WordClerks

Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?



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Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?

Data Entry is probably one of the most sought job for people who wish to embark on a journey to the world of online freelancing. WordClerks is probably one of the easiest way to get you first data entry job, and if you get lucky, you could probably have a long a successful journey throughout your freelancing career.

Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?

Data Entry jobs are fairly easy and sometimes very self explanatory - from working on excels or spreadsheets to using softwares that is already programmed and is just waiting for you to fill it up with data.

Although Data Entry is a very famous freelancing job, the question still begs to be answered. Is it viable or is it only good for first timers and for additional experiences?

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DarthHazard
It's definitely a good job to start out with but unfortunately, it just doesn't pay that well. I'm sure that as a first-time freelancer, most people will be happy to do the job no matter what as long as they get paid. It's just one of those jobs that you just do because it's not as enjoyable or fun to do especially compared to paid posting.



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galegatling
True. The downside about this job is that it is very boring and and repetitive in the long run. But it should be good enough for people who are first timers in the world of online freelancing jobs. And it is a good source of experience too, so why not?



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JoeMilford
I think that I would be very bored at this job. I researched it a little bit after posting to this forum earlier, and I could already tell it would drive me a little bit stir-crazy if I were to invest the time into this career enough in order to make any profit in it at all.



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galegatling
That is because you are thinking about the short-term kind of job. You are probably thinking about doing it as a sideline for a couple of hours or minutes. Some people who work on companies as data entry specialist/freelancer, earn a lot because they are treated like a regular employee too. So if you build up your reputation and go for gold, this is also a good try but not for everybody of course. Most of the jobs online would eventually get boring too I guess except for graphics artist or video animators, etc.



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JoeMilford
I think you are right here, and I was being a bit short-sighted. That's why I need people like you in the forums to keep me straight, lol. With anything in freelancing, it would appear that you have to build your reputation and expertise, as in any business, so you can sell yourself and get paid what you are worth. I appreciate your point here. I've been checking out a few places to apply to for this, so I might give it a try down the line.



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iamawriter
I have heard about this but never tried it myself. Have you had the chance to give it a go? How was your experience? Do they pay well or pay on time? As you say, it is fine for those who are just about getting into the world of online writing.



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galegatling
I have tried it once in our university when I was still studying and it was sort of my part-time job. The job is pretty basic and straightforward. It's like encoding but easier since you already have templates and forms as your guide. You will just have to enter the datas, thus data entry. Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers? Same goes to online data entry jobs too.



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DarthHazard
Oh definitely. I had work experience when I was younger and I had to spend a day doing data entry for the company that I worked at. The rest of my experience there was amazing but the data entry was just awful. I only did it for a day as well and even then it was only for a few hours. Imagine having to do data entry for hours on end every day, it would just get so repetitive and boring!



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mark8625
Think it was bored also but the experience that you will get from it is something that needs to be treasured. I have never tried this kind of job but I would love to try to and let see if its true that this is a boring job.



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davedaot04
Yes but can you provide some websites that accepts people that have no experience, because I'm having a hard time on landing even just a Data Entry job? Anyone out here, can you please mention some of the websites that is easy to apply and does accepts people who has no experience regarding data entry?



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Kakashi2020
I agree with you on that data entry jobs does pay low rates and it's a bit hard to get one since a lot of people are interested and looking for data entry jobs. I think data transcription jobs pay better and are easier to find.



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treecko142
Yeah, there are a lot of available jobs for data entry online and some don't really require any experience to work, and so it's a good way of having a feel for online freelancing even if it doesn't pay as much as the other jobs. Still, if you have areas of expertise other than data entry, you're best to work in those jobs rather than stick to data entry for the future.



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jaybee19
Exactly. When you're a first-timer, everything is okay with you. Based from my own experience, even a dollar was big for me during that time when I was still starting. Now, I don't think I'll be contented anymore and it really feels sad because most freelance jobs right now don't pay that much.



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Kakashi2020
I do have to agree that startup freelancers can start working by doing Data Entry work. It's easy and some may be purely data entry work while others entails some research work.



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Kakashi2020
I think that forum posting is much better as a start up job for freelancing newbies. I've tried data entry work and it's time consuming and hard at times. I think that forum posting is more composed and easier for new freelancers.



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radiowaves
It's only good as a side-job since it doesn't pay that well. You just won't make enough for a living by working in data entry and since it's a low-skill job it just has no room for professional growth. But I don't think it's merely for beginners; you can spend some of your free-time doing some data entry to earn a few extra dollars while working on a bigger project. I mean, it's not the most entertaining thing to do but, if you're not confident on your own writing skills in terms of creating content you can always fall back toit.



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galegatling
Not true. Don't easily judge and underestimate Data Entry jobs. I've been to some of the biggest online freelance market and I've seen the highest paying data entry freelancers who have massive per hour rates. And there also companies who hire for long term opportunities. Others have earned thousands just by doing data entry.



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JoeMilford
Wait a minute? Really? Ok, you need to be my manager and get me in touch with these folks, lol. I still think this would take a long time though right? Would you not have to be working at a good business or firm with an accounting degree in order to rake in the profits in this line of work? Just curious as to what you think or know.



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galegatling
Yeah! I'd love to show you some screenies but I believe it's against the terms and conditions here at WORDclerks since this is also a freelancer market. Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers? If you do an open-minded search about this job, you will be #shookt! Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?



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DarthHazard
But the problem is that these well-paying jobs are only really full-time jobs. Most people that are looking for data-entry jobs online are probably only willing to work part-time which creates an issue. The online data-entry jobs just aren't high paying enough especially considering to those full-time jobs. This is especially because of how many people there are online willing to do data-entry.



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TheArticulate
What is it that these data entry specialists do that allow them to charge exorbitant rates for their work? Is it the speed and precision with which they enter their data, or do they make custom spreadsheets and stuff? What sets them apart from a regular Joe who wants to do data entry?



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galegatling
Good question. I am also curious as to why these so called 'freelancers' are getting paid if sometimes as much from the ordinary Joe who does data entry. I am thinking that these people are more experienced and more precise which would make them qualified for higher rated data entry jobs. Some companies prefer to hire data specialist at home because it's more convenient to them (the companies) rather than having an actual employer at their office. If only I could link it here, I can show you guys people earning thousands of dollars by just doing data entry jobs.



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JoeMilford
Totally understood! Thanks. I was being a bit facetious here anyway, but I have been turning up some interesting things, like I said above, since this particular forum got me curious and searching,



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Tronia
I can tell you from my own personal experience. I did some data entry jobs and the pay isn't THAT bad considering it literally requires no actual skills or knowledge. Anybody can do it if they know how to insert data and so on. But you have to know that the job is really dull. You will get bored before you know it so unless you have a lot of patience and don't care that it is repetitive then that's fine. Also, do note that data entry jobs are overly saturated with people looking for them. There are way too many freelancers willing to do those jobs.



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galegatling
The pay is not really bad at all. It's a good job for starters and could potentially go for longer term specially if you have good track record and positive feedbacks from your previous clients. For sure, there will be someone out there who is impressed by your performance and would eventually hire you for a longer term opportunity.



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Painterly
To be very honest with you, I wouldn't recommend this path at all. Data entry jobs are a dime a dozen at any office on the planet and will actually pay you a living wage while probably also providing benefits. If that is your chosen path you're much better off going the standard employment route. Furthermore, it doesn't produce anything that will appreciate in value in your portfolio unless data entry is your career goal. And again, if that's the case then why not just go the tried and true method? I acknowledge that there are solid arguments to the contrary of mine. I think mine presents a solid point of view, but context is always relevant.



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JoeMilford
Painterly,
First of all, I am not adept at using spreadsheets, and like software, whatsoever. Your post is informative, and it reminds me of why, after a bit of research, I did not pursue this path either. I think, or I should say, I hope, that I will have better luck in other freelancing areas. I am also sure that there are people out there who do just fine making a living at this type of job, but, from the sound of it, it's not for me.



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galegatling
While you may have a solid point, we shouldn't also neglect the fact that some data entry enthusiasts tend to be successful specially if they chose this is a career, as what you've said. Since we are talking about first-time freelancers, it will be a good opportunity for them to have something that can be regarded to as experiences and while they are building up their portfolios. It may also serve as a learning curve for them when they wish to apply for a real office job because they now have an idea on what data entry jobs would actually look like.



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Authord
Data entry is not worth it, it's pay is too poor and the job almost takes forever, and time is money,damn.
Here’s a fun fact – the average typing speed is around 40 words per minute. But, even if you’re capable of upwards of 80, manually inputting
data into fields is a slow, tedious process.
Even worse? Re-entering data into a system from paper-based sources. This more than doubles the time it would normally take copying and pasting and you’re stuck with a project that takes several minutes, hours, or even days to complete.



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galegatling
Yeah it's boring and it pays low at first but once you get good and build up your portfolio, not to mention having a very impressive track record, you can then apply to some of the largest freelancer market out there, online and offline! Everybody has to start off somewhere right? And check my posts above too regarding the possibility of earning more doing this job. ^_^



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Tronia
I agree with you. I think that it's a common misconception that data entry pays low. I am not sure why people assume this but it isn't the truth. The only problem for the majority of people is that it's very repetitive and there isn't anything "exciting" in the job but hey if you like it and need money then data entry jobs are not a bad option Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers? the better reputation you have, the more clients you will have and the higher you will be able to put your wage number at.



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rj02jogoy
It's a good option to support your education and possibly other financial responsibilities. Data entry jobs don't need a steep learning curve and can get you some money faster than some other jobs students can do.

You can also find data entry work online and can finish it from your home/hostel. However, be wary of anything that asks for money initially. It's usually a fraud scheme.



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honeybabe
I also try data entry job.Well it is a good start to those people who want to try freelancing job. This kind of job doesn’t need skills, repetitive job hmm...a little kind of boring work. You need a lot of patience and perseverance. Money wise not that high depends on how many hours you work. But it will help a little to support your daily needs.



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ColdFlameChris
I can say that it's only good for first timers or if you can't find any other online jobs. Being a data entry is a tiring job with less pay. If you're starting in this industry, you can use this as your stepping stone to for finding a great online job. Hope you'll find the perfect job for you. Good luck! Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?



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mdbree17
Agreed. I also tried on data entry jobs. I applied several times, there are just other skill sets needed so I was hesitant to do so.



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ColdFlameChris
If you're interested, you can try to be a transcriptionist where you just need to transcribe audio/video files into text format. You just need to listen to an audio file and then type exactly whatever you heard. You can simply go to GoTranscript.com and read their guidelines before applying for the job. It's very legit and they pay weekly. No other skills required. Once you pass the test, you're good to go. Good luck and Have fun! Is Data Entry viable for first time freelancers?

BTW, the rate there is $0.23 per audio minute file.



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tiffiecute
There are companies that pay undignified amounts for data entry services. But there are others that pay decently enough. If you love the job, you can stay with it as long as you want. My point is, that depends on how much you earn and how happy you are in doing data entry. This would make you decide.



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Kakashi2020
I do agree, I've seen sites paying pennies for data entry work and it's not even the easy kind. A lot of data entry work nowadays are not that simple, it's not just copying or typing down needed data. Most jobs include researching for the data you need to enter and that's time consuming.



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Baburra
I think it's a good choice for those that are just starting out. I myself don't really mind that the work is boring because to me most work is boring anyway so this isn't really much different. I guess the problem with it mostly boils down to the pay as a lot of people aren't really that into getting paid little for this type of work but for the people who see that it's worth it then it is for them. I personally think it's a good option to have available because sometimes a lot of us could use a little extra income.



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Marako0406
I totally agree with you on that all type of work is routinary or repetitive and may result to boring thing to do. I mean if a person really love to do something and has passion for doing it regardless if its repetitive then one can be really successful in something that's worth their time and effort. For people who is searching for earning extra bucks then data entry is one source and there's a lot of freelancing jobs to choose from.



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Judas2018
Data Entry clerks do quite well per hour here in New York. I used to do it as full time work when I was about 20 years old. It does get monotonous over time though. Especially when you work 8 hour or more days. It's not a long term job imo unless you REALLY enjoy data entry as a daily task. If you see yourself doing the job for about 3 or 4 years while you start cooking on something else far more fun or interesting? I suggest you put away your data entry earnings for a rainy day.



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Kakashi2020
I agree, data entry jobs are quite boring. It was my first online job, it was just copying and inputting personnel data and after several days of doing it I got bored so I quit. I think data entry work is really hard work to do for long periods because you have to fight boredom.



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Kakashi2020
In the past data entry work was simpler but nowadays it includes doing some research and even editing but still it's doable for a lot of online freelancers and newbies Data Entry work is a good startup online job, it will familiarize you with the different online processes and it's really not that hard.



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Kakashi2020
Nowadays Data Entry jobs found in Online Job Sites isn't that easy anymore. They've tied in some research in it. That's why data entry clerks would have to find the data first before entering or encoding it. Back in the past I agree with you it was quite simpler and easy.



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