by Doreen Martel

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2011

There are a variety of options for those who are seeking to make money online.  Frequently, those new to online work turn to data entry as this seems to be a more generic field to pursue.  There is one drawback to data entry work versus copywriting work - data entry is still considered unskilled work by many meaning lower income opportunities. While this may not be entirely true, data entry may take on several forms, most data entry jobs that are posted on freelance sites offer very little in the way of remuneration.

Most freelancers are competing in a global marketplace, it is not unusual to find that most data entry jobs will pay as low as $1 per hour and some even less than that. The "higher" end data entry work is generally in the range of $5 to $7 per hour. For most freelancers, this will not suffice as a full time job. However, for those interested in making a few extra dollars, saving for a special purchase or just to stash a few dollars away for a rainy day, then data entry jobs may be exactly what they looking for. Here are the significant differences in the two types of jobs - data entry and copywriting:

Data Entry

Skills Required for data entry are fairly simple. Most data entry jobs can be as mundane as copy/paste jobs that require visiting a website, gather information and paste it into a spreadsheet. With the variety of free tools available online including Zoho Sheets, Google Docs and OpenOffice, there is no need to invest any great amount of money into specialized software. Other data entry jobs may be more involved such as gathering stock quotes, inputting billing amounts and codes or other simple tasks. One of the most significant benefits of data entry work is that it does not require a lot of training to master it quickly. Another benefit is that numerous entries can be completed in a very short period of time.

Copywriting

Copywriting nearly always involves some marketing skills. In fact, properly defined, copywriting is the use of words for promotion. This could be promoting a website, an idea, a person, a business or other promotion. For those who are great at sales, copywriting could be the perfect job. Those who have a great command of English and grammar and are able to write compelling copy, may find themselves in high demand. Copywriting can also involve writing web content - though this is not always defined as copywriting.

To determine where their skills are best put to use, a freelancer should sit down, list their skills and take a serious look at their strengths and weaknesses. Those who enjoy writing, are fast and accurate and can offer writing with flawless spelling and grammar may be great copywriters. Copywriting also can involve long hours so be aware of this as well. For those seeking quick and easy ways to make a little bit of additional money, data entry could be exactly what they need. In either case, dedication and commitment will help a copywriter or a data entry clerk stand out from the crowd of people searching for work in these competitive fields.

Learn more about this author, Doreen Martel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.