Introduction
The process of buying and securing an online writing account is an important decision for any Kenyan freelance writer. As the demand for academic writing services continues to grow in Kenya, more and more writers are turning to online platforms to find work and build their careers. However, with the rise in demand for online writing services also comes an increase in scams and fraudulent activity. It is therefore crucial for writers to be diligent in their research and take the necessary steps to ensure the security of their online writing account.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive outline of the process of buying and securing an online writing account, including tips for maintaining the security of the account. We will also discuss the importance of conducting thorough research and finding a reputable seller, as well as the steps involved in securing the account’s email, account, and payment method. By following these guidelines, writers can confidently navigate the process of buying and securing an online writing account and ensure the success of their writing career.
Steps for Researching and Choosing an Online Writing Account
I. Determine Personal Goals, Preferences and Budget
The first step in researching and choosing an online writing account is to determine what your personal goals, preferences and budget are. This includes evaluating your writing skills and experience, your areas of expertise, and your career aspirations. This will help you narrow down your options and find an account that is a good fit for you.
When it comes to determining your personal goals, it is important to consider what you want to achieve with your writing career. Do you want an account that is ready to make money immediately, or one that you can grow over time; used vs new account? Are you looking for an account that allows you to work on a variety of topics, or do you have a specific niche that you want to focus on? Do you want an account that offers a lot of work, or are you comfortable with a smaller workload? What compensation (CPP) are you comfortable with? These are all important questions to consider when choosing an online writing account.
In addition to personal goals, it is also important to consider your personal preferences when it comes to the account. Do you prefer bid or take accounts? Do you prefer working with support or directly with the clients? Do you need an account that offers a lot of support and resources, or are you comfortable working independently? These are all important factors to consider when choosing an online writing account.
Finally, it is important to consider your budget when choosing an online writing account. You will find accounts that are as cheap as 1,000 and some that cost over a million. It is important to consider what works best for your financial situation and choose an account that fits within your budget.
II. Research and Compare Different Online Writing Accounts
The next step in the process of buying an online writing account is to research and compare different options. The research process involves determining the right information and the source of the said information, that will help with comparisons.
A. Determine What Information is Important to Help with the Comparisons
This includes:
1. Features, Benefits and Cons
Compare the features and benefits offered by different online writing accounts to find the one that best meets your needs. This includes the types of projects available, the compensation offered, the level of support provided, and overall strictness. It is also important to consider the account’s workflow and whether it fits your preferred style of working. It is also important to know how the each account works, especially if you are a first-time buyer or have never used the accounts you are considering. This will help you determine if the account suites your working style, among other personal preferences.
2. Website and User Interface
Familiarize yourself with the website and user interface of each account you are considering. This will help you get a feel for how the account works and whether you find it user-friendly. It will also help you determine if the account is legitimate or a scam. While not everyone one would be willing to show you their account, you can always ask for screenshots of different account sections to help with your research.
3. Things to check for
As you research different accounts, you need to know how identify any red flags that might indicate a problem with the different accounts. This could include issues with payment, quality concerns, or other warning signs that the account might not be a good fit. Different online writing accounts have different ways of evaluating writers and communicating critical issues. It is important to know what to look for when evaluating different accounts to ensure that you are choosing one that is healthy and has a low risk of termination.
B. Determine Where and How to Acquire the Right Information
In order to gather the necessary information for comparisons, it is important to know where and how to acquire the right information. This may include:
1. Talking to Account Sellers/ Brokers
Reach out to account sellers and ask them about the different options available that fit your budget, preferences, and goals. Account sellers have likely interacted with a variety of different accounts and can provide valuable insights and recommendations on which ones may be the best fit for you.
2. Reading Reviews and Testimonials from Other Writers
Look for reviews and testimonials from writers who have used the account you are considering. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other writers and ask them about their experiences with different online writing accounts. This can give you a good idea of the quality of an account, as well as any potential issues you may encounter.
3. Consider Joining Writing Communities or Forums
Joining writing groups, channels or forums can provide an opportunity to connect with other writers and gather insights and recommendations from experienced individuals. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, LinkedIn and WhatsApp have vibrant Kenyan freelance writing communities where you can ask for advice and get recommendations.
Use the information gathered in the research process to create a comprehensive list of questions to ask any account seller, once you have made your final decision. This will help ensure that you get the answers you need to make an informed decision about the account.
C. Make a Decision
After considering all of the factors, it is time to make a decision on which online writing account to choose. It is important to take your time and make sure you choose an account that is a good fit for your goals preferences, and budget, as well as one that has a good reputation and track record.
Steps for Finding the Right Deal
After carefully considering your personal goals, budget, and preferences, it is time to start the search for the right online writing account. This stage involves finding both the right account and the right seller, as they are both mutually inclusive.
I. Steps for Finding the Right Online Writing Account
Finding the right account takes the right search process. The following steps will help you find an account that meets your needs that is a safe purchase:
A. Search for accounts on social media platforms
Many sellers advertise their accounts for sale on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Start by searching these platforms for accounts that meet your budget, preferences, and goals.
B. Ask the Right Questions
Consider the information gathered during the research process and the comprehensive list of questions that you prepared. Ask the seller questions about the account and its history to ensure it is the right fit for you. Some examples of questions to ask may include:
• Is the account new or used?
• If used, how many orders have been completed?
• How old is the account? When was it opened?
• Is the account a male or female profile?
• What subjects or disciplines does the subject handle? Are the disciplines technical or non-technical?
• Are there any reviews from clients? Are they positive or negative?
• Is the account rated or ranked? What is the rating or ranking?
• Is the account in good condition, or are there any issues with it?
• Have any evaluations been done on the account? If so, were they good or bad?
• Is there any feedback from support on the account? Is it positive or negative?
• Are there any warnings or demotions on the account?
• Is the profile owner of the account available and accessible? Will they cooperate in the future if any verification documents or details are needed?
• Does the account have all necessary documents, such as copies of IDs, certificates, and selfies of the profile owner?
• If the account comes with simcards, are they available and will the seller provide them?
Note: The specific questions to ask will depend on the account in question and the information gathered during the research process. It is important to ask as many relevant questions as possible to ensure you are making an informed decision.
II. Steps for Finding the Right Account Seller
When seeking out the ideal online writing account, finding a reputable seller is crucial in ensuring that you get a clean and legitimate deal. This is an important step in the process to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money and that your account is secure and reliable. In order to find a reputable seller, consider the following steps:
A. Look for Sellers with Physical Locations or Offices
When searching for a reputable seller, it is important to look for ones that have a physical location or office. This can provide some level of credibility and accountability, as they have a physical presence and may be more likely to follow through on their commitments. If possible, consider meeting and transacting in person with the seller. It is also a good idea to research the location and see if it is a reputable area.
B. Consider Meeting and Transacting in Person
Whether an individual seller has a physical location or not, it is always a good idea to meet and transact in person. Just ensure you meet in a public and safe location that inspires confidence. A physical meeting allows you to verify the account and the seller, and ensures that you are getting what you are paying for. It is also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the account including how it works and its history. Only pay once you have secured and received everything that should come with the account.
C. Use Escrow Services if a Physical Meeting is not Possible
If it is not possible to meet and transact in person, you can use reputable escrow services to help protect yourself and your investment. Escrow services hold the payment until the account has been verified, secured and transferred to you, ensuring that you are not scammed or taken advantage of. It is always a good idea to use escrow services when buying an account from a third party seller, especially if you are unable to meet in person.
Steps for Securing an Online Writing Account
NOTE: When securing an online writing account, it is advisable to use a computer rather than a phone for the process. This is because it is generally easier to navigate and find all necessary information and functionality of the account, email, and payment method on the full version of websites accessed through computer browsers. While it is possible to make most changes on phone devices, the functionality of mobile versions of most websites is often quite limited. Additionally, using your own computer allows you to save passwords and other necessary documents on your device. It is not uncommon for individuals to forget account information, including email and passwords, which can be very frustrating for a new account owner. Multiple attempts to recover account information can also put the account at risk. Using your own trusted device also ensures that sensitive information is not left on devices that you do not trust and could potentially allow someone else to access the account, email, or payment method.
Securing an online writing account is a crucial step in the process of buying and using an account for academic writing. It is important to follow the proper steps to ensure that your account is secure and that you are protected from any potential issues. To do this, there are three main things that need to be secured: the email account, the account itself, and the payment method. Here are some steps to follow when securing an online writing account:
I. Secure the Account’s Email
Securing the email account is the most important step in ensuring the safety of your online writing account. It is important to confirm that the email you have access to is actually the correct email attached to the said account. Most online writing accounts will either come with Gmail or Yahoo email addresses. Here are some specific steps to follow for securing Gmail, and Yahoo accounts:
A. How to Secure a Gmail Email Account
To fully secure a Gmail account when changing ownership, it is important to follow these steps:
1. Access the Gmail Account Settings
To change any of the account’s security settings, you will first need to log into the account and access the security settings. To do this, click on the Gmail profile icon in the top right corner of the screen and select “Manage Your Google Account” from the dropdown menu. Select the “security” tab in the menu on the left side of the screen.
2. Change the Password
The first step to securing the account is to change the password. To do this, go to the “General” tab and scroll down to the “Change Password” section. Click on the “Change Password” button and follow the prompts to create a new password.
3. Enable 2-Step Verification
Enabling 2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to the account by requiring a verification code to be entered in addition to the password when logging in. To enable this feature, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “2-Step Verification” section. Click on the “Get Started” button and follow the prompts to set up 2-step verification.
4. Set up Google Prompt on Android Devices
Google prompt is a feature that allows you to receive login verification codes directly on your Android device. To set this up, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “2-Step Verification” section. Click on the “Add security method” button and select “Google prompt” from the dropdown menu. Follow the prompts to set up the feature on your device.
5. Change Backup Codes
Backup codes are codes that you can use to log into your account if you don’t have access to your phone or if you are unable to receive verification codes. To change these codes, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “2-Step Verification” section. Click on the “Manage security methods” button and select “Show codes” from the dropdown menu. Follow the prompts to generate new backup codes.
6. Set Up an Authenticator App
An authenticator app is a tool that generates login verification codes for your account. To set this up, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “2-Step Verification” section. Click on the “Add security method” button and select “Authenticator app” from the dropdown menu. Follow the prompts to set up the app on your device.
7. Revoke Devices
If you are unsure which devices are currently logged into your account, you can revoke access for all devices and log in again using a new device. To do this, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “Your devices” section. Click on the “Manage devices” button and follow the prompts to revoke access for all devices.
8. Manage Devices
After revoking access for all devices, it is important to log in again using a device that you trust. This allows you to see which devices have access to your account and remove any that you do not recognize or no longer use. To do this, go to the “Security” tab and scroll down to the “Your devices” section. Click on the “Manage devices” button and follow the prompts to log in again using a new device.
9. Change Recovery Information
It is important to update the recovery information for your account in case you ever need to recover it. To do this, go to the “Security” tab and click on the “Recovery email” and “Recovery phone number” sections. Make sure to use a valid email address and phone number that you have access to, as this will be used to recover your account if necessary. You can also add additional recovery options, such as a security question or a recovery code.
10. Review Your Account Activity
It is important to regularly review your account activity to ensure that everything is set up correctly and that there are no suspicious activities. To do this, go to the “Security” tab and click on the “Your devices” section. Here, you can review the devices that have recently accessed your account and take any necessary actions if you see any suspicious activity.
By following these steps, you can properly and fully secure your Gmail account when changing its ownership to ensure that the previous owner cannot retrieve it. It is important to regularly update your security settings and monitor your account activity to maintain the security of your account.
B. How to Secure a Yahoo Email Account
When taking over ownership of a Yahoo email account, it is important to properly secure it to prevent the previous owner from gaining access. Here are some steps to follow when securing a Yahoo email account:
1. Access the Yahoo Account Settings
To change any of the account’s security settings, you will first need to log into the account and access the security settings. To do this, click on the Yahoo profile icon in the top right corner of the screen and select “Account info” from the dropdown menu. Select the “Account security” tab in the menu on the left side of the screen.
2. Change the Password
The first step in securing a Yahoo email account is to change the password. To do this, go to the “Account Security” section and choose a strong and unique password.
3. Enable 2-Step Verification
Enabling 2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app in addition to your password when logging in. To enable 2-step verification, go to the “Account Security” section and follow the prompts.
4. Manage Other Ways to Sign In
In the “Account Security” tab, you can also manage other ways to sign in to your Yahoo account, such as by setting up and managing app passwords for specific devices and apps, and revoking access to third-party apps.
5. Update Recovery Information
It is important to change the recovery information in order to ensure the previous owner does not get back access to the account. To do this, go to the “Account Security” section and update your recovery email and phone number. You can add multiple emails and phone numbers for added security.
6. Set Up Device Notifications
Yahoo allows you to receive notifications when a new device signs in to your account. This will allow you to receive prompts on your phone to verify any attempts of accessing the Yahoo email. This can also alert you to any suspicious activity on your account. To enable this feature, go to the “Account Security” section and select “Device Notifications.”
7. Use an Authenticator App
To further secure your Yahoo email account, consider using an authenticator app to generate a unique code for login. To set this up, go to the app store on your phone and install an “Authenticator App.” Login to your Yahoo email account on the app to complete the set up.
8. Install the Yahoo App
As an added security measure, consider installing the Yahoo app on your phone and logging in to your Yahoo email account through the app.
9. Review Account Health
To check the health of your Yahoo email account, go to the “Account Security” section and select “Review account health.” This will provide information on any potential vulnerabilities or issues with your account.”
10. Review Recent Activity
Finally, go through the account’s recent activity in the “Recent Activity” tab and to make sure there is no suspicious activity. This includes reviewing any connected devices and app passwords and revoking access for any that are not yours.
By following these steps, you can properly secure your Yahoo email account and prevent the previous owner from gaining access.
In summary, every email service has a unique process for securing the account, but as a general rule, all email services require changing the password, enabling 2-step verification, and updating recovery information in order to safely secure the account. It is important to research the specific process for securing any email service that you have not used before, including Outlook and Protonmail.
II. Secure the Account
If allowed, make sure to change the password on the account to ensure that only you have access to it. This is an essential step in securing the account, as it is the first line of defense against unauthorized access. It is recommended to use a strong, unique password that is not easy to guess or brute force.
Keep in mind that not all accounts will allow you to change the password, in which case you will need to work with the seller or the account owner to come up with a plan to secure the account.
III. Secure the Payment Method
The final important step in securing an online writing account involves ensuring the safety of your earnings. If the account already has a payment method attached, consider changing it to ensure the security of your funds. If the payment method is not attached, make sure to add it and complete any necessary verifications. It is important to note that without a payment method, you will not be able to receive any funds earned from the account, making the purchase essentially useless. However, changing the payment method can be risky and may lead to account closure, so it may be safer to maintain the payment method that is already attached.
Most online writing accounts pay via Paypal or Payoneer, with MPesa becoming a more common feature as more companies start to adopt it. The steps to secure the payment method will vary depending on the payment method associated with the account. For Paypal accounts, this may involve adding or updating your phone number and email address, confirming your identity, and reviewing your payment methods. For Payoneer accounts, the process may be similar. For Mpesa accounts, additional steps may be required such as adding or updating your phone number (if allowed), or receiving the simcard attached to the account and changing ownership of the line at a Safaricom customer care center.
It is important to do your research on the payment method you will be dealing with before going for the deal.
IV. Secure Necessary Documents/ Attachments and Contacts
Once you have secured the payment the last important thing to do is to secure important documents and attachments such as simcards that receive calls from the company, selfies, copies of IDs, and copies of certificates of the account’s profile owner. Remember to also secure any necessary documents and attachments, such as simcards, associated with the payment method. This because, in many cases the details in the account may not necessary match those in the payment method.
If possible, make sure to obtain the contact information for the account’s profile owner (both for the account and the payment method, if different) or any individual who has contact with the profile owner. This can be useful for future reference or in the event that you need to ask any questions about the account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding and securing an online writing account involves a number of steps that require careful consideration. The first step is to decide on which type of account is the best fit for your goals, preferences, and budget. Next, it is important to find a good account from a reputable seller. When ready to transact, consider using escrow services if a physical meeting is not possible.
Once you have found the right account, it is crucial to secure the account, email, and payment method to ensure the safety and integrity of your earnings. This involves changing passwords, enabling two-step verification, updating recovery information, and reviewing account and payment method security settings. It is also important to secure any necessary documents and attachments, such as simcards, and to obtain the contact information of the account’s profile owner or any individual who has contact with the profile owner.
By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, and taking the time to research and understand the process, you can ensure that you find and secure the best online writing account for your needs.
OWC Recommendation
Some recommendations to keep in mind include:
• Take your time and do thorough research when choosing an online writing account
• Always prioritize security and reputation when finding a seller
• Follow the steps outlined in this guide to properly secure your account and protect your earnings
• Consider seeking advice or guidance from experienced online writers or industry professionals if you have any doubts or questions about the process
• If possible, consider using escrow services or meeting in person to facilitate the purchase of the online writing account
• Stay up to date with best practices and industry trends to ensure that you are making informed decisions about online writing accounts