27 Internet Terminologies Every Freelancer Should Know

Because it’s Monday (my official rest day! yey! ), I would like to share some essential internet terminologies you should know or you can use on your freelancing career. Maybe it’s already familiar to you or maybe it’s not. If I missed anything here, just feel free to add it on the comment form…^_^  Let’s go!

1. WWW or World Wide Web – it is often a resource where we usually encounter next to “http://” whenever we browse a web page.
2. Web browser – it is a program where you can search for a web page that includes the mozilla firefox, internet explorer, chrome, safari, etc.
3. Cookies – it is used to track your activity across visiting different websites and it recognize you identity when returning to a certain page.
4. Spam – these are unsolicited messages or emails that sent to you and it is something for a promotional purpose. Be careful if you go this thing on your inbox asking for your account information or anything private about you.
5. CAPTCHA – it is a term that is formed in an image that you need to type whenever you register a website for a security reason. By this, automatic registration process can be avoided as well as the spammers.
6. Browser Cache – as your browser saved every web pages, cleaning your cache is also important as it interfere the speed of your PC system, emailing and disk space. Click here to let you know how to clean your browser cache.
7. Bookmark – this is where you can store your favorite page so you can go back on it anytime. Bookmarking is also a term being used for SEO or Search Engine Optimization. There are what you’ve called the bookmarking sites where you can do the process.
8. Blogging – it is a process where an interesting content is published online based on the specific niche. It can also be used for an internet marketing techniques.
9. Niche – if you are promoting or writing for a website or business, you must know your niche or the subject you should focusing on. There is always a topic within a subject you can build.
10. FAQ’s – it is an abbreviation of Frequently Asked Questions to explain products and the possible problems that a customer can have.
11. FTP – or the File Transfer Protocol to upload or download files from one computer/server to another.  I personally use Core FTP Le.
12. Homepage – it is generally the first page whenever you visit a website which is the starting point for a user to access the highlighted information.
13. Microsoft Office – it is a business software or application for a desktop with programs such as word, excel and powerpoint that you need to download for every project you are managing.
14. Search Engine  – it is an internet tools like Yahoo and Google where you can search on the Web using keywords and phrases.
15. URL (universal resource locator) – it is simply means a website starting with “http://” that identifies the location and type of resource on the Web.
16. Skype – this is always demanded by prospect client during the interview for them to communicate with you via chat or calls. Just simply download skype online, register and you’re ready to go!
17. SEO or Search Engine Optimization – it its the process of promoting or optimizing a website to attract visitors that can be done through building links using HTML code, BBCode and Anchor Text Link.
18. SMM or Social Media Marketing – it is the the process of gaining traffic or visitors to a website using the social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc.
19. SEM or Search Engine Marketing – a form of Internet marketing to promote websites by increasing their visibility in search engine result through the use of paid placement, advertising and paid per click system.
20. HTML/BBCode/Anchor Text Link – This is done by careful attention to various metatags and attributes in the code. You can view the codes from the page by clicking View > Source in the menu of your Web browser for any Web page and it  shows you the source code there. This code can be used for building backlinks on the specific page where you are trying to promote your business that is click-able in a keyword form.
21. Buyer/Employer/Client – they are the one who hires or control a worker or provider under a contract or project.
22. Provider/Contractor – they are the one who provide service for employers in a per hour or fixed price assignment.
23. Assignment/Project/Contract – it is a task to be assigned, to assign or for bidding.
24. Paypal – the common payment method that is widely used by employers and contractors.
25. Google Adwords – is a service from google that lets you create and run ads for your business through an advertising network in a per click ads.
26. Google Keyword Tool -you can use this tool in order to find the right keywords to use on your article or website and to establish the competition on your niche.
27. PR or Page Rank – this tool is use to determine the value and the reputation of a website on the internet market. I personally recommend you to use SEO Book Toolbar as it is very accurate and reliable.

These are just the basic terms and I know there’s a lot more. If you are new to freelancing, then you need to be familiar on these. Whether you are learning more so you can improve your own understanding on the business or just want to be able to communicate better with your clients, I encourage you to keep studying.

Gotta go!

Why Some People Fail At Freelancing?

Some of the people I know are thinking that freelancing is the easiest way to make money. I’ve actually helped several folks regarding this industry but most of them have failed and decided not to move forward. Some believes that they can win a freelance job with minimal skills or not having enough expertise at all. Well, to tell you frankly…freelancing is not easy but it is possible.

But what are the reasons why there are people who have failed at freelancing? Here’s why…

1. No skills or lack of experience – this means limited experience or unable to provide sample of previous work.

2. No proper planning and preparation -poor cover letter, unfavorable resume, not enough resources and inadequate understanding with the job he/she wants to apply.

3. Easily gave up – once they have not chosen for a job, they stop and never try again.

4. Priority – they may have other priorities rather getting a freelance job.

5. Freelancing is not for you – we all have different personalities. If you are a person who enjoys the world of being a regular employee at a company then suddenly you decided to jumped into freelancing, you may choose not to continue.

As I’ve said earlier, freelancing is not easy BUT it is POSSIBLE. Why? deal with my experience.

Believe it or not, I am a previous Project Architect from an established company then I switched into freelancing (without experience) and now an SEO specialist serving numbers of clients all over the world. Wanna know how I’d became successful on this career? Let me tell you my secret…

• I never stop reading – I search for tips, guides, useful advice online. You can actually learn by just reading from different sources.
• I take the risk – I challenge myself to accomplish a job even without technical knowledge about the project then I’ll research on how it should be done and in the end, I just learned from my client.
• I ask for advice – I ask help from people with enough expertise with the same field. You can find them from social networks, groups, forums and even your friends.
• I never stop – Even at times I didn’t won a project, I’ve tried and tried and never lose hope.
• I am prepared and organized – I see to it that  my cover letter is well written, with presentable resume and I am compiling samples of my work.
• I am optimistic – I am a positive person and allows myself to have a better opportunity at a successful outcome in any goal I pursue.
• Lastly, I treated my client as if he is the only one. I make sure that my client will be satisfied with my work.

Promoting yourself also plays an important role at freelancing. Use the power of world wide web in terms of endorsing yourself and making a solid web presence using the social networks and social media. Make yourself stand out from the rest, keep trying and don’t stop reading. Once the ball is in your hands, roll it and do the highest shot!

Happy Anniversary Freelance World!

It’s been 2 years since I gave up my regular job and here I am celebrating my 2 years in freelancing world. 2010 have leave a great memories for me as this year really changed my life. I remember when I was just a newbie, I am really confused yet so excited about how does work at home jobs really works including how to close a job, how to get lots of clients and how to earn money online. God is really good as he enlightens my outsourcing journey and I am now a certified freelancer.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Lord for the talent that he gave me. For without him, I am nothing. Second, to my parents and the parents of my hubby for being so supportive during my hectic schedules.  Thirdly, to my lovingly husband who always behind me whenever I’m stress and in a rush circumstances. And last but not definitely the least, oDesk – for changing how the world really works for me (I love the people behind this group).

So my advice to anyone who’d like to switch their career and become a successful freelancer – be patient, be productive, read relevant resources,  show your 100% dedication and explore! Finding work can be very hard, no doubt. That’s precisely why we must demand as much in return.

Don’t quit, keep reaching your dream job, because in order for our dreams to become reality it will take hard work, determination, and dedication.  Don’t worry, I was like you before – a regular employee earning a minimum rate just enough to survive the recession. Agree? Yes. But after I realized how opportunity bares everything to me, I grab it with both hands. 

Woops! before I forgot, happy anniversary freelance world!

Hurray! I have my earnings! But how can I withdraw it?

“Okay, got my first job and my bucks are now reflected on my financial account, now what? how can I get my earnings?”

That was a common question of every freelance newbies who are successfully managing their first freelance project. I will then discuss the step by step guide that aims to help newbie earners who are currently clueless on how they can withdraw their money. But remember, this guide is specifically dealing with my experience in oDesk but I think this still be applicable to other freelance sites.

STEP 1: Managing your payment method – simply go to “Payment Method” or “Financial Account”. From there you are required to choose the possible payment method that you are going to use for every withdrawals or transfer that you make.

2 Best options: PayPal and Payoneer Mastercard

STEP 2: Withdrawals through PayPal - if you don’t have a PayPal account yet, it’s totally free to get one. Just visit the website (www.paypal.com), sign up an account as “Personal”, confirm your address and any other required details. Take note that once your registration was approved, you need to link/verify your credit card or debit card account to your paypal. That’s the only way to withdraw your cash. After that, go back to your freelance account and link your Paypal account by confirming your log-in details.

Verifying EON Visa Card to PayPal – for my fellow kababayans, if you don’t have a credit card, you can apply for EON Visa Card at any Unionbank branches. Just don’t forget to bring 2 valid id’s  and prepare 350Php for annual fee and 200Php for  initial deposit. Probably it takes 2-3 weeks to approve your card. If you already have your EON Card, go to your Paypal account, link your EON Visa Card by entering your card number and other additional details. Note: you are required to enter the Paypal code to complete the verification process. You can get this 4-digit PP code by calling Unionbank Customer Hotline that is printed on your EON Card. BTW, you may register a Unionbank Account Online, this is a convenient way to know your balance or pending transactions so you don’t have to go out just to check your account. Just visit www.unionbankph.com to get started.

STEP 3: Withdrawals through Payoneer Mastercard – if you are unaware, getting a Payoneer card from oDesk is FREE! same as paypal, simply go to www.payoneer.com, complete your registration and link your payoneer account to your freelance account (oDesk). Once your Payoneer card was approved, it will be shipped to your home within 2-3 weeks depends on your postal delivery office.

Once you’re done with these step by step procedures, you can now withdraw your earnings with the payment method you prefer to use. It’s totally your choice. But remember, each of this method has an additional charges for every transaction you make. You can study the figures below to familiarize yourself with the fees:

PayPal Fees:

• Verification fee – $1.95 (they will retrieve it to your account once     verification is confirmed)
• oDesk to Paypal – $1.00
• Paypal to EON Visa Card – $1.00 (below 7,000) / FREE (above 7,000)
• EON Visa Card – annual fee 350 Php
• ATM Machine charges – 10.00-13.00 Php

Transaction process: Withdrawing from PayPal to EON will take 3-5 days.

Payoneer Mastercard Fees:

• One time Activation fee – $9.95
• oDesk to Payoneer – $2.00
• Monthly maintenance – $ 3.00
• ATM Machine charges – 150.00 Php
• Use for Shopping/Groceries – FREE

Transaction process: oDesk to Payoneer takes 2-3 days before it was reflected on your payoneer account for standard load, but if you will choose immediate load, it only takes 10-15 minutes to reflect on your account but you need to pay $2.50 for transaction fee. This is great for emergency use.

So I guess I’ve covered up all the necessary details you need. I know the feeling of excitement and frustration knowing that you already have your money but finding no way to withdraw your cash! You are excited to treat your friends or family who are at first never believe that you are earning online! LOL! Well, hope this solves your problem.

Read, Learn, Earn — Winning Your First Freelance Assignment

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result” ~Mahatma Gandhi

After receiving so many messages on my Facebook account from people who are very devoted to learn and planning their success in freelancing career, I’ve decided to share my own experience  to help those freelance newbies to win and handle their first home-based project.

Here are important tips not just to assist you to increase your chances on getting hired, but also guiding your way all through out your outsourcing profession  — these are best practices I’ve used through my oDesk stint.

1. Complete your profile – make a presentable and precise profile information because this serves as your personal reference and describes your skills, experiences and symbolized the best of you.

2. Take an exam – there are tests you can try online that is available from where you are planning to work as a freelance provider. Take those that you are very confident with. This is the best way to assess your capabilities and familiarize yourself from technical and behavioral terms. It can also add points to your profile page.

3. Manage your payment method – this one is connected to a question “How do I get paid for my work?”…. of course you don’t like to be disappointed if you are in a situation where you already have your bucks but no way to withdraw your earnings because you forgot to set it up. There are several ways on how to get your earnings, it can be from the Debit card provided by the marketplace you are working with or through setting up your Paypal account (Free sign-up). You can connect your credit/debit card from your Paypal account but you should first confirm it with your bank. Visa or Mastercard is acceptable.

4. Prepare a Killer Cover letter – one of the secret of landing a successful freelance job is writing a “deadly” application letter. This is the best weapon how to impress buyers or prospect client. Make your statement promising and show the client how you will implement your strategies once hired on a project. Show sample of your work and read their instruction carefully. This also serves as Client’s first impression about you. Always remember the sayings “First impression lasts” and don’t leave ‘em a bad impression.

5. Apply for jobs that are reasonable on budget and which you are qualified for – before submitting your proposal, make sure to read the whole description of the project. Ask yourself if you really can do the job. Always check the required skills and qualifications and if you find the rate reasonable to the given task. Also, take time to read the Client’s feedback so you have an idea whom you are planning to work with.

6. Be aggressive but make your plan – check your application quota, apply as many as you can but make it sure that you can handle them all once hired. More projects, more exciting challenges, more earnings!

7. Check your email all the time - after applying for jobs, always acquire time to read your emails to check if you have interviews or important notification that requires your utmost action. Make yourself available anytime when the client wants to interview you.

8. Be Professional - now that you have won your first job, be professional when doing your commitment and always communicate with your client. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to clarify things and give them an assurance when you should finish the given task.

9. Be productive-Read and Explore – there are questions that sometimes no need to ask your client. Be productive and try to find solution on what you are looking for by thorough researching, reading and exploring. That way, you will be able to learn and not distressing both of your time.

10. Manage your report with quality and proper organization – when submitting your report, quality and proper organization is very important. Make it accurate and easy to read. This way, you can gain respect and good reputation.

Those are the greatest tips I can share for now. If you found it very helpful, then I’ll be happy to see you become a successful freelancer someday. Keep in mind that no one can help you other than yourself. If you just sit there and do nothing, it is impossible to get a positive results.

Read, Learn, Earn – these are the 3 phrases of freelance life. It’s up to you on how you will put it into practice.

Cheers!

Check out my Poll–feel free to vote!

Freelance life–surprisingly rocks!

After being so hectic this past few months doing back-office work (*happy*), I’ve already initiated time to update my blog (at last! ^_^ ).  This previous months working online as a freelance was really an exciting and challenging experience for me.  I was overwhelmed with so many opportunities knocking along my door. This is working for almost 1 year with oDesk Staffing Marketplace (*thankful*).

Last week, I was amazed with one of my client regarding my assignment about blogging and web promotion and was surprised reading the email stating that I’ve received an increase from him because he really likes my writings and the contents was excellent.

Just to share his statement:

“This is EXCELLENT work! I am seeing a lot of GOOD content! Your press releases are very easy to read, and very informative with good use of keywords. I would like to see you use campaign codes on your blogs, and I feel confident that I will see many sales coming from your work!”

I feel great that day and in return, I sent an email thanking him and also giving him credit for guiding me all the way to make things work. So far, I’m happy to provide service with him for a couple of months.

The following days of my freelancing life were getting really really busy, but still It feels very exciting to know the next surprises, challenges and opportunities knocks my way.

Freelance life really rocks.

Home based Earning Opportunity – 100% Legit and Free to Join

There are lots of ways to earn money on the internet. Some online money making opportunities are legitimate and on the other hand, some opportunities are scam. There is also another category of work that one can do on the internet to make some cash. In this category, the money making opportunities are not scam, yes they are legitimate. That is; you will be paid for the work you do but the problem is that these opportunities are nothing but a big waste of your valuable time.

Let’s talk about all the three online money making opportunities. Firs, mentioned as the Scam. If you google for things like “getting rich in 1 hour” or “How to get instant money online” or “Earn lot of money without doing any work” or “How to earn $1000 per day?” then you will see lot of websites appearing in the search results where they promise to make you rich in no time.

PERFECT, isn’t this great? We can become rich in 1 hour? Is it really possible? Well I am sorry but this is very much impossible. Sites where you are promised a lot of earnings or where they show some shortcut to become rich are all big scams. These sites will show you wonderful dreams full of money but in reality, all they want is your money. That’s right; they will ask you to pay some small fee and in return they will make you rich. Avoid such scams.

To be 100% sure that a online money making opportunity is not a scam; first see if you are required to pay any fee or not. What if you never pay anything in order to make money online? Well then we don’t have to worry about any scams right?

So now let’s see what legitimate opportunities are available online. Just always keep in mind, in order to make money online, you will have to do some extra effort and enthusiasm. Without any efforts, earning opportunities are invisible. There are many ways to get online jobs. The place where I’ve employed and lots of people from all around the world employed as Professional freelancers.

You will see hundreds of online jobs which are posted by buyers from all around the world. There are different types of freelancing sites; some are free to join and some are not. I suggest you only join freelance sites where its 100% free to work. Here you will never have to worry about any scams. There are many different kinds of jobs available at freelancing sites which includes; data entry jobs, copywriting jobs, typing jobs, PHP related programming jobs, and a lot more.

The Soaring Freelancer

My friends have been asking me about being a freelance recently. The advantages, the disadvantages and how to close a deal with different clients around the Globe. I’m not a very good freelancer but things are going my way at the moment, so I thought I’d write about what being freelance has been like for me over the last months. Maybe it’ll be helpful, maybe it won’t.

In many ways, I seem to have a dream work-life. I don’t have to wake up so early, No need to travel about 2 hrs. getting upset on heavy traffics and imagining the Jerk boss have to say after! As some always curious why I decided to go on my own and asked me a question: “What is the biggest advantage of being a freelancer?” My answer is simple, “Money and freedom”. Beside accept the fact that sometimes the freelancer is getting a higher pay than an employee for the same work, I like the freedom I have when choosing the project.

5 important points why I stepped into freelance world:

1. I became more creative and problem solver. It allows me to use my creative skills to make a living–rather than getting a job outside the creative sector.
2. Flexible Hours or Freedom of work. Being my own boss where I can decide where and how much to work
3. Less TAX. I can claim back my expenses against my income tax bill.
4. Getting real bucks more than I’ve expected.
5. And last but not the least; I enjoy doing what I love! Being a freelancer may not even seem like work. If it’s something you enjoy, then it will seem just like a hobby, except your getting paid for it. What a treat!

I might work too hard (I am a self confessed workaholic), but my worst work day ever is still going to be a pretty good day. I go to work happy and usually, no matter how late it is, I finish the day pretty happy too.

So for those of you’ve who’ve asked me recently, yep, being freelance is pretty damn cool.

From a simple full time employee to an earning freelancer mommy

Whew! really can’t imagine myself now from a simple full time employee in a Construction Industry and turns into a freelancer Mom (blessed). Well, I know GOD has a reason why he made it happened to me.

Let me share you some story how it happens.

After my career as a Technical Assistant/Project Architect in a Project Management Firm located in Makati City from 2007-2008, that was during my pregnancy period, I decided to end my commitment to the company and take some rest for a few months.

After giving birth with a baby girl named “Vash Fernandez-Baluyut” (fave anime character of my hubby), After only a month, I decided to get back to work and start applying to another job related on my career. Although, wounds from CS method of giving birth are still fresh, nothing would stop me for my eagerness to find a job as soon as possible.

After a days, good news at last. New career buzz up. I am now working as a Project Architect in a Construction Firm. It was 6 km. away from our home along Caloocan City, 1 ride specifically (thanks GOD!).

Working and working and working…but sadly, accepted the fact that it’s really not enough to sustain our financial needs. Thinking and thinking any alternative ways and hoping someone can help me to find any other ways to earn cash but unluckily, no one but me, myself and I.

Lunch break, I’ve decided to explore the net and try to google if there are part time jobs or any earning opportunities posted online. Surprisingly, a lot! and believe me, I’m almost hook on scammer’s advert.

I’ve tried a lot of part time jobs and earning opportunities online. Have engaged in PTC’s and GPT’s…imagine $0.01 per click! duh?! erase!erase!
and Finally, searching is over and I’ve landed into a Freelance Online Staffing Marketplace called oDesk!

Now, aside from my earnings on my current job as a full time employee, I’m also receiving bucks from my oDesk account. I work part time in oDesk and earns $350/month. Not so big (remember its a part time) but Not bad right?

Well..internet world is really unexpected. I, myself was amazed by its concept. Now I can see myself as a proud full time employee and a freelancer Mom.

Signing off,

Charlot