Advanced Freelancing

Landing Quality Freelance Writing Opportunities with Contena Coach Amanda Scheibner-EP036

05.18.2017 - By Laura PenningtonPlay

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$5 for a 500-word article!? How’s a freelancer supposed to eat?   If you’ve ever sifted through the writing opportunities on platforms like Craigslist, Upwork or Indeed, you know it’s a painstaking process – rife with listings that just don’t cut it when it comes to compensation. Today’s guest offers an alternative that will save you a significant amount of time and provide support as you hone your skills.   Amanda Scheibner is a success coach with Contena, a valuable service that delivers quality job opportunities to freelance writers. She has a background in education, having taught English composition and worked in a university writing center. As a Contena coach, she is prepared to push you in terms of organization and examples, helping you refine your pitch and fine-tune your writing. Amanda enjoys traveling, watching baseball, and relaxing with her pups. And she’s always looking for a good book recommendation! Today she explains how the Contena platform functions to provide quality leads to its freelance members, how the site sorts opportunities based on your preferences, and how Contena is different from the other job boards out there!   Key Takeaways Who can take advantage of Contena as a platform Anyone interested in writing – even if they haven’t written in a long time Stay-at-home parents in search of flexibility Retired people seeking additional income Freelance writers with experience looking to find better jobs, resources   Why Contena was created Writers spending more time searching for leads than writing Provides a space where all high-quality writing jobs live   How Contena is different from other platforms The platform does the searching for quality jobs Freelancers set up alerts based on their skill set/interests Contena saves the freelancer time looking for leads   How Contena communicates potential leads to freelancers Delivered via email or text message Tailored to fit the freelancer’s specified preferences   The Contena team’s parameters for posting a job opportunity Must be well-paid, quality position All opportunities are remote Variety of full-time, part-time and contract work   The value Contena provides for freelancers Only forwards jobs aligned to your preferences Opportunities provide appropriate compensation Offers specific information regarding client expectations   What makes a great pitch Tailored intro explaining why you’re a great fit Two or three relevant writing samples Testimonials to bolster your credibility Call-to-action (i.e.: question or trial period offer)   The subscription plans Contena offers Gold Plan – portfolio and pitch review plus feedback on three writing samples Platinum Plan – unlimited, dedicated coaching Both offer access to Contena Academy   The most popular niches on the platform Lifestyle (travel, parenting, beauty, fitness/sports) Education   Qualities necessary for a freelancer to have success with Contena Flexibility Willingness to research   Amanda’s best advice for aspiring freelance writers Don’t put it off, especially if you’re stuck in a job you don’t love Jump in the deep end, knowing there is support available Don’t get discouraged – you’re not alone!   Resources Laura’s Contena Tips   Connect with Amanda Scheibner Contena Email: [email protected]

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