Freelance Idea Roundup Monday - 14 August 2008
April 14, 2008
photo credit: gierszewski
I love researching new business ideas. Not because I’m interested in starting any particular one—most of them I couldn’t touch with my lack of experience. No, it’s because there’s so much possibility for anyone to start and run a freelance business.
Today’s technologies provide a “no excuse” policy for many. If these posts inspire at least one person to start a new business, then I’m happy.
Get ready to get motivated with today’s four ideas…
Book Illustrator/Designer
As access to publishing technology grows, so does the opportunity to market to every wannabe writer on the planet. The exact number of potential authors is unknown but with a Website like National Novel Writing Month, there’s probably hundreds of thousands.
A book illustrator might contract with publishing houses or setup a site and market directly to writers. For the artistic entrepreneur, you might want to specialize in children’s books, since they maximize illustrations.
You’ll either get paid with royalties and advances—split 50/50 with the writer—or receive a one time fee for each illustration. To build your portfolio, check out freelance job sites. Once you get a few projects under your belt, getting more client referrals will be much easier.
Database Designer/Programmer
Thanks to common desktop office software and open source Web based software, almost everyone with a computer has access to the tools needed to create a database.
Most database software has built-in templates for users who want to get started quickly with minimal fuss. But, for many companies, especially small, growing companies, these templates don’t meet their specific needs.
As a database designer, you’ll figure out the best way companies can store and retrieve their data. You may also be called to integrate both stand alone (desktop) systems and Web based systems.
Getting certified in your specialty software will show your clients they can trust you with their critical info.
Online Ad Designer
Online advertising is expected to top $18B in 2008, more than double what it was four years ago.
Businesses are looking for an expert who can help them navigate their advertising options—someone who can demonstrate results. One way to stand above the competition is to test your methods on yourself first.
Small businesses especially will want to know they’re getting a return on their investment. This is a great opportunity for copywriters who know how to “write tight” since most pay per click (PPC) search engines severely limit ad space.
Website Reviewer/Quality Consultant
I ran into this idea five years ago but dismissed it because I thought nobody would be willing to pay for a Website review. Boy, times have changed. As blogging continues to rise in popularity, Webmasters are looking for any way to scrape up as much traffic as possible.
If you have experience with usability consulting or design, you can easily setup shop as a Quality Consultant. You’ll review a client’s Website, or blog, and write a five to six page report on what the owner can do to 1) increase traffic and page views, 2) convert more sales from that traffic and 3) keep visitors coming back. Price reports at $100+ and offer a discount for multiple reports.
If a client needs a major site redo, you can outsource the project and get a referral fee in the process. Not bad for writing a small report.
What do you think? Are you motivated to start any of these businesses? Let me know if you would like me to review a specific business idea. I’m always open for suggestions.
Related posts:
- Freelance Idea Roundup Monday
- Freelance Idea Roundup Monday - March 10th 2008
- Freelance Idea Monday - Creativity Consulting
Posted in Freelance Business Ideas, Freelance Life
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