Freelancing Tools Every Blogger Should Consider Investing In 7:35 AM Blogging is fun. It can also be a great way to earn a living. But, to do so, you will have to invest quite a bit of your time into learning new skills, doing your research, and becoming a decent writer. It is also a good idea to invest some money in buying a few tools. Doing so will enable you to work smarter and produce better, more engaging content. Here are a few for you to consider. Tools Every Blogger Should Consider Investing In Use a decent plagiarism checker Nobody wants to be partway through one of your articles only to end up feeling that they have already read it somewhere else. You want to be original, so it makes sense to check for any copied text before you hit the publish button. Everyone researches their blog posts differently. But, one method that a lot of people use can make it surprisingly easy for you to inadvertently publish a piece that contains sections of text that has been published elsewhere. If you are in the habit of going online, reading studies, and copying and pasting points that are relevant to your readers into a separate document, then crafting it into your article you can easily make a mistake. It is possible to inadvertently forget to rewrite a section or leave something in that you meant to remove. So, it is good practice to run what you are planning to publish through a plagiarism checker. Doing so will also enable you to pick up self-plagiarism and to prevent you from creating duplicate content on your website. Something that can have an extremely negative impact on your ability to rank well. GiphyText analysis tools You need to remove any spelling and grammar errors. Usually, you can do this simply by using the one that is built into your word processor. It is also possible to put what you write through a text analysis tool like Hemmingway or invest in the pro version of Grammarly. When you do, you will be provided with alternative ways to phrase things, which can help you to write content that flows better. TenorA way to create interesting images Bloggers that include plenty of images in their articles tend to do better than those that don't. Being faced with a solid block of text puts a lot of people off. So, it is always worth breaking up what you have written using photos, memes, and infographics. If you can create these yourself, it is worth doing so. It will save you a lot of money and ensure that you get exactly what you need. Canva is a brilliant tool, that enables you to create all kinds of visual aids to embed into your content. Initially, you can use the free version. But, once you start earning some money from your blog it is a good idea to consider paying for the pro version. GiphyI really enjoy blogging. As you can see from these statistics it is becoming increasingly popular. So, why not give it a go yourself?
Freelancing Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever Made 7:11 AM I'll be celebrating my 5th anniversary as a full-time freelancer this year. 🥳 I gotta say, freelancing has been the best decision I ever made career-wise.Freelancing: The Best Decision I Ever MadePre-freelancing lifeFor those who don't know, I'm a licensed pharmacist. But, I've always known my heart is in writing. When I was in college, I thought I'd work in a hospital, put up my own drugstore and maybe even have a few branches in different cities. Or franchise an already established pharmacy...and live happily ever after.But, things don't always work out the way we planned.I worked in a hospital and drugstore but putting up my own pharmacy didn't come to pass.One day I realized mixing and dispensing drugs weren't the things I wanted to do all my life.I really tried, but the heart wants what it wants. We heart itOne day, I passed by a BPO company and thought, "Well, why not?"I went in and applied. By the end of the day, I got a new job.A part-time freelancer's strugglesWhile working graveyard shifts in my new career, I found an opportunity to work online. It was an excellent way to get my foot inside the door of the freelancing world.But, it wasn't enough.I was underpaid, plus working at night was exhausting. I could barely function to work on my online tasks by the end of the shift.So, I quit and focused on my regular job.Villains of my freelancing story: Fear and ContentmentTwo things were stopping me from focusing on freelancing: my fear of uncertainty (I had zero ideas about freelancing back then) andthe contentment and security a regular job offers.I was at peace knowing I would get a certain amount of money by the end of the month.Change saved the dayAfter I transferred to a different company, I had a prodding to find an online gig again.My job then actually pays me more than the previous ones.The task was more difficult, but I was having fun.I enjoyed learning things, took advantage of the free training they offered, and liked where I was at that point in my life.I was more confident, independent, and, dare I say it---I was, bolder in making decisions.That's a totally different story, though.GiphyBack to freelancing's armsBefore I decided to freelance full-time five years ago, I had a lot of apprehension.What if it won't work, and I'll be out of money in no time?What if I can't do it? There's no one to ask. What if they won't pay me?I wasn't happy with my work anymore, though. I knew it was time to bid the traditional office setting goodbye.My will to find better opportunities was stronger than my fear.So, even though I was afraid, I decided to own it.TenorMan, it was terrifying. And tough at the start.The first few months of working online full-time were terrifying but liberating.I left the comfort and security of my job in one of Forbes' Fortune 500 companies. I made do with what little knowledge I had about freelancing.I made Google and YouTube, my teachers.I did what I could to survive.But surviving is not what I came here for. I believe God put me here to do great things.Freelancing in the time of C O V I DI knew there was more to accepting what cheapskate clients were giving me.Getting paid just enough to cover my bills and my necessities beat the purpose of leaving the corporate world.I always knew I wasn't born just to work, pay my bills, and die.There's more to life than keeping your nose to the grindstone.If this C OVID has taught me one thing (or validated what I already know), it's that nothing's sure in this world.You can lose the normal you know in an instant. Heck, our global economy was crashed by an unseen enemy.But...Like anything in life, the change could be challenging, but we learn to adapt. It's human nature. 💪Some changes are forced upon us, others we decide for ourselves.Freelancing is one of the best decisions I made. I found a gig as a content writer and haven't looked back since.Though it wasn't always easy, the past year has been the best because of this guy named John R Pagulayan.If there's one thing I can advise my younger self about freelancing, there are better, higher-paying clients.And I'd say:Younger self, go find John now, so you don't waste your time and energy with these cheapskate clients!I can't teach you how to become a freelancer, but the great news is that my coach John Pagulayan is about to hold a FREE Workshop, and I highly recommend you join because he's done a LOT to change my mindset and the way I treat my freelancing business.He's going to share how CO VID accidentally created 6-figure earners and how anyone can do it, too, even if you have✔️ no experience✔️ no skills✔️ no prior credentialsThis can also help you if you're already working online but✔️ sick and tired of working with cheapskates✔️ want to turn your freelancing into a lucrative business✔️ willing to learn how to win in your niche✔️ interested in getting more clients to find you and not the other way aroundUPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. If you're interested to learn more, you can click here to register.If you have any questions about John, feel free to email me or leave your comment below.Happy to help!Now more than ever, we need to seek more opportunities online.Times have changed. During this pandemic, when we're advised to stay home and not be in close physical contact with people, I urge you to try out freelancing. It's the best decision you'll ever make. UPDATE: Enrollment is now closed. Feel free to subscribe to be notified when the doors open again.READ 👉 How A Former Executive Assistant Got An ₱80K Per Month Consultant Role in 42 Days… Even Without ExperienceREAD 👉 How A Corporate Employee Earned An Additional P50K Monthly Income From A Side HustleContains affiliate links.
Freelancing Accomplished 4:15 AM Accomplished Like what Alanis Morissette said (or sang), I'm tired but I'm happy. I took two training courses and certification tests today. Thankfully, I passed. So that's two additional badges to show my clients. And a lot more info I can use as a copywriter, content strategist and email marketer. And that left me feeling exhausted but accomplished at the end of the day. Giphy What's new Browsing through my YouTube feed, I saw this video about organizing and I was instantly hooked. I love the ASMR in the video and how good she is in organizing her house. Her home is so neat and clean and her daughter is cute. I love to keep my closet and our apartment orderly as much as possible too. But this woman is goals! You should check out her channel Hamimommy. Gratitude list My husband who takes care of me every day and supports my endeavors. I still get clients and inquiries. Citron tea. 🍵 I was able to watch an online rosary live from the Cathedral. My newborn nephew. I still haven't seen him personally but my sister keeps sending his photos. He's so cute! My family and friends are safe and healthy. The certificates I've earned in the online courses I took. And to DigitalMarketer for giving them for free for a limited time. Their courses are really expensive, mind you. After getting a taste of what they offer, I know why. It's high quality education for online workers. Screenshot from my Credly Your turn What's your greatest accomplishment? What are you thankful for today?
Freelancing 4 Time-Saving Tips For The Busy Email Marketer 7:20 AM 4 Time-Saving Tips for the Busy Email Marketer You juggle a lot of roles in your personal and professional life.Whether you're a business owner, email marketer, or project manager, there is just too much to do in one day.If only you can clone yourself or delegate more.Thankfully, there are apps and tools now like simplelists.com that is both time-saving and convenient. They help build and send emails directly to your mailing list. They make managing your emails simple even if you're not a techie.Time is money in business. It's crucial that you know how to manage and use it wisely. Here are four time-saving tips for the busy email marketer overwhelmed with work. 1. Ease your design workload with ready-to-use templatesJust like you, your readers are busy too. They'd prefer an easy to skim email. Once opened, subscribers spend about 15-20 seconds scanning your email (MarketingSherpa).The layout of the email is vital. But, not everyone has an eye for great design. Don't fret. Email service providers like Emma offer dozens of pre-made templates that you can use. With clean designs, the templates let subscribers digest an email in seconds. The templates offer a responsive design, which means they adapt to every screen. This is important because 55% of emails are opened on mobile devices (Return-Path). 2. Save time growing your list with set-and-forget collection toolsEvery year, businesses lose about 25-30% of subscribers. It is necessary to grow your list by 25% just to cover your annual losses, also known as churn. You have to gain more than 25% if you want to actually grow your list. Here’s a time-saving tip for the busy email marketer to ensure you're growing your list:Use set-it-and-forget-it tools that collect email addresses and sync with your email service provider. Here are a few tools to use: Sign-up form Put a sign-up form in a visible spot on your website so visitors can easily join your email list. The form should be short and simple. It should also have a compelling or inviting offer.Save your time growing your list by making it easy for your visitors to join. Most email service providers offer sign-up forms that you can put on your website. As customers join your list, names and emails flow seamlessly into your email account. Pop-up formConsider using pop-up messages to collect email addresses. Try a tool like OptinMonster or Privy to create a pop-up, launch it on your site, and sync your new contacts to your email account. You can trigger pop-up messages in different ways. For instance, the message can appear after a visitor spends X amount of time on your website, when they visit a certain page, or if they read a specific blog post. Contest assistantHost contests or giveaways. If you use a tool like Woobox or Gleam, you can keep tabs on participants while collecting and storing new contact information. Once these tools are deployed, information rolls in. You don’t have to do anything. Hence the name, “set it and forget it.” Contest assistants are time-saving tools for the busy email marketer.3. Maintain your email list with easy-to-use tools An email list requires maintenance. You'd want an email list with warm connections. To make that a reality, you have to remove inactive and disengaged subscribers. Or send them a win-back email campaign. Customers who unsubscribe should be removed immediately if your provider doesn't do this.Same with bounced emails.The CAN-SPAM Act requires businesses to remove customers from their email list within 10 days of unsubscribing. What about subscribers who don’t seem interested in your email anymore? Email maintenance is time-consuming. Email service providers like Emma provide user-friendly tools to scrub email lists. It will remove the unsubscribed contacts to help you save time. 4. Automate certain emails to enhance customer relationships Schedule emails to send at your preferred time. You can trigger an email based on two things: a date or a subscriber’s action. Choose to send an email on dates you promised your subscriber when running a product launch, or during the holidays.Send them emails based on their customer's journey.Set up campaigns that trigger sending emails only to those who chose to receive them.Wondering which emails you should automate? Takeaway These time-saving tips for the busy email marketer are meant to help you maintain your connection with your audience without getting stuck in the process of creating. Working with an email service provider like Emma gives you access to an easy-to-use builder, templates, integrations with popular apps, and automation features that replace manual tasks. Put simply, Emma can save you time. See how with a free demo.
Freelancing 5 Things To Make Your Summer Productive And Fun 7:18 AM 5 Things To Make Your Summer Productive And Fun Summer is here! We can all feel the temperature rising. How do you want to spend your summer this year? Another vacation? Visit new places? Couch-surf? Summer is also the best time to learn something new or start a new hobby or project. If you don't want to be glued to the couch all summer long, it's time to look for a summer job or start a business. Start earning some bucks while others toast their bun under the sun. Here are five things to do to make your summer productive and fun, especially for students. 1. Intern or get hired. It's not as bad as it sounds. Getting a summer job or internship can help you build your portfolio or add to your experiences, giving you an edge when you finally apply for a job.If you have an excellent performance, the company can open its doors for you after you graduate or put in a good word for you to others. Plus, you need extra cash for the school year or an additional income if you're already working. 2. Start a business.You can do many productive things over the summer as a student, and earning money is one of them.You don't have to purchase a franchise or borrow loads of money to start your own business. You can start at home. With zero capital. How? Use your skills. Are you a good cook? Sell your sumptuous dishes.Can make bonsais or succulents? A lot of people have become plant parents in the past year. They'd be more than happy to buy from you.Do you have an eye for taking awe-inspiring photographs? Get hired.Are you good at any sports? Teach. If you're a great swimmer, swimming classes are big during summer. Offer online services by creating a profile on platforms like LinkedIn or a marketplace like Upwork.Ask friends if they can refer you to a client.If you live in a touristy place, you can be a tour guide for people visiting your town or city. With the help of the internet, the possibilities to make your summer fun and productive are endless. 3. Get sporty. Since summer is the best time to be outdoors, learn a new sport. Volleyball, softball, tennis, golf, whatever it is you're interested in, do your research and be prepared. In softball, for example, buy the proper gear and/or equipment needed. Choosing the right softball bat is paramount. Pick one of excellent quality, durable, and helps you perform well. Many sports stores can offer this, and you can also use it online. One website that can give you complete information about softball bats is aroundthebats.com. They provide a comprehensive buying guide and look at top brands and the rules and regulations of leading softball associations to help give you the best material you need.Make sports a part of your productive summer routine, so you stay physically fit and mentally sound. 4. Volunteer. What can be more productive and noble than offering your services to those in need without asking for anything in return? Here's where and how you can serve: Volunteer at a shelter and help animals in distress. Foster a rescued animal.Help serve in charities and do community service like clean-up drives.Work with the youth by tutoring.Help organizations that reach out to the less fortunate.Help serve in homeless shelters.Donate or volunteer at food banks. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.- Aesop 5. Learn something new. Enroll in summer classes to improve your skills or learn something totally new. Here are some new things you can discover this summer.A new languageNew hobbies like cooking, gardening, knitting, painting, bar-tending, and writing.CalligraphyAstronomyOrigamiPhotographyYou can learn all these by enrolling online or in a nearby school or learning center. Find something that aligns with your passion or something you can use later to monetize. Not only will you be more productive, but you'll also meet some interesting people along the way.Looking for an exciting and enriching way to make your summer productive and fun? How about delving into the vibrant culture of Japan by studying Japanese in Sydney? Immerse yourself in the language, discover the art of sushi-making, and embrace the beauty of traditional tea ceremonies. Expand your horizons while enjoying a memorable and educational summer experience. Make Your Summer Productive And Fun Don't let another summer pass you by. Use this time not only to have fun but also to be more creative and fruitful. Discover your passion and purpose while earning some profit on the side. Make this season something that will improve your life by making your summer productive and fun.What fun and exciting summer activities are you doing this year?
Freelancing 4 Ways To Forget About Work For A While 6:27 AM We all deserve a break from the daily grind—after all, no one is designed to work around the clock without a pause. Stepping away, whether running your own business or contributing to someone else’s, can recharge your focus and boost your productivity. When you return, you’ll feel refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle new challenges. But completely shutting off those work-related thoughts can be a challenge. So, let’s explore some practical ways to forget about work for a while and unwind. 4 Ways To Forget About Work For A While 1. Fix Your Routine Even if you’re not planning a lengthy break from work, you must carve out a specific time each day when work comes to a halt. Here are some effective strategies to help you create those boundaries:Set a Fixed End Time: Determine a specific time to stop working each day and stick to it.Change Your Attire: If you wear a uniform for work, make it a routine to signal the end of your workday by changing out of it.Designate a Work Zone: If you have a dedicated workspace, commit to leaving that area behind at the end of the day. Once you shut the door, resist the urge to return until morning.These routines are important because everyone needs some downtime. By establishing clear boundaries, you can ensure that you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 2. Switch Off One of the best ways to stop thinking about work is to switch off. Here are some effective strategies to help you disconnect and embrace your personal time:Shut Down Devices: Turn off your laptop and mobile devices to clearly separate work from leisure.Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Read a good book, take a long, hot bath, cook something delicious, walk, or attend a class that interests you. Take It Slow: For many, completely disconnecting can be challenging, especially with the lure of social media. Start by gradually reducing your screen time and focusing on enjoying your personal time.Your ultimate goal should be to leave your work devices alone when you’re not at work. Creating this separation makes recharging and enjoying life outside your professional responsibilities easier. 3. Automate When managing work-related stress, especially if you’re running your own business, automating processes is crucial—particularly if you need to take some time off. Here’s how you can ensure that you don’t have to work all the time and can enjoy a well-deserved break:Automate Where Possible: Set up systems that allow you to automate tasks. For instance, schedule blog posts in advance to maintain your marketing efforts while you’re away. This way, when you return, you won’t be burdened by unfinished tasks.Outsource Essential Functions: Consider outsourcing key processes that don’t require your direct involvement, such as hiring a virtual medical admin assistant to manage tasks like appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and patient follow-ups. Other roles you should outsource:Marketing: Keep your promotional efforts running smoothly.Data Recovery: Ensure your information is secure and accessible.Accounting: Maintain financial oversight without the daily grind.Administrative Work: Delegate routine tasks to free up your time.These strategies can help you enjoy a four-day workweek or any time off without worrying about what’s running your business smoothly. When you return, everything will be in order, ready for you to pick up right where you left off. 4. Look Forward To Something You must plan activities you genuinely look forward to to help clear your mind and disconnect from work. Here are some ideas to ensure your time off is fulfilling:Make Exciting Plans: Whether it’s a day with your family, a birthday celebration, or a fun gathering with friends, having something to anticipate can shift your focus away from work.Travel Adventures: If you’re planning a trip, the excitement of exploring new places can significantly distract from work-related thoughts.Home Projects: If you prefer staying home, use your time to tackle those little jobs around the house that you’ve been putting off. Completing these tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep your mind engaged.Filling your schedule with enjoyable activities will help you forget about work when you’re not at work. 10 Forget About Work Quotes“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton“Work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls—family, health, friends, and integrity—are made of glass.” “No one on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office.’” “You can’t truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.” — Zig Ziglar“Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.” — Stephen Covey“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” — Michael Altshuler“Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management.” — Betsy Jacobson“Invest in your work-life balance. Time with friends and family is as important as time at work.” — Stephen Gillett“When in doubt, choose the kids. There will be plenty of time later to choose work.” — Anna Quindlen“You can have it all. You just can’t have it all at once.” — Oprah WinfreyHow Do You Stop Thinking About Work When You’re Not at Work?Learning to forget about work at home is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re enjoying a vacation, spending quality time with family, or simply unwinding on the weekends, creating boundaries that allow you to disconnect from work stress is crucial. These strategies can shift your focus away from work and fully embrace your personal time. Remember, taking breaks and prioritizing downtime benefit your mental health and enhance your productivity when you return to work. So, take that well-deserved break, cherish your personal moments, and allow yourself to step away from work—it’s all part of a fulfilling life.Describe something you do to forget about work or study when you get home.
Freelancing Guide To Creating A Productive Home Office (7 Practical Steps) 5:55 AM Creating a productive home office is important especially for the 3% of remote workers in the US.How you design your space and what furniture you use can impact your productivity. When your space is organized and comfortable, you're able to work more efficiently. Here's a guide from StressLess to help you create a productive home office you will love. Guide to Creating a Productive Home Office 1. Find a location If you don't have a room in your home for office space, get creative. A spare bedroom or a dining room would work. To help you in your productivity, let the people in your house know about your work hours. At those times, the room should be off-limit. You can also set up your office space in a garage or outdoor shed as long as it's feasible. 2. Consider the space for meetingsWorking from home sometimes entails client meetings.If you need to meet with clients online, you must give your home office a professional look.Be prepared for the times when you have to go on cam. When you need to have a face-to-face meeting and use your home office as a venue, make sure that it's also ready for such an event. 3. Choose your office furniture wisely There are many choices out there for office furniture.Take into consideration the size of your desk, how big of a storage space you need, and what should be within your reach. To make your home office blend into the rest of your home, your desk and other office furniture should match the overall look of your home. Find great deals on desks online — many communities have Facebook swap pages. Ikea has affordable desk options.Google keywords "best home office desks for sale". It's a great way to find deals. 4. Sit on a comfortable chair You work 8 to who knows how many hours every day.If your back starts to hurt while sitting, it's time to think about investing in a quality office chair. Don't just go for the look or style. Ergonomic office chairs are worth the extra money. A cheap piece of furniture that will need to be replaced eventually isn't a wise investment. Ergonomic leather office chairs from Ekornes are the answer when you want comfort and style for your home office space. 5. Keep your workspace organized You need to get your workspace better organized. A messy desk or room could be distracting.Studies show that stress and anxiety are linked to a messy and untidy environment.Shelving, storage boxes, and solid cabinets will help keep your home office better organized. Declutter! 6. Know your electronics Your home office is likely to need more electrical outlets than the other rooms in the home. Invest in a quality surge protector and a power strip to protect the electronic devices you use.Use cord covers to keep things looking neat and organized. This will also help prevent any hazards. Watch these 13 cool hacks for organizing cables: 7. Make your space personal Your office space should be comfortable and conducive to working. Create a space that's pleasing to your eyes and that will help you concentrate.Hang photos of your inspiration and posters that you love.Add an item or decor that reflects your personality or passion.Put your favorite indoor plant in your home office. This will not only add to the aesthetics but will also produce oxygen that your body needs.Even when you're just at home, you should keep a professional vibe. Creating a productive home office could help you with that. Your StressLess space can provide you with the inspiration that you need to be productive. When you love spending time in your home office, work is going to be more enjoyable. If you have everything you need in your office space, you will be more productive and less stressed out about working from home.It is worth spending time and money on.
