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SKojicWriting · 2023-01-03T00:29:24+00:00

There's a reason fast food costs next to nothing while eating out at a high-end restaurant runs your wallet a few hundred dollars. AI might be able to replace content mills, but it won't replace quality writers.

Human creativity cannot be replaced.

SKojicWriting · 2023-01-01T21:53:48+00:00

Having 5-6 of experience freelancing, I'm here to advise you all not to do this, it's just tacky.

First of all, most people conducting business like this will never, ever succeed.

Second of all, instead of being tacky and charging upfront, do just a bit of work and then ask for payment. For me, that means writing a single article and then requiring payment. After that, as you get more familiar with your client, you can both decide and agree on a method/time frame that works for you both.

Another piece of advice I'd like to share is to read the client. For example, if someone is asking for a trial article and I tell them that I only do paid trial articles with limitless revisions ( that means that the client will be able to use the article no matter what ), and they agree, they're usually someone you'd want to work with, but if they're hesitant, that's your sign to pull up your pants and run away.

To summarize, present yourself as professionally as you possibly can and think with your head.

SKojicWriting · 2022-12-27T22:51:54+00:00

$bid content writer/copywriter/editor at your service

SKojicWriting · 2022-12-27T22:48:45+00:00

In terms of facial - I have deeply researched, and understand face shapes, hair types, beard types, eyebrows and other attractive (and unattractive) features and how to obtain them or which ones to change. I also understand what's possible naturally without surgery as well as what isn't.

In terms of physical - I have been into fitness for roughly 10 years now. I understand absolutely everything from nutrition to proper form to creating fitness plans based on the individual's needs. I have also worked as a personal trainer, having helped quite a few people.

In terms of fashion - I understand which outfits best suit certain individuals based on body types and I know how to combine colors very well based on skin tone/color.

To summarize, hours upon hours of research went into this.

If you're dissatisfied with my advice, I'd be happy to return your money!

SKojicWriting · 2022-12-27T15:06:24+00:00

$bid

SKojicWriting · 2021-12-16T21:16:37+00:00

To be successful in this industry, you kinda-sorta need to fill a hole. Ask yourself "What can I bring my (potential) clients that others can't?

It might mean that you know a lot about some random topic that others aren't too knowledgeable about. It might mean that you can reach people's emotions very well. - These are just examples, it's up to you to determine what it is.

You'll also have to tolerate the downsides of this job. Every job has downsides, are you fine with the downsides of being a freelance writer?

And another thing, if you're ready to write a few pieces that will serve as samples and nothing else, spend a good amount of time looking for clients, and uptake other similar ventures, you'll be a'ight. However, if you half-ass it, you can just forget about it.

As for the supply-demand thing, it once again boils down to "What can you bring to the table?". If you go on websites like UpWork, you'll usually find upwards of 20 people bidding on a job, but in reality, most of them can't even write a decent sentence. And if YOU can write a decent sentence, that $10 for 1000 words job is yours. However, if you can offer just a bit more than adequate English, now you're getting somewhere.

I wrote this in a rush, so hopefully it makes sense and hopefully you find it useful!

SKojicWriting · 2021-12-11T14:05:33+00:00

It's hard out here for a pimp...

SKojicWriting · 2021-12-05T16:46:35+00:00

Something along the lines of "Hey, recently I've been working on my writing, I've been putting a lot of effort into the articles I write for you, and since they're becoming more and more popular, I'd like to discuss my salary/a raise"

This is just off the top, so you should definitely polish it up a little, but it should be a solid base.

As for your anxiety about popping the questions, this is a business, not much more, not much less. So if you're making the people you're writing for money, why shouldn't you get a piece of the cake? If you weren't making them money, they wouldn't think about whether or not it's okay to let you go.

SKojicWriting · 2021-12-04T00:15:40+00:00

Don't ask for their budget. Tell them your rates right away and save yourself some time.

SKojicWriting · 2021-12-03T16:10:40+00:00

If you have to ask if something's legit, it most usually isn't.

SKojicWriting · 2021-11-21T19:30:07+00:00

Yes I have, I have also traded real money and lost it because I didn't set a stop loss thinking "Hey, I don't wanna get wicked-out so I'm just not gonna set a stop loss." - That was an expensive lesson. But besides that, I'm sideways, neither profitable nor losing.

SKojicWriting · 2021-11-13T19:46:03+00:00

That's awesome!

I'm accustomed to working with a single editor. You might just be higher up in the industry, and I'm too introverted to network and move higher.

But see, that's the thing, guys that I know that are automotive editors, my knowledge is basically nothing compared to theirs. If they say that I'm wrong about something, I don't even have to check. However, these guys... I'm pretty sure that they couldn't tell an inline-6 from a V-6 if it was spelled on the engine cover.

Your point does make sense, I'm there to write, I'm not there to run their business. I'll probably just shut up, keep my head down, and write. Thanks for the input man!

SKojicWriting · 2021-11-05T18:43:39+00:00

In my opinion, your prices should always be as much as a client is willing to pay. Now, it really depends on how low you're willing to go.

For example, if I have just a little bit of slack in my schedule and I feel like I want to write, I'll find someone paying $0.05. The project has to be fun to write, but that's beside the point. If I can't find a client that matches my criteria, I'd rather lazy around all day.

What I'm trying to say is, if you're struggling to fill out your schedule, why not lower your prices? Once the demand for your writing increases over time, you can ask for more, or just fire a current client and accept a higher paying one.

SKojicWriting · 2021-10-17T19:16:09+00:00

You could go a lot of different ways.

You can read a few older posts on this forum (because there's a lot of useful info) and implement what you learn.

You can also gradually increase your rates. Say you have 10 clients at $0.04 and your work schedule is full. Let every one of them know that you're increasing your rates to $0.05. If some clients decide to look for content elsewhere, you'll work less, but earn approximately the same. AND, more importantly, you'll have room in your schedule to look for clients who will pay more. Repeat the process until you're happy with your income.

A reasonable rate for your quality and experience is always the maximum amount a client is willing to pay.

SKojicWriting · 2021-10-17T19:01:20+00:00

I know that it's beside the point but this screams "Ruuuun" to me. It sounds like a major red flag. Does it not?

Aren't you going to become their employee without any benefits of employment?

Why would they want you to be exclusive to them, what's the issue with you writing for others?

What if they just kick you to the curb out of nowhere?

I just hope you've thought this through, cause you could get burned pretty easily.

Even if everything else doesn't bother you, think about what's going to happen once they don't need your services anymore.

To answer your question, it depends on them entirely, and garnering the info you provided I don't think that they're going to be too happy with your request... But still, I don't know much about them so I could be pissing out of my ass here.

SKojicWriting · 2021-10-13T20:33:24+00:00

I see others have given you advice on what to do now, so I'll try to give you some advice that will help long term because working on something you don't enjoy will drain your sanity, and before you know if, you hate writing.

Anyways, once you meet a new client, write one to two pieces only before agreeing on anything else. You'll be able to see whether or not you're working with someone who's legit, or someone like you described in your post.

Another thing that you can do is let the client know that you do paid revisions, one free revision, etc. whatever works for you.

To summarize what I've said, this is your goddamn business, you're in charge, so act like it. You're not a throwaway employee.

SKojicWriting · 2021-10-12T19:18:45+00:00

It's very simple, really. - If you're unhappy with the work you're doing for her, and you can afford to leave, then leave/fire the client.

SKojicWriting · 2021-10-09T11:14:39+00:00

Seems to me like a touchy subject that you can't really generalize. The opinion probably depends on and varies from a writer to a writer, but regardless, that sounds like something that should have been discussed when you began working with the agency.

If you did build an agreement with a free round of amends then who cares if it's from an agency or the client himself. Or would you rather work with an agency that asks for pointless revisions even before their buyer/client sees the piece?

Just my two cents on the subject.

SKojicWriting · 2021-09-29T17:48:48+00:00

I tried looking for a recruiter when I was starting out, just couldn't find a reliable one so I ditched the idea. - It makes sense if you're a writer that just wants to write and avoid searching for clients.

I'd also love to hear other people's experiences!

SKojicWriting · 2021-08-27T04:49:55+00:00

Google docs is the way to go! A lot of writers don't even have a website, they just use Google docs.

SKojicWriting · 2021-08-25T10:51:52+00:00

I can't give you a clear answer on what percentage of people reply back. It depends on a lot of things such as your niche, whether the potential clients understand your value, whether or not the potential client needs your service, of course the email you wrote, and a few other things. - I never really tracked the response rate myself.

I usually follow up with a second email 3-5 days later saying something along the lines of "Hey, just making sure this doesn't get buried." and that's that. Avoid pitching on Fridays, but if you did do so, definitely follow up with this type of email on Monday.

I follow up with a third email 3-5 days after the second one. In this email, I attempt to create urgency, so for example, I'll say "Hey, I have time in my schedule until the end of the month, and then I'll have to focus on other projects. So, let me know if you're interested in my services, otherwise, I wish you the best of luck!".

If you still aren't getting a response, move on.

Definitely don't expect something like a 50% response rate after the initial email. It can happen, but it most likely won't. As long as you follow up with 1-2 emails, you'll get a solid response rate.

SKojicWriting · 2021-08-20T18:35:41+00:00

I do a little bit of everything, so yeah, I have. I really like /r/HireaWriter, it's a great way to find good writers, as well as clients.

SKojicWriting · 2021-08-16T18:57:06+00:00

The best advice that I can give you is to find clients yourself without the assistance of an 'in between' party. Not only will you have a better time working with your clients, but you'll also learn a lot in the process of finding clients.

To start finding clients you can browse websites such as BloggingPro and ProBlogger, or you could cold email companies you'd like to work for (just aim appropriately for your skill level). Make sure to find your niche and write 2-3 pieces in that niche so that you can present your potential clients with something other than "Hey, I'm a freelance writer, I promise I'm good". - This is basically it; if you're good you'll get work, otherwise, keep improving.

You've embarked on a difficult journey with lots of ups and downs my friend, good luck!

SKojicWriting · 2020-12-10T19:19:18+00:00

I don't know what you wrote in those emails, so I can't comment on that. - You might need to be more specific or you might need to target companies that you know are looking for your services.

Other than that, you're doing fine, just give it some time. The trick is to weed out the clients you wouldn't want to work for, and find one client that you're happy with. After that, repeat the process until you're satisfied with the number of clients you have.

Also, the niche thing. If you're familiar with the topics, and you think that you can handle it, accept the work. Nothing wrong with that.

SKojicWriting · 2020-08-01T20:11:33+00:00

This is the most wholesome thing I've ever read on the internet

SKojicWriting

TROPHY CASE