Frequently, even the freelancer that has not been able to break into the print version of the publication can get a gig with the online editor. Transaction volume is how start-ups get more funding, and how established companies measure their performance when they publish annual reports. The web editor may be the creative person in the company, but he or she will always report to the business analyst in the company. And any content that gets transactions will get a web editor's ongoing attention. Web design firms are a great place to establish long-running freelance relationships.
Companies hire design firms to develop the technology to power their new e-commerce sites.
Web design firms are full of cracker-jack sharp businessmen, programming geeks, account directors and design coordinators. But very, very few design firms keep editors and writers on staff to help design the prototype of a company's content. A freelancer that can pitch for the content business and demonstrate the ability to meet often critically tight deadlines can cash in on corporations that are flush with cash and racing to establish an e-commerce website. There are a few basic questions the freelancer needs to answer to illuminate the nature of the business and therefore, the nature of the pitch for the job. If the site serves as an online brochure for the company or for corporate shareholders, the text will be more formal, especially if it is a publicly-traded company.