Run a quick Google search for freelance writing jobs and see what comes up. No experience required! $50/hour pay! Good writers cheap! There are a lot of promises out there, along with plenty of websites that promise to connect writers with clients who need them. Sounds easy, right?
Navigating the freelance marketplace can be daunting at first. Knowing what projects are legitimate opportunities and what projects are scams is essential as you begin to build your writing portfolio.
Simply put, if a project seems too good to be true, it probably is. Keep an eye out for these warning signs to avoid wasting your time on projects that just aren’t worth it.
1. Low Pay
Don’t work for 1 cent a word. Sadly, the value that some potential clients place on content is very low. Recognize your worth by establishing a minimum per-word rate that you’re willing to accept. That rate is going to be different depending on your experience level and the amount of research required. I recommend a minimum of 4-5 cents a word to start, with the goal of reaching 10 cents a word or more as your portfolio grows.
2. Free Writing Sample
It’s reasonable for a new client to ask you to write a sample piece for their website. However, don’t offer up your writing for free. You should be paid for that work. If the client isn’t willing to pay, then you can offer an existing writing sample rather than providing a new one. A sketchy client might be seeking out free content by pitching topics to multiple writers under the guise of a free sample, with no intention to hire them. Don’t work for free.
3. Low Bids
Some freelance writing marketplaces require potential writers to bid on projects, allowing the client choose the right writer at the right price. A few websites do this well––and we’ll talk about those in another post––but others result in shockingly low bids and clients seeking the cheapest content, not the best content. If you notice projects being awarded consistently to the lowest bids, keep looking for a marketplace that offers more legitimate, better paying opportunities.
Not every freelance writing opportunity is right for you. Even more, some might be scams. By carefully evaluating projects, you’ll be able to identify worthwhile ones and avoid others.