Freelancing is a form of employment in which a person is not a permanent employee of a company, but works independently as a contractor. Freelancers offer their skills and services to various clients for short- or long-term projects and are responsible for organizing their work and managing their finances. Freelancing comes with many advantages, such as freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity for professional development However, it also presents certain challenges, the most important of which are:

• Income insecurity – freelancers are not paid regularly,
• Managing a business independently – they take full responsibility for all their activities, including settling taxes,
• Lack of stability – they don’t have the same rights and privileges as full-time workers.

What freelancers need to know about the legal requirements?

Freelancers are often self-employed or form partnerships to minimize tax liability, but they may also use specialized platforms to find collaborators, such as Elance, Upwork, or Useme, or work on commission. Depending on the country, they have different rights and responsibilities. Below you will find the most important laws that apply to freelancers operating in the United States and the European Union.

Legal requirements of freelancing in the USA

Freelancers in the United States are often referred to as independent contractors, subcontractors, or seasonal workers. They are treated as business owners, which means they are subject to business regulations. Below you will find the most important legal requirements for freelancers in the United States, but be aware that a particular state or city may have its own rules that must be followed.

1. Tax issues

Freelancers in the United States are obliged to pay income taxes and the self-employment tax. Instead of getting the W-2 form for reporting their taxes, they get several 1099-MISC from their clients, which show the amount paid to the freelancer in a given tax year.

2. Contracts

The structure and content of the contract between the freelancer and the client will depend on the location. However, the contract should always specify the scope of the services and the method of billing. Some states or cities may have additional laws. For example, New York State has the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which requires clients to provide a written contract to all freelancers who earn at least $800 in 120 days. Los Angeles has taken a similar step.

3. Copyrights and property

Copyright is also important for freelancers. Therefore, the contract should contain provisions on the transfer of ownership and the moment when it occurs. In most cases, this is the moment of payment. If such provisions are not included in the contract, the freelancer’s copyright may be violated by the client.

Legal requirements of freelancing in the European Union

In the European Union (EU), legal requirements vary from country to country – there are no top-down laws that would regulate this issue. However, below are some key rules that freelancers working in the European Union should be aware of.

1. The status of a freelancer

In the European Union, freelancers are considered self-employed, that is, people who run their own businesses. They are independently responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other obligations. They are not subject to the same laws as employees, meaning they are not entitled to paid vacation or compensation for overtime work.

2. Tax issues

Just like full-time employees, freelancers also need to pay income taxes. They must file a tax return on the form appropriate for the EU member country. They may also need to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) if local laws require it.

3. Contracts

In all EU countries, freelancers are obliged to have written contracts with their clients that specify the terms of collaboration including compensation, scope of work, payment terms, and copyrights. In addition, if a freelancer processes clients’ personal data, they must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has been implemented in all EU member countries.

Summary

In both the US and EU markets, there are still no adequate regulations to protect freelancers – they are simply treated as self-employed. However, this situation may change in the near future due to the growing popularity of this form of employment. So if you plan to work with freelancers, make sure you understand the local laws.

Also, if you are an employer and want to manage freelancers in an easy way, use ����k8�콢��. This tool will let you effectively plan the work of freelancers using Kanban boards, giving you full control over their assignments. In addition, you can create contact databases and store documents related to each freelancer in one place.

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Online Freelancer Marketplaces vs Freelancer Management Systems – table of content:

1. Online Freelancer Marketplaces
2. Differences between FMS and OFM
3. Summary

Online Freelancer Marketplaces

Knowledge of both OFM and FMS management systems enables drawing a clear line between the two. As we have covered Freelance Management System in our previous publication, without any further ado, let’s take a look at Online Freelancer Marketplaces.

In a nutshell, Online Freelancer Marketplace is a virtual platform where freelancers and employers browse their profiles, one searching for a job and the other for talent. The design of the platform forms a scattered network of independent contractors, without a centralized hub to navigate. Gains apart there are is a nuisance connected to lengthening the process of recruitment taking way much time than before for finding the right one.

Most relationships develop through word-of-mouth referrals or sent private messages between employers and contractors. OFMs have tools for working with freelancers such as the ability for contractors to create profiles where they describe their work experience and availability, as well as appropriate channels for communicating with them.

Online Freelancer Marketplaces are effective platforms for job-seeking freelancers and the right place for companies to find professionals. Both parties take plenty of advantages from these marketplaces. One of the most popular OFMs so far is Fiverr, where you can find workers from all over the world.

Differences between FMS and OFM

1. Finding and managing

The main purpose of FMS is to manage freelancers from one spot. This allows you to automate many processes such as billing and payments, to name a few. Thanks to one centralized place, it enables create reports on the work done and constantly track their progress.

The main purpose of OFM, on the other hand, is to quickly find the right contractor for the job. These exchanges are used for simple accounting of projects along with a discussion of rates for their execution.

2. Payments

Freelancer marketplaces (OFMs) sometimes charge freelancers as much as 20-30% for a completed assignment. Additionally, they charge employers about a few percent per invoice. This results in frequent reconciliation of work and payment outside this market.

Freelancer management systems (FMS) not only do not charge freelancers prior to commission but offer automatic payments for completed projects. All you have to do is provide a summary of your work so that the employer checks and evaluates its correctness, and the system will automatically pay you for the work.

3. Personalized software

FMS systems can gather data from users and implement changes to ongoing projects at the software level. Moreover, they offer the possibility of constant access to ongoing work with the use of built-in tools. Freelance marketplaces, on the other hand, offer ready-made software with limited customization options. All in all, we recommend that those enterprises that organize small and seasonal projects should pick OFM, while larger businesses looking for more extensive software should go for FMS.

Summary

Both FMS and OFM look and work similarly at first glance. However, considering the above aspects, we can safely say that Freelance Management System is a much more powerful tool that offers work organization at every stage of contact with freelancers. Online Freelancer Marketplaces, on the other hand, is a closed ecosystem for finding the right talent.

It provides access to a community of independent contractors, while a freelancer management system allows you to manage the available pool of independent contractors along with powerful tools such as automatic payments or integration with HR and other financial systems. The FMS is therefore a much more powerful tool with greater customization capabilities.

Check out our articles about Freelance Management System:

1. Features of a good Freelance Management System
2. 6 Best Freelance Management Systems
3. Who needs a FMS?
4. How do Freelance Management Systems help at work?

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Hiring freelancers – table of contents:

1. Freelancer – your new employee
2. Objectives setting and monitoring
3. Concentrate on proper communication
4. Develop attainable schedule
5. Feedback
6. Summary

Freelancer – your new employee

Use of services of freelancers and contract workers is a great way to employ best talents cheaply and a chance to increase productivity of your company. Accordingly to the annual survey called “Freelancing in America” made by Upwork and Freelancers Union as many as 57 million of Americans – that is 35% of work force in the USA – has worked as freelancers in 2019. This number represents an increase of 4 million comparing to 2014.

The study shows as well that Americans view freelancing not only as the additional source of income but a long term career option. In 2014 the percentage of freelancers working full-time was 17%, but in 2019 was already 28%.

This shows that this model of work has become more popular and is that freelance services are used more often than before. Still, freelance work system brings many challenges. Independent contractors usually work remotely or part-time therefore full utilization of their skills requires another set management tactics. How then fully use the potential of freelancers employed by your company?

Objectives setting and monitoring

The key aspect of full exploit the potential of freelancers is defining early the main objectives alongside the execution time and available budget. Establishment of the purpose of the given project allows keeping track of the progress in realization.

All goals have to be clearly defined,so the both parties know what there are striving for, goals have to be measurable, to be able to check the progress of work. Monitoring of the goals fulfillment allows checking the progress of implementation in real time, as well as supports quick reaction in case of unwanted occurrences.

Concentrate on proper communication

The next extremely important aspect is the proper communication between the company and the freelancer. What is proper communication? Above all, it is has to be clear for both parties and all the guidelines have to be given ahead of time.

The language for communication between the company and the freelancer should be specific, understandable and clear. Information given should contain broad instruction and more detailed guidelines. The proper communication is timely communication, and this means that all suggestions should be passed efficiently and promptly, so the freelancers could see that the company respects them and their time.

Freelancers usually have more than one assignments, quick hence communication allows them to plan their schedules so they can accomplish all their project on time.

Develop attainable schedule

At the beginning of the cooperation with the freelancer a schedule should be developed, both parties have some expectations and needs, hence this should be sorted out and clarified. The schedule has to contain attainable goals. The freelancer has to adjust his own time tables to the new schedule, before starting work, some changes may be needed.

Viability of the schedule is very important – it would be greatly inconvenient to find out that our freelancer is unable to finish the task during the realization of the project.

To use the full potential of the freelance employee both parties have to discuss all the details of the schedule before starting work on the project. The information about completion time of each stage of the project and the final completion date are crucial parts of the arrangements.

Feedback

Alongside the clear and understandable communication, freelancers should be offered feedback regarding their work. Independent specialist usually do not work in traditional settings, they work from home and not in the office, where they could hear comments about their work from their supervisors or colleagues.

All the information passed to the freelancer should be truthful and constructive. The employer should not avoid telling what is wrong at the each step of project’s realization. Insincere feedback is misleading. As a result, the freelancer cannot make necessary corrections to his work process and is convinced that he does everything properly.

Your feedback has to be sincere and constructive, your freelancer has to know if any amendments are needed, and this allows him do his tasks to the best of his ability. If no objections is raised to the freelancer’s work the employer may acknowledge his engagement. Nice gestures encourage partnership between both parties.

Summary

All ideas listed above may be seen as the basics for better use of freelancer’s potential in the company. Enterprises may gain a lot from this flexible form of cooperation, since they may benefit greatly from the knowledge and experience of chosen specialist.

To experience of all positive effects of freelance work, the company has to be well-prepared ahead, goals have to clearly determined and the viable schedule established. All the arrangements should be made with clear, proper, and transparent communication accompanied with constructive, unbiased, and realistic feedback.

Read also: How to implement freelance management system

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Features of a good Freelance Management System – table of contents:

1. Why would a company need an FMS?
2. A freelancer database
3. Efficient implementation
4. All documents in one place
5. Automated payments
6. Project Management Capabilities
7. Undisturbed cooperation
8. Summary

Why would a company need an FMS?

Freelance Management System is software that makes it significantly easier to manage every aspect of working with freelancers. It automates many processes and combines all the functions of traditional management in one seamless and effective way. By using freelance management systems, companies develop a more dynamic relationship with freelancers along with upscaling their businesses scope.

Discover features of a good Freelance Management System:

A freelancer database

The process of finding new employees for companies that rely on freelancers is more frequent than for companies with full-time employees. For instance, the high demand for a particular freelancer for a specific project is often so urgent that the search process requires haste and effectiveness. To do that, you can connect FMS with databases of freelancers.

TalentDesk is a platform designed to do just that. It integrates its system with PeoplePerHour’s database of 3 million freelancers. Access to such a talent database guarantees a swift and fruitful search for the right professional. A similar platform of such capabilities is ����k8�콢��, which allows you to organize work with freelancers at the highest level, giving access to all necessary functionalities.

Efficient implementation

A good Freelance Management System, apart from the ability to quickly find new employees, should also have the ability to quickly implement them in the company or project structure. To quickly implement a new freelancer, good management systems should already at the beginning of cooperation have a suitably adapted implementation form, to which new employees would fill in all the necessary information. This can include basic information about their business profile, all necessary contracts, and bank details for future transfers.

All documents in one place

Usually, companies involve several freelancers with different skills in the project process. For example, one is in charge of creating content for websites, another develops graphics and a third handles video processing. To manage their documentation or work progress forms effectively, a good Freelance Management System should offer to collect and store all documentation in one place. This avoids scattering data in different places such as e-mail or instant messengers. The documents organized in one place guarantee fast and trouble-free access to them when necessary.

Automated payments

The more freelancers, the more work they have to do, and therefore the more invoices they have to issue. A good FMS can keep track of the work schedules of independent contractors, based on which it consolidates all invoices and generates one aggregate one for the company at the end of the month. Once payment is made, the system pays each freelancer separately, automating the entire process. This avoids the tedious clicking of each invoice separately and also eliminates any human error affecting the payment for completed work.

Project Management Capabilities

After completing all stages of acquiring and implementing a freelancer, managers who coordinate work on projects in the company still have to deal with handling independent contractors. Therefore, another feature of a good FMS is the project dashboard function. It enables managers to have constant access to information about the progress of the ongoing project, control deadlines for tasks and create dedicated teams for specific stages or subsequent projects. With such a dashboard they can also track in real-time the budgets planned for the project, thus avoiding overspending or even reducing unnecessary expenses.

Undisturbed cooperation

Another feature of a good Freelance Management System is the tools that allow constant collaboration not only between the company and the freelancers but also between the independent contractors themselves. The bigger the project, the more people are involved in it. If several freelancers are working on it, they should have tools to communicate with each other so that their work is consistent and headed in the same direction. What tools are we talking about? It is mainly about built-in text messaging features, virtual rooms for video conferencing, and shared space in the cloud for file sharing. Businesses also benefit from this, as it gives them access to all the information and data they need.

Summary

The examples cited above are a few features that a good Freelance Management System should have. Thanks to them the work between the company and independent contractors is simple and most of all effective. These examples also show us how important it is to carefully choose the right freelance management system so that working with them at every stage of the project lifecycle runs smoothly and does not generate additional costs for the company.

Get to know How to implement Freelance Management System in the company?

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Freelancer and invoicing – table of contents:

1. Why is an invoice a good solution for a freelancer
2. When to issue your first invoice?
3. Can you create an invoice by hand?
4. Why should you have a freelancer invoice app?
5. What are the advantages of an electronic invoice?
6. A smart way to issue invoices

Why is an invoice a good solution for a freelancer?

From the client’s point of view, settling on the basis of invoices is the best form of cooperating with a freelancer. When an enrepreneur receives an invoice for the provided services from you, they can easily include it in the costs of running a business.

This does not give rise to any additional tax or insurance obligations on their part. They forward such an invoice to the accounting department, order the payment of remuneration, and this is the end of their obligations towards you.

That is why when concluding contracts, freelancers who can issue invoices are particularly rewarded. This way of settling accounts with the client significantly increases the chances of getting an interesting and lucrative order. How to get down to invoicing, then?

When to issue your first invoice?

First, you need to make sure that the form of running a business you choose authorizes you to issue invoices. It is worth checking this before accepting the first commission. The lack of legal possibilities to issue an invoice can result in not being paid for your work. Why?

An entrepreneur who commissions you to perform a task must have a document on the basis of which they will pay you the agreed amount. Among others, an invoice is such a document. If they do not receive it from you, they will not be able to withdraw money from their company account.

Obviously, there are also other ways to settle accounts with the client, but they must be informed up front about the form of settlement that you can offer them as a freelancer. Therefore, self-employment is the most frequently chosen business model by freelancers. In this case, you have no limitations when it comes to invoicing.

Can you create an invoice by hand?

You can use ready-made templates to issue invoices. You will find them in stationery stores and wholesalers offering office supplies. Such forms are self-copying, so you can issue two identical copies of the invoice at the same time, one for each of the parties to the transaction.

However, you must admit that this form of issuing invoices is quite annoying, impractical and even archaic. If you work in the area of new technologies, which is quite common among freelancers, then issuing invoices by hand could badly affect your image. Also, you would have to send such an invoice by traditional mail. Therefore, using a freelancer invoice app would be the best solution.

Why should you have a freelancer invoice app?

Invoicing programs let you print invoices without any problems. There are usually various templates available that you can customize for the type of business you’re doing. You can also place your logo on such an invoice, thanks to which you will take care of the visual identification of your company. Another benefit is the automatic summary of all items listed on the invoice. As a result, you can be sure that there are no mistakes in calculations.

If you run your business in a country where VAT applies, the invoicing program will suggest what VAT rates you can use on your invoice. It will also automatically calculate the net and gross amounts and the total amount of VAT. This is a great convenience for a person who issues VAT invoices.

However, issuing an invoice is only half the battle. In order to get paid for the provided services, you still need to deliver it to the client. How to do it? Although it could be printed and sent by mail, it will be much easier to use the possibilities offered by electronic invoicing.

What are the advantages of an electronic invoice?

When you send an invoice electronically, you deliver it in real time. You don’t have to wait for the mailman. Your client will instantly receive it. By using appropriate email settings, you can ask for an acknowledgement of receipt to make sure that the invoice has reached the right person.

Another advantage of electronic invoices is that it is impossible to lose them. If the invoicing program you choose works in SaaS (Software as a Service), then such documents are saved in a cloud. Thanks to this solution, even possible damage to the equipment will not cause the loss of your invoices.

What is more, you save paper, toner and the environment as you don’t have to print every invoice you issue. Such pro-ecological activities can have a positive impact on your image. Since electronic invoices have so many advantages, how do I choose the right invoicing app for me?

A smart way to issue invoices

There are several invoicing programs on the market. Some of them are more expensive, others are cheaper. Depending on the chosen package, they also offer different possibilities. However, does an invoicing program have to cost a lot? It doesn’t. You can use a free invoicing app.

You are certainly wondering if a free application is a good idea. No worries. It offers all the necessary functionalities, e.g. payment monitoring. Regardless of the equipment you are using, you will always have insight into your finances. The possibility of issuing recurring invoices will certailny appeal to those who settle on the basis of a flat rate.

Check out our new free invoicing app and billing software to create invoices.

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Paywall – table of content:

1. Making money online with paywall today
2. What is a paywall?
3. Why opt for a paywall?
4. How to set up a paywall?
5. Is a paywall an effective barrier to access?

Making money online with paywall today

What is a paywall?

Available paywall models include:

• meter paywall — according to which free access to content is conditioned by a limited number of page views; exceeding this limit requires payment for access. This model is based on mechanisms tracking the user and his/her internet traffic. Hence, there are many ways to circumvent it (e.g. incognito mode, blocking cookies). The timing of the payment can also be individualized based on information about the user’s behavior to maximize the chance that the user will purchase access (this is the case in the dynamic version of the model);
• freemium paywall — based on differentiating the content offered on the site into free and paid ones that occur in tandem;
• hard paywall — which is a typically paid model, characteristic for high-quality industry content;
• action paywall — in which conversions are indirect; it requires the user to take a specific action instead of paying for access — these may include subscribing to a newsletter, subscribing to a channel, answering a survey, reviewing a product, etc.

Why opt for a paywall?

How to set up a paywall?

Is a paywall an effective barrier to access?

Like almost every restriction, paywall access can, unfortunately, be circumvented. One of the available, yet simplest methods is to delete cookies from your browser. There are also programs and plugins dedicated to this purpose. Among the latter, there is, for example Bypass Paywalls, which is an unofficial plug-in dedicated to the Chrome browser, with the help of which you can bypass the so-called “soft paywalls”.

Attempts to circumvent paid options will probably always be present, but the trends are rather encouraging. Wealthy, more and more aware, and often creating loyal groups of recipients, communities are eagerly willing to pay for interesting, reliable content. This is why paywalls are still an attractive tool for creators.

Targeting YouTube Channel – table of contents:

1. Targeting YouTube channel or content tailored to the viewer
2. How to determine your audience?
3. YouTube targeting in practice – how to reach selected viewers
4. Remarketing – or how to attract viewers to your other content
5. Key questions – Targeting YouTube Channel

Targeting YouTube channel or content tailored to the viewer

Not every viewer will be attracted to the topics of your channel or the way you run it. Content such as advice, analysis, interviews or columns will probably have other audience than skits, pranks or humorous content. You will create various content, different for young people and for more mature audiences – although of course there are exceptions to this rule.

YouTube targeting is a feature built into the platform to precisely determine not only who but when links and marketing materials will appear for your content or channel itself.

More important than the available technical solutions turns out to be a precise plan of action – to fully define and reach the group interested in the created content. Careful planning of who and how you are going to reach will allow you to avoid unnecessary costs and precisely target the group that may you offer attractive.

How to determine your audience?

Google’s suggested “Audience Targeting Methods” and presented great guideline on what to look for when making a plan and determining your target audience. The owner of YouTube tells us to consider the following:

• demographics – i.e. age, gender, the income of the family you want to reach or children you have. Taking into account detailed data concerning the portal’s users (such as taking into account common features – owned property, place of residence, professional or educational activity) provides for better selection of the optimal group,
• interest – this is one of the most important elements that translates into importance in the content you offer, as well as the services or products you advertise. YouTube has tools to search and target audiences who are interested in material on similar topics (even outside the YouTube platform).
• life events – some materials (e.g. about moving, looking for a new job or renovating an apartment) will engage people who are in a specific situation – right now. So if you’re creating this kind of content or promoting products that may have a use at a specific time, it’s a good idea to consider these issues when preparing your marketing campaign,
• viewed content – it is very likely that a user who has already watched similar videos on the YouTube platform will like to see what else you offer,
• remarketing – that is, reaching viewers who have already had some interaction with your channel or content you create outside the platform – especially if you use a Google account, it will be possible to redirect visitors to YouTube.

YouTube targeting in practice – how to reach selected viewers

If you already know who you want to reach with your content, you have the opportunity to take full advantage of the potential offered by the platform. YouTube lets you decide where you want your ads to appear to encourage people to visit your video or profile. You can choose which channels, blogs, apps or websites your ads will appear on.

Marketing on YouTube enables you to advertise your content on the homepage of a popular website or blog – not just in videos on the platform itself. Options include other YouTube channels, videos, your website in Google Ads, and even mobile apps.

However, the possibilities of personalizing marketing activities do not end here. Google also lets you target your ads strictly to viewers who are interested in a particular topic. An option called “Topic targeting” enables you to narrow down your ads to display only on sites and channels dedicated to a specific topic – such as the stock market, cryptocurrencies, automotive, or cooking.

To some extent, it is related to focusing on keywords, either in the video or in the content of the website. Keywords are still today the basis of positioning on Google and YouTube and it is certainly an issue worth getting to know better.

YouTube targeting can also use knowledge of what device a consumer is connecting from – whether it be a cell phone, a computer, or a smart TV, for example. This has an impact on certain audience behaviors, the amount of time they can spend watching a video and their expected reactions to the content being shown.

Remarketing – or how to attract viewers to your other content

A very effective feature to get higher returns on your advertising investment is remarketing. It helps to reinforce your advertising message by targeting people who have already interacted with the content on your channel. Such action gives a much higher probability of success, so it is also more cost-effective.

By linking your YouTube channel to your Google Ads account, you can easily create remarketing lists that let you target specific audiences – for example, those who have watched any of your uploaded videos, content you’ve selected, an ad you’ve created, subscribed to your channel, visited its homepage, or shared one of your videos. They are most likely to view the rest of the content you present, so targeting this group is one of the most commonly used marketing strategies.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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YouTube Studio – table of contents:

1. YouTube Creator Studio – highlights
2. Using YouTube Studio in practice – adding videos
3. What else should you know about using YouTube Studio?
4. YouTube Studio – the ultimate tool for creators!
5. YouTube Studio – Key questions

YouTube Creator Studio – highlights

You can launch YouTube Studio either from your web browser or by downloading a special application for mobile platforms. The dashboard that appears after logging in contains the most important information about the channel, including statistics, helpful ideas, news and comments. On the left side there is a menu, where you can easily find links to the most practical functions, among others:

• Dashboard– containing basic elements about your channel (such as listed statistics, suggestions, comments and suggestions),
• Content– you will find added videos and live broadcasts,
• Playlists– if you have created playlists on your channel, this is where you can manage them,
• Statistics– detailed statistics on the views of each video you’ve added, including real-time, most popular content, reach, source of visits, viewing time, viewer engagement and audience data,
• Comments– a convenient tool for managing and responding to comments from users of the platform, as well as mentions of the material you insert,
• Subtitles– allows you to add and manage optional subtitles for videos in multiple languages (also to edit them and add a draft before publishing),
• Copyright – this is the place where you can apply to have illegally placed pieces of your work removed, as well as follow up on past requests,
• Earning– probably the most important option on the entire YouTube studio for people who treat the platform as a way to run a business. To use this option, you’ll need to accumulate at least 1,000 subscribers – it’ll tell you more about what content generates the most revenue, how long your content has been viewed, and if you have any alerts for violating community guidelines (which can affect your channel monetization),
• Customization– here you can set channel layout, photo, banner or watermark, add basic information, YT channel description or trailer for those who haven’t subscribed yet,
• Audio library – you can apply the content available there (both music and sound effects) free of charge and without any limitations in the materials you add, including those on which you earn money.

Using YouTube Studio in practice – adding videos

The platform has simplified the way of adding videos to the channel – you can do it directly from the desktop visible after logging in (the upper left corner – the “Upload videos” icon or the “Create” button, from where you can start a live broadcast or add a video).

The easiest way to upload your next video will be the drag-and-drop method, allowing you to upload a video directly by dragging it from your desktop or the videos folder on your computer. You will then see options related to publishing the video – such as title, description, tags, the thumbnail of the video, and you can also directly add it to a playlist.

It will also be necessary to determine the audience (especially determining if it is appropriate for minors).

After clicking Next, you will see the monetization options for your channel (if it meets the minimum requirements).

After selecting the option to monetize the video, details related to the placement of ads will appear. On the next screen, you can set the end screens and tabs that come out when the video is presented. Then, in the “visibility” section, you can set whether you want it to be visible to everyone, non-public or private.

You can also decide when exactly the video will become available on the channel – an option especially useful for those creators who have regular broadcasts at a fixed time.

What else should you know about using YouTube Studio?

Google’s content management tool makes it easy for creators to manage their content – you can easily segment your videos by popularity, interaction, revenue or number of comments. This allows you to analyze which videos bring the best results and better tailor your content to your audience.

After clicking on a given video you will get access to detailed statistics about your viewers. In the “Content” section you can easily edit the settings of the previously added videos, or even delete them from there – but remember that once deleted videos cannot be recovered, so think carefully before you decide to do so.

A great addition to the YouTube Studio platform for creators is the mobile app, which admittedly has somewhat limited functionality, but in return allows you to respond to comments, edit video details and analyze statistics from your phone or tablet.

YouTube Studio – the ultimate tool for creators!

The creators of the YouTube platform have created a tool that really makes the job of content creators easier. The available settings and an extensive administration panel make running a business on the most popular video platform even easier. It is worth getting familiar to make better use of the options and settings offered by the platform.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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YT video editing programs – table of contents:

1. Why is editing of primary importance in the context of content variety?
2. Is editing YouTube videos difficult?
3. YT video editing app – free or paid?
4. Paid programs for YT video editors
5. Free video editing software
6. Mobile app for editing videos on YT – which is the best?
7. Summary
8. Video editing programs – Key questions

Why is editing of primary importance in the context of content variety?

Editing videos on YT is the process of cutting, modifying, and pasting individual pieces of footage into a whole. It also includes other activities, such as adding visual effects or uploading a soundtrack, which is the background of the material.

Editing is the final stage of creating a youtube production. It can be compared to renovating an apartment: at the beginning, we define the goal, budget, and method of implementation (pre-production). Then we go on to buy particular materials and start working (production). The last step is the finishing work, as well as any corrections that will help achieve the intended purpose (postproduction).

The assembly in this case will be all the actions that we take on ongoing basis, at each stage of the work. At some point, we will have to change something, reduce the amount of a particular factor, or make appropriate corrections. Assembly allows, among other things:

• personalizing the raw material;
• framing the relevant parts of the video;
• trimming, stretching, and modifying lengths;
• adding a soundtrack or removing it altogether;
• censoring situations that should not be in the final production.

Is editing YouTube videos difficult?

Editing interesting productions for YouTube does not require above-average manual skills. However, something else is needed: a vision of a perfect whole. The creator faces the need to compose all the components in such a way that the final material feels complete to the viewer.

It’s all about skillfully cutting parts of the video, adding a soundtrack and making the content more attractive with dedicated effects – so that the whole thing is not chaotic, but orderly and attractive.

The exceptions are productions based on live reports, or those that are specifically created to be clumsy (YouTuber Klocuch is a good example of intentionality in this context).

YT video editing app – free or paid?

The main differences are functionality and usability.

Free video editing programs often do not have technical support, guaranteed by the manufacturer. For expert tutorials or training on editing techniques on the most popular, free applications, we will have to pay extra.

Using paid programs for editing videos on YT, we gain, first of all, access to an extensive user interface. In this case, you will be covered by technical support if any problems with the operation of the software occur.

Some features may, perversely, work against premium programs. A novice filmmaker will benefit more from simplified applications without extensions than from those designed strictly for professionals.

Paid programs for YT video editors

For a professional editor for film processing/editing, we will have to pay from several dozen to several hundred dollars. Some applications, such as Adobe Premier Pro (used by professional creators and even television companies), work in the form of a subscription. Monthly costs oscillate around 20-30 $ per month.

An extremely important aspect of professional programs is that they provide a huge scope for creative developers. Applications are usually very complex, and the process of learning and acquiring knowledge from tutorials can take weeks. Some of the most popular paid editing programs include:

• Vegas Pro,
• Adobe Premier Pro,
• COREL VideoStudio,
• VSDC Video Editor Pro 6,
• Movavi Video Editor Plus.

Free video editing software

Free video editing programs are software designed for easy and fast editing of uncomplicated footage. Unlike paid versions, free applications are devoid of some plugins, extensions or interfaces. There are a few exceptions from these, such as Shotcut or Kdenlive. The creators of the software regularly update the base of add-ons, thanks to which the user can professionalize his work without spending a penny. The best free video editing programs include:

• Lightworks,
• Avidemux,
• DaVinci Resolve,
• Kdenlive,
• VSDC Free Video Editor.

Mobile app for editing videos on YT – which is the best?

There are also mobile applications that can instantly make your holiday video blog or a video recorded outside your home more attractive. The iMovie program is dedicated and adapted only for iOS devices or Mac OS. If we, on the other hand, are the owners of smartphones with Android, we can then use CyberLink PowerDirector. The basic functions of the software are free of charge, for gaining more capabilities, we will be obliged to pay up to a few hundred dollars.

Summary

Today, virtually anyone can become a YouTuber – all you need is a smartphone, an original idea and efficient editing of the material. The latter can help reduce the weaknesses of the recording device, make an already interesting idea more engaging or attract new viewers to the group of subscribers. Creators can choose between simple and free editing software or complex and paid applications for professional editing.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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Best Time Tracking Apps in 2022 – table of contents:

1. Why would you need a time tracking app?
2. What features should the time tracking app have?
3. 13 best time tracking apps in 2022
4. Is it worth using dedicated applications to measure work efficiency?
5. Best Time Tracking Apps – Key Questions

Why would you need a time tracking app?

If we control the process of completing tasks and set strict time frames in which we fulfill our goals, we can be sure that the efficiency of our work will increase. The employee gains more flexibility and can focus on improving those elements that take the most time. If you’re looking for other ways to increase your productivity, check out our article about best productivity apps.

A computerized time registration system provides information about the effective and ineffective stages of performing duties. Time tracking is suitable wherever a contractor needs to set an hourly rate for a completed job. It warrants precise estimation of productive work time, which makes it possible to concretize a rate for a completed project, work or service. The application becomes our “advisor and analyst” empowering us to recognize the time consumption of individual stages and elements of the project enabling their prioritizing, delegating, fixing and handling.

Best time tracking and invoicing software also allows you to control the budget allocated to a given project. The company can manage projects more efficiently by easily sending invoices. This allows you to control receivables from the level of a given program.

What features should the time tracking app have?

When classifying the time & attendance apps listed below, we took into account a few key factors. First of all, they should be free, secure and easy to download. This is because the monitoring of working time should take place “in the background”, without distracting our attention. Another important feature of this type of program is compatibility with different operating systems and devices. It is crucial that the working time monitoring is so versatile that it can take place on all hardware available, synchronizing data automatically throughout all devices. A timekeeping system should also hallmark integration with other task management software. So without further ado, check out our list of the leading time tracking apps on the market.

13 best time tracking apps in 2022

1. TrackingTime

��������������:��TrackingTime is a popular app for Project Managers looking to keep a closer eye on their team’s activity. With Chrome and Firefox extensions, the in-depth app provides a clear overview of the hours worked and tasks in progress. It also lets managers communicate with their team and assign tasks.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��The app offers a free plan, which is limited to three users and three projects. The unlimited pro version costs $7 a month per user.


2. DeskTime

��������������:��This very simple-to-use app combines three core areas: employee monitoring, project management, and productivity analysis. The powerful app does not just track time, though; it also reviews the actions of users, such as the web pages and programs they use, allowing it to calculate overall productivity.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��Users can choose from a free Lite version, while for full access, users can choose from a range of pricing plans depending on the size of their team.


3. Timely

��������������:��Timely is a great app that helps employees create automatic timesheets. The innovative solution uses advanced AI to track background activity to create detailed reports on activity. Users can then review and edit this information before approving it.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��All information is kept private, and employees are able to choose which information is shown before submitting their timesheets. Users can enjoy a free 14-day trial, with then a range of paid plans depending on the needs.


4. ProofHub

��������������:��This powerful time tracking app has an incredibly simple interface and offers a wide range of collaboration features. Users are given the ability to start an automatic timer when they begin a task, alongside allowing the ability to input manual time too. All of this information is then stored in an attractive timesheet which can be used when invoicing clients.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��The app can be connected with a host of third-party apps, such as FreshBooks. New customers get to enjoy a free trial, while basic access costs $45 and full access $89 a month.


5. QuickBooks

Overview: This quick solution lets users to quickly clock in and clock out through a single click of their smartphone. The previously known as TSheets, app also allows businesses to create schedules and shifts, notify team members, and monitor attendance.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��The app also comes with GPS tracking and geofencing, allowing businesses to see those employees closest to the next job. Prices start from $20 a month (with an additional $8 per user).


6. Time Doctor

��������������:��The useful Time Doctor app is a mic of both project management and time tracking. The app will closely monitor users, tracking the websites and apps visited while also allowing managers to take screenshots of what employees are currently working on.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��The app also gives employers the ability to pay employees directly through a range of banking apps. Prices start at $9.99 per user, although discounts are available for larger teams.


7. Hours

��������������:��Available across desktop, smartphones, and smartwatches, Hours is a very useful tool for freelancers and consultants. Users can set up individual timers for their various tasks, which they can then toggle between as needed.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��Hours will then create a custom invoice based on the timer notes, giving detailed reports on how users are spending their time. Personal use begins at $19.99 a year, while for larger teams, the pro version costs $59.99.


8. ATracker

��������������:��This mobile-only app simplifies time tracking by providing a simple to use timer, which can be assigned to a particular task. Users can customize the interface based on tags or colors, ensuring they can quickly set priority levels.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��Users can sync data across multiple devices, and ATracker offers a free limited-time plan, with a Pro version starting at $2.99 a month.


9. Tick

��������������:��Tick is a very useful app that lets users track their time based on the timeline and budget of their project. The software will alert users when they are taking too long on a certain task, are running out of time, or are exceeding the budget.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��The app can also be linked to various accounting software, and prices are based on the number of projects required.


10. RescueTime

��������������:��RescueTime is not only a time tracking app, but it also shows users how productive they have been. The app tracks how you spent your day, reviewing the websites, apps, and programs you utilized before calculating the time you wasted.

�ʰ��������Բ�:��Users can also set themselves goals, with RescueTime providing regular updates on how close you are to achieving them. The Lite version is free to use, while to unlock the full version, the premium subscription costs $9 a month per user.


11. Toggl Track

Overview: It is a fully free and extremely efficacious time tracking app available for various operating systems. Its greatest leverage is automatism. It counts the time on its own, without the need to enter information about the ongoing project. It also contains a plugin featuring an activation button that appears on many websites. It is a handy reminder, which informs about the possibility of measurement. The program has been equipped with additional options, allowing the stopwatch to turn on each time you open the browser (or other, defined in the settings, program). Toggl Track has a built-in sensor of inactivity rendering even more precise analyses of results. The aesthetic user interface is also a bonus.

Pricing:The free version of the program is designed for a team of up to 9 people. The starter subscription costs $18 a month per user.


12. Everhour

Overview:This one can instantly associate projects entered into other task management applications. All projects that we create in a particular productivity program at work automatically appear in Everhour. It has an intuitive interface that easily tracks your time with a single click. A valuable aid of Everthour is the progress bars element that visualizes whether we managed to complete the project on time.

Pricing: The free version of the program can connect up to five users. The possibility to integrate the application with other management programs already requires the purchase of a subscription. The subscription costs $10 a month per user.



13. ����k8�콢��

Overview: ����k8�콢�� is probably the best time tracking app on the market. It is a multifunctional tool that allows you to control the duration of the project. Everyone in the team can list down their tasks and the time spent on their implementation. Thanks to this function, it is possible to calculate how much financial resources a given project required, how many people worked on it and how much time was spend on it.

These functionalities make it the best project management software for marketing agencies. Superiors can control the entire task management process and easily check if the duties are being done systematically.

Pricing: Depending on the package, the prices are as follows: Pricing.



Check out how to gain control thanks to time tracking by using ����k8�콢��:

Is it worth using dedicated applications to measure work efficiency?

Monitoring working time is instrumental to maximize productivity in performing tasks. This way we can check whether the task at hand does not take more time than we might assume. It may happen that some projects undertaken will be too time-consuming to implement and the app will consequently contribute to saving our valuable resources. Free apps are definitely propitious in the context of individual work or work in a small team. You will have to pay for extended functions, either as a one-time fee or as a monthly subscription.

Finding the right time tracking app for your needs can be tough, but it is also essential in helping you to maximize both your performance and that of your team. Read also our article about working smarter, not harder.

Join our to stay in touch!]]> /10-best-time-tracking-apps/feed 0 /microphones_for_recording /microphones_for_recording#respond Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:40:42 +0000 /?p=19624 The key to building a stable position on the market is to create a large audience, engaged in interaction with the shared materials. Huge competition, almost in every thematic area on YouTube, does not allow to produce poor quality content, based only on the correct content layer. To exist, you need to professionalize your work. One of the key steps to improve your productions is to professionalize your audio. So how to choose the right microphones for recording?

Choosing the right microphones for recording- table of contents:

1. Who is most likely to succeed in YT?
2. Microphones for recording – universal or with a specific purpose?
3. What is the biggest problem in choosing microphones for recording?
4. Alternative voice recording option
5. Microphones for recording – Key questions

Who is most likely to succeed in YT?

A unique idea and a vision for its implementation is one thing. The second issue is technical factors that can verify the efforts of ambitious creators. In the era of constant implementation of new technologies the average viewer expects high-quality stimuli that attract his or her attention.

It is enough to take a look at the works of leading ranking YouTubers to see fully professional equipment in their productions. The times when you could make a name for yourself by publishing content recorded with a smartphone of dubious quality without the use of, for example, ambient noise reduction in the sound recording device, are long gone. Investing in a professional streaming camera or a good microphone for a YouTuber is essential.

But what will be the characteristics of “good” equipment? Is there any objective basis for saying that the equipment will bring us success?

• The data is clear: the biggest YouTubers, who boast a high number of subscribers, use professional sound recording equipment.
• Sound quality is of great importance in terms of attracting viewers – voice modulation, recording clarity, noise reduction eliminates problems with conveying valuable content to your viewers.
• Good sound quality and clarity are essential – it gives the creator confidence and professionalizes the channel.

Microphones for recording – universal or with a specific purpose?

It’s no surprise that the most popular video creators on the Internet use at least a few microphones of various types. Some of them have a typical streaming purpose and are used, for example, to report gameplays from computer games. Others are used for studio recording, which makes them useful in the context of conducting interviews, recording podcasts or creating static video blogs.

Just as often, we can see so-called clip-ins, or professional tie microphones, which are characterized by omnidirectionality and are invaluable when you need to collect sounds coming from different directions (for example, when creating content outdoors).

A professional YouTuber has at least a few sound recording devices in his or her closet. Buying good equipment is a significant financial expense, but in most cases getting a device can be included in the cost of doing business. So if you run a one-person company, focused on creating content for multimedia portals, the purchase of a microphone can be safely included in the costs of running the business.



What is the biggest problem in choosing microphones for recording?

A big obstacle is the price barrier, which can scare novice creators. The financial expense for a good quality microphone is in the range of several hundred to several thousand dollars.

While in most cases the purchase of a device can be counted as part of doing business, in the case of an investment in a very expensive microphone, not commensurate with industry standards, the term “representation costs” may be triggered. These, according to the legal regulations, cannot be counted as business expenses.

What kind of microphone for recording will be suitable if our budget is not exorbitant? Let’s focus on the three most important parameters:

• The type of transducer used.

You can choose between condenser, dynamic, electret and digital microphones. Dynamic microphones have the simplest design and are able to withstand heavy loads and maintain effective performance even in the case of very high noise. Condenser microphones are the second recommended choice. These recorders are extremely sensitive to sound and are characterized by high sound quality – they are used in studio recording, among other things.

• Practical use.

For gamers streaming their struggles, computer microphones will be the optimal solution. In the case of music creators, it is worth using vocal recorders. Journalists and video bloggers recording outdoors will usually use tie and reporter microphones. When creating content in a studio, a studio sound recorder will prove invaluable.

• The direction of the sound collection.

The most popular microphones for recording are those with cardioid or condenser characteristics. A cardioid recorder is a good microphone for recording sounds from one direction, while a condenser mic is able to record sounds omnidirectionally. The difference is important in terms of the specifics and type of video creation.

Alternative voice recording option

In less demanding semi-professional productions you can successfully use a small microphone for recording, which has been built in another peripheral device. We are talking about popular gaming headsets or webcams with voice recorders. However, due to the need for miniaturization of equipment, while maximizing their usability, built-in microphones may prove to be insufficient in the creation of ambitious video projects.

The sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of additional features, such as noise reduction or equalization, can have a negative impact on the final output on YouTube. Therefore, it can be said that the more professional equipment we have, the more effectively we “grow” in the eyes of the audience.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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]]> /microphones_for_recording/feed 0 /is-good-video-lighting-necessary /is-good-video-lighting-necessary#respond Thu, 18 Nov 2021 08:30:58 +0000 /?p=19582 The first part of the well-known catchphrase: lights, camera, action, points to the most basic element, without which neither “the camera” can work efficiently, nor “the action” can absorb the viewer’s attention. Lighting builds the mood, focuses the viewer’s attention on specific elements of the scenery, enhances emotions, and shapes up the recording. In this article, we will explain why without good video lighting our chances of success in the YT career are greatly diminished.

Video lighting for YouTube – issues discussed:

1. Why is proper lighting so important?
2. How does light affect the viewer’s perception?
3. Is professionalizing your recordings a good way to make your channel popular on YT?
4. Video lighting for Youtube – types and alternative options
5. Video lighting for YouTube – Key questions

Why is proper lighting so important?

Beginning internet creators face the huge challenge of adjusting their film sets to their personalized needs. It’s no wonder that choosing the best tools, techniques, and lighting configurations can be a daunting task for youtube novices.

The main issue usually concerns the camera. It is the one, in the opinion of many creators, that is the most essential device in terms of providing good video quality. And while the recording equipment is of undeniable importance, it is not unconditionally essential.

Lighting is more important – if we can illuminate the frame well, emphasize the emotions and highlight the desired details with lamps and accessories, our production will always look good. The quality and functionality of the camera then recede into the background.

How does light affect the viewer’s perception?

Good quality video lighting will allow us to systematize the conditions that will prevail in the place of filming. Then we get a constant and certain look of the scene, which we plan to illuminate.

If we record video blogs, then standardizing the look of the scenery by proper lighting of our characters combined with the use of light modifiers will contribute to a better reception of our production.

Manipulating lighting can evoke specific emotions in the audience, set the right tone for the film and build the desired mood.

Lighting for recording on YT not only helps to illuminate the area so that the camera can record more effectively, but it is also a tool for building a story, creating tension and creating a unique style.

• A recording device needs much more light to properly record scenery than the human eye can see. This is why scene lighting is so important.
• The video lighting configuration sets the tone for the story. By placing the lamp at eye level we in a way “uncover” ourselves in front of the viewer, while the light set at an angle, from the side, adds a pinch of drama to the whole shot.
• The manipulation of contrasts helps to emphasize those elements of the set which are to attract the viewer’s attention. Using the right lighting we can focus the viewer’s attention on certain elements, or draw them away from others.

Is professionalizing your recordings a good way to make your channel popular on YT?

The scale of popularity of this multimedia service and the fact that virtually anyone who can effectively implement their idea for a channel can exist on YouTube are sufficient reason to begin youtubing.

If we go through the works of the most prominent YouTubers we will quickly conclude that they are professional creators, using expert recording equipment for the production of their films. The recordings use proven lighting techniques by implementing drawing, filling and auxiliary lamps.

Professional video lighting for YouTube often includes more than a dozen disparate elements, with light-emitting devices positioned either at the front, back, or ceiling of the recording studio.



Video lightinh for Youtube – types and alternative options

Proper configuration of lighting elements should consist of several parts. The main aspect is the key light, which is placed relatively close to the camera, usually on one of its sides.

In some cases, this type of light can be applied frontally, thus reducing the number of shadows visible on the subject. This technique is usually used by beauty bloggers – in makeup tutorials, close-ups of the face are as desirable as possible, and the best effect is achieved by using ring lights.

The second element is the filling light, which eliminates possible shadows. It aims to diffuse the light and evenly fill the space with a delicate glow. Many artists use softboxes, which work exceptionally well in this context.

The third element is the backlight, which separates the element being recorded from the background. Professional lighting for YouTube videos will consist of these three elements mentioned above.

• The lighting used on YouTube will depend on the nature and subject of our recordings. To the specialization of the channel, we also adjust the way of placing the camera and the light, or the type of lighting used.
• One of the most useful ways to achieve a good lighting effect is a rail set or so-called YouTube rail lighting. Spotlights installed on the rail can be freely rotated, changing their lighting direction, making it a highly practical solution.
• The purchase of lighting equipment is an expensive financial expense. An expert set will cost up to several thousand zlotys. Part of the cost can be safely reduced by including the price of the equipment in the cost of doing business. The condition is to have a company whose business is based on the creation of videos on YouTube. Reducing costs can also involve making your lighting equipment.You don’t need great skills to make your own makeshift LED ring light, or to create an effective softbox with a fabric frame.

Check out our previous article in the series “Running a business on YouTube” here.

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