Typing is the most common job skill in the world. But what if there was an easy way for anyone who could touch-type to start earning money from it without any special skills or experience?
It's possible! In fact, many people are already doing just that -- making extra cash as freelancers on websites like Fiverr and UpWork by offering their services as professional proofreaders, transcribers, writers, editors, etc. If you'd rather not work full time but still want to make some extra money, this might be something worth exploring further.
If you're interested in trying out your hand at being a self-employed "typist," here are all of the ways you can use your fingers to make money from anywhere...and maybe even find yourself working remotely someday soon.
For starters, yes, you absolutely can make money simply by typing words faster than someone else can write them down (or read them). Typists are called speedwriters and they usually charge between $25-$50 per hour depending on where you live and other factors. It may take practice to match their speeds, though.
I'm definitely not one myself. When I type quickly, my fingers often hit letters together instead of separating into individual keys. My typing also tends to have long pauses when I go backspace because I tend to think about what I typed before pressing enter. Luckily, these things can easily be remedied through practice. And while some of us may struggle with our handwriting too, others will actually benefit from having bad penmanship since they'll need to rely solely on voice recognition software to record dictation.
"There are plenty of jobs available [for] those who prefer transcription and/or subtitling — which require very little knowledge beyond knowing how to hold a pencil steady enough to keep up with dialogue."
In addition to speedwriting gigs, there are lots of opportunities for typists looking to stay flexible with their careers. For example, you can offer editing, proofreading, writing, content marketing support, copywriting, SEO consulting, and technical documentation assistance via remote means. You don't necessarily need specialized training or degrees to pursue these types of positions either. The nice thing about remote work is that you can choose which hours suit your lifestyle best, whether that's part-time, evenings, weekends, etc.
You can expect to pay somewhere around $20 - $30 per hour for basic typing, although rates vary widely based on location. As mentioned above, the hourly rate you settle on depends largely on your local market demand. So how exactly do you set your own price? Here are two good places to begin:
1) TypeTasty provides free resources such as typing tests, resume templates, interview tips, and much more to help you learn to type and improve your typing speed. They also provide a helpful calculator to estimate your potential earnings, so give it a try.
2) Freelancer offers tools like keyword research calculators, project management apps, invoicing systems, and similar to help you succeed as a freelance writer. Check out the site to see how various projects work with different payment models.
3) One of the easiest ways to land a gig is to post your availability on platforms like Indeed, FlexJobs, LinkedIn Job Search, Dice Jobs, Glassdoor, etc., then wait patiently for new leads to come rolling in. Be sure to include any relevant education information you've obtained recently to show why you should hire you over another qualified candidate.
4) Another option is to join sites like Toptal, Elance, Guru, Vworker, etc., which allow users to bid on different projects posted to the platform. There are pros and cons to each service, including fees associated with bidding on a given project. Some will also let you upload your portfolio directly onto their website once accepted into the program. Take note, however, that some of these companies require their members to follow strict rules regarding client privacy and confidentiality. Read their terms of use carefully before joining.
5) Finally, check out popular job boards like Scriptlance, Microworkjobs, TaskRabbit, Amazon Mechanical Turk, Helium, Gigbucks, etc. Many of these sites have additional features that are useful specifically for finding freelance typing work, like built-in chat rooms for networking, community forums for asking questions, email alerts, etc.
While we're discussing job board options, Reddit has several subreddits dedicated to helping its members find typing work. A quick search should yield results.
6) Just remember that the income figures you see listed on job boards are estimates provided by employers looking to fill open roles. Your actual earnings will depend entirely upon your performance and ability to negotiate salary packages. Use discretion when negotiating your first few contracts. Afterward, feel free to ask for higher wages as needed.
One last tip: Don't ever sign a contract unless you fully understand everything written within it. Always insist on getting a detailed breakdown of duties and responsibilities for every single task you agree to complete, especially ones that involve payments. Otherwise, you risk losing control over the process and ultimately paying far less than expected due to underpayment.
7) Last but certainly not least, know that you aren't alone among aspiring typists. Thousands of others worldwide are currently pursuing careers as speedwriters, proofreaders, scribes, etc. This makes competition stiffer than usual for landing clients willing to pay top dollar for quality work. However, if you're persistent and prepared to put in the necessary effort, you can eventually overcome this obstacle and carve out your niche in the industry.
First off, it helps to build trust with prospective customers early on. Start by submitting samples of your past work, plus any testimonials you receive along the way. Then, refer business partners who request references and share your contact info with them. Lastly, consider opening your own virtual office space for future endeavors. While it takes a lot of hard work and persistence to break into this field, it does become easier once you establish credibility with existing clients.
So now that you've got a better idea of what it entails to gain employment as a freelance typist, let's talk about how technology plays a role in improving your odds of success.
As a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, millions of Americans across the country were suddenly left bored and isolated during quarantine periods. That translates to an unprecedented opportunity for businesses seeking to connect with consumers via video calls and meetings. Businesses big and small are increasingly using telecommuting solutions to reduce overhead costs, increase employee productivity, and boost profits overall. Remote workers can enjoy benefits ranging from improved health care coverage to lower taxes.
This trend toward remote work is likely to continue throughout 2021 and beyond, meaning that the number of people who work primarily from computers will grow significantly year after year. As more businesses adopt remote work policies, more individuals will need to communicate effectively via text messages, emails, chats, webinars, Zoom calls, Skype sessions, Google Hangouts, etc. To accommodate this growing demand, it's important to invest in reliable computer equipment capable of handling high bandwidth activities.
Fortunately, there are tons of affordable computing products designed specifically for this purpose. From simple laptops to powerful desktops, modern devices typically feature CPUs, GPUs, SSDs, RAM, Wi-Fi capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, HDMI output, multi-monitor setups, integrated graphics cards, etc. With proper setup and configuration, virtually anything can function as a laptop.
The bottom line is that if you possess decent mechanical keyboard skills and you're okay with setting up your own workspace, you can turn your passion for typing into a profitable side hustle. Plus, thanks to ongoing technological advancements, today's typewriters look nothing like the monolithic contraptions used decades ago. Instead, you can purchase sleek wireless keyboards made from durable materials like rubber or plastic, or opt for ergonomic versions that fit snugly against your hands.
And speaking of ergonomics, never forget to protect your eyes! Computer screens emit blue light that causes eye fatigue and dryness, so always use screen protection whenever possible. Additionally, it's smart to wear protective eyewear and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of social media in advancing your career as a freelance typist. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Tumblr, Pinterest, Discord, Slack, etc., enable you to network with professionals in the industry and promote your expertise to potential customers. Social networks are also great sources for customer referrals and word-of-mouth advertising. Keep track of trends and news pertaining to this particular profession by following hashtags like #typing, #freelancing, #speedwriter, #transcriber, #subtitler, #proofreader, #editor, #contentmarketing, etc.
Aside from building relationships and establishing credibility as a trusted expert, the fastest route to becoming a successful freelance typist involves learning how to maximize efficiency and minimize wasted time. First impressions matter, so treat the prospect of securing a gig with respect and professionalism. Next, focus on providing exceptional value to your first few clients, which will pave the way for repeat orders.
I'm obsessed with learning new skills that will help me make money. In fact, if you look around your house right now there are probably dozens of things sitting in boxes labeled "DIY" or "Hobby." But what happens when those hobbies don't pay enough for rent or food? What about people who need their work done faster than they could do it themselves (like teachers)? How would you feel if someone else did all the work while you made some extra cash?
If you're like most people, you just want to be able to have fun while making money from home -- something easy to set up and run. And fortunately, it's possible! There are tons of ways to make money online today, whether it’s by selling stuff you already own, creating digital products, writing ebooks, posting ads, teaching others, or helping out other entrepreneurs. You'll find hundreds of opportunities available so there really isn't one way better than another. The key is finding which ones work best for you and then putting them into action. Here's how to start earning money quickly using nothing but your fingers.
The fastest path toward getting started is through affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketers connect merchants with buyers, allowing both sides to benefit directly from each sale. For affiliates, this means sending visitors to websites where they can buy products or services before being charged any fees.
For example, let's say an author wants to promote her book. She might choose Amazon as her merchant because she sells books online. This allows her to send readers straight to the retailer's site to purchase her novel instead of having them click links within emails. It also lets her offer special promotions or discounts to encourage sales. If the reader decides to buy the book after reading it, Amazon takes its cut.
Affiliates typically receive commissions based on the amount of product sold or number of customers referred. As such, they usually aren't required to actually ship items or create customer accounts. That's why many beginners opt to use popular programs like ClickBank or Commission Junction to handle payment processing and order tracking. These platforms allow users to sign up for free and instantly begin promoting products. They take care of everything else automatically. Once again, affiliate marketers simply refer potential customers to retailers' sites. When these shoppers decide to buy, the company pays the affiliate a commission.
While affiliate marketing may seem complicated, it doesn't require much technical knowledge. In fact, anyone can join in on the business and start generating income immediately. Plus, since it involves linking to retail stores rather than setting up a website yourself, it's often easier to market. All you need is an email address and a good internet connection. To become an affiliate marketer, see our beginner guide here.
Everyone has certain talents or interests that bring joy in everyday life. Even if you hate talking to strangers, you still know how to play an instrument well or draw beautifully. So even though you may not think you'd enjoy starting a career as a graphic designer or event planner, you should consider pursuing related fields anyway.
When looking for lucrative careers, try searching job boards specific to your field. Some examples include Eventbrite for events, LinkedIn for networking, Indeed for jobs, and Etsy for crafts. Alternatively, search general job boards like Monster, Craigslist, or Career Builder. Just keep in mind that you won't always land a dream gig on the first page of results. Your goal is to apply for several different types of positions until you strike gold.
Once you've found a position you're interested in, research companies in your area that hire workers similar to you. Look for openings relating to your talent or interest. Then contact hiring managers via phone calls, resumes, or personal meetings. Don't forget to ask questions during interviews to ensure you understand exactly what employers expect of employees. Keep track of relevant news, tips, and trends to stay ahead of the game.
Not everyone enjoys spending time researching or applying for new jobs. If you prefer staying comfortable yet profitable, consider freelancing. Freelancers provide professional services like editing articles, transcribing videos, proofreading papers, designing graphics, translating foreign languages, and providing administrative support. Many industries rely heavily upon freelance workers, meaning demand is high for qualified professionals.
As a freelancer, you'll likely spend less time working compared to full-time employees and therefore save money over time. However, it does present challenges. First, you must determine your niche. Are you going to specialize in web design, copywriting, photography, social media management, public relations, medical transcription, etc.? Second, you'll need to develop expertise in your chosen profession. Third, you'll need to build relationships with clients, editors, photographers, video producers, designers, etc., and establish trust. Luckily, freelancing offers flexibility, so you can pick and choose your projects depending on current availability.
You can easily put together a portfolio and showcase your abilities to prospective clients. Take advantage of tools like UpWork, Fiverr, Fivver, People Per Hour, Elance, Guru, PeopleZoom, Fancy Hands, oDesk, Toptal, Vworker, and Remote Year to name a few. Simply figure out what you love to do, research relevant information, and pitch ideas to potential clients. Clients appreciate seeing samples of past work and hearing real stories behind your accomplishments.
To maximize earnings, focus on building quality connections with trusted contacts. Make sure to follow industry guidelines and regulations. Be honest and reliable and treat every project seriously. Also, remember that once deadlines pass, it's up to you to finish the task. Never lose sight of the importance of delivering top-quality output on time.
There are thousands of legitimate businesses online that pay handsomely for content created by independent writers. Writers can either write original pieces or rewrite existing material. Examples include Forbes, Inc., Demand Studios, National Geographic Travel Magazine, Men's Health, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, Self, Slate, Thought Catalog, Women's Day, and Yahoo!. By submitting unique articles or interesting facts to these publications, independent writers can generate significant passive incomes.
On average, $7 per article equals approximately $49,000 per year. With consistent effort, writers can achieve annual salaries exceeding six figures. Depending on the publication, submissions may range from 400 words to 20,000+ words. Most publishers request between 1,000--5,000 word counts. While longer posts tend to garner higher payments, shorter pieces generally command greater rates. Therefore, it's important to prioritize your efforts accordingly. Try breaking down larger tasks into smaller chunks to avoid burning out.
Here are two great places to submit your articles: https://www.forbes.com/submitmailto/writers/. https://www.ezinearticles.com/contact/?freewriters=1. Both options give you instant access to millions of monthly readers. However, Ezines requires that authors charge a fee to cover submission costs whereas Forbes operates on a subscription basis.
A final option worth exploring is becoming an influencer. Influencers curate and publish informative and entertaining posts revolving around trending topics. Popular publications include Facebook Live, Instagram Stories, and Snapchat Geofilters. Brands and celebrities seek influencers to collaborate with on product launches, sponsored activations, and advertising campaigns. Since influencers have built reputations for sharing compelling opinions, followers eagerly anticipate updates containing valuable insights.
With growing competition, influencers face pressure to produce fresh content regularly. Whether you post daily, weekly, or biweekly, consistency matters. Regularly producing engaging content keeps viewers engaged and encourages advertisers to return. Consider developing a following comprised of targeted audiences that share similar interests, goals, and values.
You may be wondering where you could possibly find a better way of making money than working in an office or from your computer. Well, maybe sitting on a beach with a cocktail umbrella and sipping Mai Tai while watching sunsets over Hawaii -- but that's not what we're talking about today! We are going to explore some ways you can use technology to help you make extra cash without leaving your desk chair.
Making Money Typing Online Jobs
There are several websites out there which offer opportunities to make money typing work-from-home jobs. These sites include Elance, oDesk, Guru, Fiverr and Typetester. The easiest way to begin looking for these types of gigs would be through Google search results. Simply enter "work from home" along with any relevant terms such as "subtitles," "audio transcription", etc., into your browser window and see if anything appears. If so, click on it to view the details page associated with this particular gig. This will usually have information regarding pay rate, location, qualifications required and other important considerations before pursuing further.
If you don't want to spend time browsing the web, you can also visit platforms like Freelancer.com, Clutch, UpWork and Toptal. All of them allow users to post their skills (e.g. writing, editing) and projects they'd like completed. You'll then receive bids from potential clients who need the service you provide. Another option is using Craigslist's local services section. Although this platform isn't exactly known for its high quality standards, it does serve as a great starting point for people interested in getting started with freelancing/business ventures. Once again, simply put in the term "writing" or whatever else meets your needs. A good rule of thumb when searching for new work is to keep an eye open for phrases such as "need writer" or "freelance proofreader."
Another interesting opportunity available on the internet comes from Reddit. Reddit has become a popular hub for finding freelance gigs. Most posts are posted under subreddits dedicated specifically to various professions, including those related to writing, design and programming. For example, /r/WritingGigs offers both writers and editors seeking work. There are plenty of similar forums devoted to different fields of expertise. Don’t forget to check out our list of the best free apps to find side hustles and remote work.
Perhaps one of the most common reasons why someone would consider doing this kind of work is because they lack specific knowledge or experience in certain areas. In order to fill this void, individuals often hire others to complete tasks for them. One method to take advantage of this situation is to create a website called TypeMeLater. Here, anyone can sign up for free and participate in submitting samples of their written word. Payment options vary depending on whether submissions come directly from customers or via PayPal. However, all participants must agree to the Terms of Service prior to signing up for the site. As far as compensation goes, members are eligible for 50 percent commission per submission submitted, plus $0.30 for each typed letter entered onto the system. Submissions can range anywhere between 250 words and 15 pages long.
With regards to how much money one might expect to make based solely off of typing, it depends on many variables. Some people claim to make around $5-$10 an hour after setting up shop on Type Me Later. Others say that since they aren't really providing value beyond just transcribing letters, they should be compensated accordingly. Regardless of the answer, it's clear that if you've been thinking about starting your own business but were unsure of what sort of career path to pursue, this might be something worth considering.
It can definitely feel strange having to listen to recordings instead of reading them, especially if you tend to read books pretty voraciously. But once you familiarize yourself with the process, it won't seem too bad. And it certainly beats hearing people talk in real life. What's even cooler is knowing that the majority of your colleagues probably aren't doing anything productive either. That said, there's no denying that listening to recorded conversations can sometimes prove difficult due to background noise and poor recording equipment. Luckily, companies offering audio dictation services typically hire professionals who specialize in voice recognition software. They are highly trained to accurately recognize voices and convert them into text.
On top of that, most employers require employees to submit transcripts within 24 hours in order to minimize delays. Since you know what the client wants before he knows himself, this shouldn't pose too big of a problem. Also, unlike video transcriptions, you can set your own price for audio transcription. Your quote will depend upon how complex the material is and how quickly you wish to deliver it.
In addition to being able to connect with potential clients, another reason why people choose to look for work online is because it allows them to set their own schedule. When applying for a traditional job, you're generally expected to arrive early, stay late and attend mandatory meetings throughout the day. While this may sound fine in theory, it creates a lot of stress that ultimately leads to burnout. Because of this, people prefer to work independently whenever possible. Thankfully, nowadays, there are numerous applications designed exclusively for independent workers.
One of the most well-known ones is Toggl Track. With this tool, you can record activities performed during breaks, lunchtime or anytime you happen to stop working. Then, you can easily transfer data into spreadsheets for analysis later on. Additionally, if you ever need to track billable hours, you can input these times manually or download them automatically from Toggl.
Toggled Logs is another useful application geared toward helping freelancers manage their schedules. Users can log everything from meals eaten to calls made. Afterward, they can export this data into a spreadsheet program for easy viewing. Furthermore, if you plan on billing clients hourly, this tool lets you add your time spent directly into invoices. So, essentially, you can turn your phone into a mobile expense tracker. Lastly, Toggl makes it easy to sync multiple devices and mobile operating systems.
Depending on how much money you hope to generate, you can opt to join an affiliate marketing network or sell products direct from Amazon. Affiliateships involve promoting other businesses' products on social media networks, blogs and email lists. Depending on the company that provides access to these accounts, commissions can range anywhere from 5% to 75%. Typically, however, affiliates never give away 100% of profits. Instead, they retain a portion of sales in return. Selling merchandise from reputable retailers such as Amazon and eBay involves selling items directly. Prices can range anywhere from 10 cents to hundreds of dollars. Keep in mind that selling product requires additional expenses such as shipping fees. Therefore, buyers beware!
For beginners, joining affiliate programs seems like a wise choice. They normally offer lower costs, although you still have to cover the cost of advertising. Plus, this approach gives you greater control over earnings, whereas direct sellers face stiff competition. Nevertheless, if you decide to go down this route, it helps to learn basic HTML coding and develop relationships with bloggers and journalists on Twitter and Facebook.
Lastly, if you enjoy creating content, you can always try putting together informative eBooks or digital courses. Digital publishing platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and KDP Select enable authors to publish their works for sale directly. However, these outlets limit royalties earned to 70%, so it's essential to research the market first.
As mentioned earlier, there are lots of resources online that offer typing jobs. Finding the right place to start may not actually be the issue. Rather, it's choosing to commit oneself fully to the venture that poses the greatest challenge.
The key to success lies in establishing solid foundations. Before diving headfirst into self employment, you should prepare yourself mentally and financially. First, think about what kind of output you envision receiving. Next, determine if you possess enough technical skills to pull it off. Finally, figure out the amount of capital needed to launch your endeavor.
Once you're ready to hit the ground running, you should establish goals and a timeline. Setting milestones will help you measure progress and avoid falling behind. Ideally, you should aim to produce five pieces of work per week to maintain momentum. It's also crucial to stick to deadlines. Otherwise, you risk losing precious clients. Even though it may be tempting to procrastinate, resist the urge. Doing things half-way doesn't cut it.
To wrap things up, let us reiterate that becoming a full-time typist may not be for everyone. Still, if you live near a major city and enjoy talking to strangers, you might want to give it a shot. Just remember to treat this line of work seriously, as it holds significant promise for generating income.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.