To perform data entry at home, you will need to purchase a good computer with internet access. You will then need to purchase data entry software and different computer programs. Normally there will be spreadsheets and hand-written documents that must be input into different computer systems like the AS-400.

It is important to be a fast typist if you want to have your own data entry job. You must be proficient with a 10-key as well since there are normally a lot of numbers involved in data entry. You must be able to read several documents and decipher handwriting. It is important to check your work to make sure there are no errors and typos or else you could easily lose your job. A couple mistakes here and there is normal, but when it starts to become habitual, companies will not keep you on as an at-home data entry typist.

To be a good data entry typist, you must have excellent focus and concentration. For many people, data entry is exhausting and they are unable to focus on it for multiple hours at a time. Since you will be sitting in front of a computer all day, you will need to have good posture. Some people experience pain in the wrists and hands, often called carpal tunnel syndrome. To prevent this, you need to stretch your hands and wrists often. It is also important to take breaks from the computer to prevent eye strain.

Create your own web site to market your data entry business. Use Google and other search engines to advertise your new business and let other companies know that you are willing to work for them. Watch for legitimate ads in your local newspapers and even online, just make sure you are weary of all the ads since there are a lot of scammers out there. Do a search of data entry companies and other companies that may need help with their data entry and submit your resume and other information to them. Practically every company needs help updating their web site and transcribing minor information. Even if you only get an hour of work per company a week, you can quickly build your business by adding more clients.

Most legitimate data entry jobs pay about $10 - $15 an hour. Anything that is promising more money is going to be a scam. If you have specialties with data entry like medical transcription, you can easily make $15 or more an hour. You should never have to pay a fee to work for a company. The only reason you would need to pay a fee is if they want to do a background check on you.

The more services you offer, the more you will make. Try offering additional services like scanning documents and converting this information into different programs. This may mean you will need to make a trip into the office once a week to pick up documents that need to be scanned.