• By Yuwanda Black
• Published 02/17/2011
• Article Writing

Online writing jobs are plentiful, and the demand for freelance writers who can produce this type of content is increasing. If this type of work appeals to you, you’re in good company. You can make a lot of money as web writer. Following are three things you should know if you’re considering hanging out your “online” shingle for this type of work. 1. The Ability to Work Alone: If you crave water cooler talk and lunch with co-workers, this type of job may not appeal to you. As a web writer, you work alone a lot of the time. You’ll be conducting research, updating blogs, repurposing content, etc. If you’re good at what you do, you’ll create a strong demand for your services. And, you won’t have time to chat with your girlfriends or hang out with your boyfriend – even if you work from home. To meet client deadlines, you’re going to have to . . . work. And work alone. 2. The Ability to Stay Focused: If you can’t stay focused, online writing jobs may not appeal to you. Why? Because clients expect you to meet their deadlines.

And, when they place an order with you for 20 blog posts and they want them in 24-48 hours, if you’re n

ot focused, you run the risk of missing this deadline. And, this doesn’t include other clients you may have. Missed deadlines are an absolute no-no because many times, the content you write for clients may be for one of their clients. For example, if your client is a web design firm, they may outsource their SEO article writing to you. And, if they’ve promised their client that their website would be done on Tuesday, and you’re late with the content, it makes them look bad. Think they’re going to hire you again? Not! Not only that, they won’t be sending you referrals either. How long do you think your freelance writing career will last with this type of service? Right. Not very long at all. 3. How to Price Jobs: Online writing jobs are priced all over the map. You’ll see posts for 500-word articles for $3, and those that pay $50 for a 250-word blog post. So, how much should you charge? Well, it depends on a variety of factors, eg, word count, type of content, turnaround time, etc.

The bottom line is, you must, must, must learn how to charge for online writing jobs – or get out of the game. For if you don’t, you run the risk of working for peanuts. Many new online writers make this mistake. You don’t have to be one of them.