter Norwich' or 'copywriter London'. To build up the profile of their site, copywriters may seek coverage in online copywriting directories, such as these examples at Yahoo and FreeIndex.
Once contact has been made, the freelance copywriter meets with the client to determine what kind of copywriting is required. This means considering such important aspects as purpose, tone of voice, target format and (most importantly) the situation of the reader and the response that the copywriter is aiming to elicit from them. Good copywriters will carefully gather all this information before beginning their copywriting.
Before beginning work, the freelance copywriter will seek to agree a price with their client. Most copywriters charge by the day, although some may agree to charge by the hour, or (for some types of commission) by the word or thousand words. Charging by the word carries the risk that many revisions will be required in order to get the copy right, leaving the copywriter undercharging. However, for some tasks (such as the creation of large amounts of search-engine friendly copy), the per-word basis may be appropriate.
A realistic estimate of time requirements is essential, and the client needs to appreciate how much work can go into a freelance copywriting commission. For example, the creation of a three-word slogan might involve several days of liaising with company executives, reviewing competitors' content, brainstorming and evaluation.
Many copywriters work without a full, legally binding contract in place. While not ideal, there are many reasons why they might choose to do this. First and foremost is the desire to please the client by getting on with the actual writing instead of getting tied up in negotiation. In any case, an email from the client to the freelance copywriter with explicit authorisation to proceed is usually sufficient basis for the copywriter to begin work.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Freelance Copywriters - Top Ten Tips
By Tom F Albrighton
Once, I commissioned freelances. Then, in a Smeagol-to-Gollum style transformation, I got made redundant and had to scrape together a living in the hand-to-mouth, twilight scavenger world of the freelance copywriter. I could have been a contender. But more to the point, here are the top ten things I've learned in five years as a wandering content-ronin.
1. Believe in abundance. If you're short of work, it's easy to fall into anxiety. Instead of focusing on scarcity, switch your attention to the many opportunities around - online, in your local area, around the world. If local competitors spring up, that's great - it means there's work around! We get what we expect in life, so start expecting that opportunities - and cash money - will be coming your way.
2. Hold on tightly, let go lightly. In other words, focus on the copywriting jobs you get, not the ones you don't. It doesn't matter why your quote wasn't chosen, or why that client stopped using you. What matters is serving the clients you have today.
3. Accept blame. In fact, actively seek out blame. If things go wrong, claim responsibility, even if it's not your mistake. Failures of communication, missed deadlines - whatever. Blame rarely sticks to those outside an organisation, but your contact or client will be flattered at the implication that they've done nothing wrong.
4. Pricing is a game without rules. I don't mean 'rip off your clients'. I mean that people's expectations on price vary so wildly that it's almost impossible to find a consistent approach. Get used to pricing job by job. If the client proposes a price, be thankful you don't have to. Love clients who will negotiate instead of never contacting you again if your price doesn't stack up.
5. Networking takes time. With social media, anyone can rustle up a big network in weeks. Unfortunately, its power to deliver freelance copywriting work will be limited. What actually works is referrals from friend to friend, and they happen when your contacts' contacts realise they need a copywriter - which can take years. But as long as you keep meeting expectations, referrals will come.
6. Learn to listen. Forget impressing the client. Learn to listen, not speak. First and foremost, you'll do better work because you'll learn more. On a human level, people love the chance to chat with an impartial outsider - so give them it. It's a big part of the value you offer.
7. Cultivate detachment. I've found I can handle freelance copywriting much better if I'm not emotionally involved. I try not to get excited about new opportunities so I'm not disappointed when they don't pan out. I don't pat myself on the back for a good month, in case the next one is awful. Becoming a company is a good way to create distance between you and your work, and worthwhile for this reason alone.
8. Don't flatter yourself. Clients do not spend that much time thinking about you and your copywriting, so don't waste time and effort over-thinking about what they might want, or what a particular reaction (or lack of reaction) might mean. They have a job that needs doing, and you're a tool to get it done - end of story.
9. Under-promise and over-deliver. Tell the client the worst-case timescale, then beat it by four or five days. Maybe even reduce your price because you did the work quickly. Sounds like a cheap trick? Believe me, your customers will have dealt with too many flaky suppliers to feel that way. They will absolutely love it.
10. Be in the moment. Because the future is always uncertain for the freelance copywriter, some worry is always present. Try to let go of it and enjoy the work you've got today. Remember, no-one really has any security in today's working world, so let tomorrow take care of itself.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
Once, I commissioned freelances. Then, in a Smeagol-to-Gollum style transformation, I got made redundant and had to scrape together a living in the hand-to-mouth, twilight scavenger world of the freelance copywriter. I could have been a contender. But more to the point, here are the top ten things I've learned in five years as a wandering content-ronin.
1. Believe in abundance. If you're short of work, it's easy to fall into anxiety. Instead of focusing on scarcity, switch your attention to the many opportunities around - online, in your local area, around the world. If local competitors spring up, that's great - it means there's work around! We get what we expect in life, so start expecting that opportunities - and cash money - will be coming your way.
2. Hold on tightly, let go lightly. In other words, focus on the copywriting jobs you get, not the ones you don't. It doesn't matter why your quote wasn't chosen, or why that client stopped using you. What matters is serving the clients you have today.
3. Accept blame. In fact, actively seek out blame. If things go wrong, claim responsibility, even if it's not your mistake. Failures of communication, missed deadlines - whatever. Blame rarely sticks to those outside an organisation, but your contact or client will be flattered at the implication that they've done nothing wrong.
4. Pricing is a game without rules. I don't mean 'rip off your clients'. I mean that people's expectations on price vary so wildly that it's almost impossible to find a consistent approach. Get used to pricing job by job. If the client proposes a price, be thankful you don't have to. Love clients who will negotiate instead of never contacting you again if your price doesn't stack up.
5. Networking takes time. With social media, anyone can rustle up a big network in weeks. Unfortunately, its power to deliver freelance copywriting work will be limited. What actually works is referrals from friend to friend, and they happen when your contacts' contacts realise they need a copywriter - which can take years. But as long as you keep meeting expectations, referrals will come.
6. Learn to listen. Forget impressing the client. Learn to listen, not speak. First and foremost, you'll do better work because you'll learn more. On a human level, people love the chance to chat with an impartial outsider - so give them it. It's a big part of the value you offer.
7. Cultivate detachment. I've found I can handle freelance copywriting much better if I'm not emotionally involved. I try not to get excited about new opportunities so I'm not disappointed when they don't pan out. I don't pat myself on the back for a good month, in case the next one is awful. Becoming a company is a good way to create distance between you and your work, and worthwhile for this reason alone.
8. Don't flatter yourself. Clients do not spend that much time thinking about you and your copywriting, so don't waste time and effort over-thinking about what they might want, or what a particular reaction (or lack of reaction) might mean. They have a job that needs doing, and you're a tool to get it done - end of story.
9. Under-promise and over-deliver. Tell the client the worst-case timescale, then beat it by four or five days. Maybe even reduce your price because you did the work quickly. Sounds like a cheap trick? Believe me, your customers will have dealt with too many flaky suppliers to feel that way. They will absolutely love it.
10. Be in the moment. Because the future is always uncertain for the freelance copywriter, some worry is always present. Try to let go of it and enjoy the work you've got today. Remember, no-one really has any security in today's working world, so let tomorrow take care of itself.
To know more CLICK HERE!!!
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