E44: Freelancer job sites: the good, the bad and the ugly

Are they really worth your time and investment?

Today we’re talking about Freelancer job sites, which are good, which are bad and which are down right terrible.

If you’re working as a freelancer copywriter, it’s pretty likely you’ve considered exploring the likes of Upwork and Fiverr. They offer the promise of steady work, easy pitching and regular income. But what is the reality?

Freelance copywriters share stories of poor pay, ridiculous client expectations and the impossibility of competing with copywriters in countries where the cost of living is way lower.

So we’re going to share our thoughts and experiences with these platforms.

Tune in to learn:

What Kate and Belinda hate about copywriting
The pros and cons of job bid sites
Positive experiences using freelancer sites
The pros and cons of job board sites
The pros and cons of copywriting membership sites

Hot Copy #44:HotCopy Podcast: Freelancer job sites: the good, the bad and the ugly #copywriting #hotcopy

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2 Comments

Larry LaJoy on 02/05/2017 at 10:14 am

Hi Kate and Belinda,

Big fan of the podcast! I’ve been working as a copywriter for a small agency in the US for a couple years now, and I thought I’d chime in on this as the meat grinder of freelance pitching is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been pitching on Upwork for a while, but as you can imagine, the pickings are pretty slim.

As you noted, prices are not great. People expect you to spin their poop into gold for a fraction of the value you’re worth, all the while thanking them for the privilege. I haven’t used the other freelancer sites you discussed, but on Upwork, you can sort potential jobs by price – $, $$, or $$$. It’s crazy to me how many clients select the $$$ (most experienced writers) option and then offer rates of $0.05 or $0.10 per word. Outrageous! I’m outraged. Copywriting is criminally undervalued on these types of sites.

Another issue that comes up over and over is spec work. Seriously, when did it become acceptable to ask for freebies? Tons of clients won’t even give you a chance unless you’re willing to give them a free taste, never mind what’s in your portfolio or what other qualifications you have. I imagine this issue is partly because – as you mentioned in the pod – there are so many people out there willing to do it.

I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts (maybe an episode?) on spec work. I’ve found it to be pretty common when pitching clients on budget-friendly freelance sites, but maybe things are different when you find clients through other means. I know it’s a controversial issue that a lot of creative professionals encounter.

Belinda Weaver on 03/05/2017 at 8:02 am

We’re so glad you’re enjoying the pod Larry!

Getting asked for freebies is incredibly frustrating. I have to admit that I rarely got asked for free work but as you said, it’s not uncommon (especially on job bidding sites). My first instinct is to refuse and explain that you can write a tester piece but that it’s not without charge. You could say that you will deduct the cost of the full project when it goes ahead, which gives them an incentive to continue!

Thanks for listening – Belinda

Larry LaJoy on 02/05/2017 at 10:14 am

Hi Kate and Belinda,

Big fan of the podcast! I’ve been working as a copywriter for a small agency in the US for a couple years now, and I thought I’d chime in on this as the meat grinder of freelance pitching is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been pitching on Upwork for a while, but as you can imagine, the pickings are pretty slim.

As you noted, prices are not great. People expect you to spin their poop into gold for a fraction of the value you’re worth, all the while thanking them for the privilege. I haven’t used the other freelancer sites you discussed, but on Upwork, you can sort potential jobs by price – $, $$, or $$$. It’s crazy to me how many clients select the $$$ (most experienced writers) option and then offer rates of $0.05 or $0.10 per word. Outrageous! I’m outraged. Copywriting is criminally undervalued on these types of sites.

Another issue that comes up over and over is spec work. Seriously, when did it become acceptable to ask for freebies? Tons of clients won’t even give you a chance unless you’re willing to give them a free taste, never mind what’s in your portfolio or what other qualifications you have. I imagine this issue is partly because – as you mentioned in the pod – there are so many people out there willing to do it.

I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts (maybe an episode?) on spec work. I’ve found it to be pretty common when pitching clients on budget-friendly freelance sites, but maybe things are different when you find clients through other means. I know it’s a controversial issue that a lot of creative professionals encounter.
- Belinda Weaver on 03/05/2017 at 8:02 am
  
  We’re so glad you’re enjoying the pod Larry!
  
  Getting asked for freebies is incredibly frustrating. I have to admit that I rarely got asked for free work but as you said, it’s not uncommon (especially on job bidding sites). My first instinct is to refuse and explain that you can write a tester piece but that it’s not without charge. You could say that you will deduct the cost of the full project when it goes ahead, which gives them an incentive to continue!
  
  Thanks for listening – Belinda