Post: #151

Also with fiverr you can get creative with pricing. For example, $5 per 50 words. Then there's the upsell features. It has been a while since I've used it but there is a market there for decent rates.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #152

I remember signing up on fiverr but quickly abandoned it because there was something I did not like about it. Can't remember what it was, could be the layout or the sign up process or something.

I'll have to give it another chance.

Post: #153

You guys are saying Upwork is a lot worse than Elance? Earlier this year I made a concerted effort to build up my rep on Elance in case I needed to make random coin here and there, but I've laid off it for several months after establishing a solid 5 star track record and having feedback from several clients.

I saw the notifications about the platform changing from Elance to Upwork and migrated my profile without really looking into it further. I was expecting that I'd be able to resume on Upwork from where I left off on Elance if the need ever arose. What exactly makes Upwork more difficult to work with than Elance?

Post: #154

A mini-PSA to other freelancers...

Don't rely on just one site or one client. Better to diversify the sources of your income. I'm getting on other freelancer sites because Upwork's banhammer came down on me, and quite unceremoniously at that. No explanation whatsoever, even after asking three times.

Post: #155

Even after months of waiting, my eLance account hasn't been transferred to Upwork. I guess I'll just bite the bullet and create a new account.

Post: #156

(05-07-2015 02:21 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  ...

I mostly just keep mine in pdf files, but some clients will definitely want to see links.

That said, keep in mind that many sites will go down over time (especially with low to mid-range clients), so if you do manage to keep a list of updated links, back those up with PDFs or some other format for your own files.

...

What about archiving web pages to include in your portfolio?

Also, should you seek the clients permission before linking to your work on their site?

(05-10-2015 02:10 PM)Don Wrote:  ...
Do you have other skills?
I'm fluent in English and Romanian
...

What about translation work? No doubt there are websites in Romanian that would benefit from either being translated into English, or in having their current translation cleaned up / corrected?

(06-12-2015 09:39 AM)VincentVinturi Wrote:  ...

Testimonials

I mentioned before that you want to always ask for testimonials from your clients.

Not sometimes, not once in a while, but always.

Make it a systematic part of your work relationship with a client.


You complete a job to the client's satisfaction => Immediately request a testimonial while their enthusiasm for your work is fresh.

Always request a *video* testimonial.

Video testimonials are simply more impactful than written testimonials, which can be easily faked.

...

Are you saying you should request a testimonial after every piece of work completed, or once from each new client?

Post: #157

Quoted from: HERE

(11-25-2012 09:35 AM)Neo Wrote:  ...

Thanks for the response. Writing pieces for a fake company was the angle I was going to go for. I definitely picked up some ideas, my question was mainly how to test whether the copy I write as a beginner is effective in the real world?

...

What about setting up an email sign up page for notifications on when a fake product will be launched, to see how much interest your copy would generate. Would that be a good idea!?

Post: #158

Does anyone here have experience with Toptal? I heard its hard to get in but the money is much better than on other freelancing sites.

Post: #159

(12-31-2015 11:48 AM)Ostermann Wrote:  Does anyone here have experience with Toptal? I heard its hard to get in but the money is much better than on other freelancing sites.

Not yet, but it's on my list of sites to apply to.

Post: #160

Quoted from: HERE

(03-30-2015 11:39 AM)Soothesayer Wrote:  ...

2.) Take at least 5-10 tests in your area of expertise: Tech writing. Copywriting. Basic English literacy. This is also proof they need to see.

...

If you take a test and for one reason or another were to absolutely screw up, do the test results have to be shown on your profile?

Post: #161

(10-12-2015 03:14 PM)shameus_oreaaly Wrote:  Has anyone tried selling services without a freelancer framework? I closed my peopleperhour account because I wanted to set my own delivery time and charge more for work-like editing and ghostwriting, which might take several weeks, and can't be offered through PPH, which limits me to five days max.
Obviously there are work-arounds but there's a limit to the amount of work I could deliver in five days, whatever I charge via PPH or Odesk or anywhere else.
Are there any solutions that would protect a customer as well as me, and let me set a contract for how long work would take to deliver?

You will have the advantage of not having 100 other applicants in front but the manual task of finding the employees. I would set up a strong g+ or li page to direct people to. Or you could become the youtube expert on a certain php area and get leads that way, by being helpful for free.

Post: #162

I got accepted to UpWork Pro--haven't heard anything since and don't know what to expect, but I will keep others in here posted.

Also, I'm curious if others here have ever outsourced parts of their projects (namely research)? I got a good client recently who is giving me a lot of work with good pay. I'm thinking if I can hire a VA or someone to just research the topics at hand, organize them nicely, it'll save me a ton of time.

Post: #163

(01-14-2016 02:28 PM)Seth_Rose Wrote:  I got accepted to UpWork Pro--haven't heard anything since and don't know what to expect, but I will keep others in here posted.

Also, I'm curious if others here have ever outsourced parts of their projects (namely research)? I got a good client recently who is giving me a lot of work with good pay. I'm thinking if I can hire a VA or someone to just research the topics at hand, organize them nicely, it'll save me a ton of time.

You have to get accepted to Upwork now? And there's a pro version? I haven't touched my Elance profile in months since I got my recent fulltime job.

Post: #164

^^^^Seriously? I didn't know about the "Pro" version either. Can someone explain it better as I have to get back to writing. Bills need paid, etc.

Post: #165

Upwork Pro exists in addition to the regular Upwork, and it's not established for all kinds of jobs, just mobile developer stuff from what I saw. If you're accepted to Upwork Pro, apparently they charge a 20% fee on jobs (what is it usually, 10% or so?).

In theory Upwork Pro should cut out all the bullshit low end jobs that make up 99% of the regular Upwork, but who knows? I don't look there for programming/dev work anyway.

I just ported my Elance profile over to Upwork, but I haven't even looked at the site in like 9 months. I hope they improved the job search sorting... it was total shit the last time I used it.

Post: #166

(01-15-2016 10:14 AM)WalkingMan Wrote:  You have to get accepted to Upwork now? And there's a pro version? I haven't touched my Elance profile in months since I got my recent fulltime job.

No, just accepted to UpWork Pro. And I didn't apply, I got contacted, interviewed then admitted. Haven't gotten anything special yet.

(01-15-2016 05:40 PM)weambulance Wrote:  Upwork Pro exists in addition to the regular Upwork, and it's not established for all kinds of jobs, just mobile developer stuff from what I saw. If you're accepted to Upwork Pro, apparently they charge a 20% fee on jobs (what is it usually, 10% or so?).

In theory Upwork Pro should cut out all the bullshit low end jobs that make up 99% of the regular Upwork, but who knows? I don't look there for programming/dev work anyway.

I just ported my Elance profile over to Upwork, but I haven't even looked at the site in like 9 months. I hope they improved the job search sorting... it was total shit the last time I used it.

Pretty much what I've heard.

I have a couple clients now but damn its become so saturated now and Im glad I wont have to compete with as many freelancer.

Post: #167

^^ The last few jobs I've bid on had 30-50 candidates each. This is much worse than Elance and it is more time consuming applying too. Is anyone finding success with the new platform?

Post: #168

From what I can tell, UpWork Pro only exist for mobile developers. I'm sure if it makes them a lot of $$$, we'll see it moved to more categories. I still have most of my old clients from Elance and UpWork, but I haven't marketed myself and the new ones I tried out on UpWork tended to be a bunch of pikers. I have learned that if you have an issue with a client it's a good idea to go on the offensive right away and complain to the administrators.

Post: #169

I've had two projects in a row where I've received "low" ratings: a 4.6 and a 4.2.

In both cases I went above and beyond to ensure I met their expectations. With one client we had no problems at all, based on our conversations you would think the project went perfectly smooth. But he still gave me a 4.6. Didn't worry too much, because amidst many 5's maybe that's a good thing. ("The *one* time he didn't get a 5 it was a high rating nonetheless.")

Next, I had a client who was not clear with his instructions. I still did my best, giving him 6 drafts of the short project he wanted, before we came to an agreement that I finally had what he wanted. We talked on the phone twice, I was patient throughout, never rushed anything, always courteous.. Yet he gives me a 4.2.

Am I overthinking things? Does it really matter as much as I think it does? Maybe 4-star ratings aren't that bad, and I'm considering it as if I'm getting 2-stars. Or maybe I'm justified in my thinking.

Anyone else have similar thoughts/experiences?

Post: #170

^ Additionally, my star rating is at a 4.98. But job success at 92%. Looks like when it updates in two weeks, the latter, more important figure will drop. And I will lose my "top rated" badge for it.

It's frustrating to say the least.

Post: #171

I feel ya Nascimento.

That happened to me a while back, and losing my perfect 5* star rating was harsh for a perfectionist like myself. Life goes on though and it shouldn't impact your work much at all--don't fret! Also, the clients that give sub 5 star ratings are usually people who don't pay top dollar and are the cheapskates, from my experience.

Additionally, are the star ratings even visible? It seems like they moved to just job success ratings. Looking at my profile all I can see is a job success rating. It is, by the way, currently at 100% despite being in the low 80's a couple of months ago. One reason for this is that I've moved off Upwork for my gigs, and get paid via PayPal, and therefore I don't actually get new ratings much at all. The job success rating comes from a quick response time and other factors.

Post: #172

Good point. Back on Elance I had a couple reviews that bothered me, but never ended up impacting my work.

I don't think the star ratings are visible to clients anymore. If they are, I'm not aware of it. I'd rather show my stars then a percentage that depends on so many factors...

Seth, how did you move off Upwork with your long term clients? I've heard doing so is strictly against the TOS. Though I suppose you can just contact the client through their email, which you can easily ask for, and mention details through there.

Not sure how willing some clients might be to do this. I guess the ones who trust you based on your personal history together might be apt for that change just like you.

Post: #173

It probably is against their terms but oh well...

Actually for me it's always been the client who initiated this. I suppose they just wanted to streamline the process. If you are going to bring it up, mention how UpWork takes 10% of your pay, and maybe work out a deal. If you've done a lot of work for them, then they are hopefully willing.

I've also set up my own website (though it looks like crap) and over time I'd like to bring in clients through that site, rather than competing through UpWork. That's the long game though.

Post: #174

Game on, I just got this email from UpWork:

Happy new year! As we head into 2016, client demand on Upwork is quickly picking up. The beginning of the year is usually a critical time to maximize your freelance opportunities.
This is why I wanted to tell you about Upwork Pro—a new, exclusive group that gives the best writers access to top clients and projects not accessible to all Upwork freelancers. Plus, we do the hard work of finding and connecting you to great clients.
As a member of Upwork Pro, you’ll receive:
• Exclusive access to pre-screened Pro clients looking for top talent (typically offering $20-$65+/hr and larger projects)
• Opportunities to work with fast-growing startups and Fortune 1000 Enterprise clients

Guess they are sending it to writers too.

Post: #175

Just got this letter from UpWork central control:
Thank you for your interest in the Pro Writers Group and for going through the application process. While we were impressed with your background and experience, we sincerely regret to inform you that we are not able to accept you in the group at this time. We are currently looking for candidates whose qualifications more closely match our requirements.

We are primarily looking for Content Writers (e.g. articles, blogs, web content) and Marketing Writers (e.g. copywriting, email, ads) at this time. If these are areas that you actually have experience in, please let me know. I can provide suggestions on what items to change in your profile to make it more appealing to clients searching in these areas.

It appears that your expertise is geared towards Creative Writing, which is not something that we are evaluating right now. We plan on expanding to other Writing niches in the near future, possibly by the first quarter of 2016.

We wish you all the best and success in locating the career opportunity that fits your goals. Let me know if you have questions or concerns.

****

I guess I'm not the kind of peoples they want.
There again, I would never join a club that would have me as a member.