It’s interesting how things change over time. Back in the day, penning a business plan with the thought of making money online simply wasn’t something people did. In the 2010s, online data entry has become a popular and viable way for people to make money, and here we are, in the middle of another digital transformation.
Now is the perfect time to find out whether or not this is the right path for you. Keep reading to find out more about this lucrative career option.
The Rise of Online Data Entry
For those seeking an alternative to traditional employment, the online data entry industry has seen an incredible boom in recent years. According to the Global Data Entry and Fulfilment Market Size, 2021 report, published by Transparency Market Research, the market value is projected to hit US$25.9 billion by next year.
The practice of data entry entails searching for relevant information and using software to enter it into a structured format such as a database. Data entry is often carried out from home and can be a full-time or part-time job, depending on the freelancer’s availability. High workloads and demanding deadlines are common.
While the industry sees growth, there are still several hurdles that aspiring data entry workers must overcome before they can establish themselves as expert practitioners. For instance, the cybersecurity expert Juniper Smith points out in her book, The Data Entry Professional: A New Approach to Data Entry, that getting a good handle on computer security is critical if they are to succeed in this line of work. Learning how to protect your privacy and secure your personal data is essential.
In addition to mastering cybersecurity, candidates must also develop the necessary skills to carry out data entry effectively. To start, they should learn to navigate various software applications, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Office, and understand how to use them for editing and creating documents. They should also become familiar with common terms and phrases used in the industry so that they can better communicate with their customers.
With the growth of the online data entry industry, more and more people are discovering the lucrative earnings potential of this career choice. As a data entry freelancer, you can expect to earn per hour, based on your experience and capabilities. In general, the Global Data Entry and Fulfilment Market Size report projects a CAGR of 13.9% for the upcoming years, which would make 2021 to be a bumper year for online data entry job seekers.
The Dangers of Online Data Entry
While the income potential is undeniably attractive, there are a number of risks that you must be aware of as an online data entry worker. First and foremost, the chances are high that you will be required to handle sensitive and potentially lucrative data. Financial information, social security numbers, and other information that could reveal someone’s identity, are all fair game if you are carrying out online data entry for a business.
Even if the information is not personally identifiable, it is still possible that a third party may discover it through your negligence. As a result, you could face legal ramifications and damages. The same goes for data that you may uncover through your research. If a business or individual discovers that you have improperly accessed their private data, you risk being sued or facing legal penalties.
You must also be prepared to work long hours and in some cases, across several continents. According to an international cohort of online data entry employers interviewed by BizEaze, the average respondent spent over 40 hours per week at work, with about one-quarter working over 50 hours per week. This means that you could be putting in long hours, on top of your regular employment responsibilities, which may leave you drained both physically and mentally. It is essential that you schedule adequate breaks to allow you to maintain your concentration levels throughout the day.
How to Become a Successful Data Entry Worker
If you are looking to dip your toe in the water and see what this career path has got to offer, here are a few tips on how to go about it successfully.
Study Up
A solid basic understanding of computer science and software is a must. Familiarity with commonly used software applications and platforms, such as Google Docs, Microsoft Office, and others, will prove useful. In addition, taking and passing a rigorous exam, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), will allow you to verify your expertise and provide you with a credential to further your career. Exams and certifications offered by prominent agencies, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM®), are widely recognized and provide credibility and respectability in the industry. In addition to making you more attractive to employers, both in-house and freelancing, these certifications ensure that you have the necessary skills to perform your job obligations.
Find A Niche
If you are looking to pursue this line of work, it is important to find a niche and build a reputation for yourself within it. For example, if you are a transcriptionist who specializes in legal proceedings, you may find it easier to land gigs as a data entry transcriber, rather than a general transcriptionist. By establishing yourself as an expert in one area, you may find it easier to transition to other areas of data entry specialization when additional opportunities arise. In addition, by building a reputation and portfolio within your chosen niche, you are more likely to secure future work and earn higher standards of compensation. As a general transcriptionist, you may find it difficult to bid for high-pressure, hourly work without a prior reputation of proven excellence.
Join A Society Of Professionals
Data entry can be a highly competitive field, and those who want to succeed in it must keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies. Joining a professional society that is well-established in your niche will prove beneficial to your career, as it gives you the opportunity to connect with other professionals, learn about the latest news and trends, and get ahead of the competition. To start, you may want to consider joining an online data entry society, which provides you with access to a variety of networking options, such as online forums, webinars, and social events, where you can interact with other professionals and gain a better understanding of how the industry works.
Get A Mentor
A mentor, or more appropriately, a coach, can be a helpful guide through this challenging yet rewarding career. As you progress in your data entry career, you may find it beneficial to enlist the help of a more experienced colleague or even a seasoned professional. A mentor can be someone who has been there and done it all, and can offer valuable guidance and insight into the industry. In return, you can offer them guidance and assistance as they help you navigate the complex world of data entry and establish yourself as a capable professional.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for an opportunity to earn additional money, online data entry is a lucrative option that provides you with the flexibility to work remotely. While the opportunities are endless, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved so that you can enter the profession with your eyes open and ready to accept the responsibility that comes with this line of work. With the right training and preparation however, you can be certain that this career path will provide you with long-term, sustainable financial stability. Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you in deciding whether or not to pursue a career in data entry.