Freelancing and More!

As if working for yourself as a freelancer didn’t offer you enough of a challenge, one of the ones you face daily is the question of where your next paycheck is coming from.  Most freelancers find themselves with gaps in time and wonder how they can capitalize on that time and still make ends meet.

If you are a freelance writer and you are wondering what you can do between writing jobs, there are actually a number of options for you.  None of these are get rich quick schemes and none of them will make you a millionaire overnight.  These things should be used to supplement your income, not necessarily used as a dependable means of income.

1.  Your own blog – One of the best ways to get your name out in front of new clients is your own blog.  Your blog not only helps you establish your credibility as a writer, but you can earn some extra money while you are between freelance writing jobs. AdSense is a great free tool offered by Google and allows you an opportunity to earn a few extra dollars on your blog.

Words of caution

a.  If you are trying to use your blog for the purposes of getting your name out in front of prospective clients there are some things you should avoid. I am a firm believer that sex, religion and politics should stay out of “business” blogs.  Why risk alienating a potential client? I won’t belabor this point as this is a matter of personal preference for many.

b.  Keep your blog professional looking and make sure that you are advertising wisely.  It will do you no good to have advertisements for diet pills, body creams, makeup on your site!  Create filters to make sure that ads that are inappropriate don’t land in your blog without your knowledge.

2.  Squidoo – Squidoo lenses can be your friend. Not only are they a great way to create one page “sites” but they can also highlight your skills as a writer.   There are many affiliate programs that work well with Squidoo and you could earn a few extra dollars a month from them.  Experiment with Squidoo and write about your favorite topics.  Again, avoid any pitfalls that would result in a client being “put off”.  Your AdSense can also be used in Squidoo lenses.

Words of caution

a.  Lenses are like little children and need nurturing.  Do not make the mistake that so many make and put them up there and forget them.  Re-vist them from time to time and update links, add new information and above all else, promote them!

b.  You are responsible for “broadcasting” changes to your Squidoo Lenses.  Squidoo has now added several social bookmarking options (including Twitter) directly to the dashboards making this easier than ever before!

Hub Pages – Based on a similar theory to Squidoo, Hub Pages also allows you to post single topic articles and earn money.  Using your Google AdSense account as well as other revenue generating options, you can supplement your monthly income using HubPages.  Exactly like Squidoo, your Hubs need TLC.  Like any other online efforts, the more you devote to it, the more likely you are to find success.

Summary

These are only a few of the possible money making opportunities you can take advantage of when you are trying to fill the gap between freelance writing jobs.  Future posts will be devoted to various options that are available.  It’s a great idea to use multiple sources of potential revenue.  Not only does it help fill the gap between freelance writing jobs, but it helps you develop your own online persona.

Read more in Online writing jobs: What’s the truth behind the hype?

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