No new freelancer is perfect - not me, and maybe, not you too. However if we are smart, we learn from our mistakes. If we are smarter, we learn from others' mistakes.
A few years ago (3 years ago?) I had the idea of freelancing as a transcriber. I know I'm good at what I do and love doing what I do - transcribing.
I wanted, and still do, the opportunity to work closely with clients and build relationships with them, which is missing when clients outsource to transcription companies.
I also look at freelancing as the next step in my career. Ten-fifteen years down the line I want a transcription business of my own that focuses on providing personalized service to every customer.
However, these four mistakes effectively hijacked my freelance career at take-off!
No research
I started my freelance career by buying a domain. A domain name which, in retrospect, is very limiting. I've done no research of any kind to learn about my target market, the potential or the price they might be willing to pay for my services or whether they will be willing to pay at all.
Forget about market research, I didn't even do preliminary keyword researching which is crucial for any online business.
Also, as I was new to freelancing there was no social proof of my experience or my expertise. I have no testimonials or references or certificates to back up my legitimacy and professionalism.
There I was with a domain name and a WordPress blog, waiting for prospects to find me!
Choosing a new niche
Even though I've had about 3-4 years experience in the legal transcription industry I chose to target bloggers. Bloggers have started to provide transcripts of their podcasts (video or audio) on their blogs so, I thought it's a good idea to offer podcast transcription services.
This meant that I have no samples (obviously) or testimonials from clients. Unfortunately, this was the only reason why I missed the opportunity of working with a now famous blogger on his podcast transcripts!
Also, back then, podcast transcription being new to bloggers only the top bloggers post transcripts of their podcasts. Not many bloggers know the benefits of podcast transcripts. Bloggers had to be educated on the merits of having transcripts of their podcasts. That's a huge challenge.
Not willing to spend money on... anything!
Other than buying a domain and a webhost, I was not willing and don't have the money to spend on blog design, logo, email marketing, advertising, copywriting etc.
Without even a basic professional blog design and copywriting, it's hard for a nobody to gain the trust of potential customers. Yes, it's possible to set up a free blog easily. It's easy to put up a decent looking website. But the truth is, unless you have at least a premium theme and a decent logo people won't trust your site.
When it comes to online promotion first impression is truly the last.
Other things you might have to spend money on are:
Other things you might have to spend money on are:
- A decent keyword research tool.
- An FTP solution or something like Sharefile that allows you to share files easily and customers to upload their audios.
- An invoice solution
- An online payment gateway like Paypal.
- A Facebook page, a twitter profile etc.
- Advertising (ex: on Facebook and/or Linkedin or other websites/blogs)
Not networking with fellow freelance transcribers
When I started my freelance blog trying to find customers I focussed on writing blog posts after blog posts. Although that in itself is not bad, I ignored networking. I ignored commenting on other related blogs or transcription blogs. I had no idea where to find freelance transcribers online.
Working online is a lonely endeavour enterprise. You need others to share their experience (especially as you are new to it) and guide you. You need some sort of a mentor who can tell you when you do something wrong and tell you when you are right as well.
Conclusion
Working from home as a transcriber is not easy. There is a lot you have to learn. Hopefully, you will have learnt a thing or two from my mistakes and do it right if and when you decide to go freelance.
Ironically, I get to work as a freelance transcriber when I was not actively looking for work. In fact, I've since put my plan for going freelance fulltime on the back burner for now. But if and when I decide to get back to it I now know what I needed to do and how.
Working online is a lonely endeavour enterprise. You need others to share their experience (especially as you are new to it) and guide you. You need some sort of a mentor who can tell you when you do something wrong and tell you when you are right as well.
Conclusion
Working from home as a transcriber is not easy. There is a lot you have to learn. Hopefully, you will have learnt a thing or two from my mistakes and do it right if and when you decide to go freelance.
Ironically, I get to work as a freelance transcriber when I was not actively looking for work. In fact, I've since put my plan for going freelance fulltime on the back burner for now. But if and when I decide to get back to it I now know what I needed to do and how.
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Hi, firt time I'm posting and my story is mostly the same. I had a highly stressful position and after a stern lecture from my doctor, I started The Typing Pool. I have gone from a one-man busines to currently employing 3 full-time transciptioinist and one on a flexi-time basis.
ReplyDeleteAlmost all of my work is generated via word of mouth. The only hinderance to further growth is the fact that everything is proofed by myself and there are only so many hours in each day.
I love what I do and "the girls" love working from a home office environment.
From checking out your website I assumed you are Shan Reynolds.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from someone who has "made it".
I think you might want to consider blogging and social media platforms to generate more interest for your business.
As I said you are doing okay employing four transcribers and working for yourself.
You just got yourself a fan!
The good thing about this is you learn from your mistakes and will be successful next time.
ReplyDelete