PR/marketing/writing freelancers - advice please

[wineonafridaynight]

Is there any one here who freelancers in a PR/marketing/writing capacity, that could offer me some advice please?

Hello. I am a freelance marketing consultant and copywriter who does PR if pushed. How can I help?

Hello. :)

I am currently unemployed and considering doing a bit of freelance work to keep me alive going! :)

I was having a little look online and spotted some potential writing contracts on a website called peopleperhour.com.

I'm basically a bit clueless as to where to start! I have no idea what an average freelancer would charge so when the website gives me an option of 'bidding' I have no idea what a reasonable amount would be. Is there anything else I should think about (other than tax implications which I already have covered)?

Any help would be so greatly appreciated. In the long term I need something full time but for now this would be great!

I should add that my background is marketing/PR.

Hi

I've not used those sites personally, but I know how they work. I would say dont focus on going rates as such, focus on what you would reasonably want to do the work and not feel resentful. Those sites are Dutch auctions really. I can't believe client is not going for lowest price in current climate unless that person sounds like a loon!

As a guide I charge between £20 and £50 an hour which I know is huge gap but depends on how much specialised knowledge can bring to project. It also depends on how much I want the work and if I like the client and believe I can work with them long term. Most freelancers I know charge £30-£40/ hour though I am also in minor northern city not major metropolis

Freelancing has seen me through two kids, 8 years, and numerous nice pairs of shoes. However right now it is tough. Have a look at onlymarketingjobs.co.Uk too as I think they had a few contracting jobs last time I looked. Good middle option if you need to get earning?

Thank you for the advice. It's a bit frightening starting out so it's nice to get some advice from someone who knows what they are talking about.

I will check out the website you have linked to.

To be honest, I don't want a great deal of money atm - I just want enough to live and also to keep me sane. I'm finding unemployment a bit dull and want to keep doing what I can, when I can.

Thanks for the advice. Going to look at the website now. :)

i found peopleperhour a bit of a waste of time. As its international you had people bidding £1 for a 3 hour project.

You could approach some website designers. In my experience they are good at design/code but not the actual content. Their clients may want someone to help them write a website. I would definitely get a business card and try to network a bit. Good luck!

You could join a website like LinkedIn.com and use that to contact your marketing/PR colleagues, see if anyone needs any copywriting done?

I am a freelance writer and have made lots of work contacts that way - recruitment agencies seem to use it a lot to source suitable writers.

It has a lot of groups you can join which will then annoy you with send you job notifications.

I joined People Per Hour - even paid a small fee to upgrade. Most of the copywriting jobs are poorly paid. One offered £50 for (what they called - I estimate longer) a day's work. That is minimum wage. It would be more profitable to work at a fast food restaurant part-time.

Though it depends on what your immediate objectives are - it may be to build up a portfolio.

Linked in is better and your existing network. Though I am someone who finds it hard (I much more used to being a valued client )