Archive for 'Freelance writing'
Most people have the assumption that writing for the Web is different from writing for the print. But the experience of those who are into the business proves that there is not an iota of truth in it. The fact is that if the text has the ingredients to make it good, it would remain so whether it is printed on paper or on a screen.
The common belief is that web readers are in such a hurry that they do not read the entire article. To some extent it is true. The purpose of a journalist is to dispense useful information. But a reader has the right to choose what is useful. The articles in a newspaper are designed in such a manner that it helps the reader to decide how much he should read. Otherwise people would not have read newspapers at all, as it would turn out to be a lengthy affair. It is always better to keep in mind that the web readers are will not read the whole content.
Another bone of contention is about the word limit. Some say it should be limited to 600 – 700 words. But the fact is that people will read lengthy articles if it is interesting and informative. Using headings and sub headings like newspapers and magazines help the readers to pick and choose the information they want.
Writing shorter paragraphs enables the readers to comprehend the written matter at a high pace. It is for the same reason that newspapers and magazines use the same technique. Another important point to be remembered is that unnecessary adjectives, adverbs and jargons should be avoided. Writing tightly helps in avoiding distractions and thereby bringing home ideas with clarity. Putting key information in the beginning of the article is something which has to be taken care of. Mastering this art of arranging information in the descending order distinguishes between a professional and amateur writer.
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A freelancer should be careful while writing online content since there is marked difference between the reading habits and attention span of the online audiences and print media audiences. Lots of factors are to be kept in mind to create content that is readable, attractive and informative. A freelancer should understand the need of the client and deliver material accordingly.
Simplicity is the hallmark of any good piece of writing. Hence a freelancer should make the content as simple as possible. Shorter and simpler words rather than longer and difficult ones will serve this purpose. Sentences which are short and easily understood will grab the attention and interest of the audience. Complex words and jargons may not be understood by majority of the readers. Hence it is advisable to stay away from jargons.
Personal touch in the writing will enhance the readability of the writing. The website visitor should feel as if the author or freelancer is talking to him. Also it should be remembered to give the online surfers what they want. Relevant information regarding the product or service that is provided should be readily available. For this the website has to be well equipped. If the surfers do not get what they are looking for they will go else where.
A freelancer must keep in mind the target audience in mind while writing the content. Every one is aware of the importance of SEO and the role it plays in tanking the website on Search Engines. But it should not be forgotten that the writing is not just for search engines. Any way, content that is written for the readers according to their tastes will be liked by the Search Engines as well.
Posted on 15 September '08 by Jitesh, under Freelance writing. No Comments.
In earlier days the word freelancing did not hold water in the highly competitive world of full time jobs. That was the time when people did not respect freelancers and thought them as fellows who did no serious job. But slowly and steadily freelancers took charge of the professional job market in areas such as Content Writing, Consultancy etc.
There are certain guidelines which the content writers should follow in order to be highly successful in their field.
The most important thing is to identify one`s forte. Being Jack of all trades and master of none will not help anybody. Instead of handling just about anything and everything one should focus on the area where one can do hundred percent justice. For example, research writing, technical writing, ghost writing, article and business proposal writing. When one engages in an area of his own choice the outcome would be far better and outstanding than doing otherwise.
The ability to say no is a determining factor which will take one to success. Writers would be very happy to get a Content Writing inquiry. But it is very important to decide whether one would really like to take up the task. It is better to say no if you feel that the project cannot be completed with utmost interest and dedication. Some writes take up the task simply because they cannot say no. In such cases they cannot do justice to the work. Every writing inquiry comes in the form of an opportunity to prove one`s skill and earn in the process. But it is advisable not to grab the opportunity if one is not inclined to the subject.
A freelance writer must be clear about his terms and conditions. Also he should stick to them come what may. This will help the writer to grow professionally since clients prefer writers who are upfront with their work conditions like time frames, payments etc.
Willingness to ask questions for clearing doubts is another deciding factor for achieving success. One should be ready to ask for clarifications and spend a little time with the clients to avoid unnecessary rework and other hassles along the way.
Establishing a rapport with the clients and companies for which one work for is very important. For achieving this writers should honor their commitments. A freelancer should always respect the deadlines and timeframes set for the work. If such things are taken care of sincerely, there is no doubt that freelancing can turn out to be a highly rewarding profession.
There was a time when people preferred a secure, full time job under a single employer. Now the trend has changed. More and more graphic designers, web designers, copy writers and article writers are interested in working as freelancers. The factor which is in favor of freelancers is that employers are ready to grab the opportunity to outsource their projects to experienced writers than incurring liability of paying and training regular employees. There are certain tips to guide the employers for hiring the right freelancing professional.
The first thing to do is to list down the project detail in black and white, in terms of deliverables, skills required, time constraints etc. Then research should be conducted to find the suitable person for the job. Here comes the utility of Internet, which helps to identify professionals who offer their services in particular fields.
Matching requirements is the next step. Depending on one’s requirement it is possible to narrow down the search criteria. For example, you would like to hire a person from the same city or would like to meet the person before contracting or whatever. The factor of experience comes next. Even though most people prefer experienced writers it is up to the employer to take the final decision. Less experienced persons can be hired for smaller projects.
It is always advisable to ask for writing or design samples from an experienced freelancer. If it is a new person, a sample article or design job can be given to test competency. Also it is important to discuss terms and conditions to avoid inconveniences in future.
Tags:Freelance writing.
Hiring the right employee for one’s firm is a task which has to be done with proper planning and utmost precision. The wrong person entering the premises can be detrimental to the success and welfare of the company. Once the person is appointed he has to be given adequate training to make him adjusted with the system and work. A lot of man power and other resources are needed for this.
Most of the companies have found solution for this problem in an efficient manner by hiring freelancers. Through this the company gets the service of an experienced hand without spending huge amount for recruitment and training. Companies are spared the painstaking efforts of dealing with agents who charge exorbitant agency fees. Providing health benefits and insurance, giving up valuable office space etc can be saved by hiring freelancers.
Freelancers are the best possible alternatives available in the present scenario. They are fully dedicated to their work and works constantly to increase the business of the company they are hired for. They consider the business as their livelihood and deliver the best possible outcome. Companies are regarded as potential clients and they meet deadlines and get the work done at any cost. Even if the existing staff is capable the creativity of the freelancer will be of immense help for the company. It will bring a new life and vitality for the system.
One should keep in mind certain while hiring a freelancer. First of all the inherent writing style of the person has to be checked out. Preference should be given to people possessing simple style of writing along with convincing power. Grammar and spelling are other important areas to be considered.
Freelance writers who specialize in specific industries are available these days apart from those who have experience across various fields. One should have a clear idea about whom to be chosen for one’s business concern. Another factor of utmost importance is whether the writer is willing to research the topic before producing articles. Sample write up can be asked for getting an idea about the writer and his writing. It should be made sure that the writer has enough time to devote for the project. Finally before taking the final decision, it is better to ask for references of previous clients on their credentials.
The contemporary drive towards technological advancement has rendered fetish the traditional writing rituals and left wide doors of opportunities for people desirous to make the best out of their freelance skills. If you belong to this category, get settled and let us discuss how you can make a step of advancement with your unique articles.
Pause for a while, to soberly think through without letting this seemingly grandiose expression cloud your independent judgment. To begin with, I will like to settle on a few unavoidable facts of the online freelance industry.
A common challenge most new entrants are confronted with has to do is the difficulty in determining which direction to shoot their bearings when it comes to writing either for commercial or recreative purposes. In my modest understanding I too share the pain of this dilemma, in that, an abundant stream of untargeted information on a specific subject matter is as good as nothing. Therefore, let us spend the next few lines exploring the possible guides that will illuminate your search for an online writing space.
A caution that you can never overlook is to begin on the misguiding impression that you are person who knows it all. Undoubtedly, you may be the smartest fellow in the world, it however, will not pay to fire your arsenal in disarray. How do you avoid this fatality of puffing up with confidence stretched to the extreme.
- Conduct an independent verifiable assessment of what your writing skills are. May be you can do it analogously with your experience. Doing this will enable you know and appreciate your present level when it comes to freelancing. It will be the basis upon which you can make another successful move.
- March this with your aptitudes and passion. You will agree that you do not just need the technical know how in dealing with issues of life, but an equally important part is the level of passion that will drive your intended mission. Possible areas to consider include, sports, showbiz, fashion and environmental topics.
- Consider going for online blogging as another interest and confidence builder. Writing like every known skill requires some considerable exposure to practice to enable you develop some dexterity. Blogging is certainly a good starting point, considering the fact that there is an endless list of topics to be discussed on website blogs. Familiarize yourself with the topics and themes which are regularly posted to enable you contribute through commentary to any ongoing discourse.
- Embark on a wild hunt for possible freelance jobs online using any of the popular internet search engines. You will receive a rewarding experience of the numerous list of institutions and individual’s who want to engage your services granted you can prove yourself equal to the task.
