Many people will tell you to try out data entry jobs if you want to break into the remote work industry.
While it seems like an easy job, there’s actually a lot more to being a data entry clerk than meets the eye.
You’ll be working with huge loads of information (which can be monotonous) while looking out for accuracy all the time.
If this sounds like a job you’d enjoy, we’ve compiled a list of best practices you can apply to your data entry services.
Have a Solid Data Entry Plan
Starting the data entry process requires having a sound data entry plan.
Be familiar with how the data will be collected, the method to be used, and the people involved in the project.
Further, describe the verification process in the guidelines to ensure the data is correct and accurate.
Lastly, it should include the deadline so you can stay on track.
Use Shortcuts
In data entry, shortcuts are your best friend!
Know how to cut and paste data to speed up your work.
Of course, that’s only the beginning.
You must also master other shortcut keys (like toggling through Excel filters and filling in the cells with a few keyboard strokes) to make your job easier.
Create Labels and Descriptions
Label every data you input on every row and column.
What is it? Where did it come from? How was it gathered?
You can even indicate other pertinent information like the date and version history of the file.
Catch Mistakes Early On
Most data entry programs already have the autocorrect function.
However, one of the best practices you can do still is to correct any errors you notice early on.
This saves you time and money and won’t set back the completion of the project in case the mistakes turn out to be costly.
Remember, even the smallest error can prove costly for your client, their business, and their reputation.
Be Consistent With Your Formats
Another of the best practices for data entry jobs is to use the same formats throughout.
Make sure your naming conventions, categorizing, labeling, etc. are the same.
Numbers are an important aspect of data entry too. So make sure you’re consistent with your symbol usage, currency, decimals, etc.
Doing so will make it easy to find any data you need and help you avoid errors.
Familiarize Yourself with Data Entry Tools
Using the right data entry tools is critical to the job.
You should also learn how to automate, especially since data entry (by nature) deals with huge loads of data.
Don’t forget to include data verification and validation tools too!
After all, the data must be verified and validated to ensure that it’s up to scratch.
Don’t Forget to Back Up
Lastly, ALWAYS create back-ups.
While storing your progress online is very convenient, accidents happen.
You wouldn’t want to lose your hard work due to a cyber attack or hardware failure.
It’s always best to create multiple back-ups—and store them in various locations too—just in case.
Keep Your Data Safe—Follow These Best Practices
Dealing with large volumes of data is always a challenge.
It can be repetitive and tedious, making you more vulnerable to mistakes.
So, keep these best practices in mind for easier and smoother data entry processes.
On that note, if you want to work online, head down to Remote Staff’s job listings. It’s regularly updated and has job openings in several industries—including data entry.
Remote Staff has also been around for 16 years (and counting)! The company offers after-hire support, which is helpful for newbies in the remote work field.
Want to start your work-from-home career? Register with us!
