Lex DeVille's: How to Make $1,000 a Week with no Degree, no Feedback, & no Portfolio.

[Trixii]

One of the problems I've encountered is getting stuck with long-term clients for content writing. I initially wanted to do some content writing to build up my feedback on Upwork, but now I'm trying to move onto Copywriting and it seems as if I'm stuck with these clients writing articles for them. I want to keep my hourly rate at $6 an hour until I land a few Copywriting jobs, then boost up my rate. Right now I could boost up my rate for content writing because I have people messaging me a lot to do jobs for them, but they're long-term. I haven't received any Copywriting jobs on Upwork yet.

Basically I'm looking for advice.
Should I boost my content writing price and apply for Copywriting jobs with that rate or should I keep my rate at $6 an hour and pursue small Copywriting jobs and build up my portfolio? I feel like I'm stuck right now.

I am starting to have the same problem. My advertised rate is sitting at $25/hr (low for copywriting but quite high for content writing - not really ideal for either!) but my actual pay for content is quite a bit lower than this as I tend to quote a fixed price per-article (depending on the work) and take enough time to make them really good. But now I have several repeat clients who love my content and I need to somehow start increasing my rates and getting more copywriting work...

It's a difficult balance but it might be worth raising your hourly rate as soon as you have enough/too much work, stick to the higher hourly rate for copy and perhaps allow a little flexibility for basic content writing?

Has anyone found that you are more likely to land 'real' Copywriting work when you have a higher rate (do you look more qualified/professional when you stick to the real-world going rate - assuming you can deliver professional work)?

 

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[Trixii]

It's hard to say because Upwork hasn't released all of the details that go into calculating job success rating.

The whole thing is crap as far as I'm concerned.

I had 1 client leave 4.97 rating after no contact for months. It's the only less than perfect feedback I ever received, and it dropped my score to 82% job success from 100%. I was like wtf?! I offered revisions / money-back etc. and he never responded so I was just stuck with 82%.

That was months ago, and it took several months to raise. Eventually it went up to 88% and now it's stuck there. I've had VERY few people contact me for jobs since that time. Upwork promotes 90% & above as top rated and gives them recommendations and priority in pretty much everything.

This is worrying - my third rating was 4-and-something stars. The client was thrilled with the work I sent him and ready to re-hire me immediately so I can only assume that he (like most reasonable people!) thought that 4+ was a good rating. But I'm already worried about how it will affect my job success score when I get one.

It's definitely a flawed system when 88% is 'not good enough'.

 

[Lex DeVille]

Here's what the client sees immediately after posting their job.

A freelancer's profile auto populates. Notice it's someone with 100% Job Success, but only 14 jobs.

Notice at the top they have the "Top 10 recommended freelancers".

I clicked all of them and what I found was that only 1 had any hours billed at all.

All of the others are brand new. 0 hours billed, yet they're the "top 10".



What this shows is that long before initial applications come rolling in, Upwork tells the client who to choose.

So not only do you have to have an awesome application, you're competing with people who may not have applied in the first place.

It also means that even if you have 100% Job Success and an awesome application, you're still at a disadvantage compared to those with who just started.

I'm not sure how Upwork benefits by doing that since new freelancers tend to = bad experiences.

Beyond that it's an uphill battle:

Recommended freelancers are listed first on the applicants page.
Then 100% job success.
Then everyone else.

As I browse through these I look at 100% success first.
Then I scan price and compare between these guys.
Then I read their profiles and search for things that tell me if they're a good fit.
If I haven't found someone by doing this, then maybe I'll consider someone with a lower success rating.

I try to look at everyone, because I know it's bs and I could miss the best person.
But it's difficult to not give in to the route they've set up for the client to follow.
What's scary is that I know it's like this.

Most clients don't.

 

[Mac]

It might be an attempt to give new freelancers a chance to compete among the more established freelancers, which = more money for them if they get more freelancers working on their site. It doesn't seem like the right decision, but that's probably why the system is the way it is.

 

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[Five Star]

Here's what the client sees immediately after posting their job.

A freelancer's profile auto populates. Notice it's someone with 100% Job Success, but only 14 jobs.

Notice at the top they have the "Top 10 recommended freelancers".

I clicked all of them and what I found was that only 1 had any hours billed at all.

All of the others are brand new. 0 hours billed, yet they're the "top 10".

View attachment 11257

What this shows is that long before initial applications come rolling in, Upwork tells the client who to choose.

So not only do you have to have an awesome application, you're competing with people who may not have applied in the first place.

It also means that even if you have 100% Job Success and an awesome application, you're still at a disadvantage compared to those with who just started.

I'm not sure how Upwork benefits by doing that since new freelancers tend to = bad experiences.

Beyond that it's an uphill battle:

Recommended freelancers are listed first on the applicants page.
Then 100% job success.
Then everyone else.

As I browse through these I look at 100% success first.
Then I scan price and compare between these guys.
Then I read their profiles and search for things that tell me if they're a good fit.
If I haven't found someone by doing this, then maybe I'll consider someone with a lower success rating.

I try to look at everyone, because I know it's bs and I could miss the best person.
But it's difficult to not give in to the route they've set up for the client to follow.
What's scary is that I know it's like this.

Most clients don't.

This appears to further confirm the lack of Control with freelancing, especially on Upwork.

Have you any suggestions to improve the control, e.g. work with several freelancing sites, develop your own site etc.? It sounds similar to Ebay and Amazon in that they can virtually shut you down overnight.

In your opinion, should freelancing be viewed solely as a means to generate extra income and flexibility to allow you to pursue something truly fastlane??

 

[Lex DeVille]

This appears to further confirm the lack of Control with freelancing, especially on Upwork.

Have you any suggestions to improve the control, e.g. work with several freelancing sites, develop your own site etc.? It sounds similar to Ebay and Amazon in that they can virtually shut you down overnight.

In your opinion, should freelancing be viewed solely as a means to generate extra income and flexibility to allow you to pursue something truly fastlane??

Yes, yes, and yes.

Take your clients away from Upwork as fast as possible.

Then try to get offline referrals by delivering great work.

If you want to go big with copywriting then this route is probably best.

Once you get offline people using your service direct through a website the sky's the limit.

 

[Jack A]

I'm a self-taught logo designer. This thread has been immensely helpful. Thanks Lex.

Just finished my first job ($50) and got my first 5 star feedback.


Picked up a $75 job today aswell.

 

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[SINA AWOYEMI]

please i am very new to

Yes, yes, and yes.

Take your clients away from Upwork as fast as possible.

Then try to get offline referrals by delivering great work.

If you want to go big with copywriting then this route is probably best.

Once you get offline people using your service direct through a website the sky's the limit.

copywriting can i really get a comprehensive guide that will be enough to get me running please?

 

[Mr.Donnerhuhn]

please i am very new to

copywriting can i really get a comprehensive guide that will be enough to get me running please?

https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...e-money-copywriting-in-15-days-or-less.59465/

is a great start, kudos to @SinisterLex for it

 

[SINA AWOYEMI]

plea

https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...e-money-copywriting-in-15-days-or-less.59465/

is a great start, kudos to @SinisterLex for it

please what is the procedure or what am i expected to do please?

 

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[SINA AWOYEMI]

thank you for this great thread but my own focus and priority is how exactly do i learn the copywriting skills because you will need to havevalue before talking about adding value to others on Odesk or wherever.please how do i learn the copywriting skills please from scratch?

 

[Lex DeVille]

thank you for this great thread but my own focus and priority is how exactly do i learn the copywriting skills because you will need to havevalue before talking about adding value to others on Odesk or wherever.please how do i learn the copywriting skills please from scratch?

You're asking us to tell you the most basic stuff. A child can find out this information.

How do you learn to write copy? How do you learn anything? At one time you didn't know how to walk or speak.

What do you do when you have a problem no one can help you solve?

Here are 5 logical / reasonable places off the top of my head with the resources you need.

1. Google
2. Amazon
3. Udemy
4. School
5. Job

Now go figure it out.

There's enough information on this forum to learn copy 10 times over yet you ask us to hold your hand.

"Thanks for telling me where to start, but where do I actually start?"

You know who taught me how to write from scratch?

I did.

 

[Presence]

@SinisterLex - Great threat, offering so much value.


I would like to inquire about Social media in particular LinkedIn, and how it helps you get more clients.

For example, you mentioned that the best strategy would be to pull your clients off Upwork as fast as possible, ideally by having your own portfolio website. However, when it comes to LinkedIn - Do you use it go get new clients?

Thank you in advance.

Peace,

 

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[Lex DeVille]

@SinisterLex - Great threat, offering so much value.


I would like to inquire about Social media in particular LinkedIn, and how it helps you get more clients.

For example, you mentioned that the best strategy would be to pull your clients off Upwork as fast as possible, ideally by having your own portfolio website. However, when it comes to LinkedIn - Do you use it go get new clients?

Thank you in advance.

Peace,

I haven't really used social media for getting new clients.

Some of my clients use it to get clients, and they use it a lot.

Moving forward I think there's a massive opportunity for growing copywriters on LinkedIn.

Think about it, you're on a website built for business that brings employers & employees together.

Employers need copy for all kinds of stuff. Employees need it for resumes, cover letters etc.

So, yes, I think LinkedIn is a viable option for growing your client base. No I haven't used it for that purpose.

If you want to try it from that angle, you'll need to be quite active and have a large network.

Some of my clients use LinkedIn groups with great success, but they're not copywriters. Worth a shot tho.

 

[bob johnson]

You're asking us to tell you the most basic stuff. A child can find out this information.

How do you learn to write copy? How do you learn anything? At one time you didn't know how to walk or speak.

What do you do when you have a problem no one can help you solve?

Here are 5 logical / reasonable places off the top of my head with the resources you need.

1. Google
2. Amazon
3. Udemy
4. School
5. Job

Now go figure it out.

There's enough information on this forum to learn copy 10 times over yet you ask us to hold your hand.

"Thanks for telling me where to start, but where do I actually start?"

You know who taught me how to write from scratch?

I did.

Lol.
Never ask for specifics from future competition.

 

[Mac]

Yeah I just did some research and found out that one client I'm working for gets clients from LinkedIn and on Upwork for $30/hour and then gives all their work to me. That's also another option if you're looking to automate your Upwork services, but you would have to have high enough profit margins for it to be worthwhile.

 

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[Karl619]

Hi,

I have been lurking in the shadows of this post for some time; digesting, thinking and reflecting on all of your genius insight Lex and I have to say a big THANK YOU! Your thoughts are golden.

Thanks to you I now have a fire in my belly, a confidence that I'm going to take on the world.

I am going to give as much value as I can possibly give AND then more some! Afterall, that is what it is all about!

Right now I am over the moon because I have been accepted for a SEO article writing job that will pay $66. A fantastic start to the year and a first for me.

This has probably been said already but if you packaged all what you have said into a course or ebook you are on to a killer fastlane muse.

Thanks Again

 

[Jack A]

Just a little update. I've completed my second job ($75) and will be submitting the logo files tonight.

My first client (who originally paid $50) has just offered me a $300 gig. Unfortunately it is outside of my skillset. But, that has validated the whole overdeliver strategy to me.

I did just take a local client. I'm working for free for a friend who is entering a political campaign (I'll get paid if he wins). This geezer has a bunch of contacts so I think its worth investing more time into helping him.

Again, thankyou Lex.

 

[Lex DeVille]

My first client (who originally paid $50) has just offered me a $300 gig. Unfortunately it is outside of my skillset.

Who do you know that you might refer your client to?

They'll appreciate your honesty and the referral because it saves time and trouble looking for another freelancer.

Just be sure to refer to reliable people.

 

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[NewJamesBond]

I started this process on Freelancer.com... I have earned now $500+, but it's been a month and they haven't paid me. They delayed the payment period a few times and now it's delayed until January 15th. Any advice anyone? I also have several projects I'm still working on there, but I don't want to keep working to never get paid. Should I just keep waiting? I contacted them and they said I should have my payment processed on the 15th, but they couldn't confirm that I would be paid, they just said it should be processed on that day. Also, should I switch to UpWork?

 

[NonMagicalGenie]

Thank You @SinisterLex for making this awesome F*cking thread!

To be honest man, I don't think I would've had the courage to take massive action and move out of my parents house in Virginia and move all the way to Houston,TX into my cousins (for the time being) if it wasn't for you. You seriously gave me mental clarity and understanding of what I needed to do next in order to become the strongest version of myself (Elliot Hulse is awesome!). As soon as I reread this thread again, everything clicked and my mind was so calm and in the now that nothing else mattered. Thanks again man, keep doing what you're doing!

 

[Five Star]

I hope 2016 has been going well for everyone!

Since I ‘left’ my job at the end of Nov 2015 (that’s a story in itself, on another thread), I’ve actually been staying away from the Forum, purposely. I’ve been grinding!

Thanks to this thread and others on here, I’ve taken the jump into Freelancing, focusing on Upwork.

I figured I’d take a time out, visit the forum and add my 2 cents. It may be of interest to any others starting out.

What I’ve achieved so far:

· A grand total of $181.67, after fees in the first 4 weeks.
· I got a ‘Rising Talent’ badge and some perks.
· Built on-going working relationships with 2 clients (albeit for low enough pay).
· I’ve build up a portfolio of 6 items.
· I’ve done well in 4 tests that I’m happy to display.

What I’ve experimented with:

· Changing my Bio a few times, ensuring it says ‘You’ much more than ‘I’.
· Having a professional profile picture made up.
· Different application styles, based mostly on the potential clients writing style, but always focusing on their needs.
· Changing my ‘skills’ that I’ve listed.
· Trying to find out my ‘niche’ (still working on it).
· I’ve printed out some fliers and posted them around my local University also (no enquiries yet).

What I’ve learnt:

· Within minutes a new job posting may have 20+ applicants, and it’s good to get in near the top of the list.
· I posted a job to have my own photo ‘touched up’ which meant I seen things from the clients perspective. I would highly recommend this to someone starting out.
· There are a lot of clients who like to offer peanuts for pay!
· There are clients who will take advantage of new Freelancers (“Do 20 hours of work for $5, but be assured you will get 5 star feedback to boost your new profile”)
· It’s very time consuming applying for jobs that currently, for me personally, have had a low return.
· It's a learning experience to see what people are actually working on in the real world.
· Skype interviews aren’t so scary.
· It gets really addictive checking to see if anyone has messaged you about a job proposal.
· It’s amazing what people can do with a photograph!


The ‘not so good’ stuff:

· I’ve ONLY made a grand total of $181.67!
· I haven’t had any new work yet in 2016.
· I haven’t had any ‘hourly’ paid projects yet (which help build up your reputation).
· It’s really hard work; still, it’s better than having a BOSS!
· It’s definitely not Fastlane!


Seriously, @SinisterLex , how did you manage to make $1000 after just 3 weeks (I know you’ve written a whole GOLD post about it, but still!)? You must have some serious skills!

That being said, I’ve never been happier, since leaving my J-O-B! I’ve been extremely excited when I receive a small payment for a job that I’ve created the opportunity for, by myself!

I hoped to have more momentum by now with some long term relationships. If anything, I feel like I’ve gone backwards in 2016 a little even though I've been spending every spare minute working on it.

Normally, I would’ve given up on this by now if I was still in my ‘comfortable job’, but I a’int quitting on this one.

Currently, I have 2 full days and a couple of hours each evening to work on Freelancing.


Anyway, this post turned out to be a lot longer than I planned! I hope it’s of help to anyone considering making the jump – just go for it!

 

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[Trixii]

I'm just reaching the end of month 3 on Upwork and though I'd post some progress here, in case anything I say helps someone else.

Earnings are just over $1200 but picking up now ($600+ already booked for the next week). I have several recurring jobs (some content stuff) and since becoming Top Rated and raising my rate for the third time I have been getting a higher price-per-article for new work. Like others, I have not had much hourly work so far. Still working on learning and improving my copy with an aim to hit $100/hr in the next few months.

I have found that there is no shortage of work but other job(ish) commitments mean that I have been limited in the amount I can accept. My profile is weak, if I'm honest. Just a few lines about helping 'you' and no real portfolio pieces so I can only assume that my proposals and samples make the correct impression. This probably needs to be fixed if I plan to land higher paying work.

Next steps: establish myself on the other work platforms (Guru, Freelancer and PPH - any others?) so that I have a 'base' on each and greater pool of jobs to pick from. Work on my LinkedIn profile/connections, throw up a website to house my portfolio and and plan my exit!

It's not Fastlane, but is a great alternative to a real job for now. It's great to see how others are getting on

 

[Five Star]

Earnings are just over $1200 but picking up now

Congrats on the progress @Trixii. It sounds like you've got great traction going on. I may need to take a step back and re-evaluate by the look of it, on my measly $180 after 6 weeks!

Still working on learning and improving my copy

May I ask, if this is where you're making your money, or is it other services? (I respect it if you don't wan't to divulge this info.)

Next steps: establish myself on the other work platforms (Guru, Freelancer and PPH - any others?)

Currently registered on Freelancer too, though no jobs yet. It's manic over there compared to Upwork, there are pop ups all over the place, lol!

All the best, I'll look forward to hearing more on your progress.

 

[Trixii]

Congrats on the progress @Trixii. It sounds like you've got great traction going on. I may need to take a step back and re-evaluate by the look of it, on my measly $180 after 6 weeks!

Thanks. I read your post and it looks like we are doing some of the same things. You said your earnings were for the first six weeks? My $1000+ is for nearly three months - month 1 was not much but it's building up - so you're probably heading the same way!

I love your idea of having a professional picture and I've wondered whether to do this myself. Do you think it has made a difference?

I think I might have an advantage as a UK native (and I see you are from Ireland) - we have a ready made 'niche' right there. But there is a much smaller pool of work so getting to grips with the US style helps too (I offer both). It would be great to compare our experiences as we progress!

May I ask, if this is where you're making your money, or is it other services? (I respect it if you don't wan't to divulge this info.)

It's probably more content writing than copy so far. I have a lot of experience with 'salesy' web content (affiliate sites and similar) so I managed to get a couple of article writing jobs quite quickly. I've been trying to apply for different kinds of 'real' copywriting work as I learn but seem to keep sliding back into a rut with repeat clients.

Currently registered on Freelancer too, though no jobs yet. It's manic over there compared to Upwork, there are pop ups all over the place, lol!

Yep - it's pretty scary over there! I have applied for one or two but there seems to be a lot more competition as frighteningly low rates.

 

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[NewJamesBond]

I'm using Freelancer..com is it work it to use Upwork as well? I mean I tried to get hired on Upwork, but no one has ever hired me.

 

[steer]

Sometimes it seems that You can't make a million bucks on upwork but million people can make 5 dollars. But SinisterLex's post made to try again.

 

[Five Star]

Thanks. I read your post and it looks like we are doing some of the same things. You said your earnings were for the first six weeks? My $1000+ is for nearly three months - month 1 was not much but it's building up - so you're probably heading the same way!

That's reassuring then. The $180 was hard work! Mind you, I haven't felt so motivated in a while even the multiple rejections aren't getting me down (very unusual!).

I love your idea of having a professional picture and I've wondered whether to do this myself. Do you think it has made a difference?

You should definitely do it. I can't say for sure if it's helped as I've really only had it up there for 2 days. It only cost $11 though, and the guy done an excellent job (I had one of the other applicants do one for me for much less to help build up his profile, it wasn't so good). It was worth it just to see what the applications look like on the other side, and which ones stand out.

I think I might have an advantage as a UK native (and I see you are from Ireland) - we have a ready made 'niche' right there. But there is a much smaller pool of work so getting to grips with the US style helps too (I offer both). It would be great to compare our experiences as we progress!

Lol, sounds like we may be competing! Yes, I'm also in the UK and also focusing on jobs in the 'writing' category. Being Native English is a big bonus in this field like you said. Yes, we should definitely compare notes as we progress. I have sales experience too, and would also like to get into Copy, but have nothing for my portfolio yet other than my own flyer I made up. I did sign up for a $9 Copywriting course on Udemy, and I'm reading Cashvertising.

Yep - it's pretty scary over there! I have applied for one or two but there seems to be a lot more competition as frighteningly low rates.

Yep, and there is an up-sell on every step of the journey! Much more aggressive marketing than Upwork too.

 

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[TeflonDon]

Trixii, Five Star, that makes three of us working the UK niche lol.

You should stick with it Five Star. I've been using Upwork for around 3 months now as well, and have had similar experiences to Trixii. Every couple of weeks there's bigger and better paid jobs coming through, so keep at it and push hard. Before long you'll see good results, just focus on producing good work even if it's bad pay. When all you have is happy clients, you can bet that other clients are gonna be more interested in hiring you.

My work is also mainly content right now, though several jobs have been the same type of work so I might have found a nice niche there.

 

[Five Star]

Hey @TeflonDon, it's a small world after all!

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll keep plugging away at it!

just focus on producing good work even if it's bad pay

I think I might have got a bit ahead of myself with the pay, which may be one of the factors in having no work this last 2-3 weeks. I raised my rate to $20 an hr after just 6 jobs.

How much time are you and @Trixii dedicating to it? Do you have full time jobs too?

Searching for jobs and writing the cover letters take up a lot of time, though if you can land a couple of long term clients, that would be the ticket!