A new project category called “Data Entry” has recently been added to the long list of available types of projects here at www.freelancermap.com. In case you’ve noticed it, you probably have a few questions about what data entry is.
Whether you want to know more about data entry, its advantages, and disadvantages, successfully working on such projects or are unfamiliar with the term altogether, you’ve come to the right place.
This article aims to provide you with all you need to know about data entry to get you started.
1) What is data entry?
Some of you have probably never heard of the term and are wondering what the new category is all about. Data entry describes the act of entering information into an electronic form by either word processing or data processing software. The software in question might be, for example, a program out of the Microsoft Office package.
Furthermore, there are two main types of categories concerning data entry jobs:
- Straight data entry usually includes the transfer of information in the form of text to another database. The text in question might include names, addresses, numbers, and so on. This type of project will require an eye for detail as well as being able to type quickly and correctly.
- Transcript data entry differentiates from the previous category by the fact that the information provided does not necessarily come in text format. It could be a video or audio recording as well as a live conversation. This will push your typing skill to the limit, especially considering that the input can often be in the medical or legal sphere and include specific terms.
2) Advantages and Disadvantages
Now that we’ve actually cleared the meaning of the term, let’s look at the pros and cons of data entry projects. First off, they don’t usually require other qualifications than being able to type quickly and accurately. Data entry jobs are very flexible in terms of how much and when you decide to spend your time doing them.
Data entry projects are on the rise as well, since the process of manually typing information can be very time-consuming, which is why many companies chose to outsource Data Entry work. Data Entry projects normally come as remote projects. In short, it is an easy and quick thing to do when looking for some extra income as a freelancer.
However, there are some disadvantages as well. While not mentally tiring, data entry can physically wear you out. Wrist and hand pain shouldn’t be ignored, so you should avoid overworking yourself.
Moreover, maintaining a high level of concentration at all times can be pretty difficult. Making a lot of typing errors as a freelancer doing data entry is the one thing your clients absolutely don’t want to see.
Lastly, and most importantly, beware of scams! There are lots of data entry projects on the internet, claiming they can make you a fortune in a matter of months – if it’s too good to be true it probably isn’t.
There are also sites that will require you to pay a fee in order to get data entry jobs. Avoid them at all costs; after all, you as a freelancer are the one that is looking to get paid by a client, not the other way around.
3) Getting better at Data Entry projects
In order to get better at data entry, learning how to type quickly while also avoiding mistakes is the most important thing. There are tons of sites and apps out there that will help you get better, just keep at it and remember that practice makes perfect!
Furthermore, familiarize yourself with the most common software used in data entry projects like the Microsoft Office package and Open Office.
Last but not least, don’t forget to create a healthy working environment as well. Since data entry implies spending most of your time sitting and typing, you might as well invest in a decent keyboard and a comfortable office chair.
If you want to be good at data entry, practice every day. You can, for example, try to write down what is said on the radio, watch a Youtube video and do the transcription, etc.
4) Search for a jobs in data entry
If this article led you to believe that data entry projects might be worth your time, check out the new Data Entry category We look forward to helping you find new kinds of projects on your way to a successful freelancing career!
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