Data entry requires very little specific training, making it easy enough to get started. There is no acceleration time and long training is not necessary, which is not always compensated. You can simply plug in and go.
Nor does it require any type of academic or professional training. This makes it accessible to almost anyone who is interested in working online - there are very few barriers to entry.
And finally, data entry is easy. It doesn't require any skill or bravery on your part, so it's not very intimidating.
For all these reasons, data entry has become something of a "holy grail" for the person who is new to working from home and unsure where to start or what is out there.
Skills required for online data entry
Computer skills: As a data entry worker, you must have basic computer usage skills: knowing how to operate a computer, install software, keep it up-to-date, keep your computer safe with anti-virus and anti-malware programs, etc.
Writing skills: You must also be able to write quickly and efficiently while maintaining a high degree of precision. Don't forget to check your work.
Organization: Data entry is all about enforcing order in chaos, so I hope you are good at these things yourself! You should be good with the organization and always pay close attention to detail.
Good communication: As with all jobs, especially those done at home, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is important for data entry.
High tolerance to repetition: you can imagine that data entry can age; after all, you are doing the same task over and over again with only minor variations. This means that data entry can become torture if you are not good at it. It should also be good to sit in front of your computer for long periods of time.
Software skills: Must have extensive knowledge of commonly used programs such as word processing software and applications (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), spreadsheet software and applications (Excel, Sheets), data recording programs, and more.
Equipment needed for online typing jobs
Home computer with high-speed internet access. Enough talk.
A numeric keypad. You may be entering a large volume of numbers while entering data - a real numeric keypad is a lifesaver, either integrated with your keyboard or as a standalone peripheral.
A comfortable home office. You will be sitting in front of your computer for long periods of time: your desk chair should be comfortable and your desk should be easy to work with (preferably in a way that does not harm your posture or wrists).
Access to common data processing programs. It's a good idea to have access to as many programs as possible, from the Microsoft Office suite to G Suite, so you have the right tools for any data entry job.
The Pitfall of Easy
In most cases, and I hate to tell you, you can't make a lot of money by entering data. You will probably spend many hours at work, only to earn very, very little. And those elusive decently paying concerts rarely have openings. I was on a waiting list for a data entry job for over a year before they called me.
That is why the competition for data entry jobs is steep. When people receive that call, they don't leave. I stayed with that company for six or seven years until the pay could no longer compete with what I do here on my blog.
And that competition for easy roles creates more problems for remote workers. Companies know that their data entry needs are suitable for even the most inexperienced online workforce, including people who barely speak English. Therefore, these companies are happy to outsource their data entry to people who are willing to work for pennies.
While it is absolutely true that there are unique opportunities on the blue moon to earn a living by entering data, those jobs are extremely rare.
You will also quickly find that this industry is forged with scammers. These scoundrels know that people are desperate for these positions and can let their guard down in hopes of finding the best unicorn to work at home. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And at many of the sites, we discuss below, you'll find an alert firstly warning visitors that these scammers not only exist but also use legitimate company names in an attempt to break into your bank account. Be careful! Learn how to spot and avoid scams.
That being said, there are some legitimate companies out there.
Legitimate data entry jobs from home
1. AccuTran Global:
AccuTran Global is primarily known as a transcription company, which is fair since that is primarily what independent contractors hire. However, sometimes they also have data entry jobs, so it's better to be vigilant. Check out the link for my company overview, which details what it's like for its transcriptionists - you'll likely share similarities with what you expect from data entry specialists.
2. Axion Data Entry Services:
Axion is one of those legitimate opportunities that rarely have vacancies, but it can be nice to be registered in their database for when they do. They also only work with independent contractors. To qualify with them, you must have 2-3 years of data entry experience. They require a write speed of 50 WPM (15,000 keystrokes per hour) with no errors. They pay for a flat fee per page (or project), so it really pays to be fast and accurate. Axion requires a nominal fee to keep you registered in its database in case of future openings; Despite this, they are not a scam.
3. Birch Creek Communications -
BCC periodically searches for people to enter data; When they do, they look for independent contractors like everyone else. Payment is for work and performance, with its highest pay range for those with near-perfect consistent accuracy. You can set any hours you like with them, but it seems the work is most widely available Monday through Friday on a corporate schedule.
4. Clickworker:
Clickworker allows you to register and be part of a group of people who complete tasks for Clickworkers clients. Data entry is one such task, and others include proofreading, copy editing, web research, surveys, and more. Once you register (free), fill out your profile, and complete short assessments to demonstrate your skills. The number of jobs available depends on how well you perform, and providing an excellent job means your earnings will increase. You work on your own schedule, they take care of the billing and pay you monthly or weekly through PayPal.
5. DionData Solutions -
DionData Solutions is looking for professional data entry operators that write 60 WPM with a high degree of precision. Must be proficient with computers, capable of handling the Internet, email attachments, and downloading and opening files. You will work independently, so you must have a high degree of self-discipline. They also expect their data entry specialists to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. US citizenship is a requirement for the position.
6. The Smart Crowd:
Smart Crowd is part of Lionbridge and provides its registered workers with a pool of available microtasks, many of which revolve around data entry. You work when you want and as much as you want. Payment rates vary and are advertised as both competitive and corresponding to your productivity. To work with them, register on their site for free - they evaluate it and then link it to tasks that suit their skills. Payment is issued once a month.
7. SigTrack:
SigTrack works with independent contractors to register whether the petition signers are voters or to process voter registration and other forms. Since this job revolves around the petition season, they only hire at certain times. Payment is per unit of work based on accuracy, and they require you to maintain at least 98% accuracy to fulfill your contract and also review the work of others. They pay through PayPal. This position is only available to US citizens and you will be asked to make a short Skype call during the interview process to establish your identity. Equipment requirements are fairly standard, but be aware that they require dual monitors.
8. Microworkers -
Microworkers, as the name implies, is another microtask site. They offer a variety of tasks, and some of them may include data entry. Some of the jobs they offer actually pay better than similar jobs at other microtask sites. They also show you a percentage on each job that shows how often that job poster has approved the job of previous workers. You only paid for an approved job, so it's useful! Payment for completed jobs goes directly to your PayPal account once you reach your $ 10 payment limit. Watch out for scam jobs offered through Microworkers.
9. Amazon mTurk:
Amazon Mechanical Turk is the lion of the microtask sites and can find data entry work among its thousands of available tasks. Once you sign up for your site, you can select HIT (Human Intelligence Tasks) that you find interesting; sometimes, you must complete a qualifier to land the task. You are only paid if your work is accepted. There may be some suspicious tasks listed in mTurk, so be careful and don't pick up any HIT that feels bad. Payment is made through Amazon gift cards or by bank deposit.
10. Work Solutions:
Work Solutions periodically offers work that involves data entry. To work with them, you will need to complete an online application and follow it with some evaluations. They will then contact you (your website says this step can take up to 2 weeks) with acceptance or rejection. Once you are an agent, you will have the opportunity to review and introduce yourself to the programs you think match your skills. Each program pays differently and payment is made by direct deposit or checks sent by mail.
11. Appen -
This company may be best known for its search engine evaluator jobs, they also offer a variety of anytime "microtask" positions that may involve some form of data entry or data collection. Many are short term and project-based. Sometimes they are one-time tasks. For example, by updating this post, they had an opportunity to conduct a one-time Facebook search survey that they could complete with an invitation every 42 days. It may not be much, but it is a little extra money to spend.
12. Lionbridge -
This is another company known for its evaluator and advisor jobs, but they also offer a variety of other small tasks. One of those tasks that may fit into the field we are talking about today is annotation. In some of these roles, you are simply tagging images. In other annotation functions, it will help improve your artificial intelligence software. Appen and Lionbridge frequently join their remote roles. Even if you don't see something of interest now, check back often.
I also recommend visiting the FlexJobs. They research all of your job contacts for legitimacy, so your job search there is guaranteed without scams.
There are great alternatives to data entry for working from home
Think about the things that might attract you to data entry:
- You don't need much training.
- You don't have to have any particular fund.
- Work is available and pays (even if data entry doesn't pay much).
- No special equipment or software is required.
- You can pick and choose how much you do.
- It does not require any special skills.
- You don't have to start a business to enter data. (Or maybe you like the idea of starting a business, but it seems really intimidating!)
The good news is that there are viable alternatives that fit most, if not all, of these criteria, and pay is substantially better than data entry. They may require a little bit of brainpower and the faster you can type, the better you will be, but none of these should be an obstacle that is big enough to keep you from following your dreams of working at home.
Here are some of the best alternatives to data entry for when you want to work from home:
Transcription
When I think of an alternative to working from home doing data entry, transcription is the first thing that comes to mind. I've written a lot about transcription before because it's a great way to start.
Transcription requires no special training once you figure out how to do it (and it can be as simple as stopping and starting a recording and writing what you listen to, although there are software programs that make this process much more efficient). Consult these resources to carry out transcription work.
Transcription doesn't require a lot of technical skill - you're basically just writing down what you hear. Occasionally, you may have to pay attention to what is happening if it sounds confusing, and the better you can do this, the better your transcripts will be. But it's generally not too challenging, and there is a transcription "code" that you can include in your transcript in any section that is too confusing to understand.
Email and chat customer service
While you may not be jumping back and forth with the idea of doing online customer service, take a closer look. Some customer service jobs are done over the phone, but there are many new opportunities to do customer service by handling emails and doing the online chat feature for a company's website.
Chat and email customer service jobs are a growing field. You can work for a customer service organization that companies then hire, you can work directly for a company that does your customer service, or you can even start your own freelance business as a customer service professional and start offering your services that way. way.
The following companies hire for email and chat jobs at home:
- Amazon (seasonal)Apple
- Best Buy
- LivePerson
- Sedgwick CMS
- Site5
- Site staff
- Support.com
- Sutherland (occasionally has non-phone openings)
- Sykes (occasionally has chat openings)
- Talk2Rep
- TeleTech
- The chat shop
Writing
If what draws you into data entry has more to do with the fact that the job is available and you think you can type fairly quickly, why not take a look at writing money online?
Freelance writing is a great way to make money in parallel, and it's truly one of the most lucrative opportunities out there if you can reach some of the highly specialized writing niches.
But even if you're not digging into copywriting, it's definitely worth taking a look at freelance writing. If you can write fast, you should be able to put together a decent blog post in about an hour (once you get used to it, which usually doesn't take long). If you charge a customer $ 50 for that blog post (which is a fairly typical beginner/beginner fee), you've just earned $ 50 for an hour of work. And the best part is, many companies will want to hire a writer for a recurring job, so it's not like you have to find a new client every time you want a task.
Freelance work is definitely not for everyone, but it's also not as scary as many people think it is. I love freelance writing, and I encourage you to take a closer look at it before deciding it's not for you.
Data entry may not make you a lot of money, but legitimate opportunities can keep you earning funds while searching for something that pays better. Now that you know what you need and where to look for legitimate jobs, get it! And don't forget to send me a note on how you do this, or any valid data entry work you haven't mentioned here.
