Much like the brick and mortar job market, freelancers may run into the problem of not having enough experience to get the assignments they want. This post will specifically discuss freelance writing since this blog is primarily focused on that topic. Unlike other freelance work, freelance writers have many opportunities to create a portfolio of work that can establish their ‘bona-fides’ without having to land an assignment first. Here are just a few of the ways that freelance writers can establish a portfolio of work to show to prospective clients:
A) Helium – Helium offers writers a variety of ways to showcase their writing talents. You can select from several different categories of writing, submit your articles and ultimately wind up with a portfolio of work. The added benefit is that you can earn money doing so. Helium works on a system that allows you to be paid small up front amounts for your work based on a “writing star” system and you earn money based on a “rating star” system. Promoting your Helium work will result in higher earnings. Remember to carefully read the terms of service so that you do not violate them. High quality, well written articles not only earn more money but add to your credibility. In addition, Helium offers you the ability to create “How To” guides and “Zones” which can be used to highlight your skills and your work.
B) Squidoo & Hub Pages – These Web 2.0 sites offer writers exciting opportunities to not only make a few dollars but offer a creative outlet. In addition to well written, tightly focused articles that are created in the form of “lenses” (Squidoo) or “hubs” (HubPages) you can include photographs, videos, surveys and more. Both Squidoo and HubPages help you create a portfolio that showcases your talents.
C) Xomba - While many consider Xomba a social networking/bookmarking site, you also have the opportunity to create articles on a narrow range of topics that can help boost your credibility as a writer. Being able to put together a tightly focused article including photographs if you care to can help establish you as a freelance writer. Being able to showcase this work while earning (through AdSense) you can create an income stream and build your portfolio.
D) Bright Hub – Sell your skills immediately by signing up at Bright Hub and selecting categories of interest. Bright Hub creates the titles and you write to the title. Make sure you read the article requirements (which are numerous) and do not “claim” articles you cannot write prior to deadlines. All articles go through an editor who will help you make sure that your articles are in compliance with the site requirements. Most articles pay an up front amount plus page views.
E) Blogging - Create a blog about topics of interest to you. In general, a blog that has a tight focus will often be more widely accepted to a larger audience. You can use Blogger to set up a free blog and monetize it using Kontera and AdSense and earn money while establishing yourself as a freelance writer.
Additional Comments
None of these will help you make a million dollars overnight. Writing requires time, dedication and a commitment to quality. Promoting your work through bookmarking sites such as Digg and Stumble upon and using social networking sites like FaceBook and Twitter will help promote your writing, establish your credibility and increase your earnings.
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Hey Doreen,
This is Jonathan from Kontera. Thanks for being a Kontera Publisher and talking about with your readers what a great option our In-Text network is for bloggers.
What makes Kontera so effective is out Contextual Technology, an algorithm that instead of just scanning keywords like our competitors do, can actually read your webpages for meaning, leading to more relevant ads being displayed on your content. This added level of targeting is why we can provide higher CTR and better CPC.
Another advantage of Kontera is our exclusive ad inventory from such familiar brand names as Blackberry, Dove, L’Oreal, Microsoft, Kmart, Volvo, National Geographic and more. These premium, often Rich-Media ads are the most popular among site visitors, offer the best possible CPC, and can only be found on the Kontera Network.
For anyone interested in joining the Kontera Network, we’re currently offering new Publishers a 70% revenue share, which is the best in the industry. We’re also offering new publishers a $50 bonus if they reach at least 25,000 U.S. page views during their first 30 days on the network. Additionally, we recently lowered our minimum payout threshold from $100 to $50 across all payment methods, so our publishers are seeing their revenue sooner than ever.
You can read more about our great In-Text network on our Publisher Page: http://www.kontera.com/publishers
Thanks,
- Jonathan Cohen
Kontera Community Manager
Jonathanc@kontera.com
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Freelancing & More , Doreen Martel. Doreen Martel said: New Blog Post: Freelancing and the experience quandry http://freelancingandmore.com/2010/06/14/overcoming-freelance-writing-experience-gap/ [...]