Selling Your Skills

14 years ago

Sounds like writing would be your forté. Until recently, I offered a writing service at $0.04/word, or $20 an article, and I was still overloaded with work.

Here's an idea: offering free SEO optimization and submission with articles, though keep in mind that many who want premium articles also have a purpose in mind for them and don't necessarily want them submitted.

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stephen de vries

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Zabrina

Sounds like writing would be your forté. Until recently, I offered a writing service at $0.04/word, or $20 an article, and I was still overloaded with work.

Here's an idea: offering free SEO optimization and submission with articles, though keep in mind that many who want premium articles also have a purpose in mind for them and don't necessarily want them submitted.

Strange how things work well in some parts of the world and they dont work at all in other places.

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CDarklock

14 years ago

Originally Posted by alpacabob

I'm good with writing, SEO, article submission, backlink building, etc. What IM skills have people had the best luck using as a freelancer?

Um... pretty much those.

These are all the things that nobody wants to do. If you're good at them, the world is full of people who want to hire you. Your biggest hurdle is convincing people they aren't going to get the results they want from a Filipino VA for $50 a month.

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TheAnnoyingOrange

14 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Um... pretty much those.

These are all the things that nobody wants to do. If you're good at them, the world is full of people who want to hire you. Your biggest hurdle is convincing people they aren't going to get the results they want from a Filipino VA for $50 a month.

That's surprisingly easy - and i'll sum it up in 6 words.

'I can string a sentence together'.

Yeah that's right, I went there.

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alpacabob

14 years ago

Alright- so I've attended multiple Ivy League schools in the English speaking world. I hold a Master's degree from the University of Chicago. I have written two research theses. I've written everything from stories to legal briefs- and I write almost every day for my websites or my day job. I think I can make myself into a premier writer. Am I being foolish to think so?

Now- if I want to take that background and say to someone, "hey- I can write fantastic articles for you," where do I post those words? Do I just go to the Warriors for hire section and claim to be a premier writer? And how much would be reasonable to charge for article? What about ebooks?

Thanks
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ListBuildingForNewbies

14 years ago

Originally Posted by alpacabob

Alright- so I've attended multiple Ivy League schools in the English speaking world. I hold a Master's degree from the University of Chicago. I have written two research theses. I've written everything from stories to legal briefs- and I write almost every day for my websites or my day job. I think I can make myself into a premier writer. Am I being foolish to think so?

Now- if I want to take that background and say to someone, "hey- I can write fantastic articles for you," where do I post those words? Do I just go to the Warriors for hire section and claim to be a premier writer? And how much would be reasonable to charge for article? What about ebooks?

You've got the perfect credentials for a freelance writer to be able to compete with a cheap contractor from the Far East. You should prepare a professionally written C.V. highlighting your talents, skills and experience. I also suggest you prepare a portfolio and set up a personal website with a blog where you can demonstrate what you are capable of. Last but not least, register with the various social networks, especially Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Good Luck

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newbim 14 years ago

Originally Posted by TheAnnoyingOrange

That's surprisingly easy - and i'll sum it up in 6 words.

'I can string a sentence together'.

Yeah that's right, I went there.

Hahahaha - that's right, I laughed at you 'going there' .

And to alpacabob, have you considered initially targeting marketers / product creators who are involved in the niches related to your other college courses? It's just an idea, but one that may be worth considering as you could use a 'pitch' that hits a few more of their values and interests.

As with anyone, for your first few clients, you may not get a 'premium rate' but that doesn't obviously mean that you should sell your services cheap, but especially whilst you're building a portfolio of work.

Another thing I've seen done in the past, is approach one of the 'gurus' and offer to write them something at a fraction of your usual cost (or free) just so they can see how well you do it - you know "the first one's free" an' all.

Have you considered a WSO? That might be another good way to get a collection of testimonials for you to use. I'm assuming that you wouldn't restrict your talent for articles, how about sales pages or even THE PRODUCT? This could also open the doors for a lot of JV opportunities.

I hope at least some of this helps, and good luck.

Cheers,

Newbim.
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aandersen

14 years ago

I agree, put together some samples. Then hit up freelance sites like odesk, elance, freelancer, etc. and do couple jobs. Charge whatever, can be a little lower or little higher, just make sure they are happy. Ask everyone you work for very nicely if they would be willing to provide feedback. Now use your resume, sample articles, and testimonials to present yourself as a premium writer and ask for the amount of money you think you deserve.

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Dean Jackson

14 years ago

Bob, WHATS WRONG WITH YOU MAN!?

You've got tons of skills... I think your main problem is that you haven't made that "switch" yet.

Nobody has to say that you're a professional, to be considered one.

Position yourself as an expert and lay down your credentials... People would pay good money to find someone as qualified as you are.

Yeah, there are tons of writers out there offering their services, but theres not many who can boast as much experience as yourself.

Go on, make a "Warriors for Hire" thread and get the ball rolling. It's only a measly $20 and it won't hurt to atleast give it a shot

- Dean

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alpacabob

14 years ago

This thread is making me a feel quite a bit more confident- thanks everyone!

I will put together some samples and get a portfolio up.

In terms of finding a market, though, I have a couple of other questions.

First of all- what is a "premium rate" for a writer? I know I won't charge that at first, but if I'm going to low-ball my first assignments, then I'd like to get a sense of what is low.

Second, has anybody had any luck on sites like odesk and elance? I found those sites to be frustrating at best- downright obnoxious at worst. If wanted to low-ball everything, I'd probably get more assignments- but if I get paid $5/article and it takes me 1/2 hour, that's a measly $5 for 1/2 hour that could have spent on copy for my own sites.

Lastly, there are two suggestions in the thread for finding clients and I'm not sure where to go with those. Oh- actually- they were both from Newbim. The suggestions were: 1. target people in a certain niche; 2. target gurus. If I want to target either of these, how do I do it? For niche sites, I'd assume that I get some writing samples together and email the webmasters at certain niche sites. Any other ideas?

In terms of gurus- could you expand on this for me a bit? First, how do I winnow the list of gurus? Second, how do I approach them? What will pique their interest?

This thread is probably helping me out more than anything I've ever done in IM- thank you so much everyone!

Thanks
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Zabrina

14 years ago

Originally Posted by alpacabob

This thread is making me a feel quite a bit more confident- thanks everyone!

I will put together some samples and get a portfolio up.

In terms of finding a market, though, I have a couple of other questions.

First of all- what is a "premium rate" for a writer? I know I won't charge that at first, but if I'm going to low-ball my first assignments, then I'd like to get a sense of what is low.

Second, has anybody had any luck on sites like odesk and elance? I found those sites to be frustrating at best- downright obnoxious at worst. If wanted to low-ball everything, I'd probably get more assignments- but if I get paid $5/article and it takes me 1/2 hour, that's a measly $5 for 1/2 hour that could have spent on copy for my own sites.

Lastly, there are two suggestions in the thread for finding clients and I'm not sure where to go with those. Oh- actually- they were both from Newbim. The suggestions were: 1. target people in a certain niche; 2. target gurus. If I want to target either of these, how do I do it? For niche sites, I'd assume that I get some writing samples together and email the webmasters at certain niche sites. Any other ideas?

In terms of gurus- could you expand on this for me a bit? First, how do I winnow the list of gurus? Second, how do I approach them? What will pique their interest?

This thread is probably helping me out more than anything I've ever done in IM- thank you so much everyone!

My advice, which is biased due to my own experience as a writer here, is to start out at $0.03/word, and absolutely no lower than $0.02/word with your quality of writing. Work up to $0.04 or $0.05/word.

Take a look at how I structured my thread here if you want some ideas for how to "ease into" higher prices while building up experience and testimonials from Warriors here.

I haven't had any luck with Odesk, Elance, or any similar sites. Some people have, but there's a lot of competition and it's better to carve out your own market than fight in a crowded marketplace for a few scrap sales.

Constant Content is the only content site I feel is worth writing for, but I know some people add Demand Studios and Textbroker to the list, but they're a lot more picky and CC is better at allowing you to jump straight into the fray.

As for finding clients... go where the clients are.

I found some of my best clients here on WF, because I hung out here, offered free advice, gave away free articles at times, and did whatever I could to build relationships with people. Not specifically to get business, but increased business was certainly a welcome side effect.

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GardeniaShrub 14 years ago

I'm also trying to build up a business as a quality writer-for-hire.

What I'd really like to do is build a relationship with perhaps two clients, and then write for them exclusively.

It really takes the stress out of things when you are dealing with a known client whom you know will pay on time, and they are dealing with a known writer whom they know will produce quality text to a deadline.
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alpacabob

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Zabrina

My advice, which is biased due to my own experience as a writer here, is to start out at $0.03/word, and absolutely no lower than $0.02/word with your quality of writing. Work up to $0.04 or $0.05/word.

Take a look at how I structured my thread here if you want some ideas for how to "ease into" higher prices while building up experience and testimonials from Warriors here.

I haven't had any luck with Odesk, Elance, or any similar sites. Some people have, but there's a lot of competition and it's better to carve out your own market than fight in a crowded marketplace for a few scrap sales.

Constant Content is the only content site I feel is worth writing for, but I know some people add Demand Studios and Textbroker to the list, but they're a lot more picky and CC is better at allowing you to jump straight into the fray.

As for finding clients... go where the clients are.

I found some of my best clients here on WF, because I hung out here, offered free advice, gave away free articles at times, and did whatever I could to build relationships with people. Not specifically to get business, but increased business was certainly a welcome side effect.

I'm glad to know I'm not alone in finding elance difficult. It seems that people on elance are typically looking for cheap, not quality writing. And I am signed up with Demand Studios- I probably write 10-20 article a week there, but it gets kind of old.

Thanks for your advice on this! I'm starting to prepare the structure for a WSO and will be planning where else to offer writing services.

Thanks so much!
Best,
David

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Rikki_Fawkes 14 years ago

Like Zabrina, I highly advise writing online. I've found two legitimate jobs on Craigslist, one that pays 4 cents per word and another that pays 10 cents per word (yes, 10 cents, not a typo - they just require detailed research). It's one of the best ways I've found to make decent part-time income and still be able to work on my other IM projects.
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Rikki_Fawkes

14 years ago

Originally Posted by alpacabob

I'm glad to know I'm not alone in finding elance difficult. It seems that people on elance are typically looking for cheap, not quality writing. And I am signed up with Demand Studios- I probably write 10-20 article a week there, but it gets kind of old.

Thanks for your advice on this! I'm starting to prepare the structure for a WSO and will be planning where else to offer writing services.

Thanks so much!
Best,
David

I love Demand, too, but I agree, it can get tiring - PLUS it's hard to justify spending so much time looking for assignments. I've taken a break to work on other client projects but intend to write for them again soon.

I would really check out Craigslist. A lady from Demand Studios also found a good job there, and she recommended it for me as well. And like I mentioned in the above post, I got some good work from there.

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ListBuildingForNewbies

14 years ago

Originally Posted by alpacabob

This thread is making me a feel quite a bit more confident- thanks everyone!

I will put together some samples and get a portfolio up.

In terms of finding a market, though, I have a couple of other questions.

First of all- what is a "premium rate" for a writer? I know I won't charge that at first, but if I'm going to low-ball my first assignments, then I'd like to get a sense of what is low.

Second, has anybody had any luck on sites like odesk and elance? I found those sites to be frustrating at best- downright obnoxious at worst. If wanted to low-ball everything, I'd probably get more assignments- but if I get paid $5/article and it takes me 1/2 hour, that's a measly $5 for 1/2 hour that could have spent on copy for my own sites.

Lastly, there are two suggestions in the thread for finding clients and I'm not sure where to go with those. Oh- actually- they were both from Newbim. The suggestions were: 1. target people in a certain niche; 2. target gurus. If I want to target either of these, how do I do it? For niche sites, I'd assume that I get some writing samples together and email the webmasters at certain niche sites. Any other ideas?

In terms of gurus- could you expand on this for me a bit? First, how do I winnow the list of gurus? Second, how do I approach them? What will pique their interest?

This thread is probably helping me out more than anything I've ever done in IM- thank you so much everyone!

First of all you best strike a balance between not selling yourself to cheaply and not being to expensive for the market. In concrete terms, I suggest you charge $20 per 500 words for your first 5 assignments and then gradually put up the rate once you earn positive feedback from outsourcers.
As for Odesk and Elance, create a niche where there's less competition and focus on getting those assignments which fit your niche. For example, someone on Odesk posted a position for writing articles on pet reptiles. This is a niche with less people are familiar with and the chances of a writer who knows about this topic getting the job are better, even if he charges more than $5 per article. I suggest you put in your profile a list of topics you feel confident to write about as an expert.

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Debbie Allen

14 years ago

In addition to writing for clients why not consider writing PLR content to sell. This allows you more control over what you write and when. You can create packets of articles or even an ebook, report or autoresponder series that covers a popular topic and sell it here or on your own website.

Another use for your writing talents would be writing articles to use in promoting affiliate products. My point is, create multiple streams of income whenever possible.

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Tinkerbell

14 years ago

Write for yourself.

Seriously.

You can only sell what you write for others once. You can sell what you write for yourself unlimited times.

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Zabrina

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Tinkerbell

Write for yourself.

Seriously.

You can only sell what you write for others once. You can sell what you write for yourself unlimited times.

As a long term plan, I totally agree. That's why I'm getting into PLR writing now and teaching others techniques I've picked up. But if he wants short-term income, writing for others is easier, and without the experience that writing for others can give you, it will take longer to succeed writing for yourself.

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alpacabob

14 years ago

I actually agree too- and I do write a lot of my own content. It just happens that I'm currently looking for ways to get through a couple of months while other stuff builds.

Originally Posted by Zabrina

As a long term plan, I totally agree. That's why I'm getting into PLR writing now and teaching others techniques I've picked up. But if he wants short-term income, writing for others is easier, and without the experience that writing for others can give you, it will take longer to succeed writing for yourself.

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Rikki_Fawkes

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Zabrina

As a long term plan, I totally agree. That's why I'm getting into PLR writing now and teaching others techniques I've picked up. But if he wants short-term income, writing for others is easier, and without the experience that writing for others can give you, it will take longer to succeed writing for yourself.

Exactly. And if we're talking about 20-somethings like us, we have to be making money in the "now" if we haven't built up income working for the past 10 or 15 years like some internet marketers have. So we split our time between working for others and working for ourselves.

Because if the IM thing doesn't work out as well as we'd like it to, we're screwed on two fronts - not having much money to begin with, and starting from scratch all over again. I realize that's a great rags-to-riches story some IM'ers might have, but...

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DebraConrad

14 years ago

Instead of going through the frustration of competing with others as a writer for hire... think about what Debbie Allen suggested. It will get your feet wet with creating content without the pressure of a deadline.

In addition to writing for clients why not consider writing PLR content to sell. This allows you more control over what you write and when. You can create packets of articles or even an ebook, report or autoresponder series that covers a popular topic and sell it here or on your own website.

Another use for your writing talents would be writing articles to use in promoting affiliate products. My point is, create multiple streams of income whenever possible.

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Alfred Shelver

14 years ago

Okay so I am guessing writing will be your forte' maybe look at learning copywriting as that is where the big writing money comes from. I love that you can earn while you learn in this place so that is a great advantage.

With all your degrees I think you should be looking at getting your own product as soon as possible.

Good Luck

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good2go4

14 years ago

I think you absolutely have the sort of skills a lot of people would be looking for in a writer and I have had some great success with my own WFH post. But prior to that I also worked for sites like Elance and always found plenty of work - I kept my bids to what I was comfortable with and proved to clients why I was worth that bit extra per page. One thing that would work in your favor is that a lot of people who post projects on Elance do initially go for the "cheaper" option and then find that they have been let down. So when they come to post their next project they are looking at more than the price they have to pay - they are also looking for reliability, good quality and good communication.

Getting a portfolio together is a really good idea and if you can offer samples to prospective clients either through Elance, or through this forum, that will really help you get your first jobs. When I got my first clients through this forum I did some work and then asked my clients really nicely if they would mind leaving me a testimonial on my thread - everyone is so helpful here that they were more than happy to do it and things have just ambled along from there.

Best of luck with your efforts

Lisa

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alpacabob

14 years ago

Here's what I'm thinking. I bone up on my skills in the parts of writing where I'm weakest- probably sales letters. I also work through some good copywriting material so I can be sure I'm well-versed in copyrwriting. Does anyone have a good recommendation for courses or books that are best for learning copywriting and sales letters?

Then- as I'm doing this, I build a website for my company (it's focused on affiliate management and web analytics, but my ultimate goal is for it to be totally comprehensive for marketing, so I see no reason not to build it up). Maybe I exchange some work with someone here to make a pretty site for me (mine are only ok).

Then I do a WSO or WFH post and get some recommends- drawing people into my site while making a little extra money. So I think that's my plan. Anyone know someone who might want to exchange web building for writing? What about a good resource on writing sales copy and copywriting? If I'm going to try to be a premium writer, I better be sure I can back it up.

Thanks so much everyone!

Best,
David Ward

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2010MAVRIK 14 years ago

Its obvious that if you are doing the same activity from few years you get bored but if you are expert in that than get into the market and you could companies who can hire you for your work.
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colsam

14 years ago

Hi, Try out Odesk.com. It's an excellent site for selling your services.

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Eduard Stinga

14 years ago

Being so good at writing, you could also do some research into copywriting and try there, it would surely pay off. I myself am doing quite well creating videos in After Effects.

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JohnMcCabe 14 years ago

David, with your educational background and experience, you stand a great chance of finding higher-paying gigs by networking on LinkedIn. Make a few connections, share your own, and start working the network for opportunities.

You may find yourself writing for a lot more than $15 per article...
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