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Freelancing offers the freedom to work on your own terms but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Many freelancers initially consider joining Fiverr with high hopes, but often they get disappointed when their gigs make no sales and eventually leading them to give up too soon! In this article, we are going to explore the possible challenges in the way of getting success on Fiverr and how new freelancers can overcome those hurdles. 1. Mistakes in Fiverr Profile Creation: Most newbies jump into Fiverr without doing their research and end up with a bad profile that doesn’t attract buyers. It's crucial to understand how to make a great Fiverr profile, optimize your Gigs, show off your skills, and build a successful freelancing career. Each of the following points is important to consider before creating an account. • Use a compelling title that tells the buyers what exactly you are offering in the gig. For Example: Wrong: “I will design your logo.” Right: “I will design a logo for your business consulting service.” • Use eye-catching and friendly images for your Gigs that reflect you as a seller. Never upload any irrelevant images. • It is important to choose the right gig METADATA. This feature lets you describe your Gig using specific keywords. It helps more people find your Gig when they search for services like yours on Fiverr. For Example: if you're offering voiceover services, your metadata could include details like the language, the accent, or file format you provide to clients. What you include as metadata depends on the services you offer. However, it helps to make a strong first impression. Tip: Experiment with different metadata and see how that affects your impressions, views, and orders. • Do the research and optimize your Gigs with SEARCH TAGS. You can add up to 5 words, or phrases, that best describe your Gig, to improve visibility. Try to find out what people are searching for in your niche area and modify your tags appropriately. • Create all 7 gigs related to your one or more skills and make the most of the packages in your gigs. • Add a compelling description to all the gigs and focus on writing about your customer’s need NOT about yourself. Give your clients a solution to their business needs, mention your industry experience, and tell them how you can benefit the business of your client. • Make the most frequently asked questions to provide clarity to potential clients. • Try to add a video to your gigs to demonstrate your skills. • Must add a link to an ALLOWED portfolio (on Fiverr). 2. Insufficient Skill Development: New freelancers may find their skill set lacking in comparison to established professionals. This can take time for their competitiveness in the market. So, newbies are suggested to continuously update and expand their skills to stay relevant. Identify market trends and demands by conducting regular market research. Engage in networking to stay informed about industry developments. Newbies should also consider enrolling in courses and certifications to improve their knowledge. 3. Failure to Adapt to Market Changes: The freelancing market is dynamic, and those who fail to adapt may find it difficult to secure new clients and projects. To stay ahead of your competitors, you should adapt to two main practices. • Regular Market Research: Regularly conducting market research is essential for staying competitive. This includes knowing about emerging trends, understanding shifts in clients’ preferences, and staying aligned with the industry standards. • Networking for Insights: Networking is a valuable resource for staying updated and informed. Engaging with peers, industry associations, and online communities & forums provides access to the latest developments and discussions within your field 4. Lack of Self-Discipline: One of the most common challenges faced by freelancers is the lack of self-discipline. Without a structured environment, it's easy to get distracted. Freelancers should set a daily work schedule and stick to it. Create a dedicated workspace free from distractions. Use time management tools to track and manage your work hours. In the world of freelance marketplaces, once you commit to a client, it becomes your obligation to follow through on that commitment. This includes delivering the agreed-upon work, meeting deadlines, and upholding quality standards. Failure to do so not only reflects poorly on yourself but can also impact your country's reputation in front of foreign clients. Avoid making excuses that are based on your issues, such as power (electricity) shortages, computer problems, or network connectivity issues. These are your responsibilities, and you should have contingency plans in place for such situations. Your clients should not bear the burden of your issues. Always prioritize fulfilling your commitments to your clients as a mark of professionalism and reliability. 5. Common Policy Violations on Marketplace: Common Mistakes New Pakistani Freelancers Make on Fiverr • Negligence About How Fiverr Works: New freelancers in Pakistan often neglect the importance of understanding how Fiverr works and the dynamics of the freelancing marketplace. They rush into creating a profile without proper research, which can hold back their success. • Creating Multiple Accounts: Some freelancers forget their login credentials and choose to create new accounts. This is a significant violation of Fiverr's policies and terms of service. • Avoiding Negative Feedback: New freelancers occasionally react to negative reviews or feedback by creating a new Fiverr account. You must know, that Fiverr evaluates freelancers based on statistics like response rate, order completion rate, on-time delivery, and positive ratings. A single negative rating can have a damaging impact on your profile. However, creating a whole new account using the same or even different credentials is not a solution. • Not building a reputation: New freelancers usually don’t focus on maintaining a strong reputation for their profile on Fiverr, though freelancers must ensure they do not come to a conflict or receive negative feedback from clients. This can be achieved through effective communication, delivering high-quality work, and addressing client concerns promptly. New freelancers in Pakistan need to avoid these common mistakes by adhering to Fiverr's policies and focusing on delivering exceptional services to avoid negative feedback. Building a positive reputation and maintaining a single, reliable Fiverr account is essential for long-term success in the freelancing industry. Conclusion: Freelancing can be a rewarding career choice, but it's not without its challenges. New freelancers often face obstacles like we have discussed here as self-discipline issues, skill development gaps, and difficulties adapting to market changes. By adopting continuous skill development, staying informed about industry trends, and optimizing their online presence, new freelancers can overcome these hurdles and build a successful freelance career. Remember, the journey may be tough, but with dedication and the right approach, freelancers can thrive in the global and Pakistani markets and beyond. Author: Zonaira Ali | Reviewed By: Nabeel Amjad

"Are you a beginner Graphic Designer, stepping into the world of design and art but unsure of how to find your muse?" Well, if you are the one then you've landed in the perfect place. Creativity knows no bounds, but it needs to be discovered by every designer. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced designer or a newbie, we all need sources of inspiration from time to time. So get ready to explore some of the amazing design inspirations with us that can enlighten every graphic designer's world. 1. Storytelling Through Symbolism: When working on a design concept, instead of writing all your ideas and thoughts, try to draw or sketch them. If hand sketches are not your thing, then use clip art and symbols to explain your concept for your design. For instance, for a business name that is sturdy and bold, use symbolism such as a mountain, a hammer, a rock, or a lion. Similarly, you can use Symbolism to explain the story behind your concept. It is not only a fun way to work on your project but will also help you gain inspiration for your design. 2. Typographic Theatre If symbols and drawings are not working for you, then try to experiment with typography. You can play around with the words by mixing and matching fonts, jazzing up the spacing, and creating unique symphonies to add personality and depth to your designs. Use graph paper as your stage and treat the alphabet as a musical instrument. You can experiment with writing techniques such as palindrome, anagram, calligram, etc. to get your creativity flowing. 3. Learn From The Masters: All masters were learners once, so if you are wondering how they did it, try studying their work. Draw inspiration from history’s greatest artists such as Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Leonardo Di Caprio, etc., and delve deep into their works. Engulf yourself with art and visit museums, virtual or physical, and try to enhance your artistic taste buds. You can see all the artwork displayed in the world’s famous museums such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Van Gogh Museum, Vatican Museums, the State Hermitage Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and so on. The list is endless! The best part is that you don’t have to even leave the comfort of your cozy seats. Use the online websites of the museums and experience the virtual tours. Who knows someday you might end up exclaiming ‘Eureka’ too! 4. Tour Different Eras: The past and history are timeless teachers, not just for the history buffs but for the designers too. You can switch to the 90s, 80s, and 70s, and even go all the way back to the Middle Ages to find inspiration for your next piece. Discover different art forms and how one type of art influenced an entire nation and its architecture. Browse through the art movements such as Rococo, Baroque, Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Victorian, Minimalism, Pop Art, etc., and immerse yourself into the metaverse of art and design. 5. Color Palette: You can also experiment with colors if all else fails. Color palettes and color theory are great ways to start your conceptual designs. This way you can focus only on the colors of your project without stressing yourself about the rest of the designs. Colors are a great way to explore your creativity and open up your brain's creative corners. Revisit the color theories you have studied in the past or if you haven’t studied them before, start from the basics today. You never know you might end up seeing sparkling colors at the end of the tunnel! Pro-tip: A great tool that can help you get inspired with color palettes is Color Mind. With the help of this tool, you can choose a starting color and generate varying color pallets based on it. 6. Design Communities & Social Media Platforms: As a dedicated member of the graphic design world, you should consistently follow all the popular design communities and social media platforms. This way, you can study the latest trends in design and keep yourself updated with the world of art. If you are a graphic designer, don’t limit yourself to graphic design only. Follow different design forms such as architecture, interior design, products, sculptures, etc. Platforms such as Behance, Dribbble, Instagram, and Pinterest are a great way to bombard yourself with the art and design community. These will not only help you get inspiration for your projects, but you can also share your work, study other’s work, and get reviews from your fellow designers. Graphic design brands such as Pentagram, Landor, Mucho, M/M Paris, Ueno, MetaDesign, etc. are only a handful of names from the long, never-ending list of graphic design brands that can help inspire your next project. Follow the most successful designers on social media and see what they are up to. 7. Make AI Your Assistant: If all else fails and you are desperate for some quick source of inspiration, you can turn to AI tools. There is no doubt the biggest news of 2023 has been the advent of AI tools. While some are busy fearing that AI might take over their jobs, the smartest people on earth are embracing these tools and utilizing them to maximize their potential. AI tools if used as a helping hand, can help you inspire your designs and break the art block you are stuck in. Tools such as Artbreeder, Deep Dream Generator, & DALL-E can prove fruitful if used cleverly. Some tools offer limited free features so be mindful of this fact and use them cautiously. Important note: Never copy anything entirely, as it might discourage your creative skills in the long run and damage your artistic reputation! Use these tools as an inspiration and don’t cheat! P.S. Google's Quick, Draw! is a fun tool that you can use to sharpen your artistic senses. It provides small art prompts and gives you 20 seconds to draw an object which is a great exercise for all artistic brains. Final Words If you follow any of these practical design ideas and make them a part of your daily routine, you will be able to unlock your full design potential. These tips can also help you free yourself from the chains of your art block and think creatively. By tapping into the sea of the sources mentioned above, you can boost your creativity, push the boundaries of your designs, and make them stand out. Always keep in mind that creativity is a journey unique to every individual, it can neither be stolen nor be copied from others. But it can be polished and harnessed from within yourself. So try some of the tips that have been shared with you today and share your ideas and thoughts with us. Author: Sara Musawar | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

"Ready to boost your business and skyrocket your revenues in 2023?” Look no further because we got you covered with these amazing strategies to boost your sales and maximize your revenue. Discover the 5 killer digital marketing trends that savvy marketers are using to maximize their sales this year. Get ahead of the competition and secure your spot at the top! 1. Story Telling There is nothing new about the concept of storytelling to sell products. Marketers have been using this strategy since ages to promote their brands. However, what really has changed is that the story now spins around the customer rather than the product. This shift may not sound immensely substantial but when potential customers experience this shift of spotlight it ticks them greatly. This helps in winning their confidence. Just like Apple brands itself by telling a story that revolves around the protagonists. In their latest advertisements they display the fast dynamic shots which places the physical product in second place while the focus stays on the customer's energetic and lively actions. This is surely everything right about there marketing. 2. Simply Killer Content “Content is the king”. These were the golden words of Bill Gates in 1996. The idea still stands true as ever. More precisely we can say that “The simple and quality Content is the king”. Why? Because in this day and age, internet sites are flooded with content. When a user searches for something, he wants complete information that is easy to understand. Frankly, nobody is there on your site to resolve puzzles or to learn vocabulary. Give them the information that they need in the most understandable, simplest way possible. A complicated way of delivering the message is no longer considered creative. Use simple words and avoid complexities. Understand the fact that you are targeting an audience to sell your brand. So the basic takeaway here is: • Be Straightforward • Engage your audience with Clear and Compelling language • Hit the Emotions to Turn Readers into compulsive buyers Many digital marketing experts also believe that clear content is the key to the effective reach of the general public. Having said that simplicity doesn’t mean compromising the quality. If you want to make your website an authority then you must focus on the quality of the content that you are producing. By quality, we mean to give all the information that the viewer is seeking in an interesting and easy way. The quantity of the information does not matter but the quality does. So, make sure you focus on simple, knowledgeable, and engaging content. 3. Short-form Videos: Short-form videos are considered a highly impactful marketing trend these days. Our attention spans have reduced. The demand for snackable content and platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook reels have skyrocketed. Viewers love to consume a big chunk of information in a short space of time. Here are some important stuff you would like to know about short-form videos • According to some estimations short form, on-the-go digital videos will reach 82.2% of the internet users in the Asian-pacific region alone. • These have a high capacity to convey a lot of information in a small duration through images, speech, and text. • These ensure accessibility and inclusivity. The availability of subtitles and captions has included hearing-impaired viewers. They can simply enjoy the videos while getting the marketing message without any hearing aid. 4. Accessibility According to experts, nearly 2 billion people in the whole world are suffering from some sort of disability with a total disposable income of $1.9 trillion. How can you expect your business to flourish if you pay no heed to their needs and overlook the concept of inclusiveness? Accessibility consultant of businesses “Svetlana Kouznetsova”, who happens to be deaf also agrees that people with disabilities are the world’s largest minorities, and their needs are mostly ignored by the brands. In her own words: “If our needs are ignored, businesses will lose not only us, but also our family, friends, and colleagues that make up another 3.4 billion potential customers,” she said. “Together we control $13 trillion.” 5. First-Party Data Collection Wake up, Digital marketers! The cookies are dying, and we are not talking about the cookie monster from Sesame Street here. Google has announced that it will deprecate third-party cookies by 2024. This happened after the implementation of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) law. In other words, all the data about the likes and dislikes of the website visitors that helps marketers understand the behavior of the customer which aids in targeting the relevant ads to the right audiences is getting blocked. To maintain the competitive edge marketers are hoping to collect their first-party data. You can either sit back and relax or you can start collecting the data too to execute your personalized campaigns. So how do you collect the first-party data? The solution is “Interactive Content”. This is different from your general content or a blog post. This is not just about the information that you are providing. The approach is to be interactive and to collect their information too. In this kind of content, you ask your website visitors their preferences and choices. You can make a fun survey to engage your visitors and understand their needs. Here are some examples of the interactive content that can be applied to your website : • Quizzes • Surveys • Multi-step forms As a result, you can not only provide them with exactly what they need at the moment but also you can target them in the future with the right ads and campaigns. The Takeaway You can easily hop onto some of these trends to boost your business sales right now. Also, keep an eye on others to keep yourself updated regarding the challenges the future marketing is going to face. Remember the sooner you start applying these strategies to bring the change, the better it would be for your business. Author: Maleeha Batool | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

The rise of E-Commerce has transformed the possibilities of freelancing in Pakistan, providing talented individuals with a variety of opportunities. With the growing prevalence of local e-commerce platforms, freelancers can now exhibit their skills, connect with clients, and earn steady revenue from within the comfort of their homes. This transition toward online marketplaces has proven to be a game-changer, providing freelancers with a platform to offer their services and reach a larger audience. The Current State of E-Commerce in Pakistan: Before we dive into the opportunities for freelancers, it's essential to understand the current state of E-Commerce in Pakistan. According to a report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the E-Commerce market in Pakistan is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2023. In another report by The Express Tribune, it will reach $9 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by an increase in online internet access and the growing popularity of online shopping. There are several popular E-Commerce platforms in Pakistan, including Daraz, Telemart, and Shophive. These platforms offer a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing, and provide a convenient and secure way for consumers to shop online. The E-Commerce Boom in Pakistan: In recent years, the E-Commerce industry in Pakistan has experienced remarkable growth. Local E-Commerce platforms have gained significant traction due to the large population and growing online internet access. Popular online marketplaces such as Daraz.pk, PriceOye and Symbios have emerged, connecting consumers and vendors nationwide. This accelerated growth has created numerous opportunities for freelancers to provide their services and expertise. E-Commerce and Freelancers: A Match Made on Local Platforms Freelancers in Pakistan have access to a wide range of in-demand services on local E-Commerce platforms. Product photography is one such service. To attract consumers, E-Commerce vendors require high-quality product images; freelance photographers can fill this void. In addition, graphic design freelancers can offer their services to create eye-catching product packaging and marketing materials. Content writing and translation are further lucrative opportunities. Freelance writers and translators have ample opportunity to demonstrate their expertise, given the growing demand for well-written product descriptions and engaging website content. In addition, freelancers with skills in website development and maintenance can meet the growing demand for E-Commerce website construction and management. Here's what freelancers are doing in the local E-Commerce industry: • Content Writing E-Commerce platforms require a lot of content, from product descriptions to blog posts. Freelance writers can find work creating this content for E-Commerce platforms. • Graphic Design E-Commerce platforms also require high-quality graphics for their websites and social media channels. Freelance graphic designers can find work creating these graphics. • Web Development E-Commerce platforms require skilled web developers to create and maintain their websites. Freelance web developers can find work building and maintaining E-Commerce websites. • Digital Marketing E-Commerce platforms need to promote their products and services to potential customers. Freelance digital marketers can find work creating and implementing marketing strategies for E-Commerce platforms. • Customer Service E-Commerce platforms require customer service representatives to handle customer inquiries and complaints. Freelance customer service representatives can find work providing customer support for E-Commerce platforms. How to Succeed as a Freelancer on Pakistani E-Commerce Platforms: Now that we've explored the opportunities available to freelancers on local E-Commerce platforms in Pakistan. Let's discuss how to succeed in this industry. • Build Your Portfolio To attract clients, you must have a strong portfolio showcasing your skills and experience. Create a portfolio website that showcases your best work and provides information about your skills and services. • Building Connections In the world of freelancing, creating bonds is key. Make your mark by participating in industry gatherings and becoming part of online groups. This way, you can meet future clients and fellow freelancers. • Provide High-Quality Work To succeed as a freelancer, you need to provide high-quality work that meets your client's expectations. Make sure you understand your client's needs and deliver work that exceeds their expectations. • Be Professional As a freelancer, you are representing your business, so it's essential to always be professional. Communicate clearly with your clients, meet deadlines, and maintain a professional demeanor. • Stay Up-to-Date with Trends The E-Commerce industry is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies is important. This will help you provide better services to your clients and stay ahead of the competition. • Be Flexible As a freelancer, you need to be flexible and adaptable to changes in the industry. This includes being able to work on different platforms, learning new skills, and taking on new challenges. Building a Successful Freelance Career: To achieve success as a freelancer on local E-Commerce platforms in Pakistan, it is important to showcase your skills and establish a solid online presence. Create a portfolio that highlights your expertise and promotes your services on freelance platforms, social media, and industry-specific forums. Deliver high-quality work, provide exceptional customer service, and maintain a professional approach to attract and retain clients. In the freelance universe, it's all about who you know. Grow your professional circle by linking up with other freelancers, becoming part of industry circles, and showing up at key events Collaboration with other freelancers can result in referrals and new opportunities. The digital landscape is shifting with abundant freelancing opportunities. With the rising youth population embracing E-Commerce and digital connectivity flourishing, the E-Commerce market is set to skyrocket. Despite global challenges, platforms like Daraz.pk, PriceOye and Symbios offer remarkable opportunities. The future of freelance work in Pakistan's E-Commerce sector is bright and promising. Seizing the Freelance Opportunities in Pakistan's E-Commerce Landscape: The E-Commerce industry in Pakistan is growing rapidly, and there are many opportunities for freelancers to work on local E-Commerce platforms. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, marketer, or customer service representative, freelancing work is always available for you. By building your portfolio, networking, providing high-quality work, staying up-to-date with trends, and being flexible, you can succeed as a freelancer in the Pakistani E-Commerce industry. Author: Muhammad Jawad-ul-Hassan | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

As an experienced freelancer, I am well-versed in freelancer-client interaction on both ends. I am aware of the expectations that both clients and freelancers have of one another. Finding new freelance clients can be appealing, but keeping your current freelancing clients can provide you with a higher return on investment over time and a timeless cost. The best clients are your existing clients. The cost-effectiveness and efficiency of every aspect of your freelance business are ultimately enhanced by strong client retention; it is a game-changer. In this blog, I will discuss 5 ways to improve your client retention rate and keep clients coming back for more. 1. Understand that every client’s work requirements are unique. Understanding the demands of the client is crucial for freelancers. A freelancer will eventually fail if its consumer base is weak. Your largest asset is your customer base, if you understand the clients’ work requirements and put all your efforts into making the projects successful, you can keep your clients for a long period and maintain your base in the long run. Every time you deal with a new client’s project, put yourself into your client’s shoes and come up with the best ideas based on your expertise and experience. Share it with your client and make him realize that his project is most important to you. And you are up to making it a real success. Although gaining new clients is essential, keeping your existing clients happy is equally crucial. Acquiring a new customer is seven times more difficult than keeping an existing one. Understanding the requirements of your customers and being able to satisfy them will give you a competitive edge in retaining your existing clients. The cost-effectiveness and efficiency of every aspect of your freelance business are ultimately enhanced by strong client retention; it is a game-changer. 2. Establish A Positive Relationship with Your Clients. Developing a personal connection with your customers can help them feel like they are working with a real person while also differentiating you from the competition, but remember to create personal relationships under professional behavior. Be kind yet professional to give your customers a tailored experience that makes them feel invested in the relationship as well. Pay attention to any directions or other guidance provided by a customer regarding how to accomplish a job. Follow the client's directions as closely as you can in whatever you do. You won't be reluctant to get in touch with clients you've previously worked with if you have a positive relationship with them. If you want to maintain your customers, you must have a good relationship with them. If you have, then in the future you can inform them of a new service you provide. Any new projects might be secured for you if you are in the right location at the right time. Your positive communication style shows that you are interested in their business as well. 3. Offer Top-Notch Services. Whether or not a client comes back to you for further work will depend on the caliber of your job. Using facts increases the credibility of your work, and being specific enhances quality. So if you want to work with a client for a long period of time, then make sure you comprehend your freelance brief and gather criteria before you begin working, so you can make sure your work lives up to client expectations. Delivering top-notch service is mostly focused on standing out from the crowd in terms of service quality. You are more likely to maintain your clients and keep them delighted if you provide high-quality services. Learn what your clients want from you in terms of the return on their time and money. Make sure you get in touch with the consumer and make sure they had a good experience. A surefire way to provide excellent customer service is to outperform the competition with individualized and satisfied service. Finding new freelance clients can be appealing, but keeping your current freelancing clients can provide you with a higher return on investment over time and a timeless cost. 4. Effective Communication. Effective communication is important in the freelancing field. It has the power to strengthen or damage your relationship with your client. Start by getting specific about your job and making an effort to fully understand the client's requirements. After determining what your client needs, explain to them how you may assist them in obtaining their goals in the future. To discuss with potential clients while freelancing or doing any other type of business, you must have strong communication skills. Good communication is the only thing that can help you gain more clients and retain the ones you already have. 5. Always be responsive with polite and respectful behavior. It's essential to communicate promptly and professionally with your client. Your mutual ability to trust one another will grow as a result of this and trust is a prerequisite for long-term freelance success. Therefore, first, you need to realize that your clients are important to you. Always put your client's needs first and demonstrate a sincere interest in the project. Personalize your idea as much as you can, and if necessary, suggest changes right away. Don't forget to exert the additional effort that distinguishes you from other freelancers. Final Thoughts. Since you never know when or where you'll run into new clients as a freelancer, you should make every effort to keep them, especially in the beginning. You can support yourself by doing what you love because of them! Knowing that you'll have enough work to do and that you can make money from it is a special sensation. Consider having a steady stream of clients as a benefit in your freelance career as a result. By implementing the above-mentioned strategies, you can increase your chances of retaining clients and expanding your freelance business. I wish you well with your independent work! Author: Ali Salman | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

To work as a freelancer, the most crucial thing is to select the right skill set for you. If you have successfully chosen your skill set, you have done half of the job. The selection of an appropriate skill set and its implementation is one of the key elements in your freelance journey. You cannot select a skill just randomly, you must have an idea of how your skill can be helpful for the clients and what are the related problems for which the clients are finding solutions. You can only be a good and successful freelancer if you are a good learner. So, keep your learning abilities alive throughout your professional life. You should acquire information related to multiple skills available on different Internet sources based on your interest. Just go through different areas of a skill that you can opt to work on. You will get to know which skill and which specific dimension of skill is best for you. Things to Consider While Selecting a Skill set. First, deep dive into your inner self and explore what you want to do as a freelancer. But your desire should be compatible with your abilities. Setting high goals is not a bad idea, but these goals should be achievable. There are multiple aspects that you must keep in mind while choosing a skill for you. You can see some of those aspects here. Academic Qualification You can opt for a skill you have already learned in your academic career. Like you have a degree in marketing, you can choose digital marketing as a freelancer. Your qualifications and learning will support you in your professional development and success. But this is an ideal scenario that your academic qualification is compatible with your freelance skill. If you have a degree in a subject that is not in demand in the freelance marketplace, you can opt for a different skill set to acquire. On the contrary, if you do not have a relevant degree or any degree at all, you can still work as a freelancer and earn money by learning a skill set of your interest. Your Area of Interest Your interest in a particular skill is one of the necessary aspects you should keep in mind while selecting a skill to work on. If you choose something you are not interested in, it will be a hard task for you to work accurately in that field. You’ll soon be exhausted from the challenges that may come up during your freelance journey. Try to make your passion your profession, so that you may enjoy working. To become a successful freelancer, you must have devotion and precision to your work which takes you higher and keeps you at the top spot. Compatible with your talent Skill and talent are two different things. Talent is your natural ability to do a task and skill is what you can achieve by learning and practicing. It is easy for a person to learn a skill related to his natural talent and ability. You can be a good artist or a good writer naturally and skills related to these talents will be best for you. If you choose a skill that is compatible with your natural abilities, it will be a great help for you in your career. Most in-demand Services Before opting for a skill set, you must research different freelance marketplaces. You can get help from Digiskills’ freelancing course and go through the marketplaces taught in the course to see which skill is most in demand and which jobs are excessively available. You can also search to explore the ratio of freelancers and available jobs in a specific skill set. It will help you to set expectations and gain a better idea of the competition that you must face while working in the freelance industry in a specific field or skill. Find the Advantages and Disadvantages of a specific skill You must take guidance from seniors, mentors, and friends who are already working on the skill you are interested in, about the advantages and disadvantages of that skill. They can guide you better about the positive and negative aspects of the challenges you might face in a specific area or field. Learn from the experience of others instead of learning after facing failure. How to improve your Skill set to keep it updated? Change is inevitable in life, things keep changing, and in this speedy life, nothing is stagnant. Things are kept updating from time to time, new software are made, and new technologies are developed. So, it is mandatory to improve your skill to an advanced level to beat your competitors. You can only be a good and successful freelancer if you are a good learner. So, keep your learning abilities alive throughout your professional life. To keep your skill set updated according to the new developments to grow in your field. • Take a professional course but do not rely 100% on your two or three-month course. • Learn new technologies and keep updating your skill over time. • Explore new things, methods, and arenas to excel in your field. • Search and research your skill on different available internet sources and platforms, including Google and YouTube. So, it can be said that to work as a successful freelancer, you must choose the right dimension for yourself. Explore yourself as well as the world around you to choose something most suitable for you. Learn a skill and keep learning new developments related to that specific skill to improve yourself and keep yourself competitive. Author: Hifsah Umbreen | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

If you are new to the freelancing industry and want to become an SEO writer then don’t go anyway because, in this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about SEO Content Writing. This guide will cover the basics of SEO writing, its importance in the digital world, and how much money you can earn as an SEO writer. Also, you’ll have all the information to kickstart your career in SEO writing and become a successful freelancer. Let’s get started! This guide will cover the basics of SEO writing, its importance in the digital world, and how much money you can earn as an SEO writer. Why is SEO Writing Important? Before discussing the basics of SEO writing, it’s essential to understand the importance of SEO writing. • SEO writing can help rank higher in search results. • When your website ranks higher, you can generate more money. • With SEO content writing you can bring organic traffic to your website. How Much Money Freelance SEO Content Writer Can Make Before learning a new skill, everyone wants to know the scope of that skill. The answer depends on your skill level. For example, when you’re a beginner, you can make $250 per month, but when you become an expert, you can earn up to or more than $2000 per month. How to Become an SEO Writer? If you don’t have prior background in writing and you’re thinking SEO writing is difficult to learn, you’re wrong! All you need to do is to invest some time and effort, and you’ll become an SEO writing superstar. Just keep reading this blog. The following tips can help you become an SEO writer. Step-1 Have a good grip on writing fundamentals that include planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, publishing, and reflecting. Step-2 Learn SEO Writing basics that are discussed in the next section of this Blog. Step-3 Once you get command of this skill, start offering service or writing for your blog. SEO is the practice of optimizing your content higher in search result pages. As an SEO writer, you optimize your content for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that users are searching for. Basics of SEO Writing SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It is the practice of optimizing your content higher in search result pages. As an SEO writer, you optimize your content for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that users are searching for. Here are the basic practices to make your content writing optimized for Search Engines. 1. Do Keyword Research Before you start writing articles, it’s essential to perform keyword research. If you don’t do that, you might write articles on a topic that people are not even searching for. In this way, your effort will be wasted. You'll follow this practice if you’re writing articles for your blog. When you offer this service to clients, they’ll provide you with a list of keywords. 2. Write An Engaging Title The title of the article must be eye-catchy and optimized. For example, use your focus keyword in the title and make it a catchy phrase to grab the attention of the reader. The title length should be between 50-65 characters. It’s also called H1, post title, or Meta Title, so don’t get confused if you listen to these terms. 3. Permalink Should Be Concise The permalink is the full URL you see and use for any given post. Ensure that your permalink URL doesn’t contain stop words. Examples of stop words are “a, an, the, or, but, it, and so on. URL must have focus keywords. The ideal practice is to keep it short. 4. Write Meta Description In simple words, we can call it the summary of the article. You see two to three lines under the title. It’s called Meta Description. It is best to use focus keywords in it. The ideal length for a Meta description is 150-170 characters. 5. Add At Least One Image Ensure that you add at least one image to your article. Don’t forget to give an ‘alt tag’ to your image. An alt tag is also called an alternative tag; it helps search engines recognize an image so don’t forget to rename the image with the focus keyword before adding it to the article. 6. Add Internal and External Links It’s another best SEO practice. When you publish multiple blogs on your website, ensure that you interlink them. The practice of interlinking articles on your website is called internal linking. When you add a link to someone else’s website in your article, it’s called an external link. You can add internal and external links in an article depending on the article's length. 7. Use Subheadings Don’t write too long paragraphs. Divide your text into multiple headings. Use H2, H3, and so forth headings. If you can use your focus keyword in these headings, then it will be a good practice. 8. Keyword Density How many times you use your keyword in an article or blog post is called keyword density. Ideally, the keyword density should be 1-3%. For example, in a 1000-word article, your keyword should be present 10 times to achieve a keyword density of 1%. Sensibly use your keyword in the content to keep the correct density. Some More Valuable Tips for Writing SEO Content You must have heard that “Content Is King.” Didn’t you? Whether it’s written content or video content, you need to focus on the quality of the content. The following tips about content may help you create SEO Optimized articles and make them outstanding. • Content should be plagiarism-free and it shouldn’t have grammatical issues. • Use keywords naturally. Avoid keyword stuffing because it’s not a good practice. • Use your focus keyword in the title, first paragraph, subheadings, body, and conclusion. • Use more active voice than passive voice. Ensure that your passive voice sentences are not more than 10%. • Use transition keywords to build a connection between words, sentences, and paragraphs. It’s recommended to use 30% transition words. • Write a minimum 300-word blog post, but when you offer this service on Freelance Marketplaces, the client will tell you the required word count. • Use short sentences. Try to use a maximum of 19 words in a sentence. You can use long sentences as well, but it will make them difficult to read and understand. Keep your paragraphs short. Use bullet points to make content easy to read. Author: Nouman Khizar | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali

For a freelancer, it’s not unusual to face tough clients. However, effective communication strategies can work as a ticket to add success to your freelancing career. By implementing effective strategies, you can handle challenging client interactions and achieve positive outcomes that support your overall freelancing journey What gets you in trouble in the first place? Before we jump on to discussing the issues and tricks for managing difficult clients, we must know our side is safe to ensure we don’t commit such a mistake that causes us any trouble in the first place. Some behaviors might seem offensive to the client, so it is important to understand how to deal with all your clients. Here are the things, you must be keen and concerned about before getting into a new agreement. • Read the job post twice before placing your bid on it. Understand the project's goal and then evaluate your skills for the task you are going to bid on. Place your offer only if you feel you fulfill all the job requirements. • Once you get the response from a client, ask for clear directives and the project's purpose. This is the right time to discuss any relevant thing you have in your mind. • You must understand the client’s perspective on the project. It’s important to know the client’s point of view before you start putting your efforts into the project. • Align the budget, the deliverables, your understanding, and clients’ expectations. • Make sure you have the right tools and setup to deliver your project on time and with efficiency. Remember, your clients and a professional relationship with them should be your priority as a freelancer. It is far better to discuss the project in a one-time discussion than bother your client again and again, yet come up with a poor deliverable. Even if you are a professional freelancer with proper setup and understanding, there is still a chance that you come across tricky clients. For a freelancer, it’s not unusual to face tough clients but some effective communication tips can work as a ticket to add success to your overall freelancing journey Essential Tips to Handle Difficult Clients Here are some tips and tricks for handling difficult clients through effective communication. 1- Keep the Communication Tone Professional Unprofessional communication may be the most significant reason leading to such a situation where your client wants to end the contract even if you have good command over your skills. Some of the clients (especially those who are new to the freelance platforms) observe your communication style. If your communication is not professional enough, there is the highest chance that the client will be unhappy in response. So, keeping the communication tone professional is essential. Most beginner freelancers use unnecessary emojis and smileys during the chat while talking with freelance clients. It leaves a lousy impression on the freelance client. So, always have a professional tone when communicating with clients, especially during working hours or when communicating regarding the work. Here is an example that shows the comparison of unprofessional and professional communication: Unprofessional: Hi Dear, how are you? I would like to know about the feedback for the work I sent you. ?? Professional: Hi Mr. Jons! I hope you are doing well. As I sent you the work, I would like your original feedback and a review of the work I sent you. Please, let me know if you need any revisions or editions in work. Thank you! (Your Name here) Keep the Professional Communication Style and Convert Your New Freelance Clients into Long Term Clients 2- Preferring Calls Over Texting Texting or simply chatting with the client to clarify the facts and figures is sometimes insufficient. You must have observed that a text is not enough to clear the issue or show your potential to resolve the matter, even when talking with friends or family members. And same is the case with freelance clients. So, a video or an audio meeting via a direct Freelance platform (If you got a client through a freelance platform) or by using Zoom or Skype (if you are handling a direct or local client) is a good idea. In video or audio meetings, expressing your views and eliminating the issues is easy. It’s not only suitable for effective communication but also adds the trust of your client to you. 3- Setting the Boundaries in Communication Setting some communication boundaries is one of the practical ways to avoid getting into trouble with rude clients (who may report you because of the mistakes you made as a newbie). The matter becomes more critical for beginner freelancers as they feel low confidence when they face such clients at the start of their freelance journey. The first and most important thing is communicating with the clients only on the freelancer platform. The reason is, neither the freelance platforms allow communication with clients outside the platform nor do they provide support in case of any conflict. Any communication proof that happened outside the marketplace is useless so you must keep all your conversation within the marketplace. The essential tip is to listen to your client carefully and give him what he wants. Your disagreements are fine, but if you really offer him the work revision or carefully reply to his arguments in a professional way, he will know that you care about the work. The ultimate result would lead to completing or even ending the project well. Also, remember that ending a project is 100 times better than getting a bad review. 4- Work Before Initiating a Project One of the great ways to avoid such circumstances is to check out some of the critical points before initiating a contract with a client. Here are the essential points: ? Check if the client is giving good reviews to all other freelancers ? Check if the client is paying too little money ? Observe if he is asking for extra work, he will likely lead to the difficult circumstances You can check these points when communicating with a client before he hires you. 5- Don’t Waste Your Energy on an Impossible Client It's okay if the client asks for the revision because of your mistakes as learning from the mistakes is good to make your freelancing journey peaceful and successful. So, stay calm even if you are correct and the client is unhappy. Just listen to them carefully and understand what they mean. One or a few clients may have differing views on you and your work. And it’s also expected that a client asks for multiple revisions. What if a client does not satisfy with the final delivery no matter how much effort you are putting in? Worst case Scenario and the Possible Solution! If you think your client is not convincing or getting happy with your work (which you completed by putting in your maximum effort), let the client go. Yes! This is bold but we suggest you do this as a last resort. Refrain from assuming that you are not able enough to do that specific work. One of the clients from every 100 clients may disagree with you. So, we recommend letting them go instead of convincing them and wasting your time handling that difficulty. This way, you will get mental peace after a short time of client loss worry. Again, remember that letting go of such clients is better than having a bad review on your profile. Author: Shabana Khadim | Reviewed by: Zonaira Ali