“How do you prefer to get paid?”
It’s a common question clients new to working with freelancers ask and as someone who’s gotten paid a multitude of ways since 2006, technology has improved options.
I remember when I used to get paid via a printed check. I’d stalk my mailbox the weeks I was expecting that check to come in and then I had to sign the check and WALK IT TO THE BANK to deposit via an ATM or the teller. (Lived in NYC at the time so no car.)
Then it would need to take a day or so to clear, it seemed. (Maybe that was in my impatient head.)
One time, I got a project payment check of $10,000 and was so nervous walking that to the bank to give to a teller. (Wasn’t going to chance it with the ATM since I’ve had issues on that end with one eating a check before).
Thankfully, digital banking has evolved and mobile check acceptance has made my life so much easier. Even better of course, is direct deposits.
One of my first clients to pay via ACH (automatic clearing house) electronic transfer was Disney when I wrote for their ESPN magazines.
My favorite email copy to receive (still to this date) includes “remittance,” meaning the money is hitting your bank account.
Depending on the size of th organization you work with, they might have payment systems or preferences in place as to how they pay consultants or freelancers.
If my clients don’t, I usually request an ACH direct deposit into my business checking account. (And I include the details on the invoice.)
Here, freelance writer Kaneesha Allen wrote a blog for my site on the various ways freelancers get paid and the pros and cons of each.
My best advice is to suggest the following for freelance payments:
Net 15 or 30
Direct deposit
Note how long it takes between the invoice send date and when you get paid. I put this in my assignment sheets so I know that if I haven’t received an invoice within the normal 30 days, I probably need to follow up.
Expect errors: Don’t live on the margins with your finances. Expect the editor didn’t send over your invoice 30 days ago, the accounting department went through a restructure, or some tiny piece of info was missing from your onboarding documents. This can slow payments. Keep at least three months of business and living expenses in your bank.
Read the full article. Let me know if there’s a way of getting paid that I should add to this blog.
I help professionals write LinkedIn posts, engage with the right audiences on the platform, send strategic DMS, write better comments, and grow their audiences on the platform. See what’s included. 👉
What I’m Reading / Listening To / Recommending / Watching / Publishing
What I published on Inc.com: 6 Simple LinkedIn Engagement Strategies When You Don’t Know What to Post
What I’m watching: Love Story on HULU (John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette) and Shrinking on Apple TV, and I’m excited for HACKS to return soon.
What I’m working on: Finished a presentation on “referral work” and how to find it for Georgie Darling’s upcoming virtual Freelancer Summit.
Freelance and Creative Jobs I Found
Here’s a roundup of creative, full-time, part-time, freelance, remote, and hybrid jobs in the editorial, copywriting, content writing, and creative fields. Good luck.
Inc.com (One of my clients) is hiring for a FT Senior Editor who is skilled in data and analytics. Hybrid NYC, up to $106K and bonus eligible
GrapeVineAI is looking for a remote editor to polish AI-generated drafts for $40/hour
Jimmy Wells is looking for a short-form video editor for copy and car content, up to $35/hour
Fortune Brands Innovations is looking for a senior copywriter for a FT role in Deerfield, IL, rate NA, benefits included
Halstead media group is hiring a freelance copywriter for up to $28/hour for remote work with experience writing B2B content
Ready to get personalized feedback on your freelance business? I’m now booking March and APRIL 1:1 coaching sessions; it’s a 40-minute call + an edit of a 600-word piece of your choice. If you don’t see a time that works, just hit reply or email me to find a slot that I might be available.
Book a sponsored slot advertising in my newsletter in APRIL (Join brands like Morning Brew, Shortform, Fiverr, HUBSPOT, Get Response, Freshbooks, Found, Authory, and more)
Hire my freelance writing company, DKL Content Services Inc., to help with SEO content writing, GEO writing, video script writing services, ghostwriting, thought leadership, newsletter writing, and copywriting services for websites. I’m a NY State and NYC MWBE-certified business.
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