Becoming a Freelance Web Writer: What Should I Know and Do to Make the Grade?
The internet is an excellent medium that makes freelance writing very accessible. Aspiring writers may find that this type of work is the best way to get test the waters of writing. Many sites exist that act as host sites for clients and freelancers to meet and work together. When taken seriously, this type of work has the potential to both takeoff your career and fuel your bank. Those who are just entering the world of freelance, though, may find it difficult to navigate through the beginning of their career. Here’s a list of things to consider when entering the field of freelance work:
- Communicate clearly: One of the most important things to ensure when working online is that you keep an open means of communication. This will prevent anything wrong from happening. If you don’t have a strong understanding of what’s expected of you, ask questions. It’s better to send your client a few messages and deliver what they want, than to leave them alone and turn in something that they didn’t ask for. Also be sure t discuss all aspects of payment – how much are you being paid? Is it an hourly rate? Are there any outside fees? How is your client guaranteeing payment?
- Be honest with yourself: Know what you can and can’t do, and be honest with yourself regarding any deadlines you don’t think you can make. Though the job you want seems really promising and even if it pays well, it’s better to keep a clean slate than to disappoint a client.
- Ask for feedback: Anytime you complete an assignment, ask your client if they’d mind giving you back some feedback on your work and what it was like working with you. Their comments may address certain problems that need to be addressed for future reference. As you improve your quality and client satisfaction, you can ask for higher rates from your client. Who doesn’t like a little extra money?
Freelance web writing may seem intimidating at first, but with the right pointers, getting yourself established can happen in no time. This article provides some essential lessons to keep in mind whenever you begin exploring the web. Always secure your money in a third party account to prevent any sort of theft from happening, and be sure you understand your rights to the finished product. Although you wrote it, many clients may own all rights to the document.