So you want dump the boss and go steady with yourself for a while? Or maybe you already have and just need some advice? Becoming as a freelancer and going into business for yourself, whatever your business may be - cutting out the middleman between you and your customer, namely your boss, can sound very appealing. Instead of getting paid that same old hourly wage that hasn’t increased for as long as you can remember, you can get paid what you are worth! Sounds good, right? While freelancing does have its good points, it also means you will have to expand your skill set, most importantly, the skill of being able to find clients.
Unless you already have a list of clients lined up, things may look pretty dismal at first in your new found position as a freelancer. Thankfully, there are a few websites designed to connect freelancers with clients in many different industries. Sites like elance, rentacoder, guru, and others allow potential clients to post contracts for work they need done and accept bids from freelancers in need of work. Some sites charge a fee to use their service, and some do not. There are a number of things to consider when using these sites.
Look for and bid on projects at a variety of sites. They all have the same purpose, but each has its differences in how it operates, the kind of clients it draws, and the kind of competition it generates for you. You may even want to consider keeping up with Craigslist's job offers, as there is a section called "Gigs" just for those looking for project work. Not every potential new client is going to know about every site out there and you need to make yourself visible, accessible, and known.
| |
|
StarReviews Top 3
Freelance Websites |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Many freelance websites have a feedback system that will rate you. Being fresh to the site means that you will have little or no feedback so new clients may be wary of you. The best way to entice people to accept your bids is to make your proposal thorough and be specific about how you can, and only you can, address the client’s needs. You may even need to set your prices lower than you normally would in the beginning until you have garnered enough feedback to raise them to adequate levels. Keep in mind that low bidding is not always a winning strategy. Often you will be competing against people from all over the world, some living in areas where the cost of living is much lower than yours. They can afford to underbid, you probably can't. Your best strategy is to consistently create unique detailed proposals followed by excellent work. Happy clients will turn to you first for their future projects and making happy clients leads to more work and more money for you.
|