One of the easiest ways to get higher paid work is to simply raise your prices. Even on upwork you can command a much, much higher price than $5 an article. Please do not work for such ridiculous rates.
The money in writing is fantastic. I don't market myself at all anymore and am focused on writing my own books at the moment, but I've still got work whenever I want it. I wrote an email last night for $200 and it took less than an hour to write it and then outline eight more, which I'll flesh out over the next couple days, for the same price.
These kinds of rates allow me lots of free time to work on my books and do pretty much whatever I want with my time, but if you fill your schedule you can also just get on your grind and make a very decent income.
There's a thread on here called "Freelancing on Elance" somewhere. Read it - the principles for getting paid better on Upwork are pretty much the same. There's another thread called "All Things Freelance," and Cleanslate has one on starting an online writing service as well.
By the way, Cleanslate is deaf and charges prices as high as I do, and it did not take him long to get there either. I mention his deafness because even online a lot of moneyed clients want a phone call, but he hasn't let it hold him back. Now he lives in Asia. He's a very organized and driven man, but that should show you that you're selling yourself short.
Read the threads and buy any books suggested, which will talk about other places to get work and how. Take charge of your education by reading the top books in the field. Go to thefastlaneforum and read the threads on copywriting there - they specifically talk about Upwork.
There are better ways to get work, but that type of platform is a good way to build a portfolio, and many folks won't take you seriously when they see your $5 article examples, so I would focus on at least getting a few higher paid jobs under your belt before pursuing other channels.
Also, keep in mind that you don't have to wait for better clients to create a better portfolio - you're a writer, so simply write one. Do you really think they're going to contact your old clients to ask about the work? Just put in the hours and create two or three showcase pieces.
Seth's advice about blogging is also solid. I too got some of my best jobs this way.
The best thing you can do is learn copywriting. Thefastlaneforum will point you in the right direction for copywriting resources. But before you do that simply raise your prices on the very same platform and argue a better case for why you're worth it. Nothing shows your skills better than a well written profile and proposal.
$5 an article....sheesh, man. Just have a little respect for yourself and people will respect you enough to pay you more.
Stop competing with the third world providers on price. It's depressing to think there are writers out there groveling like that - fortunately, it has been that way as long as I can remember and in over ten years has never forced those with a higher standard to do the same.
Do not lump yourself in with those other writers when setting your price. They are not your competition. The key is branding and positioning.
The money in writing is fantastic. I don't market myself at all anymore and am focused on writing my own books at the moment, but I've still got work whenever I want it. I wrote an email last night for $200 and it took less than an hour to write it and then outline eight more, which I'll flesh out over the next couple days, for the same price.
These kinds of rates allow me lots of free time to work on my books and do pretty much whatever I want with my time, but if you fill your schedule you can also just get on your grind and make a very decent income.
There's a thread on here called "Freelancing on Elance" somewhere. Read it - the principles for getting paid better on Upwork are pretty much the same. There's another thread called "All Things Freelance," and Cleanslate has one on starting an online writing service as well.
By the way, Cleanslate is deaf and charges prices as high as I do, and it did not take him long to get there either. I mention his deafness because even online a lot of moneyed clients want a phone call, but he hasn't let it hold him back. Now he lives in Asia. He's a very organized and driven man, but that should show you that you're selling yourself short.
Read the threads and buy any books suggested, which will talk about other places to get work and how. Take charge of your education by reading the top books in the field. Go to thefastlaneforum and read the threads on copywriting there - they specifically talk about Upwork.
There are better ways to get work, but that type of platform is a good way to build a portfolio, and many folks won't take you seriously when they see your $5 article examples, so I would focus on at least getting a few higher paid jobs under your belt before pursuing other channels.
Also, keep in mind that you don't have to wait for better clients to create a better portfolio - you're a writer, so simply write one. Do you really think they're going to contact your old clients to ask about the work? Just put in the hours and create two or three showcase pieces.
Seth's advice about blogging is also solid. I too got some of my best jobs this way.
The best thing you can do is learn copywriting. Thefastlaneforum will point you in the right direction for copywriting resources. But before you do that simply raise your prices on the very same platform and argue a better case for why you're worth it. Nothing shows your skills better than a well written profile and proposal.
$5 an article....sheesh, man. Just have a little respect for yourself and people will respect you enough to pay you more.
Stop competing with the third world providers on price. It's depressing to think there are writers out there groveling like that - fortunately, it has been that way as long as I can remember and in over ten years has never forced those with a higher standard to do the same.
Do not lump yourself in with those other writers when setting your price. They are not your competition. The key is branding and positioning.
Beyond All Seas
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling