More Ways to Become a Paid Writer: oDesk.com

I mentioned a few websites last week for those who are interested in starting a freelance career in writing (or marketing, web design…etc.). Brian Goler of oDesk.com emailed to bring my attention to that site. I checked around oDesk a bit and it appears to be on par with the others I’ve mentioned. It seems like it would be a good place for newbies to start since there isn’t a monthly fee like there is for some of the others (Elance has a low one, Guru’s is kind of ridiculous).

Mr. Goler was kind enough to answer a few questions about what to expect from oDesk and the freelance career path in general.

1.  How does oDesk stand out from the other freelance websites?
 
oDesk is the only staffing marketplace that supports time-based work.  We support the entire work relationship (hire, manage, and pay).  Our solution includes software that tracks a provider’s time and gives the buyer visibility into work as it is being done.  This approach enables people to build distributed teams and work as if everyone were in the same office.  It also brings several very important benefits to providers:
 
* Guaranteed payment for hourly projects.  oDesk is the only marketplace that guarantees payment for hourly work.

* Large job selection - nearly 7,000 job opportunities per month.

* Valuable long-term projects.  Unlike other marketplaces that focus on fixed-price jobs where requirements and specs must be clearly defined upfront, oDesk’s hourly model encourages long-term work relationships.  Our average assignment lasts nearly 280 hours which equates to over $4,000 at our average hourly rate.

* Simplicity.  Our model eliminates a lot of the complexity freelancers typically encounter in running their businesses, leaving more time for actual paid work.  We offer an attractive online profile and reputation management system including feedback, 120 free skill tests, an online portfolio, automated time tracking, and payment without any need to chase customers.
 
2. What kind of costs are there for providers (the freelancers) and buyers (those doing the hiring)?
 
It’s free to join, free to post jobs, and free to apply to jobs.  Buyers and providers negotiate compensation when they decide to work together - either an hourly rate or a flat project fee.  oDesk keeps 10% of any payments that are made through our system.
 
3. Freelance work can be intimidating for those just getting started. Do you have any advice for newbies?
 
At the top of my list:
 
* Put your best foot forward.  Your resume, portfolio, and cover letters should market the skills, interests, and experiences that are most relevant to the types of jobs you want.  Writing tailored cover letters, taking third-party tests (oDesk offers 120 free skill tests), incorporating high-quality work samples in your portfolio, and lining up references will help you get that first job.

* Be persistent.  While some freelancers are gainfully employed from the start, others find that it takes several months to establish a client base.  It’s important to stay positive and to refine your pitch as you go.

* Deliver great results.  When you do get your first job, make sure the customer is thrilled with your work.  Happy customers are likely to become long-term clients and even if they don’t have future work, glowing references will make it that much easier to get new business.
 
There’s lots of detailed information available on oDesk to help newbies start their freelance careers (see: http://www.odesk.com/help/help/new_to_odesk/new_providers_part1). 

4. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your company?
 
Regardless of whether you decide to pursue your freelance career on oDesk, you’ll find lots of helpful information in the oDesk community forums.
 
Also, we recently launched the oConomy, a resource that summarizes trends based on a record $23 million (and counting!) of work completed on oDesk. The oConomy data covers more than 1,750,000 hours of work completed by over 47,000 providers from over 90 countries.

Tags: freelance, freelance work, freelance writing, oDesk, paid writer