Why You Should Avoid Upwork

I gave Upwork a try for a few weeks and I highly suggest you stay away from this platform. Customer service is impossible to reach. Their chatbot is NOT very helpful if you have specific issues with a potential client. If you are not familiar with Upwork. Upwork is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients looking to hire for various types of work. It allows individuals to offer services in fields such as web development, writing, graphic design, marketing, customer support, and much more. Beware of clients asking for you to take a paid test. If there are no active contracts, nothing is preventing them from NOT paying you for your time. Also, Upwork is not a free platform. You have to essentially pay for "Connects" to apply for a job / contract work. A lot of clients will post multiple projects with a low hiring rate, which will cause you to lose money instead of making money if you apply for those jobs.

There are a few reasons why some people might choose to avoid Upwork, depending on their individual needs and expectations. Here are a few common concerns:

1. High Fees: Upwork charges service fees that can be as high as 20% for the first $500 earned with a client, and the fee decreases as you earn more with that client. For some freelancers, this can be a significant chunk of their earnings.

2. Competition and Low Pay: The platform is highly competitive, with many freelancers offering similar services. This often drives prices down, and you may find clients requesting work for significantly lower rates than you would typically charge outside of the platform. For beginners, this can be tough as they may have to accept lower-paying jobs to build up their profile and reputation.

3. Client Quality: While there are great clients on Upwork, there are also those who are difficult to work with or who have unrealistic expectations. Some clients may also try to take advantage of the platform's structure to get more work than originally agreed upon, or delay payment for completed projects.

4. Bureaucracy and Policies: Upwork has a strict set of rules and policies that govern interactions between freelancers and clients. This can sometimes lead to frustrating experiences if there are misunderstandings or disputes. For example, if a job doesn’t go as planned, getting support from Upwork to resolve the issue might be slow or very difficult.

5. Account Suspensions: Some freelancers have reported that their accounts have been suspended without clear reasons or with limited recourse to resolve issues. This can be stressful for those who rely on the platform for consistent income.

6. Platform Dependence: Relying too heavily on Upwork for freelancing can be risky because you don't have as much control over your clients, the terms of service, or potential changes to the platform’s structure.

5 Tips to Help you Succeed on Etsy

 

Here are five tips to help you succeed in selling on Etsy:

1. Optimize Your Listings with SEO: Use relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and tags to help potential customers find your items. Research trending keywords and make sure you're using terms people are searching for, without overstuffing.

2. High-Quality Photos: Visuals are key on Etsy. Use clear, well-lit images that showcase your product from different angles and highlight key features. If possible, include lifestyle shots to show the product in use, which helps buyers envision it in their own lives.

3. Offer Excellent Customer Service: Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally. Positive communication can lead to great reviews, and good reviews increase your credibility and visibility on Etsy. Be transparent about shipping times and policies.

4. Price Your Products Competitively: Research similar products on Etsy to gauge the average price range for items like yours. Make sure your pricing reflects both the quality of your work and the market demand, while considering production costs and shipping fees.

5. Promote Your Shop: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your products and drive traffic to your Etsy shop. Engaging content, like behind-the-scenes looks or product tutorials, can build brand awareness and attract customers.

These tips should help you create a successful Etsy shop and increase your chances of standing out in a competitive marketplace!

It Has Been A Tough Year

It has been a tough year. This song has given me hope. For everyone out there going through difficult times, watch this video. My friends lost everything in the California wildfire. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Which is a better platform to sell on Ebay or Whatnot?

The choice between eBay and Whatnot as a selling platform depends largely on what you're selling, your target audience, and how you prefer to engage with buyers. Here's a breakdown of each platform:

eBay

• Type of Products: eBay is a general marketplace for a wide range of products. It's great for everything from collectibles, electronics, fashion, home goods, and even vehicles.

• Selling Format: You can sell via auction or fixed-price listings. It's more flexible in terms of selling methods.

• Audience: eBay has a large, global audience and attracts buyers looking for both new and used items, often focusing on finding bargains or rare items.

• Fees: eBay charges a listing fee (depending on the category) and a final value fee that ranges between 10-12% for most categories, though it can be lower or higher depending on the type of item.

• Shipping & Returns: eBay handles shipping integration and offers seller protections, but the platform does require a more hands-on approach when it comes to customer service and returns.

• Reputation: eBay is one of the most established online marketplaces, meaning it offers credibility and a trusted platform for buyers and sellers alike.

• Seller Tools: Offers a lot of tools for sellers, including analytics, promotional options, and advertising features.

Whatnot

• Type of Products: Whatnot is a live auction platform that’s most popular with niche markets such as collectibles (like Funko Pops, trading cards, comics, and other hobby items), fashion, and toys.

• Selling Format: Whatnot is focused primarily on live auctions. Sellers can host live video auctions, making it interactive and engaging for buyers.

• Audience: The audience on Whatnot tends to be more niche, specifically looking for collectibles and live auction experiences. This could be beneficial if your products fit within these categories.

• Fees: Whatnot charges a fee for sales (typically around 8-10%) plus a 2.9% payment processing fee.

• Shipping & Returns: Whatnot integrates shipping, which can simplify logistics. However, it may be a bit more rigid in terms of shipping options compared to eBay.

• Reputation: Whatnot is newer compared to eBay, but it’s growing quickly due to its interactive auction model.

• Seller Tools: Whatnot provides tools tailored to its live auction format, such as the ability to host streams, interact directly with potential buyers, and showcase products in real-time.

Which is better for you?

• eBay: Ideal if you want a broader audience, more flexibility in selling, and the ability to sell a wide range of products. It’s great for building long-term relationships with buyers and selling things at a fixed price or auction-style.

• Whatnot: Great if you're in a niche market like collectibles, and you're comfortable with or excited by live auction formats. It’s a more interactive experience where buyers can engage with you directly, which could work well if you have a following or are looking to create a sense of community around your products.

If your products fall under collectibles or niche hobbies, Whatnot might be the better fit. However, for a wider range of products, including both new and used items, eBay is more established and versatile.

What kind of products are you looking to sell? That could help narrow down the choice further!

If you are interested in signing up for Whatnot, here is my affiliate link: https://whatnot.com/invite/yogaflame Get $10 - $200 to spend on your first purchase if you use my link.

 

10 Easy Steps to Make Money Online

 

Here are 10 easy steps to make money online:

1. Freelance Work (Writing, Graphic Design, Web Development, etc.)

    Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.

   Create a profile showcasing your skills and start applying for jobs.

2. Sell Products Online

    You can sell handmade items or drop-ship products on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Shopify.

3. Affiliate Marketing

    Sign up for affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.).

   Promote products on your blog, social media, or YouTube and earn commissions.

4. Online Surveys and Market Research

    Join websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Pinecone Research.

   Complete surveys, watch ads, or test products to earn money.

5. Create and Sell an Online Course

    If you're knowledgeable in a subject, create a course using platforms like Teachable or Udemy.

   Market your course through social media or email marketing.

6. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel

    Choose a niche, start creating content, and monetize through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.

7. Become a Virtual Assistant

    Offer administrative services such as email management, scheduling, or customer service.

   Find clients through job boards or networking.

8. Sell Stock Photos or Digital Art

    If you're a photographer or graphic designer, upload your work to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Etsy.

9. Transcription or Translation Services

    Sign up on platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe to provide transcription services or translation work.

10. Social Media Management

     Offer social media marketing and management services to small businesses or individuals who need help with their online presence.

Each of these options requires time and effort to get started, but they can be great ways to earn money online!

Can You Still Make A Decent Living On Youtube?

Yes, you can still make a decent living on YouTube, but it requires consistent effort, strategic planning, and dedication. While it's not as easy as it might have been during YouTube's earlier years, there are still plenty of opportunities for creators to earn a sustainable income. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Ad Revenue (YouTube Partner Program)

• How it works: Once you meet the eligibility requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months), you can join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning ad revenue.

• Challenges: Ad rates (CPM - Cost Per Thousand Impressions) can fluctuate and are often lower than creators expect. The type of content you create also impacts your ad revenue. Niches like finance, tech, and education tend to have higher CPM rates.

• Potential Earnings: This can be a substantial income stream if you have a large, engaged audience, but it's often not enough to rely solely on for most creators, unless they have millions of views.

2. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

• How it works: As your channel grows, companies may approach you to promote their products or services. Sponsorships can be more profitable than ad revenue, especially in lucrative niches like tech, beauty, or fitness.

• Challenges: Securing sponsorships can take time and requires building credibility and a dedicated audience.

• Potential Earnings: This can be a significant revenue stream. Popular creators can earn anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per sponsored video, depending on their audience size and niche.

3. Merchandise Sales

• How it works: Many YouTubers sell their own merchandise (T-shirts, mugs, hats, etc.) through platforms like Teespring, Merch by Amazon, or Shopify.

• Challenges: Selling merch requires strong branding and a loyal fanbase that wants to buy your products.

• Potential Earnings: The income from merch sales varies, but it can be a consistent revenue stream if you have a devoted following. YouTube allows you to showcase your products directly on your channel if you're eligible.

4. Affiliate Marketing

• How it works: You can promote products or services and earn commissions when people buy through your referral links (via platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or others).

• Challenges: To be successful with affiliate marketing, you need to recommend products that resonate with your audience. You must also disclose affiliate links transparently to maintain trust.

• Potential Earnings: If you recommend high-ticket items or have a large number of views, this can become a substantial income source. Some creators make six figures just from affiliate marketing.

5. Crowdfunding/Donations (Patreon, Super Chats, etc.)

• How it works: You can ask your audience for direct support through platforms like Patreon, where fans can pay a monthly subscription for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or other perks. You can also receive tips via Super Chats during live streams or donations on platforms like Ko-fi.

• Challenges: It requires a loyal fanbase willing to pay for extra content, and you may need to consistently offer value to keep supporters engaged.

• Potential Earnings: Some YouTubers earn a significant portion of their income through Patreon or similar platforms, especially if they offer valuable content for paying subscribers.

6. Selling Digital Products or Services

• How it works: If you have expertise in a particular area (e.g., photography, writing, or digital marketing), you can sell digital products like courses, eBooks, or templates. You can also offer consulting services.

• Challenges: Creating digital products takes time, and you need a good understanding of your audience’s needs to create something valuable.

• Potential Earnings: If your digital products are well-designed and cater to a specific audience, they can generate significant income. Online courses, in particular, can be highly profitable.

7. YouTube Premium Revenue

• How it works: YouTube Premium members pay a subscription fee to access ad-free content. Creators earn a share of the revenue generated by Premium subscribers watching their videos.

• Challenges: While YouTube Premium can contribute to your income, it's not as large a source of revenue as ads or sponsorships, especially if you don't have a large number of Premium subscribers watching your content.

• Potential Earnings: YouTube Premium can add an extra stream of income, but it's generally a small percentage of total earnings unless you have a very loyal and engaged audience who are Premium members.

8. Licensing Your Content

• How it works: If you create viral or highly shareable content (such as a funny video, unique moment, or newsworthy event), you can license your videos to media outlets or other platforms.

• Challenges: This is less predictable, as it depends on the virality of your content.

• Potential Earnings: Licensing fees can vary widely, but for viral content, some creators have earned thousands of dollars by licensing their videos to news outlets, TV shows, or online platforms.

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Key Considerations:

• Consistency is Key: To succeed on YouTube, you need to consistently upload high-quality content. Regular uploads help build an audience, and engaging with your viewers through comments and community posts is essential.

• Niche Focus: Some niches, like gaming, beauty, finance, and tech, tend to be more profitable than others because they attract more viewers and advertisers.

• Audience Engagement: Building a loyal, engaged community is crucial. Subscribers who actively watch, comment, and share your videos will help you grow your channel and increase earnings.

How Much Can You Actually Earn?

• Small Creators (Under 100,000 subscribers): Earnings are modest but still possible—likely in the range of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.

• Mid-Range Creators (100,000 - 1 million subscribers): With strong engagement and multiple income streams, you could make $2,000 - $10,000+ per month.

• Large Creators (Over 1 million subscribers): Many of the biggest YouTubers earn tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars a month, or even more, from a combination of ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise, and other income streams.

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In Conclusion:

Yes, you can still make a decent living on YouTube, but it requires a lot of work, dedication, and the ability to adapt to changes in the platform. While the market is competitive, those who consistently produce high-quality content and diversify their income streams (ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, etc.) can build a successful and sustainable career on YouTube.

10 Things to Create to Generate More Money

If you're looking to create something that could sell for a lot of money, it's important to consider trends, market demand, uniqueness, and scalability. Here are some ideas that have the potential to generate significant income:

1. Luxury or Customized Products

• Example: High-end custom jewelry, watches, or fashion accessories.

• Why it can sell for a lot: People love unique, personalized items, especially if they have a luxury appeal. Customization adds value, and luxury products often command higher prices due to exclusivity and craftsmanship.

2. Innovative Tech Gadgets

• Example: Wearables with unique features (e.g., smart glasses, fitness trackers with added functionalities).

• Why it can sell for a lot: Tech products, especially those that solve specific problems or introduce something novel, are in high demand. People are always looking for gadgets that improve convenience or offer new experiences.

3. NFTs and Digital Art

• Example: Create and sell limited edition digital art or assets for virtual worlds (e.g., NFT art, skins, or collectibles).

• Why it can sell for a lot: NFTs (non-fungible tokens) have exploded in popularity as a way to own and sell digital assets. Some digital art pieces and collectibles can sell for millions if they gain traction.

4. Real Estate or Property Development

• Example: Develop luxury real estate, or invest in fixer-uppers to flip for a profit.

• Why it can sell for a lot: Real estate remains one of the best ways to create wealth. Building or flipping high-value properties can yield significant returns. Alternatively, owning and renting properties can create long-term passive income.

5. High-End Furniture or Home Décor

• Example: Create custom, luxury furniture pieces or limited-edition home décor items.

• Why it can sell for a lot: Unique, well-crafted furniture and décor are often considered luxury goods, and there is a strong market for high-end items in interior design.

6. Health and Wellness Innovations

• Example: Develop a new fitness product, supplement, or wellness app.

• Why it can sell for a lot: The wellness industry is booming, with consumers willing to pay a premium for products that promise to improve their health, fitness, or lifestyle.

7. Artisanal Food or Drink Products

• Example: Create and sell premium coffee, artisanal chocolate, or exclusive wine/spirits.

• Why it can sell for a lot: There's a growing market for high-quality, artisanal food and beverages. Consumers are increasingly looking for authentic, locally sourced, or gourmet products.

8. Educational Content or Online Courses

• Example: Develop a comprehensive online course or training program in a high-demand field (e.g., tech, business, or personal development).

• Why it can sell for a lot: People are willing to invest in self-improvement. If you have expertise in a niche field, creating a course can generate significant income, especially if it's positioned as a premium offering.

9. Unique Collectibles

• Example: Create limited edition items such as luxury watches, action figures, or memorabilia with a unique twist.

• Why it can sell for a lot: Collectibles often appreciate in value over time. Items that are rare, nostalgic, or linked to a popular trend can command high prices among collectors.

10. Sustainable or Eco-Friendly Products

• Example: Create eco-conscious products like reusable items, sustainable clothing, or renewable energy devices.

• Why it can sell for a lot: With increasing awareness around sustainability, consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that help the environment. If your product is truly innovative and eco-friendly, it can stand out in a growing market.

Watch This Youtube Video If you Lost Your Job & Feel Down

Watch this YouTube video if you lost your job & feel down. Mental health should not be overlooked.