Discover how nDash transformed Kara Detwiller’s freelance writing career, providing stability, freedom, and the perfect balance of independence and teamwork.
From Catch-All Marketer to Freelance Wordsmith: Kara Detwiller’s Creative Journey
Kara Detwiller is a freelance writer with a background in advertising, design, and digital marketing. Her prior work experience includes working at a digital marketing agency. She was involved in long-form content writing for blogs and websites and writing for Google ads, social posts, and other digital marketing materials. She also worked as a catch-all marketing person for a nonprofit, handling tasks like photography, video, motion graphics, and newsletters.
Kara explains, “I did have a little bit of a gap between freelancing and my previous full-time job. Right before I started freelancing, I worked at a digital marketing agency. The work was similar to what I’m doing now — long-form content writing for blogs and websites.” She decided to focus on writing in her freelancing career after realizing her enjoyment of the writing process: “I really enjoy the writing process – whether it’s with an editor, brand manager, or product team.”
nDash became part of her freelance writing journey after she found an opportunity in The Writer Job PLUS+ Newsletter.
nDash: The Freelancer’s Secret to Balancing Security, Freedom, and Collaboration
Kara expressed her relief in finding nDash, saying, “I didn’t have to constantly or look for more work because I received messages from the managing editor saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got XYZ upcoming for this client,’ or, ‘We have a new client coming on board.’” The steady workflow provided by the platform gave her a sense of security she hadn’t anticipated so early in her freelancing career.
Another challenge that Kara faced was finding the right balance between working independently and collaborating with a team. Having come from an agency background, she appreciated the support of a small team. nDash offered Kara an ideal middle ground, allowing her to enjoy the freedom of setting her own rates and working independently while still benefiting from the support of a team.
Kara elaborated on this point, stating, “I feel like working with nDash is a great kind of middle ground between freelancing and agency life. It’s not a huge agency team, but that also gives me more freedom to set rates and choose projects I love.”
Additionally, the platform’s role in facilitating client communication proved invaluable to Kara. With nDash’s managing editor serving as an intermediary, she no longer had to worry about not receiving information. This allowed her to focus more on her work, knowing someone was managing the client relationships and relaying crucial information.
Kara appreciated this support, saying, “It is nice to have a set of work where it’s not just the client and me, and there’s someone facilitating the communication.”
nDash helped Kara solve the challenges of finding consistent work, maintaining a balance between independence and team support, and managing client communications. This support enabled her to grow her freelance career and enjoy a sense of security and freedom she hadn’t initially expected.
How nDash Streamlines Payments and Rates for Freelancers Like Kara
One of Kara’s favorite aspects of the platform is the payment and submission method. She explains, “I really like the submission and payment methods. Because figuring out payment with other clients can be challenging. It’s not always hard, but it’s always different.”
She also appreciates the simplicity of setting her rates on nDash. Kara says, “I think it’s been pretty straightforward. If I get an assignment from the managing editor where the rate is blank, I just go off of what we’ve done in the past, the length of it, and the complexity. If I’m way off, the managing editor will let me know, and we can set a fair rate.”
Another benefit Kara enjoys is the timely payment process. She explains, “It seems like I get paid faster and more reliably than with some of my other clients.” The waiting period on nDash is typically shorter than the net 30 payment terms she encounters elsewhere. The streamlined processes offered by nDash make it an attractive platform for freelancers like Kara.
nDash: The Freelance Powerhouse Fueling 85% of Kara’s Writing Success
Kara has found nDash to be a significant source of her workload. In fact, she revealed that in 2022, the work she completed through the platform accounted for a whopping 85% of her income. Kara said, “Approximately 85% of my income was from nDash for the year. It might be similar or a little less this year because I’ve started some things with other clients.”
Not only has that platform provided her with a steady stream of projects, but it has also allowed her to explore diverse industries and topics. Kara shared that she enjoys working with a variety of clients, stating, “I don’t really feel like I have a niche in terms of industries, and I really enjoy working with a variety of clients.” Her work with nDash has ranged from projects for CorelDRAW to learning about e-commerce technology and backend retail systems.
Despite the challenges of working on new and unfamiliar topics, Kara appreciates the opportunity to grow and learn through nDash. She said, “I also liked the challenge of learning about some of these e-commerce technology things that I didn’t know about.”
Unlocking Success on nDash: Insider Advice for New Freelancers from Kara’s Journey
During our conversation with Kara, she shared valuable advice for newcomers looking to make the most of their experience. Although she admits her journey has been unique due to her close collaboration with nDash’s managing editor, her insights can be helpful for all freelancers starting on the platform.
Kara emphasized the importance of pitching to brands listed on nDash. She explained, “There are so many brands listed when you go and search. I would go with the same sort of pitch process that I would do if I were finding a brand somewhere else.” She believes the success rate for pitches could be higher on nDash than other methods because brands on the platform have already identified that they’re looking for content help.
While she has yet to use the platform for pitching herself, Kara highly recommends trying it. She said, “I would definitely encourage folks to try that because it seems easier than going out into the wild wild west and just like pinging different marketing folks and asking if they need a writer.” The platform already provides a community of brands that have expressed their need for content, making it a more efficient way to connect with potential clients.
Based on Kara’s advice, freelancers who are just starting on nDash should consider the following:
- Take advantage of the platform’s extensive list of brands, making finding potential clients easier.
- Follow a consistent pitch process as you would when approaching brands outside the platform.
- Trust that your success rate might be higher on nDash since the listed brands have already expressed their need for content help.
By focusing on these tips, new freelancers can maximize their potential on the platform and connect with brands more effectively.
nDash: The Freelancer’s Launchpad to Success, Security, and Collaboration
Kara Detwiller’s freelance writing journey is a testament to the power of nDash in providing a secure, collaborative, and efficient platform for freelancers. With the volume of work she’s completed through the platform, Kara has been able to focus on her passion for writing and explore various industries while enjoying the balance of freedom and teamwork that nDash offers.
The platform has helped her overcome the challenges of finding consistent work, managing client communications, and streamlining payments and rates. For new freelancers, following Kara’s advice to take advantage of the platform’s resources and pitch to listed brands can lead to greater success in their freelance careers. nDash is a vital resource for writers like Kara and a powerful tool for freelancers in various fields looking to connect with clients and grow their businesses.