Online Freelancing for Beginners
How to Make Your Writing Skills Work for You
A beginner's guide to navigating the freelance job listing sites. Learn to spot scams and launch a successful online writing career.
So you want to see yourself in print on the Worldwide Web. In today’s hyper-connected, Internet-centric world, the proverbial iron has never been hotter. Thanks to the recent proliferation of associated content websites, paid blogger opportunities, and online magazines, there is no shortage of opportunities for the would-be online writer. Of course, the vast cyber-universe can be a difficult one to navigate, particularly when freelance job listings sites are in such abundance.
Pros and Cons of Freelance Job Listing Websites:
- Guru website – A website that matches freelancers with employers. The site offers a diverse listing of writing, editing, and translation projects; however, bidding opportunities are limited unless one pays for the premium membership levels. Please note that Guru uses the SafePay Escrow service rather than more conventional modes of payment (e.g., Paypal).
- Freelance BBS – This site matches freelance writers with potential employers. Unlike other sites, like Guru, there are no premium membership levels. All job listings are available after the free registration process.
- Craigslist – This online classifieds site includes ample job listings for writers and offers freelancers the opportunity to promote themselves in the designated “services” area. The most significant pitfall here is the occasional intrusion of work-from-home scams into the writing gigs area. However, the geography-oriented database allows freelancers to locate gigs in their area.
Other sites, including Gofreelance.com (The Freelance Work Exchange) and Sologig.com, offer freelance job opportunities with paid membership.
The Difference Between a Writing Job and an Online Scam:
The most daunting task that the newbie freelancer faces is discerning between legitimate freelance opportunities and online scams. Ask yourself the following questions when pursuing a potential lead:
- Is the employer confidential? While employers may choose to remain confidential for a host of reasons, be sure to learn as much as you can about a job before accepting.
- Does the job listing focus on the work-from-home aspect or the specifics of the job? The more specific the listing, the more likely that it is a legitimate work opportunity.
- Is there a fee involved? Many work-from-home scams charge an initial fee for “training materials” and “start-up kits.” Remember: you are the one selling your talents. Unless you choose to pay for freelance website memberships, you should spend nothing to procure legitimate gigs.
Don’t be intimidated. The Digital Age has opened up new doors in the world of freelancing. With a little legwork and a lot of diligence, a writing career on your own terms is only a few clicks away.
