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Using Feedback To Become A Better Writer

feedback

Nearly all workers receive feedback from customers, clients, colleagues, or supervisors. Positive feedback can make you feel great about yourself and your abilities but negative feedback, on the other hand, can often feel hurtful. When you work in a field where creativity is part of your job, like in writing, you may be particularly sensitive to negative feedback. But hearing the good and the bad about your writing can help you become a better writer. 

The importance of feedback

It’s a common struggle to be able to critique yourself and your work accurately. Some people are too hard on themselves while others may think more highly of their work than someone looking at it from a neutral perspective. Having an outside party provide you with feedback can help you see where you can improve and help you understand your strengths as a writer. Positive and negative feedback can help you know what changes you should make in your writing and what you’re doing well. 

Use feedback to improve your work

Being criticized for something you worked hard on can feel like a personal attack, but most negative feedback is not malicious. Feedback on your work is usually given to help you improve your writing and learn new skills. Ask questions and take notes when receiving feedback so you’re able to use those suggestions when making corrections or writing new content. If you get feedback that does seem malicious and unhelpful, ignore it, and seek advice from someone else who can help you. 

Being critiqued for your writing doesn’t always make you feel good about yourself, but it can help you learn how to improve yourself. Positive feedback can be useful, but it’s often the negative comments that can make you try harder to do better. Avoid taking criticism personally and seek out advice from others when attempting to improve yourself as a writer.   

The Importance Of Understanding Branding As A Copywriter

branding

Good branding can make all the difference when it comes to success. Whether it’s for a large corporation or a niche company, branding can set one client apart from their competition. As a copywriter, you can improve your content by understanding the importance of branding and how to implement it into your work. Clients appreciate content customized to their brand as it shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their goals and how they wish their company to be perceived. 

The value of branding

In the age of technology where we have constant access to information, companies must learn how to use that to their advantage. Customers or clients can get bogged down with too much information when searching for a product or service. But with good branding, mindless searching is not necessary. A brand that stands out will get the attention of prospective customers who are looking to use that service or purchase that product. Branding can make a company’s product or service memorable, which is extremely important when the competition is so fierce. 

Branding in copywriting 

Copywriters must be able to persuade the reader to take the desired action based on what the client wants. By using the client’s branding, the copywriter can link the customer with the client in a way that makes a lasting connection. Branding, whether that’s through an image, a slogan, or simply a vibe, creates a feeling of belonging where the customer will want to be part of that brand. Brands that stand out against the competition with information that appeals to the needs and wants of the target audience will be remembered.  

Good branding through copywriting fosters an emotional reaction from a customer. Copywriters can use their client’s branding to create content that appeals to the target audience. Branding can make customers take action because want to belong and they don’t want to miss out on what others are buying. By understanding the importance of branding, copywriters can inspire readers to make the decision to act in a way that meets the client’s needs.  

The Benefits Of Moving When You’re Self-Employed

moving

When you’re self-employed or a gig worker, you must take advantage of the benefits offered to you to help you stay financially stable. Some areas are more friendly than others to those who work non-traditional jobs. If you’re struggling with self-employment, you may want to consider moving to an area where benefits are more abundant. The following are some things to consider if you’re thinking about moving to find a better work environment.

Taxes

Taxes vary greatly between states and can significantly impact your finances if you’re self-employed. States that require you to pay a state income tax can greatly cut into your profits, which is why many gig workers and self-employed people do well in states without a state income tax. Some states may offer tax breaks and other benefits to the self-employed. Before moving to a new state, be sure you’re aware of the changes in taxation.

Cost of living

There are ups and downs to living in an area with a high cost of living, but when you’re responsible for paying yourself, those downs may be more impactful. Housing, business supplies, gas, and other essentials can cost much more in higher-cost-of-living areas, leaving you with less money to invest back into your business. If you have employees or contractors, you may have to pay them more in an area with a higher cost of living. 

Other things to consider

Some states offer benefits to self-employed individuals as a way to entice new entrepreneurs to the area. These benefits may include health insurance, options for saving for retirement, and incentives for running a business in the state. Lastly, don’t forget to consider the climate of the state when deciding whether it would be conducive to your business.

When you work independently, you have a lot to consider when choosing whether to relocate your business. Some states are much friendlier to the self-employed. This can come in the form of tax benefits, state-sponsored programs, and lower cost of living. Consider all these factors when deciding whether a move is the right decision. 

Alternatives To Worker’s Compensation Insurance For The Self-Employed

Worker’s Compensation

When you’re self-employed, you don’t have access to most of the benefits that come from working for someone else. But this doesn’t mean you won’t need those benefits at some point. Worker’s compensation insurance is provided by most employers to help employees if they are injured while on the job. Self-employed individuals may not be able to claim traditional worker’s compensation during a work-related injury or illness, but there are other options available. If you work for yourself, are a freelancer, or gig worker, you may want to consider investing in a worker’s compensation alternative. 

What are your options?

Many companies offer insurance policies similar to traditional worker’s compensation. If you’re interested in purchasing a policy, be sure to shop around to find one that meets your needs and budget. Most companies offer different coverage options at varying price points, which allows you to choose one that you can afford and that will help you out if you need it. Before signing up, thoroughly read your contract so that you understand what is covered and what isn’t.

What will it cover?

Like employee-sponsored worker’s compensation insurance, plans designed for self-employed individuals and freelancers will cover most injuries or illnesses that occur while you’re working. If you’re injured on the clock, you can file a claim to be compensated for your loss of wages and medical expenses. Some policies may also provide you with an income if you suffer a temporary or permanent disability related to work.

If you’re self-employed or do freelance work, you likely enjoy the freedom of working on your terms. But that freedom does come with some downsides when compared to having an employer, especially when it comes to worker’s compensation insurance. Fortunately, you do have the option to purchase a policy for yourself based on what you need and can afford. While many people go their entire lives without needing this type of coverage, having it in place provides peace of mind that you can get through your recovery without suffering significant financial hardship.   

Remote Freelancing Jobs To Supplement Your Income 

income

With the increasing costs of groceries and other basic needs, many people are looking for ways to supplement their income. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or are currently unemployed, you may find that you could use some extra money to help you pay the bills. Fortunately, we live in a time where remote freelancing jobs are abundant. If you’re looking for some part-time work that allows you the freedom of working remotely, consider one of the following gigs.

Editing 

If you know how to edit videos, you may be able to find work editing for online content creators. Many people who do videos on social media platforms outsource the editing as it can be tedious and challenging for those who aren’t familiar with editing programs. If you’re better with the written word, you may take on jobs editing blog posts, online articles, or unpublished manuscripts. 

Manage social media accounts

Influencers who have large social media followings often use a manager to help them keep up with all their accounts. This could include replying to comments, deleting and blocking offensive users, and creating posts on a regular schedule. Managing someone else’s social media accounts comes with a lot of responsibility as most influencers greatly value their online presence. Consequently, this can be quite lucrative if you find someone who needs a manager to keep up with their accounts.

Copywriting

If you’re good at writing and have some basic marketing knowledge, put those skills to work as a copywriter. There are many online sources looking for copywriters that allow you to work as little or as much time as you want during the week. You’ll face deadlines where you must submit completed work, but other than that, when you choose to complete that work is up to you, making it ideal for those who want to squeeze in some work hours between other obligations. 

There’s no shame in looking for extra work as a freelancer, especially in tough economic situations. No matter your current work situation, adding a few hours of freelancing work each week can help you meet your financial obligations. Consider what skills and knowledge you have and put those to use in one of the many remote work opportunities available.