Esther Victoria, Author at Freelancelifemagazine

Freelance Review: July, Part One

Esther Victoria — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:44:05 +0000

Hey! Guess what? I have compiled a list of exciting articles and news in the freelance space. This review analyzed recent topics, dissecting the intricate dynamics and highlighting key game-changers in the freelance landscape.

This is an eye-opening read filled with intriguing facts and experts’ opinions that have broadened my knowledge and understanding of key issues. It’s an intellectual feast that leaves you hungry for more.

The 7 Best Social Media Platforms for Freelancers (With Pros and Cons)

Source: Makeuseof

In this edition of the freelance review, the first news here is what I came across on the popular platform Makeuseof. It is specifically targeted to you as a freelancer who wants to expand your freelance career.

When it comes to growing an audience, social media has a number of benefits for all different types of online artists. In this regard, freelancers are similar to other professionals, and you can select from many networks to develop your brand and potentially draw in clients.

We’ll go through the seven best social media sites for freelancers, along with some of their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Twitter

Twitter is one of the most widely used networks and a well-known text-based social media platform. You will be able to build a network that may later buy your skills and expertise. There are various communities on Twitter that you can join. Additionally, there are some elite professionals on the network, such as content managers, who might wish to recruit you.

Pros

Accessibility to hard-to-reach individuals
Leverage on industry conversations
Meet like-minded professionals

Cons

Can be really detrimental
Easy to get dragged

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great place to network as it gives the privilege to showcase your prior experience by sharing links to samples of your work. Additionally, you can share and get access to significant updates relevant to your field.

Pros

Numerous freelance positions
Access to educational materials and learning resources
Work history is presented in an organized manner

Cons

May be quite cliquey

3. Instagram

Even though Instagram is a fantastic space for photographers and other visual artists, You can still utilize Instagram as a writer or can share your latest blog posts in your Instagram Stories.

Pros

Great for visuals
Fun to use
Several opportunities for content creation

Cons

Can be addictive
May be difficult to grow audience

4. Behance

Behance is a well-known social media site for sharing artwork, and you can search job listings there for positions in a variety of creative fields. Several artists’ works can serve as inspiration when utilizing this platform.

Pros

Contact with other creatives in the same niche
More opportunities
Profile customization and link sharing

Cons

An Adobe Creative Cloud account is needed before you can use the service.

5. Facebook

As a freelancer, you may set up a business page to advertise your availability for new jobs as well as highlight your most recent client work. Facebook also allows you to network with people in various groups

Pros

Large user base
Ease navigation
Direct connections with friends and family

Cons

Growing a business page without sponsored advertising efforts is challenging.

6. Youtube

With billions of visitors each month, YouTube is a terrific platform to obtain resources for learning various kinds of abilities. On YouTube, you can discuss just about anything, including honing a particular skill or the ins and outs of freelancing.

Pros

Can be monetized through Adsense
A fun way to engage an audience
Low costs

Cons

Growing a YouTube channel takes time.
AdSense money isn’t as big as you think in many cases.

7. Pinterest

Many users turn to Pinterest when they need inspiration, and it’s an awesome platform for sharing information. After creating an account, you may drive traffic to your website and learn practical advice that will help you expand your own business.

Pros

A ton of inspiration is available
Less competitive and aggressive compared to other platforms
drive traffic to the services page of your website.

Cons

Difficult to find freelance clients

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Read new interviews, check the latest freelance news from the internet, find current app reviews, useful career tips and news from freelance platforms, see the latest freelance nomads destinations and much more!

Don’t Get Fooled! Not Everything You Hear About Making Money Online Is True

Medium

Making money online is appealing, especially now that we have so much knowledge and opportunity at our fingertips. However, the famous freelance platform, Medium recently released an article that says not everything you read or hear about getting money online is credible and true.

I will also agree with their assertion that it’s crucial to approach the world of online income generation with caution and scepticism. Numerous misconceptions can mislead us, as I’ve personally discovered. Let’s find out some of these misconceptions and learn the reality of earning money online.

Misconception 1: Make Money Quick and Easy

When some people hear about working online, they frequently come across statements that promise quick and simple wealth. However, let’s face reality, earning money online requires time and work. There isn’t a secret formula for success. Adopting the principles of diligence, reliability, and endurance is crucial.

Misconception 2: No Skills or Experience Are Required.

Long-term success can only be attained through investing in one’s professional and personal growth. Despite the abundance of chances offered by the internet, success cannot be attained by anybody without knowledge or expertise. It’s essential to develop useful abilities, keep up with industry trends, and constantly broaden our knowledge if we want to succeed in the online world.

Misconception 3: Passive Income Streams

It seems fantastic to be able to make passive income while sleeping or having fun, doesn’t it? True passive income, however, necessitates a strong foundation and constant work. Building stable revenue streams requires patience, commitment, and clever planning. It involves striking the ideal balance between automation and reliable input.

Here Is the Truth

Making money online is feasible, but it takes practical approaches and a commitment. Finding your speciality, developing your unique brand, and giving your clients real value are all important. Remember that not every piece of information you read or hear about making money online is accurate. Be cautious, conduct thorough research, and believe in your gut.

I strongly agree with the fact that, to successfully manage the internet environment, you need to surround yourself with a supporting network and trustworthy resources. Let’s discern the truthful opportunities from the deceptive hype, and you will find yourself winning.

Business Leaders Planning to Hire More Workers Despite Rise of AI: Survey

FoxBusiness

This is a new survey published on the FoxBusiness website that reveals some interesting facts about the world of employment. It mentions, contrary to fears that AI could lead to mass layoffs, business leaders and executives now believe that the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) will encourage companies to hire more workers.

A research arm of the freelance marketplace, Upwork Research Institute, polled 1,400 U.S. business leaders, from senior managers to C-suite executives, about their company’s usage of AI and how it will affect their future workforce.

64% of C-suite respondents stated they anticipate hiring more professionals of all types as a result of generative AI. When asked if the workers they want to hire will be classed as full-time employees or freelancers, 49% of the business executives surveyed responded that they will be freelancers, while 49% said full-time workers, leaving them evenly divided.

According to the survey, there is a gap between senior managers and C-suite executives in terms of how much generative AI is being used by their organizations. Only 54% of vice presidents, 52% of directors, and 53% of senior managers agreed with the 73% of C-suite executives who stated their organization embraces AI.

AI Automate Tasks, Not Jobs

There are disparities in the adoption of AI depending on a company’s size and how much of its personnel are physically present in the office versus working remotely. According to the poll, 62% of midsized businesses with staff counts between 501 and 5,000 are using AI, compared to 41% of larger businesses with employee counts over 5,001 and 56% of small businesses with employee counts between 251 and 500.

According to Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, “Early results from our study indicate that adopting generative AI at all organizational levels will be crucial. However, our poll reveals that there is now a rift between C-suite executives and their staff, which is probably caused by a dearth of knowledge about how this technology will affect the workplace”.

She added, “Businesses that want to bridge this gap should roll out a change management strategy that includes: communicating the expected outcomes for their workforce with generative AI adoption, and clear policies.”

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Why are More Americans Choosing Freelance and Part-time Work?

Scrippsnews

The labour market is continuing to change as part-time and freelance employment become more prevalent with a little over a third of US workers currently engaging in one of the two. This interesting analysis I found on the website Scrippsnews mentions that for people without employment, it’s not only a means to an end. Many employees are cheerfully switching from full-time employment to part-time or freelance work.

According to government data released in early June, 21.8 million Americans choose to work part-time, or for reasons other than economic need. Over the past years, there has been a decrease in the number of people who work part-time for financial reasons. According to a report by Upwork and the Freelancers Union, there has been an increase in freelance work over the previous ten years, thus the trend is not new to the country.

According to Lindsey Cameron, an assistant professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, “We have become dependent on these activities as a society. And to have a labour pool that can be called upon to deliver our packages, groceries, and other necessities. As a result, freelance work is here to stay.”

“But I believe that the more important factor to consider is that these businesses rely on their employees working as independent contractors since they are on-demand services that can be accessed whenever you need them. That makes it much more difficult to have staff because you then have to pay for all the unpaid waiting time.

Workers are now able to seek more flexible work and lifestyle options because of the robust job market. The Labor Department revealed there were almost two openings for every job seeker as firms added additional positions for the spring.

Freelancers Under Fire: Legislation Threatens Gig Economy Workers

AllWork

In its recent article, the platform AllWork made it clear that a federal law has been reintroduced that seeks to formalize the California ABC test, which some fear would redefine the gig economy. The Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) trial-run law in California is the overarching fear and uncertainty felt by many professionals working as a freelancer.

The article highlights that when the proposed legislation last came up for a vote in Congress, those who work in the gig economy were three votes away from a decision that might completely alter their way of life. The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 (PRO Act), Senate Bill 567, has the power to fundamentally modify American labour law.

The article further reads, Sen. Bernie Sanders reintroduced the bill on February 28 after the last Congress failed to pass it and sent it to President Biden for consideration. By just three votes, it missed the boat.

With the current divided Congress, it appears extremely improbable that the PRO Act will become formal legislation anytime soon. AB5 may be considered a career coup for gig workers in California because it was meant to redefine as many independent professionals as possible in the state

How are Freelancers Responding?

California was regarded as the “beta-test” state, the starting point for this novel kind of regulation. However, many individuals employed in the gig economy made note of what transpired in California and were ready for what lay ahead.

According to Kaplan, this is how the Fight For Freelancers USA got its start as “a nonpartisan, ad hoc, all-volunteer, and self-funded group.” The group protested against what Fight For Freelancers called a “copycat bill” from New Jersey that was remarkably similar to California’s AB5.

To raise awareness, the employees called lawmakers, published op-eds for local and national publications, and spoke before the Congress. Interesting, anyone would expect such reactions from them.

The post Freelance Review: July, Part One appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: June, Part 2

Esther Victoria — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:58:05 +0000

Take my words if I say I’m truly impressed and left awe-inspired by this episode of freelance review. It’s both fantastic and uplifting; an absolute masterpiece.

Join me as we review some recent motivational stories, articles and tips that have left me blown away with their brilliance and greatness.

$10,000 Per Month: How Jenny Turned Her Side Hustle Into a Full-time Gig

Source: Yahoo.finance

Yahoofinance recently published a story of a young lady, Jenny Inhof who left her full-time job in fashion sales and marketing to start her own business. This was around the time when the pandemic struck.

She further said to Yahoo Finance that she decided to leave the work on the spur of the moment, without knowing what to do or where to go. She said, “All I knew is that I really wanted to work for myself and I had to think quickly on my feet and do something that had previously made me money before.”

Jenny ran a cosmetics e-commerce business before beginning her career in fashion where she gained knowledge of Shopify’s features and functionality. “While I was at my full-time job, I was dabbling in website design and development and doing a couple of side projects here and there for people. So that got me into the world of freelancing and website design and development” she explained.

Following her resignation from her position, Jenny began working as a freelancer on sites like Fiverr, providing Shopify audit services along with recommendations on how companies may increase their website’s conversions, design, functionality, and user experience. According to Jenny, she was able to recoup her prior full-time salary within a year.

Jenny now owns and operates Just Create It Digital, a Shopify design and development company with four employees. Fiverr is only one of the company’s revenue streams, they also attract customers through its website and social media. I believe that’s a big win for the business.

According to her, the business consistently earns at least $10,000 every month from Fiverr.com. Their total revenue since joining Fiverr is considerably over $300,000. Jenny advised independent contractors to network, build a strong portfolio of their work, and market themselves out there on many platforms.

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Introducing HostRooster: A Retro-Inspired Freelance Services Marketplace

Source: PRNewswire

This enlightening article on PRNewswire is about an AI platform, HostRooster that was founded by businessman Dean Jones, a global project manager, St. Martins College alumnus, and former Director of Projects at Cranfield University. HostRooster employs a novel strategy in a world dominated by intricate AI-powered platforms and complicated algorithms.

According to the writer’s perspective, It has a charming retro-vintage feel that brings to mind the early days of the Internet. HostRooster offers a nice environment for anyone looking for a simple and clear freelance experience by embracing the simplicity and user-friendliness associated with vintage technology.

One of the platform’s most notable features is the ‘Pecking-Order: Levels System’, a modern structure that improves the online freelance market. Freelancers can advance through many levels, from the entry-level “Hatchling” level to the coveted “Supreme Roost,” unlocking useful bonuses and increasing their profits as they exhibit remarkable dedication and competence.

HostRooster enables users to relive the appeal of a more simple era while gaining from a dynamic freelance services economy by fusing vintage-retro looks with modern functionality. Clients may quickly identify the services they require, and freelancers can exhibit their talents in a user-friendly setting.

According to Jones, “We’re shaking up the freelance game, starting with the rates.” “We’re all about boosting freelancers’ feathers and letting them keep more of what they earn, so we’ve turned the commission dial down to just 5% for Supreme Roosters!”

HostRooster makes sure that both clients and freelancers have a smooth and trouble-free experience by streamlining filtering choices and putting an emphasis on simplicity. In simple terms, it is a very user-friendly platform as it provides an engaging environment where freelancers can interact with skilled people and easily accomplish their tasks.

How This Freelancer Turned Her Powerpoint Presentations Into A Business That Brings In Millions Of Dollars

Source: Swirlster

Here is another inspiring story of Courtney Allen, a native of Atlanta Georgia, USA whose success was shared on the platform Swirlster. According to this website, Courtney was referred to as a combination of the right timing, good work ethic and a set of skills finely tuned to the market is a sure-shot recipe for professional success.

After obtaining her degree in graphic design in 2012, Courtney began working on a contract basis, primarily designing Powerpoint presentations for companies like Cisco and Adobe. The reality of operating in a professional market like Upwork, however, was that she had to put in long hours up to 80 per week to get clients and get her business off the ground.

However, everything changed for good in 2017. She started a company called 16X9 that specializes in designing decks. By handling that part of the work process entirely, 16X9 sought to remove the inconvenience of presentations for the clients they work with. Their client list is well-known and includes companies like Microsoft and Bloomberg.

16X9 has a promising future because Courtney’s company now intends to teach people the fine art of creating decks and expand its presentation abilities to a variety of platforms. Given how well she has performed thus far, we can only anticipate her future success.

Courtney, who started by creating presentation decks as a side gig before growing it into a lucrative company with millions in annual revenueCourtney has made more than $2 million thanks to the company’s work as well as his own body of work. Not bad for a girl who was initially asked if her proficiency with Powerpoint could help her get a job, don’t you think?

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Buzzfeed, Gal-dem, VICE…: What The Closure of Big Digital Media Brands Means for Freelancers

Source: Journalism

The freelance world is truly evolving. As new things continue to spring up, even some old ones are disappearing. In this article on Journalism, I’ll be discussing how the top internet media organizations including Buzzfeed, Gal-dem, and MTV News have already stopped operations halfway through the year. VICE is the most recent company to declare bankruptcy as a result of its inability to develop a sustainable business model.

These winding-ups, which occurred over a brief period of time, disturbed the freelancers who watched their commissions disappear. Oliver-James Campbell, a journalist and social media manager, is particularly worried about the kinds of stories that internet media will be publishing because these companies frequently give voices to people from poor backgrounds.

These brands stand out because they write stories for a variety of audiences. Now, with their closures, there’s less space for writers who want to speak about these topics to go to. Though most freelancers are accustomed to ambiguity.

Lily Canter, a freelance journalist who specializes in running and fitness, thinks that having a backup plan has always been important for freelancers. To be ready for hard times, you must have several different streams of income.

Working primarily with one client increases risk since you can lose your job if their budget is lowered or they go out of business. Therefore, having at least two or three clients spreads the risk a little bit wider.

Canter also said he work as a running coach on the side as he lectures, trains, podcast, publishes a newsletter, and hosts webinars. He stated that he does this because he values diversity of work. He asserts that this has always been the case and that the closures are not the cause of it.

The same is true for relying solely on repeat commissions. Due to the closure of major online publications, more writers will flock to the remaining ones and submit many stories to make up for lost revenue.

5 Reasons Why a Freelancer Career May Not Be Right for Your Lifestyle

Source: Makeuseof

Are you considering going into freelancing? There are some drawbacks to freelancing that you should take into account before you start a new career in that space. As a freelancer, the nature of your work and how you manage your time will have a big impact on how accessible you are, how committed you are, and how much you need to learn.

However, the famous freelance website Makeusof writes an article that highlights why a freelance career may not be the best option for some people due to certain challenges. Here are some reasons why it might not be a good fit for your way of life:

1. Freelancers Need to Be Very Available

The typical freelancer schedule could be a rude awakening if you are used to the regular 9 to 5 employment schedule five days a week. You’ll need to be on the clock almost constantly, contrary to the hopes of many aspiring freelancers who see days spent lazing on the beach in between tasks.

2. Maintaining Balance Can Be Hard

In contrast to a traditional job, which typically comes with a set timetable, you will need to schedule downtime by deciding not to take on any new projects for a while. This may give you some time to unwind, but it also means that you won’t be earning any money during this period. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to strike a healthy work-life balance when your schedule is very unpredictable and you need extra time just to locate work.

3. Working as a freelancer requires a lot of dedication.

As a freelancer, you won’t have the system of an 8-hour workday. Although, you are allowed to attend an appointment or run to the shop. But if you do this too often, you’ll miss deadlines and finish fewer projects.

Not all freelancers possess the commitment necessary to stick to deadlines and complete their work. There’s a chance that the work you’re performing is also quite repetitious, which adds to the stress. When working for yourself, you must find a way to maintain your creativity.

4. Finding Work is Difficult

A lot of new freelancers are unprepared for the level of effort required to find clients. If you’re not ready, looking for new possibilities can rapidly become extremely challenging and stressful. You’ll have to invest a lot of time finding ways to get out there until you have a solid base of regular clients or have landed a few long-term contracts.

5. Freelancers Must be Jerk of all Trades

You need to have more than one area of expertise if you want to make freelancing a full-time career. To increase the variety of contracts you can accept, the simplest solution to this is to diversify your skill set into as many relevant niches as you can.

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The post Freelance Review: June, Part 2 appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: June, Part One

Esther Victoria — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:23:01 +0000

Do you know what is happening in the competitive world of freelancing and what impacts have been felt? Apart from being one of the crucial game-changer in the work environment where skilled people get hired, it is also a place where you find a lot of exciting news.

However, Freelance Life Magazine has brought another series of educative and entertaining news, insights and tips that made it to the news in June from popular freelance platforms.

I Made My First $100 by Using Canva – First Freelance Project

Source: Medium

Here is a story I found on the website Medium. It is about Mahnoor, who started her freelance journey in 2020. She mentioned that although it was a wonderful start to her freelance career, she eventually discovered its drawbacks.

When she began working for herself, she was utilizing Canvas for a variety of tasks while working on Fiverr, Upwork, Guru.com, and Freelancer. She stated that, although she had anticipated receiving the first gig on Fiverr, it actually came via Guru.com. Then, she received the second on Upwork and the third on Fiverr. These three projects were won consecutively. And there wasn’t much gap between them.

First Fiverr Project

“My first Fiverr project cost $100. I did not anticipate receiving the first project for one hundred bucks. Even I was wishing and hoping to win a $5 project to get things started. I didn’t care about the money I made at the time; all I wanted was to start my freelance career”, she explained.

She further said “One day, a client got in touch with me, and we had extensive discussions about the project. It was part of a creative writing assignment. I was hired to write a 100-page poetry book and add artwork.

Her task was to compose the poems, add the appropriate illustrations to each page, and format the whole thing into a book. The book might be a PDF. She didn’t know anything about making KDP covers or ebooks at the time. During the conversation, Mahnoor asked her client if she could design a nice PDF eBook and book cover for her. It sounds terrific, she remarked.

She mentioned that she used Grammarly to write the poems, and numbered each to-do so that each section will be uploaded numerically in Canvas eBook. She stated that her client didn’t spend a lot of time reviewing. The client gave her a positive review after approving the work and releasing the funds in less than an hour.

She said, “Canva aids in my project completion and long-term contractual commitment to the client. My partner is still Canva. For both my personal and freelance tasks, I use it every day. The nicest aspect of this adventure was that even as a starter, which is when beginners don’t want to pay money or invest in something, I was still able to use the premium versions.”

15 Fun Ways to Come Up With Amazing Freelance Article Ideas

Source: Dianakelly

Have you ever struggled to come up with article ideas? We’ve all felt the pressure of a blinking cursor on a blank page or a white-lined sheet of paper that was full of promise but void of ideas, whether you’re a professional freelance writer with over 20 years of experience or you had to write a college paper, or you needed to come up with new content ideas for your company’s brainstorm session.

Sometimes, when you lose being creative, it can be difficult to come up with freelance ideas. Other times, it’s due to your own excessive pressure to come up with “The Most Original And Amazing Idea Ever”. Accept it. You’re helpless. Freelance article ideas don’t have to be so hard. In fact, the process can be fun. However, the famous freelance writing platform, Dianakelly, highlighted some simple strategies on how to generate article ideas that anyone would love.

1. Address issues

When generating article ideas focus on identifying the problems or experiences you currently encounter and would like to see resolved, such as sharing insights and tips on navigating the home-buying process for a smoother experience.

2. What Do People Talk About

Identify common topics friends discuss and post about on social media, research related Google results, Quora, or Reddit, and create improved content by addressing freelance FAQs.

3. What Problem(s) Do You Solve for Friends and Family

Leverage your expertise and the areas people seek your help to generate freelance article ideas. Draw from conversations on various topics like caregiving, health, and more, while being attentive.

4. Go Small As You Think

Generate article ideas by reading local newspapers and stories from small towns, identifying trends and inspiring narratives with national appeal. Use Google alerts and follow experts on social media for specific topics of interest.

5. Get Ideas From Podcast

Discover podcasts for freelancers and extract research-worthy topics discussed, refine them, and pitch them to an editor. Jot down ideas using note-taking apps while listening to podcasts for inspiration.

6. Get Personal

Utilize your unique perspective and viewpoint on current events for personal essays sought by online outlets, offering opportunities for beginner freelance writers to get published.

7. Use Article Idea Generator Tool

When faced with a roadblock, utilize online tools like AI generative text tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, Writing.io, Jasper.ai, Rytr.me) or Hubspot’s Blog Ideas Generator for a quick and abundant blog post and article ideas.

8. Check Tiktok and Instagram

With brands actively producing videos and sharing content on social media platforms, you must become acquainted with the platform’s current landscape.

I believe these tips are very useful for getting inspiration when you run out of ideas and feel completely blank.

5 Reasons Why You Should Unplug for a Better Work-Life Balance

Source: Makeuseof

Cutting back on screen time can increase your productivity while online and help you reconnect with your loved ones, yourself, and the environment around you. You must know how to take action for a healthier work-life balance in a world that is overrun with digital engagement.

On the popular platform Makeuseof, I came across some of the main advantages of switching off from technology and enjoying brief periods of digital detox.

1. Mental and Emotional Rejuvenation

Unplugging from a hectic schedule gives you the chance to recharge since it lowers stress and fosters mindfulness. Find tranquillity in the present moment, enjoy your alone time, and do things that make you happy. Here are some of the useful tips to achieve this;

Set aside time each day to be “unplugged” and do things you enjoy that help you unwind, like reading a book and taking a walk.
You may establish limits with technology by turning off notifications.
Include stress-relieving activities in your routine, such as beginning a meditation practice, doing deep breathing exercises, or keeping a journal.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation

Online information overload can cause your mind to get crowded and impair your capacity for original thought. The ability for natural creativity to develop can be enhanced by taking a step back from the digital world. Here are some steps for doing this:

Plan periodic “creative breaks” for the day.
Attend workshops and exhibitions to gain fresh insights and views.

3. Quality Restfulness

Electronic devices’ blue light emissions, often known as the “sleep hormone” or the “hormone of darkness,” play a part in this by interfering with your circadian rhythm by delaying the release of melatonin. Establishing a routine that tells your brain it’s time to unwind, illustrates the necessity of unplugging long before bedtime. You can follow these steps to make this happen:

Switch to screen-free activities and unplug your electronics before night.
Make regular sleep and waking hours a priority.

4. Improved Focus and Concentration

You can regain your focus and concentration by turning off all electronic devices. Reducing interruptions also enables you to focus entirely on your work at hand and increases productivity. Here are useful and simple strategies:

Set up specified time blocks for focused work without interruptions.
Create a dedicated workspace
Install a Pomodoro timer app.

5. Strengthened Relationship and Work-life Balance

When you prioritize spending time with loved ones and set appropriate boundaries with technology, you may foster deeper connections and make memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few brief pointers to help with this:

Create a schedule of events or outings for your family and friends.
Set limits and give your loved ones all of your attention.
Set clear expectations for your availability outside of business hours with coworkers and employers by communicating your digital limits with them.

Check out the new issue of freelance life magazine

Find Your Next Freelance Gig 2.0: Three More Marketplaces To Know

Source: Forbes

Freelance offerings are expanding in number, diversity and creativity. More people are coming to the space than has ever been recorded. Everyone finds the most suitable platform that suits their needs to sell their skills and expertise. Most of freelancers struggle to win gigs as there is too much competition on the popular freelance platform.

However, there are more marketplaces to showcase your talent which you have probably not heard about. The famous website, Forbes mentions three of these platforms where you can find your next freelance gig.

Unitaskr, one of the platforms discussed here, has a sizable member base made up mostly of university students from the US and the UK. Short periods, large numbers. Shakers and Sweav, on the other hand, are smaller, more carefully curated platforms of seasoned and established experts.

These platforms are a manifestation of the hard-won maxim that “there are riches in niches.”

Unitaskr

UK-based Unitaskr offers a distinctive perspective on student employment. It shares many similarities with Parker Dewey, a US-based network that connects students with micro-internships in business organizations, and Techintern, a Canadian marketplace geared toward tech-focused students looking for internships or part-time jobs.

At the moment, it has over 300,000 members and helps 30,000 companies, ranging from small start-ups to major corporations like Red Bull, Uber Eats, NHS, and Spotify, as well as twelve multinational Unicorn companies.

Shakers

Shakers is a platform that is expanding throughout Spain and building on its recent achievements. Coworkers Adrián de Pedro, Jaime Castillo, and CEO Héctor Mata founded the business less than three years ago. Since its beginning, it has remarkably increased revenue each year. Shakers, like Unitaskr, has maintained a laser-like focus on its niche market: top tech experts. The platform currently has 400 carefully vetted specialists on it.

Sweav

The Netherlands-based platform of independent management consultants was founded by Joeri Schouten and Thijmen Kaster. It has a pretty straightforward concept of what a consulting organization could be. According to Schouten, “We aimed to increase the aspects of consulting we like and eliminate the ones we didn’t.”

As a result, Sweav was envisioned as a tiny, close-knit community with 200 consultants. Even though the community is young, it has strict inclusion requirements, including five years at a premier strategy company or an equivalent amount of experience in private equity or mergers and acquisitions. Due to its rigorous standards, it has expanded successfully, with more than 60% of talent obtaining employment through Sweav, a level that I think is significantly above average.

Proactive Tax Planning for Freelancers: Avoiding Pitfalls and Overpaying

Source: Millo

Managing your taxes as a freelancer can be challenging. Although smart tax planning can greatly lessen this complexity, you’ll save time and money as a result. This article I found on Millo will examine frequent errors made by freelancers, including failing to plan ahead for taxes, waiting too long to use an LLC or S-Corp, and failing to record all allowable deductions.

Up until you really begin, tax preparation for independent contractors just sounds difficult. Although it is simple to put off doing your tax preparation, once you do it, life gets much simpler.

Failing to Think About Taxes Proactively

Keep in mind that you essentially own a micro business. Many independent contractors make the error of treating their taxes as an afterthought, only taking them into account during tax season. This reactive thinking may result in missed possibilities for tax breaks and deductions.

It’s critical to seek assistance from a tax expert who can direct your choices and give guidance catered to your unique circumstances. As a general rule, set aside 25% to 30% of your income for taxes in order to protect yourself.

Failing to Use Limited Liability Company/S-Corp Early

Many freelancers run their businesses as sole proprietorships without realizing that changing their business structure could result in considerable tax benefits. Legal protection and tax advantages may be available when operating as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) or S-Corp.

Failing to Keep Track of All Allowable Deductions

Freelancers frequently overlook crucial deductions. You may be able to deduct business costs including those for your home office, travel, tools, software subscriptions, and even a percentage of your utility bills. Maintaining thorough records of all your business-related costs throughout the year is essential.

Failing to Optimize Your Taxes

Tax optimization refers to the use of legal strategies to lower your tax liability. Freelancers may want to think about tax planning strategies in various forms. These include contributing to a retirement plan, leveraging Health Savings Account (HSA), hiring a family member and handling Required Minimum Distributions (RMD).

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Freelance Review: May 2023, Part 2

Esther Victoria — Wed, 31 May 2023 17:09:31 +0000

The freelance space is brimming with various activities part of which are game changers. Freelance Life Magazine identifies these occurrences that matter and brings them to you as a news review. These are engrossing topics from popular websites and freelance platforms that you don’t want to miss.

Imagine engaging in a conversation and you have little or no idea of what is being discussed, no one wants that to happen to them. That’s more reason we compiled a selection of interesting and value-adding information from May. Below are recent topics from the best freelance websites we can find around. Stay tuned!

The 4 Best All-in-One Productivity Tools for Freelancers

Source: Makeuseof

Managing your time as a freelancer can be difficult once you have established yourself and built a solid customer base. If you don’t keep track of project deadlines, you may miss them, and you may also struggle to keep track of other key responsibilities, such as keeping proper accounts and paying your taxes on time.

However, with the rise of project management software, it is now easier than ever to become a freelancer. You can use these tools to keep track of invoice payments, create simple lists of your customer portfolio, and much more. Check out four of the best all-in-one productivity tools the website Makeuseof talks about;

Notion

You can use Notion for effortless note-taking, which is probably why you’ve heard of it previously. However, as a freelancer, you will discover that the software also functions as a powerful all-in-one productivity suite. Some of its primary characteristics are as follows:

Creating pages and sub-pages with little effort.
Organizing your freelance management workflow with customized templates
Notion creates multiple workspaces.
With Notion, you can pin important pages as favourites.
You can download Notion for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

Pricing: The Notion-free plan is enough for most freelancers, however, in case you need more blocks or file upload space, Notion Plus costs $10 per month and $96 per annum subscription.

Pros:

All features are mostly free.
It’s user-friendly.
Notion uses a broad range of templates.

Cons:

Limited online usage.

Brite

Brite makes planning your week a breeze. The app is one of the latest options on our list, but it has a solid array of tools for both noting and tracking your chores. The following are the features of Brite:

Can categorize tasks into official and private tasks.
You can decide task priority level
You can schedule regular tasks on repeat
The app includes a note-taking capability similar to Apple Notes and Google Keep.
There is a calendar to help you keep track of your schedule on Brite.

Pricing: Just like Notion, most of the needed tools for freelancers on Brite are also free. You can also upgrade to a paid version to access more features and this costs $4.50 per month and $39.48 per year.

Pros:

You can manage projects in one location.
Easy to use interface.
Sort the things you have to do into various categories.

Cons:

No Android App
No desktop-designed app (though you can use the iOS version on your Mac), so you will need to use the web app instead.

Asana

Asana is undoubtedly the greatest all-in-one productivity tool for freelancers in terms of usability. The following are the unique features of Asana:

Asana allows you to create multiple projects all at once.
You can create new cards for each project to monitor your tasks accurately.
You can also create deadlines for deliverables.

Pricing: With the free version of Asana, you can create unlimited projects and tasks. Asana allows you to collaborate with up to 15 users before requiring a subscription plan, so you might not need to upgrade to the paid version.

Asana Premium costs $13.49 per month and $131.88 per year. Meanwhile, the Business plan costs $30.49 per month if paid monthly, and $299.88 per year if paid annually.

Pros:

The free plan has a plethora of features.
Available on several devices.
Tools for creating comprehensive projects.

Cons:

In comparison to Brite and Notion, there are fewer customization options in other aspects of the software.

Monday.com

Many people connect Monday.com with major corporations, but the app is also a fantastic all-in-one productivity solution for freelancers. The following are the features of monday.com:

Can create up to three boards with a free plan and use these to organize your client’s work and your tasks.
It allows you to keep better track of your projects.

Pricing: Monday.com’s premium subscription cost is determined by the number of people purchasing a plan. You can check monday.com for monthly per-seat subscription prices.

Pros:

Tools for freelancers that are comprehensive.
There are several templates available.
Optimization for mobile and desktop.

Cons:

Most people will encounter a bigger learning curve than with some of the other products.

There are several productivity tools available for freelancers, but having everything in one place will help avoid decision fatigue. Each of these apps will help you manage the various facets of being a freelancer. You can conveniently keep track of your ongoing customer projects while also avoiding overloading yourself.

I Made $10,495 in One Month of Freelancing and Worked Less than 16 Hours a Week. Here’s What I Did That Made All the Difference

Source: Businessinsider

This time Businessinsider brings us a story about Zulie Rane who makes six figures as a content creator and believes anyone can make a thousand a month if they are ready to work as hard as she did.

Zulie became a freelance writer on October 10^th, 2020 and she was scared of making a few mistakes as a beginner due to panic in her new career. However, she was determined and set a goal for herself that until she makes $10,000 a month, only then can she consider herself a success in her new-found career.

Fortunately, as the goal-getter that she is, her goal was accomplished after 8 months she launched into a freelance lifestyle when she earned $10,495.33 in May 2021. She shares the secrets of how she was able to do this. Check them out below.

I was not an overnight success story

Do not allow anyone to deceive you that success happens overnight because it doesn’t! In May she earned $4999.26 from her blog and YouTube channel combined which she considers not a random one-off occurrence or luck but a result of 2 years of working, writing, editing, filming, networking, and learning.

I had a backlog of clients

She got to a point that she had the luxury of turning down paying work which she finds it difficult to believe. She earlier thought turning down paying jobs was a stupid decision, however, in the long run, she realized it’s one of the benefits of successful freelancing. She can say no to work and keep her free time for herself.

I failed to sell myself

The final bit of her big $10k month came from selling herself and her services, $1,021.07 in all. She was a little sad to know that she hadn’t managed to sell herself as much as she initially intended. Although, it’s hard to promote her courses and services. She believes many other writers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs feel the same. Sales are not natural for most of us, she admits.

I worked 16 hours per week

She says that her real success is not the money she made but rather the time she spent not working. She uses Clockify to track her time and she recorded spending a total of 65 hours, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds working in May 2021.

She believes her lifestyle is valuable for the money it gives her, but also for the time it gives her. She once wrote about how she loves working as little as possible, and how she believed the true value of the freelance lifestyle is the free portion of it.

I allowed myself to experience downturns

In June, she was stressed out due to unforeseen life events and wasn’t sleeping well. She was anxious and nervous and had no motivation to work or create. A part of her wanted to push through and secure a higher income. Since she already hit the $10k milestone, she believes she should keep hitting it every single month.

It takes continuous effort and improvement to grow in the freelance world, know your weaknesses and improve on them, it could be the ability to sell yourself, or knowing how to price your services.

The 7 Best Apps for Finding Freelance Remote Work

Source: Makeuseof

Makeuseof brings you news on the best apps that will help you find the remote freelancing work you are seeking from among the many that are readily available online. These apps serve as a platform for communicating with firms looking to recruit individuals remotely. Check out some of the top platforms for finding remote freelancing jobs below:

Upwork for Freelancers

With a large user base and a global footprint, Upwork, formerly Elance and oDesk, is one of the most popular sites for seeking freelance jobs. You can work on Upwork by downloading the Upwork for Freelancers app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

You can find client-posted positions by conducting a quick search or browsing the most recent job postings. You may use the app to engage with clients and bid on projects. You can submit a job application proposal directly from the app.

Freelancer

Freelancer, like Upwork, is a large freelance platform with an excellent smartphone app where you can browse for jobs of all kinds. To find a job, choose the right keywords and refine your results with filters. You can also find projects by category, such as web or app development, graphic design, content writing, and so on.

You’ll have to write a proposal and submit it for a specific project. Its friendly chat feature allows you to communicate with clients on the platform to better understand their needs. Above all, it offers a secure payment mechanism that allows you to get paid safely via several withdrawal choices.

Fiverr

With a vast user base, Fiverr ranks alongside Upwork and Freelancer at the top of this market. Almost all of the site capabilities on the Fiverr app may be used to find freelancing gigs, as they are known on this platform.

There are two modes in the app: buyer and seller. You can only use the seller mode to find a freelance job. The app has an order area where you can manage your current and previous orders. Through this app, you can cancel an order, check the current progress and time remaining for completion, and chat with relevant clients.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a freelance platform and marketplace that is less well-known than the other three apps earlier discussed. However, it is a fantastic platform that can assist you in landing high-quality remote jobs in your field. In reality, if you do not adhere to its criteria and objectives, your account may be suspended.

PeoplePerHour’s money interface is well-designed, allowing you to manage payments and monitor their statuses. You also receive all important notifications on your phone, allowing you to respond to clients promptly and keep track of job statuses.

Kwork

Kwork is a new freelance marketplace with a rapidly rising user base. It features a web version, but you may also use its smartphone app exclusively. The chat function in Kwork allows you to keep in touch with customers. Attachments such as files, photos, and documents can be sent over chat.

If you’ve used Fiverr before, you will soon get how Kwork works. You place an ad for your services, and interested customers contact you for further information before hiring you. Unlike Fiverr, you may benefit from less competition, but the money may be lesser as well.

24Task for Freelancers

24Task is a combination of Upwork and Fiverr, and it also has a decent smartphone app. Posting gigs from your phone is made simple with the app. You can also go through the jobs that buyers have posted and submit bids on them.

You can set your own working hours with 24Task. This helps you maintain your life in balance and advises your clients on how to interact effectively. Once your job is finished, you submit it to begin the payment process which is safe and secured.

Toptal

Toptal works a little differently than the other apps on this list. Since the term Toptal is an abbreviation for top talent, the admin team is very careful about who they hire to work as a freelancer on their app and website.

To get a job on this app, you must first apply as a freelancer and then go through and pass the screening procedure, thus competition is fierce. However, if you get it through and join the Toptal team, the rewards will be well worth your time.

In conclusion, ensure you fill out your detailed profile on whichever app you select to increase your chances of landing the next freelancing remote job. I’ll suggest you only include only skills and qualifications that are relevant to the profile being set. This allows companies to get to know you better and appear attractive.

This Freelance Project Manager Went from Making A $75k Salary to $180k Without a College Degree

Source: Afrotech

This article speaks about a young 29-year-old man, Lloyd George who applied for a role to get into project management without a college degree. His story published by the platform Afrotech was inspired by his unwavering determination. The article identifies George as a real definition of a true goal-getter. The platform Aftotech published this inspiring story. Sometimes, all you need to do in order to advance in your career is to identify your strengths.

Currently, George works as a freelance project manager, he accomplished his goals. He said being able to explore different types of project management roles at different companies helped him a lot because each time he tries a new role, he’s more than likely to get an increase.

Doubling his income also required him to know how to negotiate effectively. His secret weapons have been learning on the job and keeping track of what recruiting managers tell him about what qualifies him for particular roles. Using their explanations aided him in requesting better pay.

George works as a freelance project manager during the day and as a content developer at night. Despite being held back by fear at first, he began making content in December 2021. What began as free daily posting on TikTok for months turned into life-changing chances just like that.

Brands were aware of his efforts to create content for users new to social media. Furthermore, they approached him to create user-generated content (UGC) for their TikTok accounts, and he charged $75 for his first transaction. George’s highest-paying video has already reached $3,000.

George, like many other Black content creators, has received lowball offers. However, knowing his worth and return on investment (ROI) has helped him become a stronger negotiator rather than seizing every opportunity to expand his portfolio.

I think I’ll agree with George on his belief that in the future, more Black IT workers will take up space, whether by starting their businesses or becoming content creators and sharing their unique ideas with the world.

3 Gen Zers on Deciding to Become Full-time Freelancers: “I Wouldn’t Go Back” to a Corporate Job

Source: Cnbc

As Generation Z makes its way into the workforce, many of its members are re-evaluating the standard nine-to-five job. According to a February 2023 Fiverr study of 7,121 Gen Zers from around the world, the majority, or 70% of Gen Zers, see freelancing to be a viable career option on par with a regular office job.

Freelancers already constitute a sizable share of the labour force. According to Upwork’s 2022 Freelance Forward poll of 3,000 professionals, more than a third, 39%, of Americans freelance. This is a three-point increase from 2021. Cnbc met some members of Generation Z who are eager to get started. Check their profiles below:

Gigi Robinson, 24, Influencer

Gigi Robinson, 24, has previously suffered from chronic ailments such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and endometriosis. While pursuing her BFA at the University of Southern California, she began to gain a following by exposing her problems on sites such as TikTok. That’s when companies began approaching her about becoming brand ambassadors.

She chose to take those brands up on their offers during her final semester of school in the fall of 2020, realizing there was money to be made as a freelancer. She launched her initiative, Gigi, a company that combines her many income streams including children’s books, public speaking, career coaching, and ongoing commercial relationships. Robinson earned more than $170,000 in total last year. She says she wouldn’t go back to the corporate setting.

Mark Sanos, 24, Video Editor

A 24-year-old Mark Santos began his personal YouTube channel in his hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the age of 11, documenting his life as a young teen. When he was 15, he relocated to Boca Raton, Florida, and began filming videos describing what it was like for a Brazilian to live in the United States. And they gathered traction.

Santos had expanded his offerings to thumbnail and banner design, among other things, by the time he graduated in May 2022, and was working “at least 12 hours a day,” he adds. He’d also begun hiring freelancers to take on part of his client’s work. It was obvious that this would eventually be his job.

Nathaniel DeSantis, 26, podcast producer

Nathaniel DeSantis graduated from Furman University in 2019 and says he “applied to around 100 jobs,” eventually finding one making parts for military equipment. During his time there, the Greenville, South Carolina native began a movie review podcast with a friend and discovered he enjoyed the format.

After a year of studying everything he could about audio engineering and growing a podcast, he resigned from his manufacturing job. A friend put him in touch with a local NGO that needed help establishing a podcast in late 2021, and Podcast Studio X was established. In my opinion, it was simply a matter of knowing what was feasible for DeSantis.

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Boost Your Earnings with the Power of AI: The New Tools for Making Money

Esther Victoria — Mon, 22 May 2023 16:51:46 +0000

Technological advancements have proven numerous implausible things to be true with little to no doubt. In reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI) might replace human labour sooner than we expect. Artificial intelligence systems often learn new abilities by practising on labelled data, which can be found online or in e-books, for example.

Machine learning and automation in artificial intelligence (AI), a multibillion-dollar technology, are currently bankable in different sectors. We all know that AI is playing a major and bigger role in our lives. It’s already in use in applications like voice assistants, picture identification, and machine learning-based financial fraud detection that many of us aren’t even aware of.

In case you are wondering how you can make money from AI even as a beginner or as an expert, Freelance Life Magazine will be showing you some reliable means through which you can boost your earnings with the power of AI. We will also be reviewing 5 AI software that can assist you to make money. Read on!

5 AI Software to Boost Your Earnings

As a freelancer, these AI software provide ways to increase productivity, optimize processes, and boost your bottom line. Intelligent and powerful AI tools will help you in remaining competitive in this digital era, whether you want to establish a new career with AI or supplement your income.

Jasper

https://www.jasper.ai/

Modern AI-Power Assistant Jasper.ai really does help save time and promote productivity. An essential feature of Jasper is its ability to produce high-quality, pertinent content, offer writing and rewriting ideas, and create the ideal outlines for concepts, blogs, video scripts, etc. Jasper is the generative AI platform for businesses that enables teams to perform 10X more quickly in creating content customized for companies.

Jasper has a wide range of features and advantages that makes it a useful tool for people and businesses trying to maximize their writing productivity and streamline their workflow. The software can assist you with writing your blog entries, social media updates, promotional emails, and more. It can also translate your content to many languages whether you are writing in a language other than your native tongue or not as it is capable of translating to more than 25 other languages.

Jasper has read the majority of the public internet, so it is knowledgeable about almost every niche. The information that Jasper produces is built from all of its sources rather than being taken word-for-word from a single source, making it original and free of plagiarism. The training provided by Jasper’s designers, who are marketing specialists in the sector, is what makes it particularly exceptional.

To take advantage of this incredible AI technology, you don’t need to be the finest writer or artist. As a freelancer or a remote worker, there are several ways you can make money using Jasper AI, some of such ways include;

A blog post outlining and SEO planning
Affiliate marketing
Freelance Writing
Fiction Writing
Ghostwriting for clients, this is similar to freelance writing, the only difference is that your name won’t be attached to your article
Writing company bios
VSL Creation – VSL, also known as a video sales letter, is ideal for your marketing plan
By offering landing page copywriting services
Optimizing old blog posts

Jasper Pricing: For Starter, it ranges from $29 which covers 20,000 words per month, and Boss Mode is from $59 which covers 50,000 words per month. A free trial of Jasper AI is also available.

Synthesia

https://www.synthesia.io/

With ready-to-use AI avatars and voiceovers, Synthesia assists you in producing explainer videos instead of employing actors, using cameras, and recording in a studio. You may modify and update your movies whenever you need to, and you have access to about 120 different languages.

With the aid of artificial intelligence, Synthesia.io, users may quickly turn text into speech to produce professional-quality films. It is the industry leader in AI video technology, which creates videos using artificial intelligence.

Businesses quickly produce AI videos without losing quality. It is the first to produce videos without using the conventional recording procedure by utilizing artificial intelligence. The software will utilize its AI software to make a “talking head” movie if you just submit a video screenplay and a digital human avatar!

Customized avatars, video templates, and support for many languages are just a few of the capabilities that its video creation tools offer. Beginners can use it as a web-based program with an easy-to-use interface that is accessible in your browser. Content updates are possible with just one click. For bloggers and marketers who don’t want to spend their money or time making high-quality films, it’s a great tool.

The versatility of Synthesia.oi allows you to produce any kind of video you desire. The greatest way to keep an audience interested is to release a variety of films, and it undoubtedly aids in this. People regularly use the software for various reasons including social media videos, presentations, YouTube videos, social media videos, Reviews and product presentations, Educational movies, and How-to manuals.

You can monetize the videos you create using Synthesia in the following ways:

Review products and get paid commissions when people use your link to make purchases.

Irrespective of your industry, you can utilize the software to produce marketing videos for your own company.

Synthesia Pricing: Video production using Synthesia is not expensive and starts at $30 per month for personal plan. You can make a demo film with a free trial to determine if it’s the perfect tool for you.

Midjourney

https://www.midjourney.com/app/

Midjourney, the AI text-to-image tool is now revolutionizing the creative sector. According to the ominous forecasts, creativity will become a useless quality and artists would no longer be required. Is that actually the case, though? What CGI-related tasks can this perform, and what tasks is the tool not capable of?

Well, the use of AI and machine learning, create graphics content depending on your text input. This resembles other AI art makers like OpenAI’s DALL-E. Once you master how it’s used, you won’t have any trouble producing some incredibly original works of art.

At the moment, the only way to access this is through a Discord bot on the Midjourney official Discord. The bot can also be loaded into a different server. Users presently use the same commands as other programs that produce photos through artificial intelligence to make images.

The process of getting started with this app isn’t as challenging as it may appear. In the end, it’s really a simple and fascinating way to observe how far AI has advanced over time. Try it out and see what you can come up with.

It offers users a variety of opportunities to earn money by offering their skills and services. Whether you are a writer, social media manager, web developer, or graphic designer, Midjourney has something for you. With its simple and user-friendly design, anyone can quickly build a profile and start making money by marketing their knowledge to a global audience. You can make cool cash from using it if you venture into content writing, web development, video editing, social media management.

The secure payment option provided by Midjourney ensures fast payment for your services. Also, you have the choice to determine your service fees, giving you the freedom to get paid what you believe to be compensation for your labour. Freelancers and small business owners alike have a ton of chances to monetize their expertise and establish their brands, thanks to Midjourney.

Midjourney Pricing: You will start using a free trial with the service that’s good for approximately 25 image generations. After that, you can use Midjourney basic membership plan which costs $10 monthly. Users can produce as many as 200 images each month with this plan and also continue producing photographs for $4 for 60 images after 200 images.

Scribe

https://scribehow.com

This is a ChatGPT-like extension for VS Code. You can use it as your personal AI programming assistant to understand complex code, make changes to your code, generate comments for your code, and more. Scribe is an indispensable tool for time management. It greatly facilitates knowledge transfer and task delegation. It’s essential for teams that work remotely.

Although it is important to safeguard the privacy of customers, employees, and other individuals, you shouldn’t let that stop you from quickly documenting operations. Now that sensitive material can be automatically blurred out during recording for Pro and Enterprise users, you can make sure that no sensitive information ever makes it into your Scribes.

The best approach to write down and distribute step-by-step instructions for any process is with Scribe. There’s a chance that you won’t ever be asked another question. You can integrate training manuals created by Scribe in your company’s internal support centre, wikis, knowledge bases, etc.

Assisting your staff in embracing new applications facilitating the usage of new tools and their learning for everyone, delivering documents and images of the highest quality, and providing immediate access to training manuals created by your staff and subject-matter experts.

Every employee can produce and share their finest work with the aid of this software, a quick and simple process documentation and sharing tool. It’s faster to use than manual documentation by 15 times and it increases productivity by 25%. Finding the answers to your inquiries is really simple with the software.

You can make money using Scribe by developing online courses and tutorials, and then monetize your materials by using affiliate marketing, sponsored articles, or advertising with the software. You can also make money through process documentation, customer training, new hire onboarding, and content creation. You can also upload tutorials on a blog post or YouTube channel and monetize them.

Scribe Pricing: Scribe offers a free trial known as the basic and the Pro sub-divided into Personal and Team which cost $23 and $12 per month respectively.

Boomy

https://boomy.com/

Another excellent software for ai-generated art creation is Boomy. It assists users in producing creative music. Using artificial intelligence technologies, the tool composes a unique tune. You will select your preferred musical style, and the software works its magic by creating original music.

Boomy makes it easy to create original music, even if you’ve never done it before. 70% of its users have never written a song before using this application, you can produce AI art music using this one of the greatest ai art generators even if you have no musical background.

Some of its standout characteristics are; a wide variety of musical styles and themes, options for editing your work to make adjustments, and a free account only allows for a certain number of downloads, features, and saves.

Boomy is an intriguing platform for anyone to make money. Here are a few strategies for making money from this fantastic tool:

Offering music production services
Sell music on streaming platforms, like iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.
Boomy’s AI art can generate money with affiliate links, paid access to premium material, adverts, and other methods.
Creating material for television, video games, or movies, and charging clients for your services.

Boomy Pricing: The starter price is free and a free version is also available.

Conclusion

Even though many are afraid that they will lose their job because of the introduction of artificial intelligence and the increasing adoption rate, more opportunities are being opened looking at it from another perspective. There are many innovative approaches for freelancers and business owners to start earning money online with artificial intelligence technologies. These revolutionary ai technologies simplify your daily tasks and can launch a successful ai career for you.

Additionally, there are affordable solutions and even free accounts to have access to some of the fantastic features of these technologies. Start making money immediately since there are numerous clever and simple ways to scale with these tech-enabled solutions.

AI Software	Description	Key Features	Pricing	Free Version
Jasper	Modern AI-Power Assistant Jasper.ai really does help save time and promote productivity.	Create high-quality, pertinent content Offer writing and rewriting ideas for blogs, and video scripts Can translate your content into different languages.	For Starters: $29 which covers 20000 words per month For Boss Mode: $59 which covers 50000 words per month	Free trial available
Synthesia	It is the industry leader in AI video technology, which creates videos using artificial intelligence.	You can quickly produce explainer videos instead of employing actors, using cameras, and recording in a studio.	$30 per month for personal plan	Free trial available
Midjourney	Midjourney, the AI text-to-image tool is now revolutionizing the creative sector	Midjourney produces some incredibly original works of art.	Midjourney basic membership plan costs $10 monthly.	You start with a free trial
Scribe	An ai programming assistant that helps to understand, modify and generate comments for code.	You can integrate training manuals created by Scribe in your company's internal help centre, wikis, knowledge bases, etc.	Personal and Team subscriptions cost $23 and $12 respectively	Free trial known as Basic is available
Boomy	Boomy makes it easy to create original music, even if you've never done it before.	Boomy assists users in producing creative music	Free	A free trial is also available

The post Boost Your Earnings with the Power of AI: The New Tools for Making Money appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: May 2023, Part 1

Esther Victoria — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:22:47 +0000

Are you a freelancer and you love what you do? If the answer is yes, I bet you’d want to see what this edition of the review has to say. The freelance world keeps growing and evolving, you need to keep yourself updated with these selections of the most educational and important news you should read as a freelancer.

Here are trending and interesting news from the first two weeks in the month of May. Get a seat, grab your favourite snack and drink, and enjoy the soothing feeling of a well-tailored review that complements the moment. Cheers!

7 Reasons Why Freelancing is the Future of the Work Industry

Source: MakeUseOf

The first news here is from the famous platform, MakeUseOf which talks about the 7 reasons why freelancing is the future of the work industry and why you need to up your game in the freelance world.

More people are seeing freelancing as a real alternative to the typical 9–5 job, while many people used to think of it as something they’d do to pay the bills between two jobs. Establishing yourself as a freelancer has several advantages, including the chance to diversify your income and take control of your life.

To expand, more businesses are also seeking qualified freelance graphic designers, writers, and other professionals. Freelance work and freelancers may continue to grow throughout the rest of the 2020s and beyond. The main reasons have been outlined below:

1. Technological Advancements

Technological improvements have made it simpler for businesses to collaborate with freelancers. Businesses can now recruit skilled contractors to work remotely with them from anywhere in the globe, and they are no longer limited to the local market. Even advancements in AI will improve businesses in the aspect of efficiency and enable them to be more specific about who they hire.

2. Networking Opportunities

For people who don’t want to attend conventional networking events, freelancing offers several networking options. Through various social media platforms, like LinkedIn and Twitter, you may interact with company owners and important figures in some of the greatest corporations in the world.

3. Scalability

Start-up businesses sometimes need to grow rapidly within a short time due to the tough competition in the business world, especially if they have received investment cash. A full-time employee requires a lot of time and money to train, and they might not have the expertise a small firm needs to advance.

4. Work-Life Balance

It’s not strange that many people, especially skilled workers, are choosing to become self-employed given that freelancers have the flexibility to establish their hours and frequently work from home. Freelancing may free up more time in your schedule so that you can devote more time to your interests and loved ones, in addition to saving hours and money on daily commutes.

5. Freelancing means not putting all eggs in one basket

The notion that working as a freelancer is less secure than having a regular job isn’t always true in today’s world. Several people who had regular 9 to 5 jobs were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, although there is some risk involved in freelancing, many individuals believe that it is best to diversify their sources of income.

6. Freelancers are often less expensive for companies to hire

The amount of money made by freelancers varies greatly, and it also relies on the Country in which you reside. However, if you have the appropriate processes in place, you may make more money than you ever could with a regular job. The advantages for businesses are also numerous because hiring freelancers is frequently less expensive than hiring permanent workers.

7. Freelancing offers several self-development opportunities

Although a full-time job may teach you a lot, freelancers frequently need to pick up new skills rapidly that they might not have otherwise considered. As a freelancer, you may develop a plethora of professional talents. You will improve your art and learn new marketable skills, including managing social media accounts and comprehending various audiences. Other useful skills that freelancers usually have to pick up include: Resilience, Sales, Communication, and Empathy.

‘It’s Bad, It’s Gone Quiet’: How To Rescue Your Freelancing If This is Happening to You

Source: Creativeboom

A recent survey conducted by Creativeboom on freelancers shows that many of them are going through tough times. Over 40% of freelancers chose the response that best reflected the experiences of Creativeboom followers out of the four options: “It’s bad, it’s gone quiet.”

17.1% selected “It’s neither good nor bad,” 16.7% replied “Not sure,” and barely around a quarter (26%) selected “It’s good, work is steady” as the alternative response. That indicates that in 2023, about 75 percent of freelancers will not prosper, which is not a situation that any freelancer should be content with.

In the end, you can’t depend on other people or even governments to help you through trying times like this. You must rely on yourself. And as a freelancer, marketing plays a big part in it. Specifically, promoting your brand and image. How do you get there then? Continue reading to learn about the phases of developing your brand:

1. Define your unique selling proposition (USP)

Your USP is the special mix of skills, knowledge, and character traits that distinguishes you from your competitors. You must ask yourself, “What are my strengths as a creative professional?” to identify them. What areas or specialized talents do I excel in? What aspects of my work do clients constantly compliment or value? Once you can answer all these questions truthfully, then every other thing will align.

2. Be yourself

Your USP includes more than just the particular skills you offer. Your personality is the other crucial component. After all, people do employ people. They desire interpersonal contact. One that occasionally incorporates banter or jokes that are foolish.

3. Be authentic

Being all things to all people is tempting when work gets busy. However, trying to assume what customers want and then trying to give it to them is ultimately the worst thing you can do since they will quickly detect any lack of authenticity. Have fun being you, as photographer, designer, and artist Mark Leary suggests. The majority of fascinating and quirky creatives stand out more for their inventiveness than for a certain look.

4. Draw on past clients

Getting referrals and references from current consumers is one of the finest ways to locate new customers. According to Rachel White of House of DIY, “Reach out to current and past clients and ask them what they loved about working with you.” Then, rather than merely highlighting the things you provide, use this to demonstrate what it’s like to work with you. By doing this, you will not only draw in new customers but also those that share your ideals.

5. Draw on your network

In a similar vein, you could consider using your contacts in the creative industry including coworkers and collaborators to get employment. According to Dave Ellis, the creator of the motion design firm, Everything’s Fine Today, “Your network is everything.” You will always find a job if you create an incredible network.

6. Think local, not global

Social media should make it possible for you to reach a larger audience with your work. Given all the noise, how many people are looking, though? Therefore, it could be best for you to hunt for clients locally.

How this Entrepreneur turned $4k in savings into a freelancing startup

Source: Bizjournal

The popular freelance platform, Bizjournal brings us a story of a freelancer turned Entrepreneur. The story goes thus. Twelve years ago, a holiday party and a savings account launched at a Durham firm. Today, it resembles a hybrid between a creative agency and a contract employment company, demonstrating to businesses of all sizes that productivity need not equate to a 9 to 5 job.

With $4,000 in savings, designer-turned-entrepreneur Maari Casey founded Uncompany. For the first year, she created a website and she said “Everything I made was put back into the business.” Now, it is a network of over 2,000 freelancers that generates income for businesses, assisting them in creating what Casey refers to as a “flexible workforce.”

From Freelancing to Entrepreneurship

Before relocating to the Triangle and beginning a position with the creative firm McKinney in Durham in 2005, Casey began her career in advertising and design as a freelancer, working all across the country. But the kind of job and the pace of the work, she continued, “weren’t fitting with the lifestyle I wanted outside of work.” She returned to freelancing in 2009 as a result, and she soon learned she wasn’t by herself. I was thinking, “There are just so many people out there,” as I was doing it. It was quite decentralized, according to her. “There was nothing bringing opportunities or people together.”

The Startup

Over time, it developed into a tech-centred firm that could handle the process and provide freelancers who could work remotely, freelancers who could work on-site, and freelance teams to businesses seeking a flexible workforce. For a client’s project, Uncompany can develop a talent pool. The customer gets direct access to the pool through the program. The back end is handled by Uncompany, including billing, taxes, and insurance regulations. The client pays the charge, not the freelancers.

Uncompany has been revenue positive since year one by operating leanly—the business currently employs two full-time employees and wants to recruit a third—according to Casey. Leaning on automation, the business has often increased its revenue by a factor of two, “so we can do a larger book of business, but with less fixed costs.”

The Uncompany pool now numbers close to 2,500 freelancers. This is a big win for her, I must say. Her words of wisdom for those considering scaling the freelance cliff are to keep an open mind and leverage the network created already.

Wefreelancer Global Tech launches Revolutionary Freelancing Marketplace with Supcoin ICO

Source: Einnews

A highly automated approach for working together safely and securely in a decentralized marketplace is provided by Wefreelancer Marketplace. Einnews shares the intention of the tech hub to revolutionize the freelancing marketplace with Supcoin ICO.

Wefreelancer Global Tech, Inc. is pleased to announce the impending launch of its freelancing marketplace, Supelle, an umbrella company under it where jobs are found for freelancers and solutions are provided to individual problems. The platform will feature Supcoin (SUP) as its initial coin offering to provide a thorough algorithmic guide to ensure the safety and security of all clients and freelancers.

Kristen Bragoli, vice president, shared her enthusiasm: “Supelle is devoted to linking ideas to developers, services to buyers, buyers to individual freelancers, and organizations globally, to obtain their amazing ideas and projects across a wide spectrum of freelancers. With Supcoin as our initial coin offering, we are happy to provide thorough algorithmic guidance to protect the interests of all investors in the freelance ecosystem.

Compared to an IPO, ICO offers several benefits. Companies can generate money through crowdfunding techniques called initial coin offerings (ICOs) by selling investors digital tokens or coins. Since ICOs are less regulated than IPOs, businesses may raise money more rapidly, with fewer regulatory obstacles, and by appealing to a larger pool of possible investors.

The Wefreelancer Decentralized Marketplace offers unrivalled flexibility and independence for freelancers and customers to collaborate from anywhere in the globe, in any currency they want. It runs as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization. This dismantles boundaries, provides a level of flexibility and openness never before possible, and enables people and freelancers from all nations to take part in the global economy.

By the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, the business is projected to be operational, and at that time, revenue generation is anticipated. Supelle’s founder and chief executive officer (CEO) expressed enthusiasm for the new paradigm of equality and access to employment opportunities around the world, saying, “With Supelle operating under Wefreelancer, we aim to connect freelancers and clients seamlessly, offering a secure and innovative platform to boost the freelance economy.”

4 Things you should never do if You Are a Freelancer

Source: Fool.com

If you are just starting in the freelancing sector and wondering if you have what it takes to succeed, the popular freelance platform, Fool.com has outlined a few mistakes to avoid. Avoiding these things will not ensure a happy freelance life, but it will make it simpler to build one.

The following are the 4 things you should never do if you are s freelancer:

1. Neglect your Taxes

The first is important. If you work for yourself, you will owe Uncle Sam taxes four times a year, in January, April, June, and September. You mustn’t neglect to make those projected quarterly tax payments, since you will be punished if you do. Remember that your company will deduct taxes from your paycheck if you are a W-2 employee, but your clients will not if you are a freelancer.

2. Stop growing your skills

You may have had the opportunity to study and advance in your discipline as a paid employee through professional development that was supported and financed by your company. However, if you work as a freelancer, you will have similar opportunities, but you will have to do more homework. Join groups on social media for your career or area of expertise (such as Facebook and LinkedIn). Seek contacts with industry leaders (again, LinkedIn is excellent for this), and if you can fit seminars and conferences (virtual or in person) into your calendar, do so.

3. Live without cash savings

Making sure you have a substantial emergency fund saved up is one of the best things you can do for yourself before quitting your paid job. Three to six months’ worth of expenses is the conventional advice for an emergency fund, but this is based on the assumption that you will have access to unemployment insurance in the event you lose your job.

4. Skip taking time off work

You are not paid for your time off as a freelancer. You cannot earn money if you are not working. And as a result, you could believe that you can never take time off from work. Therefore, what is the solution? Try to take a vacation to another country with your laptop in case you need to work a little. If you can get someone to make your breakfast for you while you work, that would be fantastic.

There are so many golden opportunities out there for freelancers. Apart from being able to control your work hours, you also earn a tangible amount of money with zero amount spent on commuting. This allows you to save a substantial amount of money every month once you get paid. Enjoy the Freelance world by following all the guidelines outlined in this episode of news review.

The post Freelance Review: May 2023, Part 1 appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: April 2023, Part 2

Esther Victoria — Wed, 03 May 2023 14:46:59 +0000

Do you know you can continue to stay informed on the latest news and developments in the freelance world with our bi-weekly review by joining our community of freelancers? Get insights and analysis on the stories that matter to you. Our freelance review has got you covered.

How to Sell Yourself As a Freelancer in 2023

Source: Creative Boom

How can you remain a creative freelancer for the foreseeable future? In the end, there will always be clients who are eager to hire qualified talent, regardless of the bigger picture. Creative Boom highlights that the only difference is that you might have to exert a little more effort to market yourself and convince them that you are the solution to their problems.

You don’t have to change into the archetype of the used car sales manager to do this; it doesn’t imply being arrogant, dishonest, or full of yourself. It simply entails embracing your worth and clearly articulating what makes you special, what sets you apart from the competition, and how you can convince clients that you are the greatest choice among many others.

Be Direct and Honest

Selling yourself doesn’t imply constantly bragging about your accomplishments. It won’t seem sophisticated to use a lot of waffle, jargon, or business boast; instead, it will appear as if you’re attempting to deceive them. If you can concisely and clearly communicate what you have to offer in plain English, people will be much more impressed.

Mike Hindle, a graphic designer, outlines his process. The initial response is ‘make or break’ time because the majority of his inquiries come in via email. He constantly provides links to relevant internet content for them. This exhibits knowledge and skill right away. Many clients prefer clear communication that is quick to respond.

Be Different

It entails communicating your core principles and most profound beliefs. And it entails avoiding grey marketing at all costs. The Simply Club’s creator, Emily Whitehead, claims “Being more Marmite really works. That entails letting your heart open. This can be very alluring for a freelancer to take on any creative work that comes their way. My recommendation? Avoid taking that route. From the beginning, be quite clear about your value and proposition.

Show Your Steps

The use of case studies and testimonials is one way to do this. Don’t forget to show the process, and make sure you have the time to conduct customer interviews and develop fresh case studies, advises PR specialist Ellen Carroll.

According to Jordanne Young, brand marketing amplification consultant at Enid.fm, explaining your strategy to potential clients should be a key component of the pitching process. People are interested in the details of your business, your aspirations, and all related matters;

Soft Skills

Potential clients frequently care more about your personality and your ability to get along with them than anything else. People will recommend you because you are sincere, respectful, open, trustworthy, and communicative. And each time they do, your prices will go up.

Focus on the Client

Designer for social impact Stanley Vaganov concurs. “I think being transparent and acting like an expert, rather than an order taker, dictates much of your volume,” he claims. That entails being attentive and having thoughtful questions.”If you approach the client as a business consultant, you will be treated with a different level of respect.”

Flaunt What You Have Achieved

Although it seems like a no-brainer, many independent contractors fail to consider it. Unless you have solid testimonials from previous clients, few people will want to hire you. Therefore, you must figure out a way to present them with your best work.

How Solopreneurs and Freelancers Can Use Generative AI

Source: Economic Times

An entrepreneur is typically thought of as someone who is creating a sizable company with a growing staff. Nevertheless, there are various other entrepreneurship models. The term “solopreneur” or “freelancer” refers to a single person having a sought-after ability. And that pattern is becoming more prevalent.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report and Refrens, Economic Times writes that a Bangalore-based company operating platform for freelancers and agencies worldwide, solopreneurship and freelance work are increasing both globally and in India. The study discovered that these people already utilize AI technologies like ChatGPT and Midjourney, which have a beneficial effect on productivity.

What Do Freelancers Feel About This?

The main insight here is that freelancers have already been using generative AI tools like ChatGPT; 47% of those polled reported using them frequently, and more than 50% believed it would improve their lives and increase their productivity. Early users of generative AI tools included full-stack designers, marketing consultants, brand strategists, content producers (influencers), interior designers, and software developers.

However, new concerns are arising. Refrens’ study found that about 17% of respondents were concerned about how AI would disrupt their jobs. In the study, some people who work as paralegals, blog writers, proofreaders, SEO writers, copywriters, translators, graphic designers, virtual assistants, and data analysts voiced similar worries.

How Are Clients Looking At This?

Only 7% of those surveyed said their customers preferred not to use these AI tools. They were concerned about copyright issues. However, 27% of respondents said they were okay with it, and another 22% said they weren’t concerned about it. However, a significant portion, or 44%, claimed they had not specifically brought up this issue with their clients.

The underlying concept is that while freelancers and one-person businesses can profit in some ways from these tools, it’s also crucial to understand how their clients feel about this change and how receptive they are to it.

How To Decide Between Freelance Work or Keeping Your 9 to 5 Job

Source: Clearance Jobs

For a long time, the norm for full-time employment was a 9–5 job, but the rise of the gig economy and freelance careers has challenged this paradigm. While traditional employment offers security and stability, freelancing allows for greater flexibility and the chance to work on assignments that complement one’s interests and abilities.

This piece on one of the largest career network platforms, Clearance Jobs, offers advice on how to choose which option is best for you and compares the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing and typical 9-to-5 employment. To decide which path is best for you, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of both options and examine your own priorities.

Choosing Between Freelancing and 9 to 5 Job

One of the advantages of freelancing is the command for flexibility because freelancers can set their own workloads and timetables. For people who wish to have control over their work-life balance, this may be very appealing. Working on assignments that complement one’s interests and abilities is another perk of freelancing.

However, managing one’s finances, taxes, and benefits as a freelancer can be difficult. The stability of a consistent paycheck, benefits, and a structured work environment are all perks of traditional 9-to-5 employment. It also provides chances for professional growth and teamwork among coworkers. But a 9-to-5 schedule’s rigidity can be constructive and may not leave much room for personal interests or a healthy work-life balance.

In choosing between a traditional job and freelancing, it’s crucial to consider your own priorities as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each route. If you value flexibility and independence, have a strong network and skill set, and are prepared to assume the financial and management obligations of running your own firm, freelancing can be a good option for you. Those who value security, benefits, and a steady income may be better suited for traditional employment.

I agree that the choice between traditional work and freelancing ultimately comes down to personal choices and circumstances. People can decide which professional route is best for them by carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and determining their own priorities.

Will Gen Zers prioritize freelancing as one of their top employment options or they rather follow the old school traditions?

Source: Digital Information World

Freelancing has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility, autonomy, and ability to provide a more meaningful work experience for those who seek work-life balance and align their work with personal values. This interesting topic I found on the platform, Digital Information World investigates whether Generation Z will prioritize freelancing as a career option and discusses the expanding freelance trend.

Generation Z members may be particularly drawn to the freelance lifestyle since they can use their technology and social media skills to work as freelancers in fields like social media marketing, graphic design, and content creation.

According to the article, the rise of freelancing may have a big impact on the labour sector. To stay competitive, businesses may need to modify their employment models and provide more flexible working conditions and benefit plans to entice and keep top personnel. A demand for platforms and technologies that can assist freelancers in managing their projects and administrative responsibilities may also arise as the number of independent contractors increases.

Gali Arnon, CMO of Fiverr, emphasizes that the flexibility and autonomy of freelancing are the two major factors that are drawing more and more professionals to it. People who work as freelancers can better balance their personal and professional lives because they have control over their workloads and schedules. In addition, choosing jobs that fit their interests, values, and skill set allows freelancers to have a more pleasant and fulfilling working experience.

People who freelance feel in control and have the freedom to design their own career paths. Freelancing is anticipated to rise in popularity among professionals looking for a more flexible and satisfying work environment as the gig economy expands.

In conclusion, freelancing is a growing trend that is changing the way people work, and Generation Z may be at the forefront of this shift. The article highlights the benefits of freelancing and its potential impact on the job market, indicating a shift in the way we work, the opportunities and challenges that may arise as a result.

10 Ways to Tell You’re Truly Ready to Go Freelance

Source: Fool.com

Have you ever had the impulse to leave your 9 – 5 job and start your own business? The number of independent employees is growing, and many people are in the same situation. According to this article I found on Fool.com, there will be 70.4 million independent contractors in the United States in 2022, up from 57.3 million in 2017. Check out the following 10 indicators to see if you, too, would be willing to forgo your steady job in favour of more freedom and, ultimately, better happiness.

You’re prepared to be your own boss

One of the best things about working as a freelancer is that you are free to pick the types of work you want to undertake. However, freelancing might not be a good fit for you if you have trouble with time management, staying on task, or maintaining motivation.

You have a place to work

You won’t have a fixed place of employment anymore, and if all of your jobs are done on a computer, you can frequently work from anywhere.

There’s enough work for you to stay busy

Prior to leaving your traditional job, you should make sure you have enough work. Maintaining a freelancing career while working a full-time job can be demanding, but it will be worthwhile.

You have significant savings

Saving money in cash is a crucial aspect of effective money management. Although it’s even more important if you’re giving up a steady paycheck.

You have the right technology

Depending on your job, you’ll need different tools, but you’ll almost certainly need a good and functioning computer at the very least.

You have a tax professional

Your tax advisor can guide you through the complex math and help you determine which deductions you could be eligible for such as the home office deduction.

You are keeping work expenses separate

You may want to think about obtaining a credit card so you may use it to pay for everything you require to perform your work. Keeping track of those costs and keeping them distinct from your own purchases will be much simpler.

You are working more with flexibility

For many individuals, giving up their regular 9-to-5 job means switching to a full-time freelancer status. This technically means working harder than ever.

You can procure your own benefits

You’ll have to make plans for your own benefits as a freelancer, such as health insurance and a retirement plan. This may be difficult and stressful compared to the traditional job.

You want to

This is actually the most important consideration to take into account. It’s a major move that might drastically change your life to work as a full-time freelancer. The freelance life may be ideal for you if you simply desire the freedom to choose your own assignments.

The post Freelance Review: April 2023, Part 2 appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: April 2023, Part 1

Esther Victoria — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:29:36 +0000

There is numerous news you’ll find around, however, not all news are seen as relevant or interesting even to some freelancers. Freelance Life Magazine has been able to identify and compile specific articles from April that will be a big bonus to our readers. The following are the best trending topics we found on outstanding freelance websites.

How The “Glass Wall” Can Hold Female Freelancers Back

Source: HBR

Your guess is as good as mine when I saw the headline of this particular news. How fair is it to only refer to female freelancers? Can’t the “Glass Wall” hold the male freelancers back too? Isn’t that gender-biased? Well, you are about to find out more info about it on the platform HBR.

Some have stated that the chance for women to escape the Glass Ceiling of corporate hierarchies may improve gender fairness if freelance working structures grow more. However, according to the author’s most recent research, freelancing has its own systemic equity challenges.

This strategy has historically been praised for allowing female employees to choose their own career trajectories and providing them with the freedom to go in the direction and with the flexibility that suits them best. But does freelance work always lead to better job outcomes for women?

Well, while staying out of the corporate world may help women avoid the Glass Ceiling, we discovered that female freelancers frequently find themselves running into a Glass Wall instead. This is because as they attempt to expand their roles, female freelancers are regarded as less competent and committed than male freelancers making equivalent, horizontal career expansions.

A study was conducted, and it was discovered that women who had held many roles were viewed as less agentic than men with comparable experience and that this perception was what led to poorer views of competence and commitment to a career.

Therefore, what can female freelancers do to overcome the Glass Wall? Undoubtedly, individuals who conduct the recruiting process are directly responsible for eliminating adverse judgement in hiring. However, the study also reveals useful actions that freelancers can take to improve their odds of success, such as:

Using a business name to obscure their gender.
Communicate the motivation behind your career expansion.
Demonstrate competence via professional accreditations.

Beyond these personal measures, organizations can take the following actions to break the Glass wall to address the bias and promote gender equity among freelancers, such as:

Tackle the Glass Wall head-on.

Offer professional accreditations and make them accessible.
Measure equity for both vertical and horizontal career moves.

Puulse Unveils Financial Service Platform for Freelancers

Source: Fine Extra

The UK and Europe now have a new freelancing software called Puulse that offers gig workers productivity slump-free advance payments. This platform is capable of collaborating with any app-based freelance platform.

Freelancers can easily access their unpaid wages whenever it’s convenient for them. Fine Extra sets the news out saying anyone can download the app, register, and change their International Bank Account Number (IBAN).

According to Steve Fepeussi, co-founder of Puulse, “The goal of the app is not just to simplify the payment process for freelancers or give them rapid access to their gains, but to introduce stability and fairness to the space by offering the stability that is now lacking in the sector to freelancers.

Workers can immediately access their money after a job is finished, and Puulse follows up with the client of the freelancer. Additionally, independent contractors who are experiencing one difficulty or the other, real-time to their finances can withdraw advance payments without incurring late fees or interest, filling the gap when they start to make money again. Isn’t this amazing? I’m sure you can’t wait to try out Puulse as a freelancer.

I think this financial service will be helpful to some people while others may perceive it as a regular platform you can find around. Taking into consideration what distinct service you want a platform to render for you will be a judge of whether you want to try this or not.

Impact of ChatGPT on the Freelancing Industry in the APAC Region

Source: Branding In Asia

Are you also thrilled by the recent media landscape garnered by the new internet phenomenon? Strangely enough, it’s just a computerized chatbot rather than a celebrity getting people’s attention.

ChatGPT has generated a lot of controversies, with some people questioning the veracity of its information and others using it to expedite their work. To ensure that employees aren’t using the bot to complete their work, employers are watching their workers like hawks.

Anyways, let’s go on to find out if the invention of ChatGPT was a blessing or a curse. Without a doubt, AI technology has advanced greatly in recent years. Although it is quite astounding in what it is capable of, some people may find it unsettling.

In essence, ChatGPT is a super-intelligent chatbot that can respond to any inquiry. The website Branding In Asia identified the chatbot as an AI that is capable of doing everything from advising on eradicating world hunger to attempting to pass the most difficult tests in the world.

The tool has become the world’s fastest app to reach such enormous popularity, despite its unfavourable popularity. In just two months, there were 100 million users. Additionally, according to data from Business of Apps, it is predicted that the app will earn $200 million in 2023 and $1 billion by 2024.

The Asia-Pacific region’s freelancing industry is quickly developing and expanding. The APAC area is home to 28% of all freelancers globally, placing it third in the globe, according to Inc. According to a survey by Mordor Intelligence, the global market for freelancers in digital marketing in the APAC area is anticipated to develop, with a predicted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2021 to 2026.

One of the disadvantages of ChatGPT is its impact on the freelance community. With the invention of ChatGPT, people can now produce all the services provided by freelancers, free of charge. Therefore, in the past couple of months, the freelancer community has been stressed about their job security.

Another disadvantage is that it has given people a one-stop shop for content creation. If you provide a thorough description of what you need to generate, the chatbot will quickly and accurately do so. People have become lazy as a result of this since they can produce any kind of written content with little to no effort.

Since the invention of ChatGPT, there has been a reduction in job opportunities, lower demand for human labour, an increase in market competition, content accuracy, and legal & ethical concerns. Will AI ever adopt that characteristically human trait? Only time will tell.

This New Crypto Freelance Project Will Replace Upwork & Fiverr – Here’s Why

Source: Washington City Paper

Freelancing has significantly increased over the last few years as remote employees look for flexible employment opportunities. Freelancers can now make money doing what they love, thanks to websites like Upwork and Fiverr. These platforms started somewhat well, but issues like poor work, delayed payments, and a lack of a community to drive the business forward quickly surfaced.

Deelance (DLANCE), a new competitor with a decentralized platform built on Web3, is poised to revolutionize freelancing and end the current difficulties. In comparison to Upwork, Fiverr, etc., it has a ton of amazing features, like minimal fees, speedy payouts, and no fraud. It has recently generated a lot of excitement in the freelance community, and many experts predict that it will eventually overtake all other platforms.

Washington City Paper is laying the claim that this new Crypto project will overtake these popular freelance platforms we are used to for some reasons. First, Blockchain is used by DeeLance to trace all transactions and establish a risk-free payment method. Second, there is a market based on NFT where freelancers may showcase their work to clients and potential employers can look at their portfolios.

The platform will also eliminate middlemen, lowering the cost of hiring. Freelancers won’t need to raise their service fees to cover expenses because they won’t have to worry about platform fees eating into their earnings. They will have a better probability of being hired as a result.

DeeLance also intends to accelerate platform payments. It will be a huge relief for freelancers to know that they will get paid as soon as the client approves of their work. They won’t have to worry about exchange rates or fees either because everyone will be using bitcoins.

Its ability to link recruitment with NFT avatars and a virtual Metaverse is one of its coolest features when compared to Upwork and Fiverr. Since there won’t be any “GameFi” components, you can use your NFT avatar to interact with others and make new relationships in the Metaverse. Once the delivery date and payment have been agreed upon, the NFT can also protect the material and services provided by employers and freelancers, making it simple to confirm ownership.

In contrast to Upwork, where just 20% of freelancers are hired, DeeLance makes it simple to get employed and only 10% of your income is charged. Additionally, the platform pays promptly in cryptocurrency in contrast to Upwork and Fiverr, which normally take five to ten days to disburse funds to freelancer accounts. You can also engage with clients and freelancers without paying any additional fees because DeeLance Metaverse access is free.

The DeeLance ecosystem is supported by the DLANCE token. It is based on the Ethereum blockchain, and as the ecosystem develops, it will become the main asset for buying and selling NFTs, placing adverts in the Metaverse, buying real estate and offices, and more.

Unlock the Potential of Uwerx: 10 Exciting Features to Revolutionize Freelancing

Source: Zycrypto

Uwerx, a new platform created to improve the user experience for freelancers and customers alike, is going to alter the world of freelancing. Let’s examine the top 10 features I got from the famous platform Zycrypto. These include incentives and transparent pricing, that make Uwerx a game-changer in the freelancing sector.

These features are;

Access to Premium Features: Uwerx tokens can be held and accumulated by users to improve their platform experience by granting them access to premium features such as VIP access, exclusive content, and larger prizes.

Built-in Collaboration Tools: By including video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools right into the platform, the amazing platform streamlines the freelance experience and encourages smooth communication between freelancers and customers. Direct platform integration of Slack and Trello will improve team cooperation and communication has been enabled.

Built-in Dispute Resolution: Its effective and impartial dispute resolution procedure assists in resolving issues between freelancers and clients, upholding the platform’s good name and lowering the possibility of disputes escalating.

Gamification & Incentivization: Uwerx is designed with fun features like badges, leaderboards, and awards for reaching goals or completing tasks, encouraging freelancers to use the platform regularly and remain active. Hosting webinars, for which participants must pay a nominal price in WERX tokens to attend, is another way for freelancers to make money.

Personalized Matching: To ensure the greatest possible fit for fruitful partnerships, Uwerx provides a tailored matching system that takes into account a freelancer’s talents and experience as well as a client’s project needs and budget.

Transparent Pricing: By offering freelancers and clients transparent pricing plans, Uwerx lessens friction, fosters trust, and creates a more fair market for all sides. The system will offer a fixed commission rate of 1%, undercutting its rivals Upwork (10%) and Fiverr (20%).

Token Utility and Network Effect: As a means of exchange for products, services, or other tokens, Tokens have a significant network effect that drives up their value as more users sign up for the platform.

Token Burn and Value Growth: The app periodically burns tokens to limit the overall quantity, which raises the tokens’ potential value and scarcity over time for long-term holders.

Token Rewards and Bonuses: Members can earn Uwerx tokens by signing up, recommending new members, taking part in platform activities, or producing content. This makes the platform more alluring and profitable for everyone.

Voting and Decision-Making: By rewarding users who use voting methods to influence the platform’s decision-making process, the tool promotes active involvement by developing a feeling of community and consensus-building.

In addition to these functions, Uwerx uses a decentralized ledger to build a reputation system that promotes trust and rewards excellent work. With a nominal WERX token fee for each session, freelancers can also host webinars to promote their services or exhibit their work.

The post Freelance Review: April 2023, Part 1 appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

Freelance Review: March 2023, Part 2

Esther Victoria — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:17:07 +0000

Are you a freelancer looking for insights and tips to help you succeed? Look no further than our bi-weekly review. From emerging trends to expert insights, our freelance news review offers a comprehensive look at the freelance industry.

These are the latest news, analysis and tips from trusted freelance sources that just got public in the past few days. Sit back and read if you want to stay informed, connected, and inspired.

The Gig Economy Offers Freedom and Flexibility. These Freelancers Share The Benefits and Barriers Of Self Employment

Source: Essence

There have never been more people working as freelancers. A new Upwork survey indicates that 39% of the US workforce is made up of freelancers. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks is crucial as more and more Americans opt for project work over typical nine-to-five jobs. Essence recently interviewed three freelancers asking how they make a living in the gig economy. They gave a behind-the-scenes look at the advantages and drawbacks of freelancing as well as the online gig networks that support them in their work.

Sarah Akinterinwa, The Professional Cartoonist

Former English teacher Sarah is now the first Black New Yorker cartoonist in the UK. She has now earned branding contracts and freelancing jobs across numerous media and platforms using Instagram as her main marketing tool. Her first book, Why You’ll Never Find The One: And Why it Doesn’t Matter, was published last month, marking another significant accomplishment for her.

Her doubts about the timing of her prospects are significant. “Just around the time of the George Floyd/Black Lives Matter controversy, interest in my art really took off. “I started to get attention during that time of racial reckoning”, she added. This shows still has concerns about being a Black artist in the freelancing sector, despite her spectacular rise in such a specialized creative field.

Olamide Olowe, The Beauty Entrepreneur

The youngest Black woman to raise $10M in a financing round is the co-founder and CEO of the skincare company Topicals. The ideal example of a freelance entrepreneur is Olamide. The industry pioneer, whose beauty brand is Sephora’s fastest-selling, was selected to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2022. People must fully understand that operating a business and working as a freelancer involves costs, she told ESSENCE. She uses her platform to address the issue of self-employed millennial and Gen Z employees dominating the freelancing economy.

Lyndsey Scott, The Model coder

She began her professional life as a fashion model and was the first African American to sign an exclusive contract with Calvin Klein. Lyndsey has been in Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton shows in addition to walking the Victoria’s Secret runway. The resourceful model who later became an actress and iOS developer benefited from profitable chances in several fields by combining traditional networking with the website Stack Overflow. For her, breaking into the tech industry didn’t just happen overnight; it was a process worth it.

Top 10 Freelance Jobs For Earning A Steady Income

Source: Fordhamram

A freelance career lets you decide when, where, and how you work. You can create a schedule at your convenience and earn a lot of money. Also, you get to choose the projects you’ll manage and the kinds of clients you wish to collaborate with. If you want to discover if a freelance profession is right for you, keep reading as I’ll describe the top ten freelance jobs as seen on the platform Fordhamram.

Most In-Demand Freelancing Skills

The most in-demand talents for freelancing today are technical and creative. Due to lower risk and greater cost-effectiveness, small businesses choose to use independent contractors rather than full-time staff. You have to be at the perfect place if you’re thinking about creating a career out of freelancing. For you to be able to earn a lot of money, we have picked the top creative freelancing jobs which we think will be a lot helpful.

1. Freelance Writer

One of the most inventive jobs available to those seeking a freelance career. Starting out in this field doesn’t require a costly degree or specific tools, and there is a lot of flexibility.

2. Website Designer

As we are in the digital era, there is currently a huge demand for full-stack designers who design user-friendly and creative websites.

3. Teacher/Coach

Online freelance educators are employed by a number of organizations in the education technology sector. You can find your clients online and create your schedule.

4. Virtual Assistant

The duties of a virtual assistant vary; the more services you add to your portfolio, the more you can offer and earn.

5. Financial Consultant/Accountant

Having financial skills is highly valued. You can apply for employment online in daily bookkeeping, tax accounting, company accounting, and fractional CFO positions, depending on your degree or professional expertise.

6. Social Media Manager

All businesses need a strong online presence. This is why the demand for social media managers is high as they can be a valuable addition to any company.

7. App Developer

The market for app development is fiercely competitive and expanding. It is one of the highest-paying freelance positions.

8. Content Creator

Many businesses look for independent experts that can create valuable content on their websites and social media platforms which will entice users to visit their sites.

9. Graphic Designer

One of the best freelancing jobs is graphic design. This applies to many business practices including advertising, campaign, newsletter and business cards.

10. Data Analyst

Many organizations rely on data analysts to predict future trends accurately. You will play an important role in unveiling trends in customer behaviour and business issues.

I Can Go The Distance: How To Save For Retirement As a Freelancer

Source: Morningbrew

According to a report, freelancers only make around 58% as much as full-time employees, which can make retirement seem unaffordable. Believe me, I understand the hardship of saving for the future when you’re self-employed. So let’s quickly go through how the popular freelance platform, Morningbrew advises freelancers on how to save for retirement.

Make A Plan

Planning for the future should involve reflection, according to Shruti Joshi, COO of financial planning firm Facet. She advised to start by developing a dynamic, continuous financial plan for yourself. It goes far beyond investing. To free up cash flow depending on your goals and ideals for how you want to live your life, you must choose what is best for your income, tax methods, and savings.

Being informed of trends and development in your industry is another crucial component of preparedness. Duke Alexander Moore, the founder of Duke Tax, noted that freelancers need to have an adaptive approach to their business. Moore said, “For instance: If TikTok is where you earn the majority of your income, you need to be aware of the regulations that apply to the program.”

Use automation to your advantage

Savings automation is fantastic, but Joshi advised spreading out your contributions if you have income that varies significantly from year to year. Establish a discipline to move a set percentage of your earnings. Start small if you’d rather leave things alone. That’s one of the proven ways I have personally utilized.

As a gig worker, Brittney Castro, a consumer finance advocate for Intuit and CFP, pointed out that your income would inevitably change from month to month. The best method to plan for this is to set aside a small sum each month, according to the author. Castro likes to remind freelancers that even $50 a month can add up over time because of compound interest.

Reduce Your Tax Burden

There are great options available to freelancers when it comes to saving for retirement. Saving for retirement for those who are self-employed is a tax cover as well as an investment in the future. To figure this out, the ideal way for you depending on your income level and business structure is to consult a tax or financial specialist.

Facet co-founder and director of financial wellness, Brent Weiss says “Hands down, my favourite retirement plan for those with self-employment income is the solo 401(k).” The majority of the time, doing so will enable you to save the most money possible for retirement, which will also enable you to minimize your tax liability.

Get Rich Off Your Side Gig with These Negotiation Tips

Source: MSN

You will likely find a side job or freelance project to supplement your income or even replace it regardless of your level of education, area of speciality, or skill set. But beginning a new profession as an entrepreneur poses some difficulties you’ll need to deal with, from securing benefits to negotiating rates.

On the website MSN, Wayne Goshkarian, director of communications for the Organization for Entrepreneurship USA, stated that gig work might include driving for Uber and Lyft, selling goods online (such as on Etsy), and performing contracted work for specific projects.

Finding Benefits As A Freelancer

Depending on the type of work you do, you might be able to get some assistance from your customer, though, with advice on how to secure your gains at a reasonable price. For instance, the rider services, Uber have collaborated with Stride to serve as clients’ health insurance brokers. A client that directly offers health insurance as a benefit should be avoided because doing so may violate IRS tax requirements and count against your status as a freelancer.

However, you should seek advice from practitioners like the Small Business Administration and the Organization for Entrepreneurship USA on where to obtain affordable health insurance, retirement plans, and benefits.

Setting Rates for Your Side Hustle

Another difficulty for people who are new to freelancing is determining their rate. Sometimes a client or business will establish a charge, either on an hourly basis or per job. These fees may not have much flexibility when big agencies hire freelancers. Goshkarian advises that all expenses including rent, travel, groceries, and other basic expenses should all be considered, as well as additional cash for savings and personal use.

Of course, you’ll also need to account for the project’s actual expenditures, which may be tax deductible but still affect your bottom line.

Negotiating Higher Pay

Make your research on the hourly rate range for your area of expertise because the market is mostly responsible for determining compensation. He said that freelancers can negotiate based on these rates depending on where you are located and your level of experience. While interacting with other experts in their field, freelancers’ income may increase when they are open and honest about their prices. Beginners will recognize the financial potential in their industry and have the confidence to raise their prices.

Knowing Your Worth as a Professional

He also pointed out that if you charge a premium rate, It may even increase the employer’s confidence in your capacity to go beyond their expectations. Overall, have confidence as you dialogue with the client. Goshkarian advised asking for payment on the upper end of the range if you are better qualified and have a solid reputation in your industry. He also advised bringing references to the interview.

How And Why The Freelance Workforce Is Setting New Records

Source: Forbes

The U.S. freelance workforce is growing, contributing more significantly to the economy and reshaping the labour market. This claim is what I got from the popular platform Forbes and was asserted by a fresh survey conducted by Upwork. According to its 2022 Freelance Forward poll, the following tendencies have been highlighted.

Year-On-Year Growth

39% of the US workforce, or 60 million people, worked as independent contractors in the previous year, reaching an all-time high. This rise is not just strong year over year but also represents the greatest proportion since Upwork started monitoring this trend in 2014.

Contribution To The Economy

Freelancers’ annual earnings, which increased by $50 billion from 2021 to 2022 to $1.35 trillion, continue to play a key role in the labour market and economy of the United States. I believe this is a big win for the industry.

Education

The U.S. job system and economy still heavily rely on independent contractors. In 2022, the annual profits of freelancers increased by $50 billion from 2021 to $1.35 trillion for the American economy. The way people perceive freelancing is changing: 73% of freelancers, up from 68% in 2021, feel that attitudes toward freelancing as a career are improving.

Generational Aspect

The generations most likely to consider freelancing are Gen Z and Millennials. 43% of Gen Z professionals and 46% of Millennial professionals, respectively, were freelancers in 2022.

Knowledge Services

Just this year, approximately 31 million professionals, or 51% of all freelancers, worked in knowledge-based fields like computer programming, marketing, IT, and business consulting.

High Level of Satisfaction

Freelancers are benefiting from this shift in the workplace system. Freelancers claim that not only are people’s impressions of them and their prospects more favourable than ever before, but they also feel more optimistic about their earning potential.

Why Businesses Should Increase Their Talent Strategy

Many people look for the control and flexibility that typical employment situations sometimes lack. Many brilliant and highly competent professionals are resorting to freelancing because people’s attitudes to work are shifting. Companies will lose access to a sizable and growing pool of professional talent if they don’t implement a talent solution.

The good news for employers is that they will have a wider range of independent professionals to pick from and work with as a result of the freelance labour pool’s continued expansion. Meanwhile, the bad news for freelancers is that there may be more rivalry for jobs as a result of the continuous rise of the freelancing workforce.

The post Freelance Review: March 2023, Part 2 appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.

The Best Hourly Rate Calculator for Freelancers

Esther Victoria — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:08:12 +0000

Being a freelancer has several advantages, one of which is the fact that your potential earnings are unrestricted. The most crucial thing is that you select your fee; you also decide on the clients and the hours. Ideally, things would be that easy, giving you the power to be your boss and control how things work around you.

One of the most difficult aspects of freelancing is determining the costs for the services you offer. If you set them too high, you risk being outperformed by competitors who offer comparable services and losing out on revenue. If you set them too low, you will be underpaid for your services and not make enough money to beat your cost.

However, it is important to comprehend the precise scope of what the charges you set are intended to pay for. After all, there are many expenses that you might not even be aware of, just as there are many hours that you can’t even charge for as they can’t be tied to any client’s project. I will be highlighting the top 5 hourly rate calculators which can be used to tackle the hassle of charging clients rightly.

1. Payoneer

Payoneer, one of the best payment platforms for freelancers offers its users the feature to calculate their freelance hourly rate. This enables you as a freelancer to check if your hourly rate covers your fixed and variable costs, meeting your target income. To make this possible, freelancers will be asked to fill in certain details which will guide the platform in ascertaining the hourly rate.

Steps To Use Payoneer

When using the calculator, you must first enter the desired currency, your present annual earnings after deducting expenses, and the percentage by which you wish to raise your income. This will give you an idea of what your annual target salary looks like.
The next step is to determine how many total billing hours you will have for a year. You must provide the following details: the number of weeks you will work during the year, the number of days in a week, and the number of hours in a day. The period of time that you are not working—during public and religious holidays, vacations, or when you are ill will be subtracted from that total number of days.
The third step is to determine the annual cost incurred by the business. This will require you to fill in some fields including accounting costs and other operating expenses like Marketing/Advertising, Office Rent and Travel.
This step entails inputting the annual administration costs of freelancing. These costs are Insurance, Communications, Equipment and Subscriptions.
The final stage is to provide general details about the business, like name, contact and email address.

This will be a useful tool for people who are just beginning their freelance journey even though the final pricing may not be the one you use as the method does not cover all the relevant factors.

Pricing- Free

2. Instaprice

Instaprice is a one-stop pricing tool for freelancers. The developer of the application, Ben Issen often says, pricing work is an unstructured guessing art and I have to wholeheartedly agree with him on that. You continue to experiment with numbers until you find what works best for you. So, what exactly does this amazing app do? It enables you to see what other freelancers are charging in order to determine what you should charge.

You simply select your currency and country. It aids in better determining pricing in your area and making interesting quotes. Following that, the simple interface displays half a screen with a search bar and thousands of services, and the other half is a robot calculator. As you select the services you intend to provide, the little robot tallies it all up on the side so that when you’re finished, you know exactly how much you should charge your client.

The App allows you to see the average prices charged for the kind of service you offer and estimations can be adjusted according to the quality of each client. Afterwards, quotes can be sent directly from the app to the client.

Using Instaprice as a Freelancer

The estimation model of the app is still getting improved as it is not 100% accurate yet, the calculation from the app should be taken as a complementary to your pricing estimation. Getting prices are automatic and are gotten from publicly available US-based platforms where median values conversion weekly rate are calculated which makes prices flexible and more accurate.

The users of the Instaprice app are mostly freelancers, agencies and companies hiring freelancers. The app sufficiently provides guidance for freelancers who are just starting, have doubts about fair prices to charge, or want to offer new services to their clients.

Pricing: $12 per month

3. The Freelance Rate Calculator

As a freelancer, there are goals and objectives you have set for yourself. This calculator shows you the lowest rate you should charge to cover your costs and reach your objectives. It’s the perfect tool you need to plan a freelance business.

First, you need to download the app and at the top of the Google sheet, click “file” and proceed to make a copy. Add your work and life expenses as well as the number of hours you want to spend at work. You are then allowed to calculate the minimum hourly, weekly and monthly rates you are expected to charge a client. Rates are calculated based on taxes, savings, business expenses, and living and travelling expenses. In summary all you are required to do is;

Download the calculator
Enter your goals and objectives
Determine how much to charge clients.

The Freelance World Can Be Scary

Only proactive freelancers can successfully traverse the future. For freelancers, charging too little is a common trap You can safeguard yourself by determining what is sustainable with the help of this calculator. Without a thorough strategy that takes your objectives and costs into account, you run the following risks:

losing your finest initiatives as a result of constant overwhelm
Breaking the bank when tax season comes
Never take a vacation because you might not have enough money this month.

Pricing- Free

4. Finder

This is another interesting hourly rate calculator which helps you to determine how much you should set your hourly rate at. This calculator allows you to install and embed its functionalities on a website. You will be required to copy the HTML code and paste it on your blog or website to have its rate calculator. It also offers exclusive product deals and unlimited access to financial reports.

How Does This Calculator Work

Using this calculator, you can divide your total costs and profit by the number of hours you’ll work. For instance, the hourly rate you should charge is equal to (Business Costs + Personal Costs + Profit You Want To Make) / Number of Hours You Will Work.

Business Costs

The business costs are all expenses that are directly related to the operations of your business. To set your hourly rate using Finder, you will fill in the following details measuring costs associated with the business.

Office Rent- Rate per month
Travel costs- Rate per week
Computer, Equipment and Software- Rate per year
Communications, Internet, Mobile, Fax- Rate per month
Accounting and Legal Costs- Rate per year
Marketing- Rate per month
Insurance- Rate per year
Training, Conferences and Books- Rate per year

Personal Costs

These are expenses incurred in the course of business but cannot be directly attributed to the business. These costs are more often based on personal benefits and include;

Living costs: Food, Rent, Rates and Electricity- Rate per month
Retirement- Rate per year
Fun money: Holidays, Drinks, Outing- per month

How many hours can you bill: how many hours, days, weeks, vacation days and billable hours

Profit/Savings: How much profit do you want to make in a year

Pricing- Free

5. Calculadorafreela

A simple and user-friendly calculator that lets you find out how much you charge clients as a freelancer. This tool was designed by Aldana Fiandrino and programmed by Argenis Fontalvo. Just like other hourly rate calculators we have talked about, Calculadorafreela takes into account the expected net monthly income.

Adjusted Monthly Income

The first part of the calculator aims at easily finding hourly rates, requiring you to estimate both your income and costs. It also takes into account the monthly cost of freelancing. These costs include administration, internet, software, telephone, change of laptop, marketing and savings for tough times. There are other costs that are meant to be included while calculating the rate. For instance, health insurance and taxes.

Calculation of Annual Billable Hours

For the second part, you will be required to provide the number of hours per year that you will be working. There are numerous occasions when you won’t be working at all, including holidays, sick days, vacations, and paperwork. This should be considered while figuring out your hourly rate.

Total Hours

This is the page where the average hourly rate for each category on Workana and the achievement level system are. It first highlights your rate based on your inputs, followed by the rate of other freelancers offering different services. This is done with the use of a ranking system from Hero, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and down to Iron.

This calculator made by freelancers on Workana has a distinguishing feature that allows you to find the best freelance job postings.

Pricing- Free

Conclusion

Being a freelancer can sometimes be hectic, but thanks to technology that has been making many work processes very easy and fast. Ideally, a freelancer should be able to determine how much a task is worth if his/her skill is hired. Although, we most likely charge differently depending on the level of experience or expertise. You are only doing yourself a favour if you decide to ease yourself the burden of figuring out how much you want to charge a client.

There are so many hourly rate calculators one can find online but these five above were carefully selected and you go no wrong if you decide to choose one out of these, bearing in mind to choose according to your need. You should first know what works for you.

However, it is important to understand that when you are calculating the freelance hourly rate, you should think in terms of value, not time. These tools may not be right in some cases as they don’t put into account some variables like behavioural attributes, sentiments, etc., attached to a task. Generally, it is a good solution to utilize especially as a new freelancer who does not have an idea of how much is typically charged in the industry.

A Good Way To Think About Pricing

It’s time to return to reality. Forget about earning your ideal wage or even just the bare minimum to survive. How much you believe you’d like or need to make should have very little bearing on your hourly rate. How much value you provide to your clients is what ultimately sets your rate. If they don’t perceive enough value in you to pay that rate, you won’t get hired. No work at a high rate is worse than some labour at a reasonable market rate.

That calculation does not take into account how much money you believe you should earn. If you have gained five additional years of experience, new skills, and the cost of living remains the same, should your hourly rate be higher? A rate calculator would say no, but in reality, the response is yes. The factors that most significantly affect the rate you can command are your skill, experience, professionalism, and effort. Think of rate in terms of value, capabilities and reliability, they are good metrics to determine your rate as well.

The post The Best Hourly Rate Calculator for Freelancers appeared first on Freelancelifemagazine.