In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about ecommerce content writing, including the following:

1. What ecommerce content writing is
2. What an ecommerce content writer does
3. Practical ecommerce writing tips to help you get started in the industry
4. How to become an ecommerce content writer

Keep reading to get started!

What Is Ecommerce Content Writing?

Ecommerce content writing involves writing for online platforms that sell products or services. Most ecommerce content targets a specific audience with a primary objective in mind – such as making a sale or increasing website traffic. This means it often needs to be persuasive as well as informative. Some examples of ecommerce content include:

• Product descriptions
• Website content (e.g., landing pages)
• Blog posts
• Marketing copy
• Social media posts
• Emails and newsletters

These are just a few examples – essentially, any written material published or used by an online business would be considered ecommerce content writing.

What Does an Ecommerce Writer Do?

Ecommerce writers are crucial to the success of online businesses – the content they create plays a pivotal role in determining whether customers have a positive experience on a website or social media page. Therefore, ecommerce content must be not only informative but also attention-grabbing and engaging to pique the interest of potential customers.

Given the variety of ecommerce businesses, the day-to-day responsibilities of an ecommerce content writer can vary depending on the specific products or services offered by the company. However, most ecommerce writers typically:

• Optimize SEO content
• Write clear and compelling calls to action to encourage website visitors to take the desired actions
• Ensure a consistent brand voice
• Research relevant industry trends to ensure their content is up-to-date
• Follow the style guidelines for their specific ecommerce company
• Collaborate with marketing teams to align their writing with broader content marketing objectives

Ecommerce content writers are also expected to adjust their writing style or strategy based on feedback from team members or customers. They may use analytics tools like Google Analytics, particularly in smaller ecommerce businesses, to track the performance of their content.

5 Ecommerce Content Writing Tips

If you want to create memorable and informative ecommerce content, consider these essential tips:

Know Your Target Audience

Every online business serves a unique customer base. Understanding your specific target audience’s preferences, interests, and pain points is crucial when creating ecommerce content. Creating buyer personas can help tailor your content to specific demographics.

Use Storytelling Techniques in Your Content

Effective ecommerce content does more than just state facts – it engages readers by weaving a narrative that connects to the brand’s mission and values. In a competitive online environment, standing out and creating a lasting impression through personal connections with customers is key.

Focus on Value

Your content should clearly communicate the value and unique benefits of your company’s products or services. Incorporating positive customer reviews and testimonials as “social proof” can also enhance credibility and authority.

Use Persuasive Language

A significant aspect of ecommerce content writing is encouraging readers to take beneficial actions, such as making a purchase or providing their email address. Use engaging and persuasive language, favoring an active voice over a passive one for a more direct tone and emphasizing the customer’s engagement with the content.

Include Descriptive Imagery 

Vivid imagery can be a powerful marketing tool, aiding potential customers in visualizing content. Employ detailed descriptions and robust, positive adjectives to bring your content to life.

How to Become an Ecommerce Content Writer

Becoming an ecommerce writer involves a combination of writing skills and marketing principles, as well as a supportive professional network. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in ecommerce content writing or adding it to your repertoire, consider the following steps:

1. Develop Your Writing Skills

The cornerstone of successful ecommerce content writing is strong writing ability. Hone your writing skills by starting a personal blog or enrolling in a freelance writing course.

2. Build a Portfolio

Create a freelance writing portfolio that showcases your writing, including samples of ecommerce-related content. If you lack paid experience, consider crafting mock ecommerce content, such as product descriptions or calls to action.

3. Learn SEO Basics

Since the primary objective of ecommerce content is to boost website traffic, learning the basics of SEO, such as integrating links and relevant keywords, can help attract potential clients.

4. Research Current Industry Trends

Stay abreast of the latest trends in ecommerce, such as evolving consumer behavior, popular products, and emerging technologies. Subscribe to industry blogs, participate in webinars, and follow established content writers on social media.

5. Network and Build Professional Relationships

Forge connections with other ecommerce industry professionals, including marketers and business owners, both in-person and on LinkedIn. Joining a freelance writing society can also provide networking opportunities with fellow writers and access to job openings.

6. Seek Freelance Opportunities

Freelancing is an excellent way to gain experience and establish connections when starting. Create profiles on online freelance marketplaces like Fiverr and Upwork, or reach out directly to ecommerce businesses (e.g., through cold emailing) to offer your services.

Becoming a Freelance Writer

Are you interested in learning more about what it takes to become a freelance writer? Or perhaps you’re looking to build upon your existing writing abilities and further develop your professional skill set? Explore our comprehensive Becoming A Freelance Writer course. It covers everything you need to know to find success as a freelance writer. Claim your free trial and start your journey today!

The post What Is Ecommerce Content Writing? appeared first on Knowadays.

What Is Scoping?

What indeed? As previously stated, you won’t find this type of scoping in the dictionary; the kind we’re discussing is a highly specialized form of editing.

Not to be confused with court transcript proofreading – the step that follows scoping – scoping involves editing raw transcripts produced by court reporters who type what is said in real time using stenography machines. The shorthand type produced by the machines is translated into English using Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) software. The early forms of that software used minicomputers that looked like oscilloscopes. This led to the job of producing more understandable documents from those “scopes” being referred to as “scoping.” In turn, the person performing that vital job became known as – can you guess? – a scopist.

What Does a Scopist Do?

Now that you understand what kinds of documents a scopist works with, you probably have a taste of their responsibilities.

Courtroom dramas on TV and in film may involve some rapid-fire dialogue that is generally clear and, having been scripted, easy to follow. However, in real-life courtrooms, witnesses – and even their lawyers – can experience nervousness and sometimes mumble their words, talk over each other, or ramble. Accents can be difficult to understand as well. The court reporter’s typed shorthand may miss or mishear what is said. And the CAT software is only as good as the information it’s fed, so words can be mistranslated. The scopist’s job is to check the translation for those missing, misheard, or mistranslated words.

Scopists don’t sit in a courtroom to hear the dialogue. They are remote freelance professionals who perform their vital job by comparing the translation produced by the CAT software to an audio recording of the proceedings. They also format and edit the translation to ensure a readable document with an accurate record of what was said.

This leads us to another crucial scoping skill: striking a balance between readability and accuracy. The nature of court documents is that the words spoken by a witness or defendant – and their phrasing – can be important. And the consequences can be just as serious if what the judge orders is misheard.

How to Become a Scopist

Becoming a scopist may require specialized skills, but it doesn’t require a college degree. Working freelance and remotely can provide a great, flexible career since rigid business hours don’t control your schedule. This allows you to organize your life around family and other commitments. Scoping is such a vital and specialized job that it also tends to pay well.

As you’ll see, scoping is a good opportunity if you’re a proofreader or editor because you already possess many of the skills required. Let’s take a closer look at how you can become a scopist.

Skills

To clean up raw courtroom translations and turn them into a document that’s easy to read, a scopist must have:

• A good grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation – something as simple as a missed comma could misrepresent what was said
• A willingness to break, rather than enforce, grammar and punctuation rules in favor of accurately recording what was said
• An understanding of formatting requirements
• A keen awareness of homophones – a particular issue due to the nature of scoping
• Good listening skills – necessary for checking audio recordings
• Research skills and attention to detail – checking the spelling of names, acronyms, etc.
• Technology proficiency – scoping involves working with audio files and CAT software in addition to the editing and word processing software you might be used to
• Soft skills, such as the ability to work to a deadline

Furthermore, while not crucial to begin with, understanding legal terminology will greatly assist you and save you a lot of research time.

Qualifications

Although a college degree is not necessary to become a scopist – neither is certification – specialized training is essential to gain a number of the skills we have listed. Many institutes, such as the Internet Scoping School (ISS), provide online training. Alternatively, some court reporter schools run programs for scopists.

Equipment

Aside from a computer and access to the internet (for receiving and returning documents), you’ll need to invest in some specialized equipment:

• CAT software – likely the highest expense
• Headphones – for listening to audio recordings

And, while not essential, a foot pedal will also help you control the audio playback while you type and, therefore, speed up your work.

Where to Find Jobs

Once you’ve acquired the necessary skills and training, the next step is to find work as a scopist. As customary with most freelance editorial work, you have several options:

• Join an online community or registry – even while you’re waiting for work, the support from other scopists will be invaluable
• Search or advertise on job boards (e.g., stenosearch.com)
• Create a LinkedIn page to highlight your skills and mark yourself as available for work
• Seek out court reporters directly and inform them of your skills and availability

Proofreading and Editing Courses

As highlighted in this blog post, the work of a scopist is more specialized than that of an editor or proofreader; nevertheless, they have many common skills. If you’re intrigued by this seemingly overlooked yet vital career, you can start gaining the necessary skills with our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses. You can even try them out for free today!

The post What Is a Scopist? (And How to Become One) appeared first on Knowadays.

It doesn’t have to be hard to get started as a freelancer. In our blog post How to Become a Freelancer: A Guide for Beginners, we explain how to take the first steps. In this post, we’ll focus specifically on freelance business ideas that you can do from home. While there are many options available, we will showcase seven different ideas to inspire you to freelance success.

7 Freelance Business Ideas

If it seems like there are too many freelance business ideas for you to choose from, we’ll narrow down your options for you. We’re going to focus on seven ideas that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

What might appeal to you will depend on your interests, skills, and experience.

1. Affiliate Sales and Marketing

People love to shop online. Affiliate marketing allows you to earn money selling or promoting other people’s products online. This will typically involve including affiliate links on your website, which track when one of your users makes a purchase. Every time they do, you’ll make a small commission from the company you are promoting.

This is an especially good option for people who already have a website or blog that has a lot of traffic. You can use your existing popularity so more people will see the products, and, in turn, you could earn more money. If you don’t have a website or blog already, there are lots of platforms that are great for beginners.

To be successful, you should be creative (you’ll need to generate persuasive, engaging content), have strong communication skills (to work with clients effectively), and have a good grasp on marketing fundamentals like brand identity and search engine optimization.

2. Voice Narration

A lot of people have products to sell or ideas to share, but if they’re not confident talking about them, they may not be successful. If you are a confident speaker, voice narration could be a great freelance business idea.

Audio books, video creators, and virtual receptionists are just a few of the services that require someone with an engaging voice. All you need is a quiet place and a good microphone to get started.

3. Tutor

If you have proficient knowledge in any given subject, you could consider becoming an online tutor.

Tutors for various languages are in high demand across the globe. Many countries are looking for ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers. It isn’t hard to find online teaching jobs.

All you need is to be fluent in the language you are going to teach and have a computer with a camera and microphone.

4. Video and Film Editor

Video and film editors work closely with directors and producers to edit footage into the desired, final product. There are many steps in this process, including:

• Sorting raw footage into a logical sequence
• Trimming excess footage
• Editing footage to the desired length
• Improving audio quality
• Adding color grading and special effects

Due to the technical nature of this role, video editors need to have experience with video-editing platforms and software. There are many online courses that can help you get to grips with popular tools like Adobe Premiere Pro.

This type of work also requires good communication skills. Editors need to communicate regularly with their clients – to establish their needs, answer questions, and share updates throughout a project.

Other essential skills for video and film editors include project management and, of course, creativity.

5. Photographer

When you think of photographers, you may not think of them as people who can successfully work from home, but this is not the case. If you enjoy taking pictures, selling your photos as stock images can be a great freelance business idea.

You can work closely with clients to get the images they desire, or you can sell your photos to websites like Getty Images or Shutterstock.

There are other ways you can sell your photos online as well. If you don’t already have your own website, you can create a photography website to sell high-quality digital and print copies of your work.

Another option is to start your own print-on-demand business, where you can arrange to have your photos printed onto products like mugs, calendars, clothing, etc. When someone orders something from you, the company that makes the actual product can print your photo on it and arrange for shipping to your customer.

Advances in digital photography have made this type of work easier than ever before. All you need is a decent camera, a good eye, and a little inspiration.

6. Proofreader/Editor

Proofreading and editing are two great freelance business ideas. One of the best parts of these jobs is that you are constantly reading, so you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of different topics. If you already have passion or experience in a certain area, you can choose to specialize and focus on proofreading or editing in that specific niche.

All you need is a keen eye for detail, word processing software, and a thorough knowledge of language and grammar. There are always people looking to have their work checked over by a knowledgeable second set of eyes.

One of the best aspects of this freelance business idea is that you don’t need particular qualifications or previous experience to get started.

If you find yourself lacking the skills for this type of work, they are not hard to acquire. There are a lot of online courses available to help you feel more comfortable. If you really want to build an amazing resume, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accreditation can really help your freelance business stand out, especially if you don’t have much experience.

Read on to learn about exciting opportunities to help you get started as a freelance proofreader or editor.

7. Content Writer

There is no end to things you can get paid to write about. That is what makes freelance writing an excellent business idea that you can do from home.

Freelance writers work with clients to turn their brief into a finished piece of writing. This writing can promote products and services, connect with a target audience, provide instructional information, and so much more.

Technical, creative, and copywriting are a few popular writing jobs available. One of the best parts of being a freelance writer is that you have the freedom to pick a niche if you have specific knowledge or interests.

For those of you who are creative and have a way with words, good communication skills, and a computer with word processing software, all you need to do is connect to some of the many freelance writer sites and start finding jobs.

One of the most important steps in becoming a successful writer is to build a portfolio.

Keep reading if you want to find an easy way to become a freelance content writer.

Becoming a Freelancer

If you desire the freedom and flexibility that comes with starting a business that you can do from home, becoming a freelancer has never been simpler. We can offer you help in pursuing some of the freelance business ideas mentioned above.

Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses can help you learn everything you need to be a success in those fields. If you pass our courses with a grade of 80% or higher, there’s even a guaranteed-work opportunity.

If Becoming A Freelance Writer sounds better to you, we can help with that, as well. You could gain three professionally edited pieces of work to add to your portfolio upon completion of our course.

Start your free trial today and see for yourself!

The post 7 Freelance Business Ideas (That You Can Do from Home) appeared first on Knowadays.

What Does SaaS Mean?

SaaS is a cloud computing model that delivers software applications and services online. In the SaaS model, the software is hosted and maintained by a service provider (usually a company). Users can access and use the software through a web browser or app on a subscription basis.

Some examples of popular SaaS products are video conference platforms, document management systems, accounting tools, and graphic design software. Check out this list by HubSpot on leading and up-and-coming SaaS companies.

What Is SaaS Content Writing?

SaaS content writing is creating tailored content for companies that provide SaaS products. It involves producing various written materials to support these companies in their operations, meaning there is no single type of SaaS content writing.

Some SaaS content is meant to help users get the most out of the software. Content may include guides, tutorials, FAQs, and knowledge base articles. For instance, this detailed product guide shows customers how to get started using Adobe’s InDesign publishing software, and this tutorial covers how to use Microsoft’s PowerPoint.

Some SaaS content is aimed at promoting the company and marketing to potential customers. Content may include product announcements, blogs, and social media posts. This type of content will highlight the product’s core features and benefits and how it can solve the target audience’s problems. SaaS content typically includes data supporting claims about the product’s features and benefits. For example, this Salesforce website content describes the specific value their marketing intelligence tools can bring to organizations.

Other types of SaaS content include informative blogs (like this one from famous financial software company Stripe), product descriptions, email newsletters, and in-house publications. High-quality, informative content is a great way for SaaS companies to establish themselves as authorities on a particular topic and build trust with their target audience.

What Does a SaaS Content Writer Do?

SaaS content writers can be freelance or work in-house directly for a software company. Their typical daily tasks and responsibilities vary depending on the company and product. But, in general, SaaS content writers may have the following duties:

• Research current and up-and-coming software and companies.
• Write and edit SaaS content for clients.
• Manage the social media presence for SaaS companies.
• Develop case studies highlighting real-world examples of how customers have successfully used the SaaS products (to illustrate the software’s practical benefits).

SaaS content writers also collaborate with marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) professionals to ensure their content ranks well in search engine results. This could involve keyword research, on-page optimization, and content editing to align with SEO best practices.

How to Become a SaaS Writer

If you’re interested in pursuing SaaS as a niche, start with the following steps:

1. Get Familiar with the Industry

If you want to become a SaaS content writer, it’s essential to steadily build your knowledge base by studying available software products to gain an understanding of their features and pricing. It can help to explore popular SaaS blogs, websites, and industry publications to familiarize yourself with the topics commonly covered in SaaS content. You can also analyze the tone and style used in the content published by successful SaaS companies.

2. Study SEO Strategies

Since much of SaaS content aims to attract and engage potential customers, it’s essential to develop your SEO skills and understand basic marketing principles. Get familiar with SEO techniques, such as conducting keyword research and integrating relevant keywords into your content.

3. Create a Portfolio

Begin building a portfolio of showpieces by starting your website or blog and writing about SaaS products and services. If possible, test the products and write informative reviews, mock case studies, or blog posts for potential clients.

4. Offer Freelance Services

Consider offering freelance SaaS content writing services on online marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. This is a great way to gain experience while searching for more steady jobs.

5. Network with Other Professionals

Networking with other SaaS content writers (or generalist writers) can be an excellent way to make contacts and learn about new opportunities. It can also help you find a freelance mentor who can advise you at the start of your career and offer you the benefit of their experience. You can boost your professional network by attending events, such as virtual or in-person workshops and conferences or joining online SaaS communities. In addition, follow leading SaaS content writers on LinkedIn, as they often post opportunities and advice for breaking into the industry.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Are you interested in learning more about freelance writing niches? Want to find out how to launch a career as a freelance content writer? Check out our comprehensive Becoming A Freelance Writer course! It teaches you everything you need to know about how to stand out in the competitive world of freelance writing. Sign up for your free trial today!

The post What Is SaaS Content Writing? appeared first on Knowadays.

Why Is Freelance Writing a Good Side Hustle?

So what is a side hustle? It’s something that you do on the side (hence the term) – i.e., alongside your main occupation – to earn money (and this time, unlike the definition of the term hustle, it’s totally honest).

Writing is something that you can do wherever and whenever you have time and access to a laptop and the internet (or to a pen and paper). Working freelance enables you to take on the work that interests you when it suits your schedule. And with a growing demand for writing – blog posts, articles, emails, advertising copy – and the ability to set your own rates, freelance writing can be pretty profitable too.

How to Start a Freelance Writing Side Hustle

If you’re sold on the benefits of freelance writing as a side hustle, how do you get started? Here are our top tips:

1. Choose Your Niche

Even though you might enjoy writing, there may be subjects that don’t appeal to you or where you feel you lack expertise. Freelance writing, particularly as a side hustle, is your opportunity to focus on subjects and types of writing that interest you. This will be your niche, and finding it will help you to target your research, skills, résumé, portfolio, and marketing.

2. Do Your Research

As with most things in life, the better prepared you are, the more successful you’ll be. Doing some groundwork to find out what a career in freelance writing involves will help you to target the skills you’ll need, the rates you can charge, the amount of time you’ll need to set aside, and what sort of writing suits you best.

3. Brush Up Your Skills

However good your writing is, it never hurts to sharpen those skills. After all, if you’re being paid to write, you’ll want to offer the best service you can. The better the quality of your work, the more work you’ll get and the higher the rate you can charge.

4. Update Your Résumé

It may have been some time since you last applied for a job, and that job may have involved a different set of skills from those required for your writing side hustle. So that you are ready to provide your résumé to prospective clients, now is the time to give it a polish and highlight your writing skills and experience.

5. Write Some Samples

Most clients will want to see a sample of your work before hiring you to write for them. It doesn’t have to be anything you’ve been paid for, so start putting together examples of your work now.

Producing some new samples would be a good way to practice your skills in writing about your chosen subject using different content styles: blog posts, articles, website copy, etc.

6. Produce a Portfolio

As you produce or find samples of your writing, make sure to include them in a portfolio. Setting one up online with your own website or on a portfolio platform is pretty straightforward these days, and it’s a great way to showcase your skills to potential clients.

If you have already done some writing for others – maybe for your local community newsletter – you could ask them for a testimonial to include in your portfolio. This will be helpful in persuading others of the quality of your work.

Make sure to keep your portfolio updated with examples of your writing, and any testimonials as you receive them.

7. Promote Yourself

Work won’t simply turn up just because you’ve decided to do it. Producing your portfolio (even online) won’t guarantee that someone will see it and contact you with a writing job. You will need to promote yourself. It may sound scary – and a lot of work – but it doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve set up a website to house your portfolio, try including a blog and updating it regularly. You could also include a link to it on your social media to put the word out about the type of writing work you do. You could directly approach people or organizations, or if that doesn’t appeal, you could apply for freelance writing jobs advertised on job boards, such as ProBlogger and Peak Freelance, or advertise your services on work marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr.

8. Don’t Forget the Day Job

If you’re looking to write as a side hustle, remember to balance it with your main job – and don’t neglect your down time! Making some extra money on the side is all well and good, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your main income or time with your family and friends. Finding the right work–life balance will be key to any successful side hustle.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Does a freelance writing side hustle appeal to you? If you’re interested in exploring it further and brushing up the necessary skills, why not give our Becoming A Freelance Writer course a go? You can even try it out for free.

The post How to Start a Freelance Writing Side Hustle appeared first on Knowadays.

• Explore the advantages and disadvantages of online learning
• Provide some pointers to help you decide whether online learning is right for you
• Give some examples of online course providers

What Are the Advantages of Online Learning?

The internet is vast, offering various courses on a wide range of subjects, from lots of different institutions and colleges. Online courses can help you expand your skills and knowledge, demonstrate your commitment to learning, and help you achieve your career goals more quickly.

1. Easy Access

There are many reasons why people may not be able to attend face-to-face classes. First, online classes often provide more flexibility. This is great for people who need to fit their studies around other commitments, such as work or looking after their family. Face-to-face classes also require transportation to specific locations, which some people may not have easy access to. Similarly, they may not live within a reasonable distance of good face-to-face options. Online courses cut out the need for travel completely!

Second, face-to-face classes aren’t necessarily well suited to, or accessible for, everyone. Thanks to technological advancements and the increasing trend of remote work, online courses have made learning more accessible. Some people find that they learn better in a more independent environment, where they have greater control over the style and pace of learning. Online or remote learning also allows individuals (e.g., those with disabilities or particular learning requirements) to customize their learning environment to suit their needs.

Online courses allow individuals to learn at their own pace, fit learning around their existing schedules, and save time and money.

2. Tailored to You

Online courses typically have smaller class sizes compared to traditional courses. This allows learners to have more one-on-one time with the teacher or tutor, making it easier to personalize learning and address individual needs. Learning resources (such as videos, ebooks, forums, and online workbooks) are often included within the course cost, making them more affordable and easier to access.

3. Less Expensive

Enrolling in an online course can be more affordable than attending a traditional face-to-face class. Online institutions often offer flexible payment options such as monthly installments, per-lesson payments, and reduced fees or scholarships to entice students to join. Additionally, taking an online course eliminates the need to commute, saving you money on transportation costs.

4. Leads to Better Salary

The job market is constantly evolving, and businesses are now seeking candidates with diverse skills, whether hard or soft. Although a college degree may increase your chances of landing a high-paying job, online professional courses can provide practical tips and skills through project-based learning. Building a portfolio of your work can demonstrate to potential employers that you have hands-on experience as well as theoretical knowledge.

5. Enriches Networking

Investing in job-oriented courses not only helps you gain valuable skills, it could also provide networking opportunities with industry professionals. Connecting with experts in your field can help you expand your network and advance your career by making it more likely that you’ll be recommended by others for jobs/opportunities. Many courses offer a comprehensive personal and professional development approach, helping you work on your communication skills and confidence as well as teaching you new skills.

6. Demonstrates Your Passion

Investing time in building your knowledge base demonstrates that you are committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), or in other words, improving yourself and the results you achieve for your employers or clients. CPD can involve taking online courses in your field, as well as a number of other activities. CPD can help established professionals stay up to date with industry skills and knowledge, take on more complex work, and work more efficiently. For career changers, CPD demonstrates a commitment to building new knowledge and skills, and can help to prove their credibility.

What Are the Disadvantages of Online Learning?

There are many common concerns that people have when it comes to online learning (and whether it matches up to face-to-face learning).

Some people worry that online courses are not as rigorous, or as credible, as traditional in-person courses. While some online courses come from established providers (like colleges or universities) others are less well-known. It can be harder to ascertain the credibility of these courses. However, this issue can be avoided with some thorough research. Before taking any course, you should do some due diligence. For example: check that the course covers all the basics, see if it requires assessment to gain certification, and read reviews from previous graduates.

Another potential disadvantage of online learning is that, if a course has been around for a while, the material may not have been updated to keep up with current trends. This is a valid concern, as employers and clients may not respect courses or accreditations that are out-of-date! Once again, however, this issue is easily avoided. Make sure you are familiar with the latest industry requirements in your field, and check that any course you take covers all the bases. You could also check online reviews, and see if you can find anyone in your network (real life or online) that can recommend the course.

Finally, online learning isn’t suited to everyone’s learning style. Some people find motivation in connecting with other people who have the same goals, but many online courses involve a lot of independent work. If you’re the type of person who prefers group work, or learning in a traditional classroom surrounded by other people, you may find it harder to find an online course that caters to these needs. However, all is not lost – lots of courses offer things like webinars and virtual group sessions, so it is possible to find a course that offers the right support for you. It might just take a little more research!

Is Online Learning for You?

So, are online courses worth it? Before you embark on your learning journey, there are various factors you should consider.

1. What Is Best for Your Career Path?

Some careers require specific certifications or qualifications (e.g., healthcare, accounting, teaching) to get started, which may not be available online. Once you have those, though, you could consider adding to your resume with complementary certifications. These will show employers and/or clients your commitment to improving your skills, and going above and beyond the minimum requirements for your field. As an example, a teacher might choose to take a short course on SEN education or teaching computing skills.

For jobs that don’t require specific qualifications, an online certification can help you stand out from the crowd. For example, a data entry clerk could improve their Microsoft Office skills, or an editor could add formatting to their repertoire.

2. Can You Justify the Cost?

When contemplating professional certification courses, it’s a good idea to weigh the benefits of the course against the cost. For example, is it likely to advance your career? Could it result in an increased salary? Will it help you attract new opportunities? If the answer is yes, it’s most likely a good investment.

3. What Are Your Goals?

When deciding whether to take an online course, always keep your goals in mind. If you’re just starting out in a new career, obtaining a recognized industry-wide certification can boost your resume and help you advance in your chosen career path.

If you’re already established in your career, an online course could help you upskill and reach the next level. This is especially true for freelancers looking to expand their horizons. Not only will it make your resume stand out, but it could also open up new doors and opportunities for you to explore.

4. Which Is Better: A Degree Program or a Certificate?

Choosing between a degree and a certificate depends on your field, and your career goals. As we mentioned previously, some careers require specific qualifications, which are non-negotiable. Other careers do not require specific qualifications (although they might be beneficial). For those careers, a degree may not always be necessary or provide a return on investment to justify its cost. Instead, a recognized accreditation or certification may be better. They can be completed more quickly, more flexibly, and according to Forbes, you can expect a 13–25% salary increase after taking one!

Where to Find Online Courses

There is an abundance of resources out there! Here are just a few examples you can choose from that cater to a range of budgets.

• Knowadays
  Knowadays offers accredited courses helping you to become a proofreader, editor, or freelance writer. Expert instructors lead CPD-certified courses that come with guaranteed work opportunities for graduates who pass with distinction.
• Udemy
  Udemy offers a wide range of online video courses on various subjects. Courses are often created by independent instructors who are experts in their field, allowing individuals to gain valuable industry insights.
• Coursera
  Coursera provides access to professional certificates, and even full degrees, from world-class universities and companies. Their diverse range of courses cover numerous subject specialisms and fields.
• FutureLearn
  FutureLearn is an online learning platform that offers a range of free and paid courses, as well as microcredentials and degrees from universities and other educational institutions. FutureLearn has a focus on professional development and lifelong learning, and is a great resource for people at any stage of their career.
• EdX
  EdX offers access to courses, micro-credentials, and even full degree programs from top universities and colleges, with a strong emphasis on Massive Open Online Courses, otherwise known as MOOCs.
• LinkedIn Learning
  LinkedIn Learning provides a library of courses and video tutorials on a wide range of professional and technical skills. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can show off your LinkedIn Learning achievements to potential employers or clients.
• Masterclass
  Masterclass offers video lessons taught by experts and celebrities in various fields – cooking, music, writing, and more – providing valuable insights from industry leaders.
• Skillshare
  Skillshare is a platform where instructors offer courses and workshops on creative skills, including design, photography, and entrepreneurship.
• HubSpot
  HubSpot Academy provides free courses on inbound marketing, sales, and customer service, helping individuals and businesses improve their digital marketing and sales strategies.
• Grow with Google
  Grow with Google offers free courses and resources on digital skills, such as data analysis, digital marketing, and coding, with the aim of helping individuals thrive in the digital age.

Finally, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge with courses provided by your employer. Ensure that you’re getting the most out of these offerings by requesting a tailored selection from your HR department or team leaders. With the right courses, you’ll be equipped to excel in your current role and beyond.

Becoming a Freelancer

If you’re looking for professional development courses, our CPD-accredited courses are a great option. Completing one of our courses will earn you a certification, which is an excellent addition to your resume. For new freelancers, our courses provide a fast-track route to proofreading, editing, or writing. Our courses offer CPD and career development opportunities for current professionals and freelancers. So, if you want to improve your skills and advance your career, sign up for our free trial today!

The post Are Online Courses Worth It? appeared first on Knowadays.

According to Upwork, nearly 40 percent of Americans performed freelance work in 2022, which was an all-time high. It’s clear that a growing number of people are drawn toward the autonomy and flexibility that freelance work offers. With so many people exploring freelance work, having the right skills and being able to stand out from the crowd is more important than ever.

We’ve previously explored 10 Essential Soft Skills for Your Freelance Resume. In this blog post, we’ll look at seven of the most in-demand freelance hard (or technical) skills.

7 In-Demand Freelance Skills

As the world of work is changing, and technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming ever more dominant, the skills that freelancers need are changing too. Here’s our list, in no particular order, of some of the most in-demand freelance skills.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the process of optimizing website content (for example blog posts) so that it ranks highly on search engine results pages. Businesses of all sizes use SEO techniques to market their products or services, making it a very in-demand skill. SEO techniques include:

• Using Google’s E-A-T guidelines to create high quality content
• Identifying and incorporating relevant keywords
• Building a linking strategy
• Ensuring that meta titles, meta descriptions, and URLs are search-engine friendly
• Knowing how to effectively incorporate AI into the content creation process
• Monitoring and reviewing the performance of content using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console 

By boosting traffic to their websites, businesses can attract a larger audience, build brand awareness, and secure more sales.

SEO is a particularly valuable skill for anyone looking to get ahead in a freelance content writing or marketing career. If this is not yet in your skill set, look for an online SEO course to get started!

2. AI Engineering

As we mentioned before, the rapid growth in the popularity of AI is changing the world of work in many ways. Many people are concerned about the role AI will play in the future, and whether their jobs will be made obsolete by technology.

However, AI presents many opportunities, especially for aspiring freelancers. Coding, software engineering, debugging, and testing, are all highly sought-after skills when it comes to working with AI.  Many of these skills are also transferable to careers like website and app development and UX (user interface) design.

These skills are often taught on the job, although there are many online courses that teach the basics. If you already have any of these skills from previous roles, they can form a great basis for a freelance portfolio.

3. Graphic Design

In the digital age, visual content is an essential part of communication and marketing. Graphic design involves the production of visual content for print, social media, websites, and many other places. It also involves branding: helping businesses to create a strong identity through their logos, typography, and color schemes.

There are many routes into graphic design, from short online modules to university degrees.

4. Videography and Photography

Can you compose a great photo? Do you make your own videos for social media? If so, you already have some of the skills a freelancer needs to succeed in this field.

Visual content is everywhere. All kinds of businesses use photographs and videos as part of their marketing strategy – on their social media platforms, on their websites, in digital and print advertising campaigns, and more. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so photography and videography are great freelance skills to have!

Whether you’re trying to turn your hobby into a freelance business or you’re starting from scratch, there are lots of ways to develop your technical and creative skills. There are numerous online resources, books, courses, and in-person workshops that can help you grasp the basics and then further refine your skills.

5. Project Management

Some businesses can’t afford to have a project manager on their payroll, especially if their big projects only come around infrequently. As such, many prefer to hire project managers on a temporary, as-needed basis. Because freelance project managers work flexibly and are usually happy to take on short-term projects, their skills are in demand.

Project managers are responsible for seeing a project through from start to finish. They create a detailed plan, organize resources (like the budget), manage the project team, and ensure that the project reaches a successful conclusion.

There are a plethora of courses available depending on which area of project management you prefer.

6. Social Media Marketing

How often do you see marketing posts in your social media feeds? Daily? Hourly? Every time you glance at your phone? You can see why social media marketing is an in-demand freelance skill!

A social media manager is responsible for running a business or client’s social media platforms (like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok). Their day-to-day tasks include:

• Developing a social media strategy (to help their clients reach their business goals)
• Creating, curating, and scheduling content (e.g., images and videos, captions)
• Interacting with followers (respond to enquiries, building a community)
• Analyzing the performance of social media campaigns

Copywriting skills are vital for social media marketing, and we’ll look at that next.

7. Copywriting and Editing

Although AI is increasingly being used to produce and edit content, it’ll never be able to replace writers or editors completely.

When it comes to content and copywriting, AI can’t yet match the creativity or empathy of real people (and likely never will be able to). When we read a piece of writing produced solely by AI, we can still hear a robotic voice – and it rarely has the sparkle and personality that shines through copy written by humans. While AI has many useful applications, businesses still need human writers who can truly understand the nuances of tone and voice and create content that resonates with their target audience.

Similarly, proofreading and editing skills are highly sought after when reviewing AI-generated copy. Human editors are needed to ensure factual accuracy, address issues with tone and style, and make sure writing is engaging and impactful. AI can’t make nuanced assessments and will often miss errors, so any content produced needs a final (human) review before publication.

Writing and editing skills are valued in every industry and sector; after all, every business wants to promote their products and services, build brand awareness, and make sure their content is accurate and error-free. You could pursue a wide variety of roles with these skills, including content writing or copywriting, marketing, and proofreading and editing.

Online courses can be a great route into freelance writing, proofreading, and editing. Not sure where to look? Check out our roundups of some of the best options:

• 5 of the Best Online Proofreading Courses for Beginners
• 5 of the Best Copy Editing Courses You Can Do Online
• 5 of the Best Freelance Writing Courses for Beginners

What’s a Great Way to Kickstart a Freelance Career?

As we’ve seen, there are a wide range of freelance skills that can help you along your chosen path. A great way to kickstart your freelance career, add new skills to your resume, or refresh your existing skills is to take a look at our suite of courses aimed at helping you make the most of life as a freelancer. Get in touch today and sign up for a free trial to see just what our courses can offer you!

The post What Are the Most In-Demand Freelance Skills? appeared first on Knowadays.

In today’s blog post, you’ll learn:

• The benefits of having a student job
• Eight of the best remote jobs for college students that require minimal training
• How to find remote jobs as a college student

What Are the Benefits of Having a Student Job?

You might think that having a job while in college is too much to handle. However, balancing both isn’t too difficult if you’re well-organized and manage your time wisely. Plus, there are many benefits to working as a student, including:

1. Earning Extra Income
   College students have many expenses, such as food, tuition, transportation, and rent. A student job provides extra income to help cover some of those expenses. Having some extra income and knowing you won’t have to live on a shoestring can really ease your mind!
2. Developing Skills
   Student jobs can be a fantastic opportunity for skills development. Many remote positions offer hands-on experience, which is invaluable for your future career. Future employers will want experience when hiring prospective employees. The skills you learn from your job will make you more competitive in the job market once you graduate.
3. A Flexible Schedule
   Remote jobs often offer flexible working hours, allowing students to work around their class schedules and academic commitments. This flexibility can help students maintain a healthy work-life balance, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
4. Testing the Waters on a Potential Career
   College is a time for discovery! If you’re unsure of what to do after graduation, this can be your opportunity to test out a potential career. Even if you already have a preferred career in mind, a student job can provide an alternative, just in case.
5. Networking
   Another college cornerstone experience is networking. Remote work doesn’t necessarily mean isolation from the professional world. Many remote jobs require communication and collaboration, which can help you build a network of contacts that may be useful for future job opportunities.

What Are the Best Jobs for College Students?

College students often work as servers, retail customer service representatives, or grocery store cashiers. While these jobs offer part-time work, they aren’t necessarily very flexible. Working as a student should be flexible enough not to jeopardize your studies. We believe it’s worth considering freelance options where you can choose your own schedule.

Here are eight flexible remote jobs that require minimal training:

1. Virtual Assistant

As a virtual assistant, you can help businesses with administrative tasks like email management, appointment bookings, social media management, and customer service. Most virtual assistant positions require excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently. You don’t need a degree or certificate for this position; however, being certified as a virtual assistant will make you stand out to potential employers.

2. Online Tutor

If you excel in a particular subject, such as Spanish or math, consider online tutoring. You can help students of varying ages with their studies using an online platform. Alternatively, you could work for an agency. Some positions may require training, but they can be a rewarding way to earn money while helping others learn. One option is tutoring for Course Hero. With a wide range of subject domains, they allow you to work whenever you want.

3. Freelance Writer

If you have creativity, strong writing skills, and a good grasp of grammar, consider becoming a freelance writer. Content writers are in high demand, with a variety of opportunities available. You could be writing blog posts, social media content, emails, and more! While a degree isn’t required, taking an online freelance writing course can help distinguish you from the competition. You can learn important skills, such as how to conduct effective research, incorporate SEO techniques, and follow brand and style guidelines.

4. Social Media

Do you enjoy using popular social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok? You could get paid to help companies or individuals manage their online presence! You could create and schedule content, engage with their audience, and monitor their growth.

5. Customer Service Representative

Customer service jobs are often available and require good communication skills. You’ll assist customers with inquiries, resolve issues, and provide phone, email, or chat support. Some companies offer training to get you started in this role.

6. Proofreader

You might want to look into proofreading if you’re a good writer with strong English language skills. In fact, proofreading is the ideal student job, as it allows you to work to your own schedule. As a proofreader, you will review written documents for potential grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. You’ll also make the text clear and concise to improve readability. Finding work as a proofreader is easier than you think. Plus, it’s another role where a certification or degree isn’t required (though it’s nice to have).

7. Data Entry Specialist

Data entry jobs involve inputting data into spreadsheets, databases, or other software. They require attention to detail and accuracy, making them an excellent option for college students who are meticulous and focused. The only downside is that the work can be tedious. Still, working as a data entry specialist is a good student job option.

8. Technical Support

More commonly known as tech support, this is the perfect opportunity if you’re computer-savvy. As a tech support specialist, you’d be helping clients troubleshoot internet and general computer issues. This will boost your experience if you happen to be majoring in a tech-related field. Some companies, such as Apple, seek out college students for tech support roles.

How To Find Remote Jobs?

When searching for remote jobs, we recommend using specialized websites (e.g., FlexJobs) and online marketplaces to find opportunities that match your skills and interests. Freelancing platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr are good starting points. You can even search for jobs on Indeed and LinkedIn. Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, and be prepared for virtual interviews.

Becoming a Freelancer

Do you dream of working remotely as a freelancer now or after you graduate? Our comprehensive courses can help you launch your new freelance career! Try them for free today!

The post 8 of the Best Remote Jobs for College Students appeared first on Knowadays.

But how do you become an SEO content writer and capitalize on this in-demand (and profitable) niche? In this post, we’ll explain how you can specialize in SEO content writing. We’ll also provide an overview of the typical daily tasks involved.

What Is SEO Content Writing?

SEO is a set of procedures aimed at improving a website’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). The primary goal of SEO is to increase the organic (unpaid) traffic a website receives from search engines like Google and Yahoo. SEO content writing as a service is the creation of online content, such as blog posts and articles, that implements SEO strategies to boost a business’s visibility and increase website traffic.

Why Is SEO Content Writing Important?

SEO content writing is essential for businesses, especially e-commerce businesses. The higher a website ranks on SERPs, the more likely it is to be seen by potential customers who are actively searching for related products or services. Publishing SEO content is a key component of a business’s marketing strategy. And, it can be more cost-effective than other methods. It’s a way for businesses to attract traffic to their websites without solely relying on paid advertisements.

It also offers long-term sustainability for a business. Quality content can continue to drive traffic and generate leads for years after it’s published. You probably know this firsthand if you’ve ever clicked on a blog post you found through a Google search only to find it was written over a decade ago!

What Does an SEO Content Writer Do?

But what does an SEO content writer actually do? While the daily tasks vary depending on the nature of the business, SEO content writers generally:

• Implement keywords into content. To boost SEO, content writers identify relevant short and long tail keywords that users are likely to search for and incorporate them naturally into content.
• Write meta tags. SEO content writers usually include meta tags, such as meta descriptions and meta titles, in their content. These appear on SERPs and encourage users to click through to the article content.
• Incorporate relevant internal links. To boost SEO, content writers may incorporate a selection of internal links (links to other areas of the company’s website) into their content. They typically use relevant anchor text to encourage the reader to click on the link and visit other areas of the site.
• Optimize content for mobile devices: These days, many people read blog posts and articles on a mobile device or tablet. SEO content writers take user experience into consideration when creating material. This could mean breaking up large chunks of text, adding headings/subheadings, and making content easily scannable.

In general, SEO content writers also need to stay up-to-date on current industry trends and algorithm changes. For example, Google’s Helpful Content Update. This may require collaborating with marketing specialists and web developers to analyze the performance of their content and (possibly) make improvements where necessary.

How to Become an SEO Content Writer

Are you interested in expanding your content writing services to include SEO? Here are some steps you can take to get started:

Develop Your Writing Skills

Of course, the first step to becoming an SEO content writer is to develop a strong foundation of language skills, including grammar, punctuation, and overall writing capabilities. High-quality content (i.e., content that’s authoritative, unique, and engaging) is an essential part of any effective SEO or marketing strategy.

Learn All You Can About SEO

Besides working on your writing skills, you should also take the time to learn as much as you can about common SEO techniques. You can even review highly ranked articles to see what they have in common and consider how you can apply those same elements to your own writing. Familiarize yourself with essential SEO tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console, and learn how to conduct keyword research.

Fill in the Gaps in Your Skillset

You don’t necessarily need a relevant degree to become an SEO content writer, but it’s beneficial to fill in any gaps in your skillset by taking a writing course, pursuing professional certification, or attending local professional development events (speakers, conferences, etc.).

Gain Experience

If you don’t have much previous content writing experience, seek out volunteer opportunities or write sample articles to build your writing portfolio. Reach out to people you know (in-person and virtually) to connect with anyone in your network who could benefit from your services. Creating a profile on an online freelance marketplace like Fiverr can also be a great way to gain experience as a new writer.

Becoming A Freelance Writer

Are you interested in learning more about how to become an SEO content writer? Check out our Becoming A Freelance Writer course! It teaches you everything you need to know about launching a freelance writing business, including essential SEO techniques and how to choose a specialization. Don’t miss out – claim your free trial today!

The post How to Become an SEO Content Writer appeared first on Knowadays.

However, as with any career change, it’s not something you should dive into unprepared – especially if you’re used to working a more traditional nine-to-five. With that in mind, in this blog post, we’ve provided some practical tips to make sure you’re well prepared to quit your job and become a freelance proofreader.

1. Research What a Proofreader Does
2. Make Sure You Have the Right Skills
3. Create a Budget and Start Saving
4. Plan the Details in Advance
5. Start Freelancing on the Side

Read on to find out about each of these tips in more detail.

1. Research What a Proofreader Does

What Does a Proofreader Do?

A proofreader’s job is to complete the final review of a document after all the other stages of editing have been completed. A proofreader will usually:

1. Check grammar, punctuation, and spelling
2. Correct other usage errors (e.g., how to write numbers and dates correctly)
3. Address formatting issues (e.g., inconsistent heading styles or fonts)
4. Ensure a document is consistent in style, tone, and voice
5. Apply the conventions of the relevant English dialect (e.g., British, American, or Australian English)

Tasks may vary depending on the type of document or client. For example, proofreading academic writing will also involve checking that sources are correctly cited and subject-specific or technical language is used appropriately. 

2. Make Sure You Have the Right Skills

Do You Need Qualifications to Be a Proofreader?

There are lots of different routes to becoming a proofreader, so you don’t need any particular qualifications. The most important thing is being able to show that you have a keen interest in (and understanding of) the English language as well as the skills and experience needed to do the job well. And of course, a strong desire to help your clients produce their best possible writing!

What Skills Does a Proofreader Need?

Although you don’t need qualifications to work as a proofreader, you do need certain skills. These include hard (or technical) skills and soft (general, non-technical) skills:

1. A good grounding in English grammar, punctuation, and spelling
2. A keen eye for detail and the ability to concentrate on the task at hand
3. Independence (as a freelancer, it’s your responsibility to keep on top of projects and deadlines)
4. Good communication skills to build strong client relationships
5. Excellent time management and organizational skills
6. Confidence with technology (e.g., word processing tools like Microsoft Word and communication tools like email and video conferencing)

If you want to specialize in a particular area, you may need experience in that field. For example, if you want to specialize in medical writing, you’ll need to be familiar with the relevant terminology and writing styles.

Take Some Time to Train

Perhaps you already have a love of reading and regularly spot typos in the book on your bedside table, and that’s a great start! But there’s a lot more to being a proofreader, and it’s important to have all the right skills.

Although there are no specific qualifications for becoming a proofreader, thorough professional training will fill the gaps in your knowledge, add to the skills you already have, and give you a framework for carrying out a wide range of specialist editorial projects.

There are some excellent books and other resources out there to help you, but have you thought about taking a proofreading course? A top-quality proofreading course will address all the areas of work and the necessary skills that we’ve already touched on in this post. 

Our Becoming a Proofreader course takes an in-depth approach to all aspects of proofreading, and its modular structure means the information you need comes to you in a logical order to make learning as easy as possible. In addition to rules governing spelling, grammar, and punctuation, we cover specialist areas such as proofreading academic papers, creative writing, business reports, and job applications. We also give you the skills you need to use a range of digital tools in your work and insight into getting your freelance proofreading career off to a flying start.

3. Create a Budget and Start Saving

How Much Can a Freelance Proofreader Earn?

Though freelancing can offer more flexibility than traditional work, that freedom comes with the caveat of an irregular paycheck. You may find yourself busy with multiple projects in one month and then have much less work the next.

You can make sure you’re prepared for financial insecurity, though, by creating a budget for when you make the switch.

Track your current expenses and compare these with what you’ll be spending as a freelancer. Consider:

• What you’ll save on. For example, you probably won’t be paying for transport to and from work.
• What you’ll spend more on. You may need to invest in software and equipment for your home workspace.

Factors That Can Impact Your Earnings

There are lots of factors that can impact how much you earn as a freelance proofreader:

1. Market rates. Proofreading has become a global industry, so what you charge will depend partly on what other proofreaders charge across the world, not just locally. Don’t go too low, because price is often equated with quality; and don’t go too high, or you’ll price yourself out of the market. The major proofreading professional bodies around the world have recommended rates to guide you.
2. Experience. Your rate will also reflect the level of your experience. As you progress and take on more specialist projects, you should be able to increase your rates.
3. Project timings and deadlines. Some proofreaders charge extra for tight deadlines, and some contracts contain penalties for late completion, so ensure you negotiate the detailed clauses carefully.
4. The client’s sector. Small charities and indie authors often can’t pay standard fees while major corporations can, so tailor your rates according to the type of business. Offering pro bono work with charities can be a great way to raise your profile and get good reviews.
5. Your well-being. This is often overlooked, but don’t forget to factor in breaks. Time away from the screen helps your overall output rate.
6. Project complexity. If you offer extra services, such as proofreading or editing for clients whose first language isn’t English, or if you offer more than one read-through of a project, you may wish to increase your rate or charge separately for additional services.
7. Seasonal variation. Remember that freelance work is often termed “feast or famine”! Some months will be great, and others not so great. You need to have funds in hand from the good times to help pay your bills in the slimmer months. 
8. Your own financial needs (and don’t forget the taxman’s needs!). Your personal circumstances will impact your earnings. If proofreading is a side hustle for you, it may not matter if you earn less than you expect. But if it’s your main income, you’ll need to budget carefully and build up some savings for those rainy days we all face and for your tax bill. 

4. Plan the Details in Advance

Marketing Your Services

Even the most skilled proofreaders will struggle if they haven’t prepared the tools they need to promote themselves. 

So before you make the switch to freelancing full-time, you should work on setting up the foundations of your business. This might involve:

• Choosing a business name. 
• Creating a website.
• Setting up professional social media profiles. 
• Deciding what rates you’ll charge for your services.

Of course, you don’t need to complete all of these at once. Think of them as a checklist of tasks you can tick off as you approach freelancing full-time.

You should also take some time to adapt to working from home. Start setting up a dedicated workspace, whether this is a spare room, garage, or table in the corner of your living room.

Set Goals That Motivate You

It’s easy to lose motivation when transitioning to a new career. It can be all too tempting to stick with the safe option (i.e., your current job) when faced with the possible risk of switching careers. This is why it’s important to set goals to provide yourself with a sense of direction and purpose.

In the long-term, your main goal will probably be to fully transition to freelance work. Set a realistic date for this, informed by your budget and preparation progress.Another way to motivate yourself is by writing a business plan. If you define your services and target clients and set marketing goals, your path to success will become clear. Setting some SMART goals will help keep you on track and will prevent your goals from seeming out of reach. Try creating a timeline of smaller goals that you can achieve in the short-term. These might include some of the points we mentioned in previous steps, like setting up a website, securing new clients, and working out your rates.

Create a Workspace

You should also take some time to adapt to working from home. Start setting up a dedicated workspace, whether this be a spare room, garage, or table in the corner of your living room.

If you’ve previously only worked from someone else’s premises, it can seem strange to suddenly be the only one around. Here are some tips for creating a successful workspace:

1. Be prepared to change your workspace configuration around once you get used to working from home. Experience will tell you what works best.
2. Try not to use your sofa or your bed. Proofreading takes concentration, and that’s nearly impossible if your neck and shoulders ache from poor workstation posture.
3. Try to sit near a window. Natural light and looking up from your screen at intervals can really help with tiredness.
4. Try to set up your workspace away from distractions like the dog, the cookie jar, and the pile of ironing! 
5. Some proofreaders find it useful to have two screens, with resources open on one and your project document on the other. 

5. Start Freelancing on the Side

Don’t quit your day job just yet! Taking the occasional proofreading job alongside your main job is a great way to ease yourself into it, and will help you gain confidence and experience as a freelancer.

In the early days of your new career as a proofreader, it’s often easiest to pick up small pieces of work, but ideally, you’ll want to find some long-term clients to work with too.

These are clients who will require your services on a regular basis and may even offer long-term contracts. Having dependable, regular sources of work will provide you with more job stability. It will also mean that you can spend less time hunting for new clients and more time actually proofreading (not to mention earning!).

You could also consider signing up for flexible work with an agency. Keep in mind, however, that most agencies will require you to have some prior proofreading experience (with the exception of our partner company, Proofed). 

How to Find Freelance Proofreading Jobs

There are plenty of online marketplaces out there that advertise one-off freelancing gigs. Fiverr and Upwork are some of the better known platforms, while smaller sites like AngelList and Remote will have less competition. There are also a number of companies that hire freelance proofreaders directly. 

You can even try finding proofreading jobs using social media. LinkedIn, for example, is designed specifically for professionals and is a great way to form connections with potential clients (and other freelancers). Just make sure you know how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile! Other platforms like Facebook and Instagram can also help you build your brand, establish your network, and find clients. 

Some proofreaders use several platforms, while some focus their efforts on one or two. We recommend the latter, especially if you’re short on time. You don’t want to spend all of your time posting and none of it proofreading! If you do choose to post on several platforms, there are various tools that can help you schedule your posts and save time.

Update Your Resume

Spend some time early on in the process of becoming a freelancer updating and polishing your resume.

Resumes can be either functional or chronological. Chronological resumes are ideal for people who are applying for a new role in the industry they already work in. A functional (or skills-based) resume is best for new proofreaders, as it allows you to focus on your skills more than your experience. 

If you haven’t worked in a relevant area such as publishing or teaching, it’s a good idea to decide which of your skills are transferable and emphasize them. If your natural modesty gets in the way, ask a friend! You might have worked in finance – in which case, you probably already have an eye for detail. If you’ve recently (or not so recently) had a baby, you’ll already know all about juggling several aspects of a project. Have you made presentations to other staff? Yes? Then you can emphasize your communication skills.

Once you have your basic resume, you can tailor it further to each job listing. Pick out the keywords and phrases in the job listing and try to incorporate them into your resume. This will enable the recruiter to quickly see that you possess the skills they’re looking for.

Becoming A Proofreader

We hope we’ve encouraged you to make the leap into a career in freelance proofreading. There’s a lot to think about, so here’s a list of the key points to consider:

1. Do you like the idea of what a proofreader does? Does it sound like a good fit for you?
2. Do you have a reasonable number of the necessary skills, or could you acquire them?
3. Can your finances cope with a period of reduced earnings while you build up your work?
4. Does setting up in business excite you? 
5. Is your resume relevant? Does it shout, “I’m the person you need”?

If your answer to these questions is yes, then take a look at our Becoming A Proofreader course! We’ll help you take the first step toward your new career. Try it for free today!

The post How to Quit Your Job and Become a Freelance Proofreader appeared first on Knowadays.