Finding the Best Paying Freelancer Jobs in 2020: Fiverr vs. Upwork vs. Symposium

So, you’re ready to start offering your experience to the masses as a freelancer. You’ve realized that your skillset is valuable, and you know there are people out there who want and need what you have to offer. The only problem is that you’re not exactly sure where to start. Freelancing can be a tight market to break into. Sometimes it seems like it’s about who you know, as opposed to what you know, that makes or breaks your leap into working for yourself. Finding great freelancing jobs can seem daunting. The good news is that there are a ton of people out there who are thinking like you. They’re ready to take control of their schedules, workload, and pay rate. Ready to become masters of their own destiny, if you will. And like you, they’re looking for clients who are seeking the skill sets they have to offer. So, now what? The internet is booming with sites that offer freelancing gigs, but which ones should you use? More importantly, which one is the best? You don’t want to entangle yourself with scams, or with jobs that are going to lead you to dead ends. We were you not too long ago, and, from our experience, we know you need to start your freelance work off on the right foot. So, we’ve broken down the top three freelance job posting sites. We’re going to give you the ins and outs of using these platforms and which sites you should focus your efforts on. Finding Freelancer Jobs From our perspective, there are three outsourcing sites you should include in your freelance work search. These sites are Fiverr , Upwork , and Symposium . If you’ve followed our site in recent months, you’ve heard us talk about Symposium before. However, you must understand all three of these websites, so you can make your best, educated decision on how you’d like to move forward. Clearly, we’re going to give you our opinion on the topic (don’t we always?). Despite that, we recognize that you’re taking the reigns on your professional life, so we want to give you the freedom to take the wheel here, too. Fiverr vs. Upwork vs. Symposium Fiverr, like the other platforms, is a two-sided website. On one side of their offerings, Fiverr allows individuals to post available job opportunities. These positions may come from employers, entrepreneurs, or hobbyists who are looking for some side help with their passion. The Marketplace (or the virtual “job board” on Fiverr) is full of opportunities in many fields. Some of the positions need an individual with an immense amount of experience and expertise. Other opportunities need some administrative support. The bottom line is that whatever void an employer needs to be filled (within reason) is permissible to post. On the other side of Fiverr’s offerings are individuals who are seeking work opportunities. These are the people who are looking for a side hustle or people who may want to make a career […]

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Part II: Which is the better grammar checker? Grammarly or Hemingway?

In our first installment of this article, we discussed how most people desperately need a program to help them with grammar. Your clients are judging you on your ability to write a proposal, and your writing may be affecting your bottom line. In our last article, we took a close look at Grammarly. 

 In this article, we will look at Grammarly’s competitor: Hemingway.

How much does Hemingway cost?

Hemingway has a free web version with limited features, but the full version will allow you to work offline. The MAC and PC versions are both $19.99, and once you purchase the software, you have it for life.

How do you use Hemingway?

You can get started with Hemingway immediately. Visit the website, and you will find text already in the editing field. Replace that text by copying and pasting your document on the editing screen. Click the “edit” button in the top right corner, and you will immediately see the color-coded suggestions.

The blue-highlighted text tells the writer the number of adverbs he or she used in the document. To ensure readability, the creators of Hemingway suggest using a limited number of modifiers in a text. The amount you should use is based on the word count of the document.

The green-highlighted text points out the passive voice. Sometimes passive voice is almost impossible to get rid of without the sentence sounding ridiculous. Most of the time, though, you can turn passive voice into active voice relatively easily.

 Do you see the pink-highlighted text? The color pink indicates that you may have used a more complicated word than necessary. Hemingway will give you a suggestion of a more straightforward word.

Yellow-highlighted sentences are relatively hard to read, and the orange sentences are very hard to read. This is based on the number of words, phrases, or clauses in the sentence.

How does Hemingway make you a better writer?

Hemingway’s primary focus is readability. If you struggle with writing long, complicated sentences, bogged down with lots of descriptors, you need to use Hemingway today.

Hemingway is also the perfect choice for someone whose writing always sounds academic or formal. The app points out when you can use a one-syllable word as opposed to a four-syllable word.

How does Hemingway score your document’s readability?

Hemingway assigns your document a grade level that corresponds loosely with the American grading system. For example, if your text is labeled as appropriate for Grade 6, that means the average 12-year-old could easily understand your writing.

The app also takes it one step further by telling the writer how long it would take the average person to read the text silently to themselves.

How does Grammarly compare with Hemingway?

First, let’s discuss the pros and cons of using Hemingway.

Hemingway is cheap. You can’t get much less expensive than “free.” Hemingway is also a useful tool for people who tend to be wordy and use complicated words.

On the other hand, sometimes the one-syllable word isn’t the right choice for what you are trying to say. Descriptive words can add depth to your writing, so adverbs shouldn’t be outlawed. Also, Hemingway sometimes leaves documents as choppy-sounding shells of what the article once was.

Grammarly will tell you when you are using a complicated word and may suggest a simpler one. At the same time, Grammarly may also give you a more-nuanced word as a suggestion to replace a simple word. Grammarly will tell you when your sentence structure is too repetitive as well as being too complicated. Also, we like when Grammarly politely nudges you as you write to notify you of glaring errors.

We think that the Grammarly scoring system is rather silly. What does it mean that your text is rated an 89/100? That bit of data means nothing to an average writer, except it may be a fun comparison tool.

Grammarly or Hemingway? Which tool is better?

Grammarly is, by far, the better choice. We feel as if it improves writing better than Hemingway. It makes writers sound more intelligent while Hemingway often leaves documents sounding as if a fourth-grader would have written them. 

By the way, Hemingway dinged me for using nine adverbs in my text, none of which I changed. I used two words that had simpler alternatives. Five times my verbs were passive voice, which I didn’t care enough to change either. 

And my grade level? Hemingway said this text would be appropriate for a seventh-grader. This may be true, but I’m not writing this blog post for 13-year-olds.

This article was originally posted at Freelancing buzz.

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Freelance economy: Why part-time workforce is new normal for entrepreneurs to cut cost, attract talent

Create YoureCommerce WebsiteYou’re the Boss. Create aProfessional Website or OnlineStore With Weebly Today. Ad closed by Report this ad Why this ad? Ad covered contentAd was inappropriateNot interested in this adSeen this ad multiple timesThanks. Feedback improves Google adsAd closed by Time-bound contracts are the answer also for smaller firms and startups that may not be able to afford regular employees or professionals with specialised skills. By Dilipkumar Khandelwal Corporate roles and structures, industries, and even economies are experiencing what I view as creative destruction. One of the major reasons for this is the introduction of new technologies that allow talented professionals to farm out their skills to several companies instead of being attached to only one. This phenomenon is what we know as the ‘gig economy’ (freelance economy). I have read that there is a significant rise in the number of ‘gig workers’ in India, aided by technology that has made remote working common. One indicator of this is the mushrooming of co-working spaces in urban centres. Here, professionals and businesses can connect to forge mutually beneficial bonds. Win-Win Model Given its growing popularity, I wouldn’t be surprised if the gig economy becomes all-pervasive. That would be a boon for India, given that four million people enter our workforce every year. With businesses cautious about adding to their rolls, the gig approach could result in gainful employment for many. Companies benefit too because they can, based on client requirements, take on merely a temporary workforce – saving big on administrative and overhead costs. Time-bound contracts are the answer also for smaller firms and startups that may not be able to afford regular employees or professionals with specialised skills. The professionals benefit by getting to choose from a wider array of part-time employers and varied projects. This is a win-win model. Let’s not forget this is an experience-driven generation that doesn’t want to be tied down to fixed corporate structures and norms. In return for professional freedom and a wider choice, it is willing to take a certain level of risks when it comes to earnings. In a study this year by NobleHouse, a platform that connects companies with talent, 73 per cent of respondents said they would prefer freelance work to a full-time job. A study two years ago by Ernst & Yong on the ‘Future of Jobs in India’ claimed 24 per cent of the world’s gig workers are in India. Also read: Not only Amazon, Flipkart, banks, brands too part of ‘unholy’ nexus of discounting, CAIT to Piyush Goyal Why Gig Economy? What this tells me is that there is an entire value chain being built – from platforms that connect gig workers to businesses, to those that manage workflow and payments. It also tells me that the old models of employment are changing. As an extension of this argument, remote teams connected by technology will be the dominant trend of the future. Here are some characteristics of the gig economy: The biggest advantage for a […]

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How to Start Your Writing Business with These 15 Sites

Are you a unicorn writer looking to share your writing talents with the world but you’re not sure where to start? Maybe you’re looking for a way to make a little money on the side of your main gig. If you’re a writer of any skill level, you’re in luck — there are numerous online websites and resources for you to share your writing — and get paid for it. Keep reading to learn more about 15 of my favorite freelance writing jobs for beginners. 1. Hire Writers At Hire Writers, you can apply to write articles and other content for various websites. With the free writer membership, you can write about what you want by picking from a number of different topics based on websites’ needs. You can also write when you want, creating your own work-from- home schedule. If you don’t feel like writing, there are other jobs to choose from, as well, including research, proofreading, and idea generation. The best part — this freelance writing job pays weekly. 2. Online Writing Jobs This freelance writing job is focused on content and SEO writing, so if you’re a writer with a marketing background (or an interest in marketing), this is the site for you. The free application process to become a writer for Online Writing Jobs includes a unique writing sample that you get paid for. Once accepted, your work will earn you $15 to $50, depending on your skill level and the complexity of the content. 3. iWriter If you’re looking for a freelance writing job but don’t want the hassle of sending bids or proposals or looking through a ton of available jobs, you’re in luck. At iWriter, people, websites, and companies select you from a list of writers. They then present the work they need completed, and you get a freelance writing job. 4. Writer Access Writer Access is another great resource if you want a freelance writing job but don’t have the time to sort through businesses, clients, and projects. After applying and passing Writer Access’ proficiency test, the site uses artificial intelligence programs to scan your sample work and match you up with the best brands and agencies that you can write for. 5. The Content Authority The Content Authority is a more in-depth resource for freelance writing jobs. But you can still be a beginner. In fact, this website uses a tier system for their writers. Every new writer begins at Tier 1, which includes a probationary period during which the writer can begin creating a small portfolio. After the probationary period, the work is analyzed and the writer can be promoted to a higher tier. Once officially a writer for The Content Authority, you will be paid weekly, if you have a minimum of $25 in approved articles. 6. Textbroker Textbroker is a great resource for beginners looking for a freelance writing job because it accepts writers with varying levels of experience. The site includes resources for improving your writing […]

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A Brilliant New Focus For The Freelance Revolution: Age Tech

null Getty It was my birthday this week, and I confess that I’m into my sixth decade. By no means am I slowing down in my writing or enthusiasm for the freelance revolution and the potential for remote work. But there’s a new focus area with amazing potential for the freelance revolution – something that creates extraordinary opportunity for freelancers. And, it’s hardly received the publicity it deserves. It’s what my mentor and solopreneur par excellence Keren Etkin calls Age Tech . Keren has become an important global influencer and a unique thought leader both in mobilizing interest in age tech, and identifying new areas combining both service to the elderly and significant commercial prospects. More about Keren in a moment, but here’s what age tech means for the freelance revolution. In every area of tech, and broadly across professional disciplines, there are large and growing opportunities for freelancers to participate in a new area that combines technology innovation and financial opportunity. Here’s the bottom line as described by investor Dominic Endicott in an interview with my Forbes colleague Tina Woods: “Age-Tech spending is poised to grow fast. Older people are the fastest growing demographic group; digitization is growing across all sectors and digitization in aging is converging towards the global average. I project the global Aging Economy will reach $27 Trillion in 2025, with digitization at 10%, for an Age-Tech potential of $2.7 Trillion by 2025. This would imply 21% annual growth in the global Age-Tech market.” In other words, significant rewards are available to those freelancers who help build the age tech economy. Wood’s article describes a number of areas where age tech is growing fast: PROMOTED 1. Services purchased by older people . Services used by seniors are in many cases not just purchased by the elderly, but they are significant beneficiaries. Ride sharing is one example: Lyft, for example provides access to their network through a partnership that doesn’t depend on senior comfort with smart phones. Or Amazon and other companies that assembles all medications to improve convenience and safety. A study by Charles Schewe of the University of Massachusetts points out the importance of services to the elderly: “(t)he physical and life style changes of the elderly produce an emphasis on services over goods … the need for such services as home security, car maintenance and repair, and lawn care and also found high interest in “no-frills” products and services.” On demand services from Task Rabbit to Instacart are of particular value to seniors and individuals with physical limitations, and in future can be customized to the needs of elderly customers. All Trails , for example, provides hikers with information on children friendly paths. It would take little effort to provide hiking trail intel that was more specific to seniors. 2. Services offered on behalf of older people . Technology is rapidly expanding both the breadth and quality of services provided for seniors. Healthcare is an obvious area for innovation. As a recent article […]

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I’m a full-time freelancer, and there are 3 things I’m doing right now to recession-proof my finances

I got laid off from my job at a tech startup in 2015 and decided to go full-time freelance. Since then, I’ve built up a steady roster of clients and feel confident about my career. But I still need to prepare financially for the possibility of a recession. To protect myself, I’m building up my emergency fund and finding new ways to make money so I’ll be relevant no matter what. Read more personal finance coverage . There are a lot of perks to being a freelancer, from working with a variety of clients to working from home in pajamas (if you feel like it). But with that kind of flexibility comes some tough-to-swallow realities, such as the fear of losing all your clients around the same time or budgeting enough money to pay for benefits that full-time employees receive (i.e. health insurance and retirement contributions). After I got laid off from my job at a tech startup in 2015, I decided to enter the world of freelancing. For the past four years, I have enjoyed the ups and downs of working with clients and growing my career through new types of challenges. But one thing that’s been on my mind this year, with talk of a possible recession on the horizon , is how I’d survive the freelance game if the economy took a major dip — and so did the budgets of businesses that are hiring people like me. With that fear in the back of my mind, I’ve been working hard to figure out ways to recession-proof my finances . Here’s what I’ve been doing to get a head start on the what-ifs that could be caused by a recession in months or years to come. Building an emergency fund Whether you’re a full-time, salaried worker, business owner, or freelancer, a recession is stressful — you don’t know what the future holds for your finances. In my case, I want to protect myself against the slow loss of income that could occur if clients start to end their contracts with me. One actionable step I’ve been taking since January is contributing monthly to an emergency fund . That way, if I lose my clients and struggle to find new ones, I have a savings fund to tap into to pay for my immediate needs (housing and food) while I consider my next move. Diversifying my clients When I started freelancing in 2015, I worked with only two clients. I quickly realized that it can be risky to rely on income from just two clients, because if they both end their contracts with you, you have to start from scratch with business development. That’s why Andrea Travillian, a business coach , recommends diversifying your clients. “If all your income is dependent on two or three customers, it will be harder to keep going if one of them goes under. Or even if they just need to cut back. Start building up a larger base of clients,” says […]

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Freelancer Networking 101: How to Build Your Tribe Online

Networking Being a full-time freelancer can be stressful and at times, frustrating. You’re always wondering where your next job’s going to come from. Full-time freelancers need to make sure their paychecks cover their bills, all without the security of a guaranteed salary! Within the United States alone, 35% of Americans did freelance work in 2018. That’s a whole load of competition and work to be bidding for. But content creators need to stick together, which is why we’ve assembled this networking 101 lesson for freelancers. Keep reading for some great freelance networking advice you absolutely need to know. The Basis Of Good Networking The basis of networking 101 is simple. The number one rule is buying into the concept of reciprocity. Before you dive headfirst into the world of networking, you need to change your mindset. Be willing to give good leads to others without expecting anything in return. The principle of networking says this will come back to you. So change your mindset and you’re already halfway to successful networking. So, Where Do You Start? First things first: you need to have an online portfolio or showcase you can share with your potential network and customers. When you introduce yourself, people are going to want to see what it is that you can do. Next, spend some time on social media. Join LinkedIn and set up a detailed profile, search for freelancing groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, and send out those join requests! Remember to read carefully through any group or community rules. Don’t be that guy who’s unkind and does whatever he pleases. If the group rules say no advertising, then don’t do it. Focus on building yourself a positive profile and reputation. Remember though, there are so many facets to think about as a full-time freelancer, from hours on a project, to how to bill your clients, being a 1099 employee, and managing your time. So allocate the right amount of time per week to your networking venture. Freelancer Networking 101: Attend Those Events The most traditional method of networking is the actual events that happen in and around your area. Local events are often the ones that provide you with the opportunity for fast, rapid growth in your freelancing career. Depending on the goals you want to achieve, you’ll want to look into the purpose of an event before you consider attending. Some are simply to meet likeminded people, while others open up the floor for people to introduce themselves and showcase their services. Remember that age-old saying? It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. Networking is a perfect example of this. Joe, the plumber you met at that local networking event? Well, his uncle’s starting a video production company. And while he has a logo already, he’s looking for someone to take his brand to the next level for its launch. So Joe gives Uncle Bob your contact details and the rest is history. That’s what networking can do for […]

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Get That Coin Sis: Your Complete Guide on How to Get Paid as a Freelancer

In 2019, 5.7 million Americans in the United States were freelancing full-time. This number grows each year and freelancers now make 35% of the U.S. workforce. The number of freelancers in the world is even higher, which calls for easy, fast, and affordable payment methods. If you’re just starting out in freelancing, you need to research the payment methods available to you. This will help you get paid faster, avoid high fees, and keep your clients happy. Keep reading to learn how to get paid as a freelancer, find the best option for your business, and be your own boss. Electronic Funds Transfer This is one of the easiest and most affordable freelance payment methods for both parties. The client transfers the money directly to the freelancer’s bank account electronically, so there are no intermediaries or software taking a cut. The transfer usually takes 2-5 business days, after which you can use or withdraw the money immediately. For this method to work, you should talk to your bank and make sure they can accommodate these transfers. PayPal is the most popular method for receiving freelance payments because it’s fast, easy, and free to set up. However, it has its drawbacks in the form of high fees, freezing funds, and limited availability. Before you start using PayPal for freelance work, make sure to understand how it works as well as the annual fees involved. Use a pay stub maker to create paystubs for yourself so you keep track of your finances at all times. Xoom (A PayPal Product) Xoom is an online payment processing system created by PayPal that lets you receive money from clients in minutes. It works similarly to remote money transfer companies and you can receive the money in your bank account, pick them up in cash at partner locations, or have them delivered to your door. It usually takes 2-3 business days for the money to arrive and the fees are manageable, making Xoom one of the best upcoming freelancer payment options. Payoneer is the best payment method for freelancers from countries where PayPal is not available. The payment processing period is quicker than PayPal and the transaction and currency exchange fees are lower. You can receive money in multiple currencies and transfer them directly to your bank account. You also get a Payoneer card that you can use as a regular debit card to make purchases. TransferWise is an online payment system that companies use to pay freelancers globally. The money travels from one account to the other, so there are no border-crossing fees. On the other hand, TransferWise only transfers money in your country’s official currency, and the exchange rate fees are mandatory. Processing times vary depending on your country, but it typically takes 3-5 days to complete a transaction. Now You Know How to Get Paid as a Freelancer Now that you know how to get paid as a freelancer, it’s time to up your game and start making money! Before you start […]

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4 common uses of co-working spaces

Co-working spaces are growing in popularity. They are seen now as the norm. Companies such as GoFloaters are meeting the demand for this new way of working. There are so many different uses for shared space, and a wide range of individuals and businesses use them. Four of the primary users of a co-working space are freelancers, remote workers who travel, startups, and students. Below is some information on how these four types of people and businesses are using and utilizing shared office spaces. Freelancers As freelancers do not work for a company and work entirely for themselves, shared working spaces are an ideal solution. It can be difficult for a freelancer to work at home. Perhaps, it is too noisy, or they do not have the right furniture or lighting to work correctly. They could also try a coffee shop; however, they are generally loud and distracting. Co-working spaces offer a more conventional setting for a freelancer to get his work completed with no annoyances. Many freelancers are taking advantage of companies such as GoFloaters to find the perfect space to meet their needs. Remote Workers Who Travel There has been an enormous increase in remote workers, the other name for whom is ‘nomad’ workers . These individuals can be involved in any amount of industries such as teaching online, digital marketing, virtual help, online coaching, and so much more. They are people who work so they can travel and move around when they want. Shared working space in the area they are visiting next will be hugely advantageous for them. It’s difficult to find it, however, if you don’t have help. Using coworking space sites takes the hassle out of the process for the digital nomad. There are many such co-working space sites out there, depending on the destination. However, for example, GoFloaters caters to people living in different areas of India. Startups It can be so difficult trying to set up your own business. You will be concerned about the amount of expenses that build up and no cash flow coming in. Startups have been utilizing shared working spaces for this very reason. Renting out an entire office when it may only be you and a few more staff, is impractical and very costly. Another advantage for a startup to use a co-working space is the lack of commitment required as you would not have to sign a several years lease (which is common). Sites such as GoFloaters require a month-to-month payment, which would be very beneficial for a company with financial restrictions. It is also a great place to network, have a healthy work environment, and meet interesting and skilled people. Students You may think it is only working professionals who reap the benefits of a shared spaced office. Individuals in third-level education or adult students can also find it helpful. A student who is finding it very difficult to study due to a lot of distractions will find coworking spaces to be excellent. They […]

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Why You Don’t Need Passion to Start Freelancing

Struggling to pick a vocation? Here’s why passion is irrelevant when starting your freelance business, and what to focus on instead. The saying goes, “Follow your passion. Passion will set you free.” I call bullshit. Passion is great. But it can also leave your spinning your wheels and jumping from one area of interest to another. To succeed as a freelancer, you need to build a set of skills that will help you attract clients and projects you love. Passion will come about organically. Here’s why. Choosing the right field can be challenging. Log onto Instagram, and you’ll probably come across a photo of the ocean from your favorite travel blogger’s Airbnb view in Maui. Meanwhile, you’re staring at the dregs of autumn and yesterday’s coffee, and it makes you wonder what your passion is. You don’t know the exact answer, but it sure doesn’t look like this. Besides, Maui is beautiful this time of year. That’s where Mary finds herself on a grey Thursday afternoon. We’re sitting at a low-traffic coffeeshop talking about networking when Mary leans over and asks, “What are you passionate about? Would you rather do marketing or go off and do something else more fun, like tours in wine country?” I pause, midstory. “Wine tastings would be fun, and I love to travel, but I’m sure there are people with way more experience than me doing that,” I answer. “Besides, I’m good at digital marketing.” She leans back. Her eyes twinkle as she confesses, “I’m trying to figure out what I’m passionate about.” She goes on: “I’m a curious person. I like to try things out. So I tried sales, and I was good at that. Customer research, advertising — good at that, too. And this week, going through a whole bunch of life stuff, I’m stuck. I wanna find what I’m passionate about.” We stare at each other. I can relate. Mary assumes that if she can nail down her passion, she can create a business that aligns with what she loves. She’s hoping that her passion will give her an edge as she builds the business of her dreams. It’s a question that almost drove me mad in trying to answer it. “I think you should be asking a different question, then,” I respond. If you, like Mary, are stuck on the passion train, jump off before you hit a wall. Focusing on passion puts the cart before the horse. I liken it to asking the universe to tell you what you should be doing — before you’ve built the skills and experience necessary to do it. You want to jump into something that feels exciting — but you also want to be sure before you leap. So, you sit and stew on questions like: “What’s my meaning?” “What’s my purpose?” “What’s my calling?” These types of questions lead you to analysis paralysis. The reality is passion comes from doing, not from a strike of lightning when you are sitting on the […]

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