Everything posted by freelancermaria
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What's the best method to avoid scams as a Freelancer?
Those are excellent tips, Sir Cedric. I have been working as an online freelancer for over a decade. At one point, I fell victim to a scam because I could not identify fake clients. However, over time, I became quite adept at spotting them. I gained most of my knowledge from online articles and received valuable advice from friends who are also freelancers. In addition to the points you mentioned, it is essential to be wary of unrealistic online job offers. If something seems dodgy, it probably is. Moreover, be cautious if the communication is unclear and if you are being pressed to perform immediately. It is indispensable to stay updated on the latest scams to protect yourself. Make sure to back up or create a copy of your files, too, in case of any problems later.
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Beware of Fiverr Reviews: They're not always real!
When I was starting out as a content writer, I decided to expand my opportunities by signing up on popular freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Unfortunately, I struggled to secure jobs on these platforms despite my efforts. It became evident that clients heavily favored freelancers with higher ratings. It made it challenging for newcomers like myself to gain traction. I soon realized that Fiverr had a major issue with fake freelancers who, through unethical means, acquired positive feedback for their services. It was disheartening to learn that some online freelancers were potentially paying for fake positive reviews, creating an unfair advantage for themselves while weakening the integrity of the platform. This undermines the credibility of online freelancers and creates a disadvantage for real, hardworking online freelancers and clients seeking reliable services. I firmly believe that platforms like Fiverr need to take preemptive action to address this issue, as it impacts the platform's reputation and affects the livelihoods of genuine online freelancers. I hope steps will be taken to ensure a fair and transparent environment for all users, where real skills and work ethic are recognized and valued.
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Best Tools for Managing Freelance Projects
I started my journey in the online freelancing industry by depending only on Microsoft Word for creating documents and Google for research. This was back in a time over a decade ago when these tools were the major resources available to freelancers. Fast forward to the present day, and the digital era has introduced a wide range of useful tools for managing online freelancing projects. One of my go-to tools for comprehensive project management is Asana. It has been helpful in helping me effectively manage tasks and collaborate efficiently with my clients. In addition, I have found Basecamp to be ideal for fulfilling my specific project management needs. In the past, I have used Trello with former clients, and its organizational features have also proved advantageous. For client communication, I use Zoom, although I have encountered situations where clients prefer to communicate through Microsoft Teams. Both tools have helped me facilitate effective communication with clients, ensuring that project requirements and developments are clearly understood.
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How to Handle Difficult Clients?
Dealing with difficult clients is an inevitable part of online freelancing. As freelancers, it is essential to acknowledge that encountering challenging clients is a common event. While my experience with clients has generally been positive, the current client I am working with is proving to be quite challenging. Despite having a successful working relationship for nearly five years, the client has failed to fulfill his commitment to increasing my income, a promise he made earlier. When I approached him to discuss this matter in a polite manner, he declined to fulfill his promise. It dawned on me that perhaps he was facing financial instability, prompting me to approach the situation with increased understanding and patience. Over time, I have learned not to take such professional matters personally, and I remain hopeful about securing a better-paying job in the future. In navigating challenging client interactions, it is indispensable to approach the situation with empathy, attempting to understand their perspective while remaining calm and composed. Clearly delineating your role and responsibilities is imperative, and in instances where necessary, courteously asserting boundaries is acceptable. Furthermore, actively seek mutually beneficial solutions with the client and keep thorough documentation of all discussions. This practice not only helps in avoiding miscommunication and disparities but also provides a sense of security and organization in your work.
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AI For Content Writing
We are currently living in a highly advanced digital age, where technological innovations have greatly impacted different aspects of our lives. One such innovation is artificial intelligence. It has brought about major changes. AI offers both pros and cons, and it is indispensable to use it wisely. Rather than depending on AI as the main tool for writing, it should be considered a helpful assistant. Personally, I find AI useful for generating new ideas for my writing projects, particularly when I am running low on topics. This can be really beneficial for new and seasoned writers who may experience writer's block. In addition, AI has the potential to help individuals with disabilities, and I have used it for language translation purposes as well. However, keep in mind that AI has had an impact on the volume of tasks I receive each week, resulting in a reduction in workload.
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How many clients do you have?
As a new freelancer in the online space many years ago, I found myself juggling three clients simultaneously. Balancing their tasks and deadlines was quite challenging, especially without the help of any productivity tools. Despite the difficulty, I was grateful for the opportunity to gain diverse experience. However, as the coronavirus pandemic emerged, my client base dwindled to just one. Unfortunately, this remaining client became unpredictable and unstable, leaving me uncertain about the cause. I could not help but wonder if this was influenced by the increasing popularity of AI technologies, which might have affected the demand for human freelancers. Currently, I am left with only one client to manage. I am curious about your experience. How many clients do you currently have, and if it is more than one, how do you efficiently manage and prioritize their tasks and demands?
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Running a Forum/Blog as a Business
I used to own and operate two websites focusing on travel and beauty. While I did not sell any products directly, I monetized the sites through affiliate marketing and Google AdSense. During that time, I observed some fellow bloggers integrating e-commerce into their websites. It significantly boosted their income, without a doubt. Inspired by their success, I plan to acquire a new domain website this year and dedicate a section to the products I like to sell. Although I quite expect some challenges based on my previous experience, I am determined to make it work this time. I will take the time to learn how to do it on YouTube. It will be a WordPress website or a Shopify e-commerce website.
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Would you consider hiring freelancers for your business?
My current online job is what I consider my online business. I generate some income through my small online business. I handle all the tasks independently. It can be exhausting at times, to be honest. However, I find great satisfaction in completing each task. As my online business expands, I am open to the idea of hiring online freelancers to increase productivity and save time. Most likely, I will hire local online freelancers. This is a strategy my client has successfully employed for years. He carefully selects online freelancers from our country, finding individuals who are the perfect fit for his business.
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Offering Discounts to Friends and Family
There are certain family members and friends who remain unaware of my current online job. I intentionally keep it that way. I choose not to divulge the details of my work to them since I am mindful of their potential reactions. It could possibly cause me distress. Consequently, nobody within my circle has ever availed themselves of my services, and I do not foresee this changing, particularly with family members. Nevertheless, if situations arise where they require the services I provide, I am open to offering them a discounted rate. I would readily extend this offer without any hesitation. In fact, for those who hold a special place in my heart, I may even consider providing my services free of charge. I do not mind doing such a simple deed at all.
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How long have you been a freelancer?
I started my journey as an online freelancer in 2008. I ventured into the field of blogging on my personal websites. My travel-related website brought in a decent income. However, unfortunate personal circumstances led to the oversight of renewing my websites. Consequently, I transitioned to pursuing opportunities as a content writer. Initially, I acquired a client from within my country and dedicated over a year to working with her. Over time, I explored different freelancing platforms and successfully secured some foreign clients. Despite occasional monotony, I persist as a full-time online freelancer due to my inability to work outside the home because of a chronic condition.
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How long do you store client files?
In the past, I used to work with several clients, and I have kept the files I created for them. These files are stored in a passport where I keep all my work-related documents. From time to time, I revisit the written content I developed for these clients to evaluate the progression of my writing skills over the years. Fast forward to the present, I still maintain files for my current client, with whom I have been collaborating for nearly 5 years. Even the files I completed a few years ago are still in my possession, as they do not occupy much space. I consider the possibility of deleting them in the future if they lose their relevance. Interestingly, my client rarely requests the files again after a year or so. Instead, he instantly uploads the content or saves it directly to his computer. This method aligns with my commitment to ensuring efficient and organized file management for the benefit of both parties involved.
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Buying a website or building your own website?
I have not acquired a ready-made website before, but I have gained experience building my own websites. My knowledge primarily comes from following YouTube tutorials. Initially, I encountered challenges, but fortunately, my former partner offered help creating my website. For the second website, I took on the task independently. Gladly, it turned out to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Looking ahead, I am eager to establish another website this year and, more importantly, to maintain it proactively. In the past, financial challenges and health concerns impeded my ability to renew my websites. However, I am determined to launch a new website, hoping to do so either on my birthday or before the end of the year.
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Selling Freelancing Services
A few years back, I started offering my freelance services on popular platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork, hoping to kick-start my freelancing career. However, despite my efforts, I struggled to land any projects through these platforms. This led me to explore other options, and I eventually found success after joining a local freelancing platform and SEOClerk. At present, I have a job through the local platform, but it is unstable. Moreover, I have been able to build a solid client base on SEOClerk, which has kept me busy with different projects, especially during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. In my search for a more stable and higher-paying job, I am planning to seek a new opportunity on my local freelancing platform. The need for increased stability has become more pressing due to the unpredictability of my current online job. I also intend to revisit SEOClerk as part of my effort to explore different avenues for work.
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Do you have a portfolio?
A couple of years ago, I had an enlightening experience when I enrolled in an online freelancing course and learned about the value of having a portfolio. It was my mentor who impressed upon me the value of showcasing my work, prompting me to create social media pages to display my previous projects. In addition, I established a freelancing blog to exhibit my skills. Unfortunately, I am currently unable to recall the login credentials for my freelancing blog, which I had initially set up using a free blogging platform. Consequently, I have made the decision to launch a new blog using WordPress as a platform to showcase my writing skills. I have already created several posts and plan to contribute more content as time permits. I aspire to obtain a domain for my website with the hope of reestablishing income streams through blogging. I hope to be able to do it before December this year. I hope to have enough funds for it.
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How well do you handle feedback and constructive criticism on your writing?
As a content writer, I have received a wide range of feedback from my clients. They were both positive and negative remarks. Initially, the negative feedback stung, and I struggled to take it lightly. However, over time, I have come to appreciate the value of constructive criticism and have learned to embrace it with an open mind and a willingness to improve. I firmly believe that taking note of these constructive criticisms will significantly contribute to my growth as a content writer. It can potentially pave the way for more rewarding writing gigs in the future. Whenever feedback is provided, I make it a point to ask follow-up questions in a polite manner to gain a deeper understanding. Furthermore, I carefully analyze repeated feedback to identify certain areas where I can boost my skills and polish my work.
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Do you use any tools for your writing?
When I first started my writing journey, I did not use any writing tools. Writing tools were not popular before. Consequently, my writing was riddled with many errors, particularly considering that writing was not an area of expertise for me. I mustered up the courage to start writing to provide an outlet for my thoughts and emotions when I noticed a decline in my mental health. Admittedly, my writing skills were subpar at the outset, but through consistent practice, I managed to improve my skills. A couple of years ago, I came across Grammarly and Quillbot, both of which have now become essential writing tools in my repertoire. Regrettably, I only use the free versions due to financial constraints, as the premium accounts for both are quite expensive. In terms of word processing, I rely heavily on Microsoft Word and Google Docs for my writing tasks. Meanwhile, for research, I use Google. I hope I will be able to find new writing tools that can be helpful for my writing job.
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Do you write scripts for video content?
I have never tried my hand at writing scripts for video content. Despite not being a YouTube content creator, I am considering trying it once I set up my own channel. In my understanding, crafting video content scripts involves outlining key points and articulating thoughts efficiently. This practice not only improves focus during video creation but also simplifies the process, saving valuable time and maintaining a steady tone throughout the content. In addition, the process of creating a video script prompts the development of an appealing storyline that can engage and enthrall the audience. By delivering a well-crafted script, one can confidently present an interesting story, having taken the time to lay a solid foundation for the video content. Before you create a video script, understand the goal of your video. Furthermore, know your target audience and plan your ideas. Use a language that a 6th grader could understand.
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Do you prefer to write about topics that interest you?
When I was working as a blogger, I found great joy in writing about topics that really resonated with me. I explored three main areas that piqued my interest: travel, beauty, and food. The beauty of exploring new destinations, experimenting with different makeup products, and trying out different cuisines prompted me to share my experiences and insights with my audience. The passion I held for these niches sparked an effortless flow of ideas, making the creative process a walk in the park. I aimed to form a genuine connection with my readers by weaving personal experiences into my content. This strategy allowed me to establish relatability and authenticity, fostering a sense of trust and rapport with my audience. In addition to storytelling, I always made sure to incorporate some images to visually complement my writing. To boost the practical value of my content, I included relevant details such as pricing information and where to access the products or experiences I featured. By infusing my passion into my writing, I strived not only to entertain and inform but also to showcase my knowledge in these areas.
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How to Create a Content Calendar for Consistent Posting
I learned about the importance of using a content calendar when I was enrolled in an online freelancing course. It was during this course that my former online freelancing coach introduced me to different helpful tools such as Buffer, Hootsuite, and Trello for managing content. Out of these, I found Hootsuite to be particularly useful, especially when it came to scheduling my content across different social media platforms. The techniques and tips that you shared were incredibly beneficial for both novice and seasoned content creators. Consistently sharing content across social media not only helps in building trust with your audience but also sets their expectations for new content, ultimately leading to increased engagement. In addition, having a content calendar in place saves a lot of time. Planning and scheduling content in advance can prove to be helpful, especially during busy periods. It ensures that there is a steady stream of content even when you are engaged with other tasks. Thank you for sharing this valuable information, by the way.
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Do you offer pre-written work to clients?
As a content provider, I deliver unique, custom work to my clients. Oftentimes, they have specific keywords they want to incorporate into the content. I understand that each task is distinct, and I make it a point to create tailored pieces for each project. Despite this, offering pre-written content can have advantages. It can be a cost-effective solution for both the writer and the client, allowing them to save money while still obtaining quality content. In addition, having pre-written content readily available can be particularly beneficial for clients who require fast turnaround times. I have firsthand experience with this method, as I used to offer pre-written content on my websites, which proved to be a popular option for blog posts and social media content. I hope that my future clients will be open to considering pre-written work as an alternative.
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What makes a blog interesting?
In the past, my blogs did not gain much traction. Surprisingly, I was able to achieve first-page rankings for some of my blog posts on Google search. To make your blog captivating, focus on crafting posts that directly resonate with your target audience. Offer valuable information that addresses the burning questions your audience might have. A great way to further engage your audience is by creating persuasive narratives and presenting innovative ideas in your posts. It is indispensable that your content is easy to understand, so steer clear of tricky sentence structures and terms. Using appealing photos and videos can also significantly improve the appeal of your content. Moreover, be sure to interact with anyone who leaves a comment on your post to foster a sense of community and engagement.
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Do you prefer to schedule content?
When I was managing two websites, I had a system for creating and publishing content. I would proactively write articles and posts in advance and save them as drafts for future use. Using the scheduling feature, I would set specific dates and times for these pieces of content to be published. It helps to ensure a consistent flow of information on my websites. This strategy also extended to my social media strategy, particularly on my business Facebook page, where I scheduled posts to align with my overall content plan. This strategy proved to be beneficial, as it saved me time and allowed me to focus on other aspects of my work. In addition, during periods when I was unable to create new content due to time constraints or health issues, the scheduled content ensured that my online presence remained active and engaged with my audience. Looking ahead, if I were to obtain another domain website, I would undoubtedly implement the same practice of scheduling content to maintain a consistent and reliable online presence.
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How do you Improve Your Writing?
I have been honing my writing skills for over a decade, and I acknowledge that there is still room for improvement. Despite my experience, I occasionally make mistakes. To enhance my writing skills, I have adopted some methods. For instance, I watch English TV series with subtitles, allowing me to grasp how native English speakers communicate. In addition, I regularly read engaging articles and tutorials in English to expand my knowledge and understanding. Podcasts have also proven to be a valuable resource for improving my language skills. Although I do not frequently read books, I aspire to cultivate a love for reading in the future. Finally, I firmly believe that regular writing practice is indispensable for boosting my English proficiency. Remember, practice makes perfect.
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Do you have someone else proofread your work before you publish it?
Reflecting on my journey as a content writer for over ten years, I realize that I used to underestimate the value of proofreading. I would often write content without thoroughly reviewing it, which I now recognize as a big mistake. This error could lead to typos, grammatical mistakes, or even factual inaccuracies. Without a doubt, they can undermine the quality and credibility of the content. However, with time, I have grasped the significance of proofreading. Presently, I always make sure to carefully proofread my work before submitting it to my client. Upon completing a piece, I have developed the habit of allowing myself a break of a few hours, or even a day, especially if the deadline permits. While I personally perform the process of proofreading, I do acknowledge that having someone else provide this service would be immensely beneficial, saving me a substantial amount of time and effort. I hope someone can do it for free, but nothing is free in this world anymore. LOL
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What tips do you have when you edit your own work?
I work as a content writer, and I have nearly five years of experience in this field. Despite this, I still consider myself a work in progress and believe that there is always room for improvement. My work primarily involves creating engaging and informative content. This includes short and long articles. After completing a task, especially when the deadline is not looming, I find it vital to take a day off to relax and recharge. This period of rest is not just a break, but a rejuvenating experience that allows me to return with a fresh perspective when I review my work. Once I feel rejuvenated, I proofread. I carefully go through my work to identify areas that need improvement and make necessary edits. This stage often involves rephrasing sentences, correcting punctuation and grammar errors, and so on. I strongly believe that proofreading is a task best approached with a clear and alert mind. Therefore, I avoid proofreading when I am feeling dog-tired, as I am more likely to overlook mistakes in that manner. By following this proofreading process, I can submit work that meets the required standards of my client.