Freelance Job Opportunities in Online Web Writing

Online Job Search Basics

It is possible to perform a search in your browser for "online writing jobs," but you probably won't find the really good jobs you're sure to be searching for. Most often, new online job hunters get side tracked by ads touting get-rich-quick schemes or job sites that require a paid membership. Luckily, there are plenty of free online job Web sites that help job seekers and businesses find each other. Check out the following Web sites for daily job postings for writers:

Popular Job Banks

• Freelance Writing Gigs: A popular blog with job listings and informational articles for writers
• Morning Coffee Newsletter: Published every Tuesday morning, this site features numerous writing jobs
• Online Writing Jobs : Online writing job listings from all over the Internet with links to other sites
• Freelance Writing Jobs: An online writing database and job bank
• Telecommuting4You: Features RSS feeds from job lists all over the Internet for freelancers, all in one place
• Organized Writer: Magazine guidelines database
• Riley Guide: Writing, broadcast and journalism listings
• Journalism Now : Lots of job listings for journalists
• Staff Writers: Find online writing jobs here
• The Write Jobs: From technical writers to ezines, this job site covers them all
• Sun Oasis: Lists many jobs for niche writers

Avoid Scams

After you've reviewed the job banks on the Internet, it is time to pick and choose which listings you'll respond to. However, don't make a novice mistake and apply to any listing that looks good. Smart freelance writers know to check the warning and blacklist sites on the Internet. These lists provide information on clients that have unfair job contracts, don't pay their writers on time, or don't even pay them at all. Save yourself a lot of time and anguish by checking out the alerts on the following Web sites:

• National Writer's Union: Visit the Writer Alerts
• Writer's Weekly : Read the Whispers and Warnings
• Fiction Writer's Connection: View the Storm Warnings
• Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America: Look at the Writer Beware listings
• Fiction Factor: Read the Writer's Alerts and Warnings
• Better Business Bureau: Check a business name or individual to see if they have any complaints filed against them

More Freelance Job Opportunities in Online Web Writing

It is easy to find the obvious; there are many job banks online with job listings galore. However, there are a few other places to find freelance job opportunities in online web writing. The following are just a few sites to get you started in your job hunt:

• Freelance Writing Forum
• Writers Weekly Forum
• Associated Content – Other Online Gigs: You will need to sign up for free to visit the forum.

Increase Your Job Opportunities

Never under estimate the power of your own Web site to attract clients. Many ISPs offer their users a free Web page to subscribers. Writers can also create their own Web site on Wet Paint, a Wiki based site. Post your profile information along with your resume and a professional picture. Don't forget to submit your new Web site URL to search engines to spread the word about your writing services.

Finding freelance writing work can be easy, if you know where to look. Check for great online writing gigs on the frequently updated writer's Web sites. Don't forget to browse writer's forums as well, as there are many jobs that aren't listed in the job banks. Finally, if you're not familiar with a potential client, check them out with the Better Business Bureau and writer's blacklists. It is always better to do a little background research in the beginning than to have to fight to get paid later.