Over the last 10 to 15 years, the freelance writing market has come a long way. For example, when I started my profession in 2007, I had to deal with issues like:
- Inability to communicate with clients and manage my business due to a lack of technology
- Using snail mail to send query letters
- The majority of payments are made via paper check.
- Only one or two freelance writing job boards are available to you.
Can you fathom having to deal with any of the above in today’s world? There aren’t many freelancers who send query letters in the mail or request paper cheques.
And the idea of conducting business primarily over the phone makes everyone squirm.
While I recall dealing with all of the obstacles listed above, the first one — a lack of technology — was the most difficult. Remember, the first iPhone didn’t get on the market until 2007.
Even back then, it was nothing compared to what we have today.
Technology, fortunately for me and any other freelancer, continues to advance with each passing day. The most difficult task now is selecting how to select the appropriate technology for your company.
This is what you must do
1. Consider your wants and needs.
This appears straightforward, but it is likely to change as your career progresses. For example, what you want and need today — when you only have a few clients — may not be appropriate in the future, when you’re managing ten or more projects.
So, while making a list of the technologies you want and need is vital, don’t forget that it’s likely to change at some time. Maintain an open mind.
2. Don’t Make Your Business Too Complicated With Technology
This is one of the most common blunders made by rookie freelance writers. They support the use of technology wholeheartedly, but they wind up overcomplicating their operations with software and technologies that provide no real value.
Compare your options within each area to get the best answer once you know what you want and need (see above). For example, there are comparison websites for business software and services, such as G2.
There are other specialty websites, such as Get VOIP, that focus on a specific technology.
Take your time researching what’s available so you can get the technology you need while avoiding anything that may complicate your career.
3. Make the most of free trials
A free trial is a cost-effective and successful approach for businesses to promote sales. As a consumer, it’s a terrific method to familiarize yourself before “going all in.”
A free trial is a good approach to save money while you search because you won’t always make the proper option the first time.
Summary
Consider how technology can help you improve every aspect of your freelance writing business when you begin your freelance writing career. You’ll quickly discover that technology allows you to work more efficiently, interact with clients more effectively, manage your earnings, and much more.
Thanks to Chris Bibey at Business 2 Community whose reporting provided the original basis for this story.
