Woohooo! Biggest order to date! $720!
I have amazing news! Or is it? I can't decide.
Content Writing
One of my clients has offered me a big content writing job - to write 40+ posts (600-words each) at $18 per post.
I've been a bit hesitant to take the job because I'm clueless on the topic and it's for their site, not mine.
Test-Run
I took some time today to understand the brief and do a test-run. I did heaps of research and keyword research, wrote the first post and created an infographic.
It took me about 5 or 6 hours to get the first post done. But I should be able to speed up my process when I write the other posts, now that I have the format down pat.
I was really happy with the end result and the client is happy with it too.
I've proven to myself I can do the job, now I must focus on efficiency and speed.
Am I selling myself short?
I keep second-guessing myself on this one. I currently make $40 to $48 for a 500-word sponsored post. Here, I'm taking a drop in rate and it's not even for one of my own websites so there's no long-term benefit, SEO benefit etc.
Guaranteed Work vs Higher Pay
That said, I don't have anyone else beating down my door to offer me 40 posts - guaranteed - over the next 2 months. And I'm excited by the challenge.
Do you think I'm selling myself short? Or do you think it's a fabulous opportunity?
Over to You
What are you excited about in your online business right now?
To Your Success
PS. Update:
Thanks for all your amazing comments everyone. I was fascinated to see how each comment reflected a different corner of my mind.
The good news:
I got two more posts written this morning. They took about an hour each, so it's definitely going faster now that I've done most of the research.
By the end of this project, I should be a machine. hehe.
Recent Comments
79
Hello Lauren,
This is great news that you have a large order. I believe that we have to start small and build up gradually, everything takes time.
I started an off-line business three years ago and within seven months I had reached five figures a month. I had to start small though and build gradually, so I believe you are doing the right thing, Lauren.
This particular business is slightly seasonal, so it doesn't always reach five figures per month. However, by utilising the power of the Internet we can grow our business far quicker than ever before.
I'm looking for to seeing the next biggest order, Lauren!
Roy
Hi Roy
Thanks for sharing your perspective and for your encouraging words.
Congratulations on your success with your offline and online businesses.
Entrepreneurship plus Digital Entrepreneurship - what a win-win.
All the best
Lauren
Hello Lauren,
Thank you, Lauren. I really believe that the Internet is such a powerful tool to market our particular niche. I can remember before the Internet was available, having to put ads in newspapers, magazines, shop windows et cetera to try and get business. How things have changed with almost everyone walking down the road, glaring at their smartphone!
Wishing you all the best.
Roy
Haha, yeah. You're so right. My husband and I were quite surprised to see an elderly couple in a restaurant, waiting for their meal - both on their smartphones.
Eventually, they started conversing with each other, and then us. It was so nice to see them being in the "real world" too.
Now I know what I look like when I'm constantly on my phone.
Good morning Lauren,
Thank you for your reply.
It's kind of funny when you see older people and their smartphones or computers as we don't particularly expect it! It's actually quite refreshing when I see older people embracing technology. I've come across many older people who almost make sarcastic remarks about technology, they don't realise how useful it can be.
I think we all need to remember that there is a time and a place for technology! I have often wondered how many emails we would actually receive if it was carried out in the old fashion way of snail mail!?
Wishing you a really good day.
Roy
Hi Lauren, as it is a short term gig, I would look at it as an opportunity to build your reputation an gain trust. If they come back to you with more work, you will then have the leverage to ask for a higher rate. As for long term work, you are worth much more:)
Jenny
Aw, Thanks for your sweet comment, Jenny. They are already talking about future work. I have the feeling they will be a longterm client so I'll do my best to negotiate higher rates going forward.
If they see results from the reviews I write, there will be more money in the pot to pay me. Time will tell.
It is a great opportunity Lauren, and it seems like they are going to give you plenty of work. If they are coming back for more, you must be doing a good job. But if it becomes a long term op, make sure the money reflects your effort.
Always great to catch up:)
Jenny
Thanks so much for your wise counsel, Jenny. You are spot-on. Appreciate your faith in me and my abilities.
Hi Lauren, does it provide for further opportunity down the track? Because it does sound to me like you’re selling yourself short. Even if you do speed up the process, say to 3 hours, that’s still only $6 per hour.
You’re a professional. You’re an excellent writer with amazing skills. I don’t think that’s enough.
However if you feel like it could turn into something more then the opportunity might be worth it in the long run. But if that’s it, I feel like you’re selling yourself short. X
Hi Melissa
Thanks for your feedback. I hear you.
To answer your question, yes, there are further opportunities down the track.
I've sped the process up to just over an hour per post at this stage. By the end of the project, I should be a Speed Queen. :)
See more comments
I don't believe you are selling yourself short. It's a paying job and it will give you the opportunity to get better at writing articles. To me it seems like a win win. Your getting paid for something that you're already doing so go for it and learn from it Elevatedinfo.com
Hi Dallas, Thanks for affirming my decision. I'm seeing it that way too. No experience gained is time lost.
Just a quick note:
I recommend you edit your comment, deleting the link you added as it's against WA's policies to add links in our comments. You can add links to your website and social media profiles on your Personal Profile page.
You can find the policies here. Spam is a NO NO!
I was informed by another member that put your website in a comment was ok. That's where I got the idea from.
Dallas, make sure your site is on your profile page--you might say something like, check my profile page to view my website or you can PM me for more details!
Jeff
Hi Dallas, I'm guessing the other member was meaning when you leave comments on other people's websites? Some website owners will allow you to add a relevant in their comments - not all - but it's worth giving it a shot as it's a great way to get backlinks to your site.
Right. Thanks Lauren Jean. I was told by another member that it could be done. And like you said it's a way for the people I gave comments to can actually see my post.