There are plenty of writing jobs out there for freelance writers. Unfortunately, not all of the freelance writing jobs available on the net are legitimate. Whether you’re new to the freelance writing industry or you’ve been freelancing for a while, here are some common red flags to watch out for when taking on new clients or considering new projects.
Sketchy Details
If details are minimal, unclear, or too vague, these may be signs that the project is too fluid to be worth your while. The client should be up front about the scope of the project, be willing to clarify anything you find unclear, and agree to sign a contract outlining the details of the project.
Don’t Know What They Want
When you ask a prospective client a specific question such what is the length of this whitepaper, and you get be a rambling history of how the CEO started the company back in 1990, or you want basic information about products in order to write concise product description, and you’re sent a jumbled collection of mismatched texts and pictures, this is a clear indication the client really doesn’t know what he or she wants.
Too Much or Too Little Money
If the posting promises unusually high pay for a project or states a fee that is way below typical freelance writing rates, it could be a company’s way of trolling for writers anxious for work. A freelancer responding to an ad offering too much money might be told that specific project has already been assigned and be offered another assignment at a lower rate. Often writers respond to ads offering too little money in the hope that it will lead to other higher paying jobs.
Exposure or Experience
Avoid companies offering you the chance to write for the exposure or the experience. A company that would influence or advance your career in a noticeable or positive way can afford to pay you.
Asks for a Sample
Don’t fall for the old please write a sample article for us trick. That is what links to your portfolio are for. When companies ask for a complete blog post or full length article to be submitted along with a resume, most likely there is no real job opening – they just want to take advantage of free content.
Bad or Shady Reputation
Check out a prospective client’s website, email address, and phone/cell number. If their website includes testimonials, ask if they can be contacted as a reference. When using freelance online job boards or dealing with an agency, visit writer forums and blog communities to ask other freelancers their opinion about a client, company or agency you’re considering working for.