Freelancer Profile: Marsha Jones
Marsha Jones
Boise, ID
PearlsNProse.com
Q: Tell me a little about your freelance background (how you got started, how long you've done it, etc.).
A: I first learned about freelancing in 2011 as part of the Tech-Comm program at Boise State. I was in the process of creating my own website to attract clients that needed writing services. At the same time, a fellow student told me about an online contractor site where I could bid on writing and other jobs, even though he had never used it. The site was originally called ODesk, which was later changed to Upwork. In the meantime, I learned there were many more contractor/client sites where online work could be performed, and that each one worked a little differently than the other. I proceeded to establish profiles on three freelancing websites. By then, I had also completed my Pearls ‘n’ Prose website where I could showcase my work and upload testimonials from satisfied clients. After several months, it became clear that Upwork was the easiest platform to use, the most reliable, and had the potential of being the most lucrative. While I still find clients through my own website, in 2018 I continue to use Upwork to find work when I don’t have jobs from regular clients or new inquiries from my site. On the client/contractor sites, there is more work to do and more money to be made than most freelancers have time for.
“Seek small jobs for any amount of pay to build your profile and learn the ropes...These tasks may land you with a new client and will also stand out on your new website portfolio.”
Q: What do you wish you would have known when you started freelancing?
A: At first, freelancing is intimidating. I soon learned my writing degree and skills were extremely competitive and there was nothing to fear. Whether I received an inquiry on my website or bid on a job on the contractor site, an interview generally involved no more than a few online messages or possibly a few phone calls; some clients want to speak on Skype or a messaging platform but generally not with video. Do not be intimidated, and remember that you know more about your specialty field than anyone seeking to hire. Set up your site profile or your website with diligence and bid on jobs with confidence. Start small, bid on lower paying jobs until you’ve built your profile, and then go for the big, well-paying jobs you love to do. Creating a website is also very simple even though at first I found it overwhelming. There are many inexpensive content management systems (CMS) to choose from, and the online templates make it so easy now.
Q: What are three key pieces of advice for students considering freelancing?
A: Three key pieces of advice are:
Research freelancing websites and compare "how it works." Select 1-2 freelancing sites to set up profiles; a profile and work samples are critical; take a week or two. Eventually create your own website as well, so you have another platform for freelancing opportunities.
Look for local and national clients with a good rapport (you want to avoid International jobs at first unless you speak a language or can add value; the time zone, payment, and coordination can be challenging, especially if you are learning).
Seek small jobs for any amount of pay to build your profile and learn the ropes. As I learned in the Tech-Comm program, write something for free, seek out outdated websites and offer a revamp, or refresh a poorly written menu and turn it in. These tasks may land you with a new client and will also stand out on your new website portfolio.
Q: What are the best parts and what are the biggest challenges?
A: Obviously, the best part of freelancing is setting your own hours and being your own boss. You work when you want to work and you have extreme flexibility to take on the work you enjoy. If you use the online platforms, you can actually find consistent work, but you have to continually bid on new jobs while you are working on others. The difficulties in freelancing include the lack of medical insurance, retirement, company benefits, and taxes. If you have a spouse that works, your these items may not be an issue. Naturally, you can pay into medical insurance but it won’t be cheap. You have to treat your freelancing job like a regular job with a company and be dedicated to the hours you need to work if you are relying on regular income for yourself. You have to work smart to land large jobs with well-paying companies. Getting published is a bonus for finding upscale writing assignments that pay well.
Q: Can you recommend any resources for people wanting to start freelancing?
A: There are many, so search the web. Below are some of the resources I’ve used in the past:
Article and Videos: The 15 Best Freelance Websites to Find Jobs Note: this articles is now a few years old, so some of the sites may not be available.
www.upwork.com -- I've built a profile and had amazing results on this website since 2011. You set your own hourly rate and bid on hourly or fixed rate jobs. You can make $10 to $40 thousand a year (automatic deposit to your bank).
www.writeraccess.com -- You can sign up and then grab whatever writing articles they have. It doesn't pay as well, but some clients pay more for higher skills; great for your resume (pays through PayPal, and then you deposit to your bank).
http://www.peopleperhour -- I've done pretty well on this site; I believe it's based in the UK. They post US jobs as well. I have a regular client on here (pays through PayPal, and then you deposit to your bank).
www.thumbtack.com -- This is a leads generator. You build a profile based on your experience and then a person in the US requests 5 bids for certain types of writing. They state the amount they will pay, or you can negotiate. The trick is to respond immediately (you negotiate how payment is made).
LinkedIn ProFinder -- Sign up and let LinkedIn find you leads. I’ve landed a few writing jobs from clients seeking services based on my profile.