Freelancing
FREELANCING
This is the easiest way to make money online. But how much can you earn and what does it take?
Ever heard of Freelancing work? Your regular nine to five job is not cutting it anymore, especially when it comes to your daily bills. Actually, you’ve accumulated a substantial amount of debts. And now you are looking for alternative sources of income, call it passive income. Freelancing work might just be the hail marry you are looking for.
I’m sure online freelancing work has cropped up in one of your recent conversations, maybe once or twice, right? Well, that’s because it is becoming one of the most lucrative industries, especially with the advancements in internet technology.
But what is freelancing? Or better yet, what is online freelancing, and how does freelancing work? Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place for answers. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
What is Freelancing?
Just as the name suggests, freelancing is a term used to describe someone who’s self-employed and not committed to any specific employee. Sounds simple, right? Well, the definition becomes a little complicated when we are trying to describe online freelancing.
Typically, online freelancing is the act of carrying out tasks from different clients on the internet. All you need is your laptop and steady access to the internet. There are several skills that you can learn and make money online.
How Online Freelancing Works
Freelancing is not easy. You need to have a set of skills that are marketable and, at the same time, relevant. But don’t get me wrong! I don’t necessarily mean you have to be tech-savvy (although learning a bit of coding under your sleeve is an advantage).
Typically, an online freelancer waits for someone to post their tasks online before bidding for the project. It’s more or less a competition when it comes to winning the bid. The client will also say how much they are willing to spend on the task and if it’s within your quotations, then you can take on the job. Ideally, every online freelancing task works around the same concept but with a bit of variation.
The person who posted the job picks the right candidate, and they immediately start working together. Once you complete the task, you will be credited for the freelancing work. However, most people are usually worried about their own security since the buyer (the one with the proposal) might disappear once the task is complete, and there’s no way to track them.
That’s where freelancing websites come in. They act as intermediaries between these two parties. Before taking on the job, the site will hold the funds on your behalf until the task is complete. Once that’s done, and the results please your buyer, then the buyer will leave feedback on their experience, plus you will get the money safely.
Types of Online Freelancing Work Available
There are different ways you can earn money online. And each of these tasks will likely pay differently. Some of the skills that are marketable online include:
- Graphic Design
- Article writing
- Programming
- Data Entry
- Online research
- Proofreading
- Translation
- Transcription
- Virtual Assistant
Actually, the list goes on and on. All in all, the first step to getting passive income online is by finding out what you are good at. Your skills will speak for themselves, and you are likely to get more freelance work when you give it your best shot.
How to Get Paid When Working As a Freelancer online
It’s evident that bank transfers tend to be a bit expensive and sometimes it could take days before the money arrives in your account. One of the reasons you might be working online is so that you can access your income at any time of the month. Therefore, you need to find a reliable banking system that works for you.
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On that note, most freelancing online websites will likely offer an ‘escrow’ system so you can get your money on time. Typically, the person looking for assistants online will pay the site in advance, and the website will hold the funds as you complete your freelance work.
The money will build-up in your online account until it reaches to a payout level. Then the funds can be transferred to a platform that will typically connect directly to your bank account. Some of these accounts include:
- Skrill
- PayPal
- Payoneer and more
Best Online Freelancing Websites
Today, several platforms could offer freelancing services. And that means you can become a member of that website. But to even land your first job, you will have to put in some work. Most sites have a level system with benefits at each level you reach. So, at the end of the day, the effort you put into your work will translate to the payout you get.
Some of the popular online freelancing websites available today include:
Each of these platforms works differently and has something unique that they offer. In most cases, the platform will market your skills to the online community, thereby attracting buyers to the site. And it’s up to you to land the deal.
How to stand out as an Online Freelancer from the rest
As you’ve already figured out by now, the market is full of hundreds, if not thousands of freelancers willing to offer their services. So, you have to find the best way to stand out from the rest. With that in mind, here are a few tips that will help you:
- Add a photo: having a picture of you will help your clients identify who you are, and it will also make you look more professional.
- Positive feedbacks: always give your all in the tasks handed to you so that you can get positive feedback. That will make it easy for other clients to trust you. The more good reviews you get the more you are likely to get more jobs coming your way.
- Complete your profile: ensure your profile is complete before starting with the bidding process. That will also help to show your professionalism and dedication to completing your tasks.
- Patience is the key: don’t expect to land your first job on the first few hours of setting up your account- that’s insane! Give it a day or two as you continue bidding. Sometimes it can take a whole week before you get any orders. All you have to do is be patient and wait for the results.
To wrap it all up
Online freelancing is not that hard. But like any other job, you need to put in some effort into it. I mean, it’s not a magic wand! All the same, you will get the freedom to work from anywhere you wish. As long as you can get a good internet connection and access to your laptop, you are good to go.
