If you are completing jobs for clients you want to get paid, right? Even though there are many options for receiving payment, some freelancers have a difficult time deciding which one is right for them. In fact, I get more questions about this than just about any other topic.
So, how are you getting paid? There are three methods that I have used time and time again over the years. All of them are perfectly acceptable, although you may be more interested in one or another:
1. PayPal. In my opinion, this is the best way for freelance writers to get paid – especially when working with web based clients. The great thing about PayPal is the speed and efficiency with which you can receive payment. The only downside is that some of your profits will fly out the window by way of PayPal fees. That being said, I have found the fees to be quite fair for the service provided.
2. Check. Many of my clients pay via check. With this option you have to wait a big longer for payment, and once received you will need to head for the bank. That being said, there are no fees involved which means you get to keep every dime that you earn.
3. Bank wire. This is nowhere near as common as the two options detailed above. That being said, I have two clients that use this on a regular basis. All they needed was some basic information from me, such as my bank account and routing number, in order to get started. While this makes payment quick, keep one thing in mind: your bank may charge you a fee for sending and receiving wires. You may want to check on this before agreeing to this form of payment.
I know that this is a very basic topic. Most freelance writers know how to get paid, as well as which method they prefer. Try to be fair to both you and the client when working out payment details. The majority of the time you will be able to settle on something that is mutually beneficially.
Are you interested in learning more about freelance writing? To receive top notch information you can look in one place: other freelance writers. Believe it or not, you can learn quite a bit from other writers – especially those who have a proven track record of success.
Learning from other freelance writers may not be as hard as you think. Here are three ways you can begin to do this:
1. Ask for help. Over the years I have found most freelance writers to be quite helpful. If there is somebody you really admire, send them a quick email and see where it gets you. The worst thing that can happen is you never receive a reply. I always try to answer emails from other freelance writers. Not only is it nice to help, but I am always looking to forge new online friendships.
2. Read their blog. As you probably already know, many freelance writers have a blog. This one, for example, touches on the basics of becoming a freelance writer and sustaining a career. While I cover a lot of information, many others have blogs that focus on other areas of the industry. Read as many freelance writing blogs as time allows.
3. Join a course. I have a freelance writing course that has become very popular with at least 20 members per month. That being said, there are many other courses out there that are just as helpful and probably more popular. Don’t be afraid to spend some money on a solid course. This is a great way to get one-on-one attention from an experienced, successful freelancer.
If you have any desire to learn from other freelance writers you should follow the three tips above. Soon enough you will be picking up knowledge from some of the biggest names in the game.
I know entirely too many freelance writers who will work for whatever the client suggests. In other words, they are afraid of negotiating for one reason or the next. Some don’t want to get turned down; others don’t want to ruffle any feathers. It is important that you become comfortable negotiating with clients. The better you get at this the more money you will earn in the long run.
Practice, practice, practice. The only way to become comfortable negotiating with clients is through practice. Of course, this does not mean that you should negotiate just to negotiate. The next time this situation presents itself feel free to work for the best possible deal. Once you get the first negotiation out of the way you will have more knowledge of what to do in the future.
What are you afraid of? If you cannot answer this question you have no reason to avoid the negotiation process. If you can answer it, you need to find a solution sooner rather than later. Your client is trying to get the best deal, and you should be doing the same. Giving in and working at whatever rate is suggested is not the best way for you to grow your career. You know what you are worth and how much you should be charging for a particular project. Now all you have to do is negotiate to get it.
If you are comfortable negotiating with clients good for you – you are ahead of the game. If you aren’t, now is the time to change your ways and work on this part of your career. Good negotiating skills can help you achieve more success and earn more money.
