This guest post, nDash Platform 101 For Interested Freelance Writers, is from Patti Podnar. She’s a writer, content strategist, and one of the freelance writers in the nDash Content Community.
Being a ghostwriter is kind of like being in the CIA: You’ve seen and done so much…but you can’t tell anybody. And that can be problematic when it comes to getting new work. I’ve written dozens of articles about the roofing industry, for example, but I can’t include them in my portfolio. Frustrating, right?
That’s why the new nDash.co platform is a game changer. It makes it easier for all writers – not just ghostwriters – to directly pitch brands and industries instead of waiting for a busy editor to stumble across your portfolio (especially when that portfolio doesn’t contain some of your best work). For brands, it helps them source good content without the anxiety they may feel about hiring freelancers directly, without a safety net.
So far, I’ve been really pleased with the success I’ve had on the nDash platform, and I think you will be, too. So let me share a little of what I’ve learned through working on the platform as well as from a Skype chat with Marketing and Community Manager Tim Ludy.
What is nDash.com?
Sometimes it’s easier to describe what something isn’t. nDash isn’t an agency where a project or account manager acts as a gatekeeper between you and the clients you write for. Neither is nDash a content mill or bidding site, where tons of writers compete to land assignments that pay pennies per word. nDash is an open marketplace, with writers and brands collaborating to produce great content. So not only can you communicate directly with your clients, but you also set your own prices. nDash charges brands a small fee on top of your fee, not out of your fee. So the price you agree to is the price you get.
How does it work for freelance writers?
The dashboard
Once you log in to the platform, you’ll see a dashboard that serves as your home base. The dashboard gives you a quick summary of all the assignments you have in the works. It then highlights information that will help you win more business: Requests that brands have submitted directly to you, open assignments that match your profile, suggestions for which brands to pitch (based on your previous experience), and brands that have added you as a favorite writer.
Top toolbar
The toolbar at the top of the dashboard is where you can browse assignments open to all nDash writers and pitch both individual businesses and entire industries.
- If you see an assignment that seems like a good fit, click on it to apply. It will then show up on your Applications
- When you browse companies, you can either pitch them immediately or save them as prospects by clicking on the star symbol.
- You can also pitch entire industries instead of individual businesses. Just click on that orange button to the far right.
Left toolbar
Use this toolbar to drill down to different sections:
Assignments
This screen gives you a detailed look at all of your current and prospective projects: assignments in progress, requests for pitches, assignments you’ve applied to, and assignments you’ve completed. A toolbar at the top lets you steer through those options.
- The In Progress screen is really important. This is where you go to communicate with your clients and submit your work. The first time I submitted content, I got a little confused, but it’s actually easy. Just paste your text or attach a file in the conversation thread on the left; then move to the right side of the screen and click Submit for Approval.
- The Requests screen is self-explanatory: It’s where you go to see requests brands have submitted directly to you.
- The Applications screen is where you can check the status of any open assignments you’ve applied for.
- The Completed screen is (obviously!) where you can view a list of all the work you’ve completed through the platform. This screen is a lot more valuable than it appears at first glance: Repeat business. When you’re ready for more work, why not pitch the brands that already love you?
You can clear notifications in any of these tabs by clicking the Clear notifications link at the far right.
Clients
The Clients screen serves much the same purpose as the Completed screen, but instead of seeing individual assignments, you’ll see a list of the brands you’ve worked with.
Prospects
The Prospects screen is my personal favorite. This is where brands you favorite while browsing businesses show up. When you look at their profiles, pay special attention to the keywords (i.e., your cheat sheet). They give you a lot of insight into the type of content that the brand may be interested in.
Pitches
The Pitches screen is where you go to review all of the pitches you’ve submitted to various brands.
Yeah, but…
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling a little skeptical. After all, we’ve all had our fill of trying out new platforms that either end up being a scam or don’t produce enough work to be worth the time. You probably have the same questions and concerns I did. Let me see if I can clear some of those up for you.
Is it worth it for freelance writers?
Yes. nDash is a new platform, so they’re still building a client base, but the quality of those clients makes it well worth the effort. And, by getting in early, you can establish your network before other writers have even gotten started. Besides, having more top-notch writers will attract more top-notch clients, so my advice is to get on the platform and make your presence known.
What’s the pricing range?
Totally up to you. During our Skype chat, Tim did mention that they don’t want this to be a “race to the bottom” platform, with all of the writers trying to undercut each other’s prices. So charge what you think is a fair price for the value you can add. But here’s a hint from one writer to another: If you’ve been working primarily through agencies, raise your prices a bit. While nDash does charge brands a small fee, it’s nothing like what agencies charge to manage the whole process. So you can probably raise your rates and still end up at a lower price than most agencies charge their clients.
What’s the best way to get more work?
Let’s start with the obvious: Get out there and make your pitches. And when you get assignments, meet deadlines, respond quickly to any messages, and deliver kick-butt content that clients can’t wait to publish. Once you’ve got that covered, move on to these:
- Optimize your profile. (Insider tip: Take a look at the companies you’ve added as prospects. If you see the same keyword repeated over and over, make sure that keyword is part of your profile.)
- Learn what makes a good pitch. Start by downloading The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Pitching Content Ideas.
- Pitch industries to get your ideas in front of more eyeballs. (Insider tip: Tim says not a lot of writers are taking advantage of this feature yet…so hint, hint.)
- Get involved in the forums. It’s a great way to find out what’s working – or not working – for other writers.
How do freelance writers get paid?
All payments are processed through Stripe.
I know you’re busy. I know you’ve wasted a lot of time and effort jumping through hoops to land assignments that you wouldn’t even have bothered with if you had known what they paid. And I know how much time you’ve invested chasing down other leads that never panned out. But my experience so far indicates that nDash is very different, so I encourage you to get out there and give it a try. I can’t wait to see you on the platform!