Online freelance writing has become a source of extra income for many people, as well as a full-time career for others. The best thing about being a freelance writer is that you can work from home at your own schedule, and make good cash writing about subjects that you are passionate about.
However, many people fail to venture into online freelance writing due to the following misconceptions.
1. The online freelance writing market is saturated
Some people wrongly assume that there are no opportunities left for making money through online freelance writing. However, there are many writers out there who continue to make money online on a daily basis. The amount of writing work keeps increasing as more businesses and companies realize the potential of the internet. Therefore, the best time to start writing is now as the focus shifts from print publications to online content.
2. Online freelance writing does not pay well
It is true that there are some online writing jobs that don’t pay very well. However, you will find others that will pay you up to one hundred dollars for a single article. The choice is yours. You don’t have to accept jobs which pay a low rate. Usually, the payment is determined by the level of difficulty of the task, or the expertise of the writer. Once you become an authority in your field, you will find it easier to negotiate for higher rates.
3. Online freelance writing requires technical knowledge
Many people are put off by this misconception. They imagine that to be an online freelance writer, you need to have technical skills such as understanding HTML code. However, the only skills you require are:
- Ability to use email
- Basic skills in word processing using Open Office or Microsoft Word
- Ability to research using search engines such as Yahoo or Google
It is actually as simple as that. Once in a while, you will find writing jobs where you need skills in using platforms such as WordPress. However, in most cases, all you need to do is write an article and submit it by email.
4. To be a freelance writer, you need a Journalism or English major
It doesn’t matter whether you majored in physics or in math, or you never went to college at all. The most important thing is whether you can write or not. Furthermore, online writing is very different from academic writing. Therefore, anyone can develop their writing skills and succeed as an online freelance writer.
5. It is difficult to receive payment
Most online freelance writers receive their payment through PayPal, a secure online account. You can open your own PayPal account in a matter of minutes, and thus be able to receive payment in different currencies. The fees charged are minimal compared to what you would pay in a bank.
6. Only freelance writers based in the US can be successful
This is not true and I’m living proof. I live in Kenya and have written content for clients in the US, UK, Greece and Canada, among other countries. Most sites which require content will take writers from any part of the world. All you need is a good grasp of the English language.
Cover image credit: Susanna Marsiglia / Unsplash
