Blogging successfully is a daunting task from start to finish. There is never a dull moment; every day should be dedicated to developing strategies on how your website can improve and grow. But, first things first. You must lay the essential foundations that will make sure your blog is headed in a profitable direction. [Read more…]
Archives for July 2016
The Internet of Things and Freelancing: Secure Your Work and Career
As a freelancer, there are few things more important than protecting your work and, by extension, your career. This can be difficult to do -especially if you work in creative spheres – because many people honestly believe that everything they find online is “fair use.” We, of course, know better. So how do you keep the randos from stealing your hard work and using it for their own gain?
Here are a few tips that have helped us. [Read more…]
Noplag Plagiarism Checker Review
According to the Center of Academic Integrity, almost 80% of college admitted to cheating at least once, while a study by the Psychological Record reveals that 36% of undergrads admitted to plagiarism.
Most of the statistics about plagiarism that is available relate to cheating in the academic realm, but as freelance writers, we know very well how prevalent and serious the issue of copying another’s work is.
Heck, these days, even speeches are being plagiarized! You know what I’m talking about. *Wink* *Wink*
On our part, we cannot take the issue lightly, especially if we’re doing client work. You might even have plagiarized someone else’s work (unwittingly or otherwise), or your work may have been used by others. [Read more…]
4 Reasons to Make a Newsletter for Your Blog
As a freelance writer, you’re well aware that writing is the lifeblood of digital marketing. Though videos, infographics, images, and charts are growing in popularity, it’s still the blog posts, newsletters, white papers, and e-books that remain constant.
But if you’re already writing a blog to market your writing skills, doesn’t a written newsletter seem redundant? Not at all. In fact, an email newsletter is an excellent way to bring in greater readership, connect you to more clients, and create a deeper connection with your readers.
If you’re not convinced that an email newsletter will benefit your blog, here are some facts that may clarify the matter. [Read more…]
Supplementing Your Income With On Demand Work
Having multiple sources of income is an inherent part of being a freelance writer. While there are the fortunate ones who have longstanding clients that provide consistent income that they can live on, many of us need to hustle to have enough work to make sure that money keeps coming in.
Luckily for us, there are a variety of options to find new clients and create a steady stream of work. Platforms like Workfast is one of them, and it promises to provide you with opportunities to have regular work and connect you with clients who may turn out to be repeat ones. [Read more…]
Funding Options for Freelance Writers
Whether you are a part-time freelance writer trying to make some extra money in your spare time or you want to make a living from your freelance writing projects, there are often times when you need funding to make these projects a reality.
There are a variety of funding options for freelance writers, depending on the type of project they are working on. Some options are better for those who need capital to start and maintain a business, while others work best for creative projects that require a one-time funding source. Below are four funding options available to freelance writers, along with some information on when and how to pursue them. [Read more…]
How to Ask for Referrals and Get More Writing Jobs
I’ve worked with scores of freelance writers in my editing career. Guess how many have asked me to refer them to other clients? One.
Yup, just one. Oh, I’ve provided plenty of references and the occasional testimonial, but as for anyone flat-out asking me for names of those who could benefit from their writing services? Just the one. I remember it not only because it was the sole request of its kind, but because I was happy to oblige it. But more on that later.
If you’re not asking for referrals, you’re losing a big opportunity to grow your client base and make more money. [Read more…]
Why One-Third of Those Freelancing Put Children Ahead of a Traditional Career
It’s an established fact that freelancing became more popular after the 2008 financial crash, and the US self-employed population reaches 15.5 million today. This trend was led by Generation X (also known as the people who got stuck between the Baby Boomers and the Millennials). As it was shown in a Toptal survey recently, a significant proportion of those who are new in freelancing, followed this route almost entirely for their children.
This would also end the notion that people choose freelancing simply to be their own bosses. The freelance community is being increasingly overrun by family. But what leads to this change of motivation while the freelance economy grows? [Read more…]
Inspiring Movies Every Writer Must Watch
Writing inspiration is all around us, everywhere we look. That guy at the next table at the coffee shop who’s alone and reading a book instead of playing with his phone. That little girl at the park sitting on the grass staring at a tree. That sparrow who is pecking at the crumbs of your cheesecake.
Books. Blog posts. TV shows. And, yes, movies.
Even if these materials aren’t specifically about writing, we can still glean inspiration from them. Today, I’m sharing watching material for movie buffs – or even the casual movie watcher. I’ve seen some of these movies, while the others are on my watch list. [Read more…]
5 Resources for Writers to Building a Winning Portfolio Site
So – you finally decided to build your very own freelance writing portfolio website. This is the giant leap forward that will separate you from the rest of the pack. It will allow you to get more work, establish your online presence, and create a permanent channel that will connect you and your clientele.
Related: Why You Need an Online Portfolio; Yes, You!
But first, you need to learn how to build a standout portfolio website that will make a big impression on your prospects. The good news is you no longer need to learn web design or programming to do this. Here are five resources that will help set you up. [Read more…]
