Linda Jenkinson Web Content Design

Are you a freelancer looking for work? You’ll find plenty of job postings at freelance sites. Some of these sites are upscale and some are downscale. Some charge a monthly fee, some charge a fee per project. Three of the most popular freelance sites are Guru.com, Elance.com, and Rentacoder.com.

While finding projects at freelance sites is easy, competition is fierce! However, if you follow these tips, you will find good, well-paying projects from quality clients.

1. Each freelance site has its own standards and guidelines for both buyers and sellers. Make sure you understand them completely before you place a bid on a project.
2. Keep your account profile as detailed, as personable, and as professional as you can. Good potential clients (buyers) will examine your profile before hiring you. Include details about your skill set, your experience, and references as allowed by the freelance site.
3. Just as buyers will check you out, before you bid on a project check buyer feedback. Most of the top freelance sites allow both buyers and sellers to post a short critique of their completed projects. Although often this type of feedback is flattering to the other party, some posted details may give you better insight into your potential client. Read both buyer and seller feedback. Be wary of buyers who don’t have positive feedback, it could mean their projects are problems. Additionally, if you want to build long-term client relationships, look for buyers who have hired the same freelancer for more than one project.
4. Check the time frames requested for project completion. I’ve seen some buyers expect 20 thousand page e-books within 7 days.
5. Don’t be limited in your bid by what you read in a buyer’s brief. Many buyers don’t really know what it will take to complete their project. Often it’s the confident freelancer who has the expertise to counsel the buyer and help them nail down their project specs that gets the project. For instance, if a bid calls for a seven-day project completion and you know it will take two weeks, a month, or longer, explain why in your bid. It’s better to lose a bid than it is to lose a project because you couldn’t get it completed on time.
6. Be concise in your bid. Tell buyers exactly what they can expect from you for the money they’re willing to pay. Defining scope can be a crucial element in keeping your projects on an even keel from beginning to end.
7. Ask for clarification. If you don’t understand a requirement or if the requirements are unclear, get a clear explanation before you put a price on your services.
8. Don’t do mockups (free samples) before your bid request is accepted. If a bid request includes a request for sample work, show the buyer samples from your portfolio. In fact, it’s a good idea to include a few portfolio samples or links to them (if permitted) whether or not they’re requested.
9. Be professional in your contacts with freelance buyers. Treat quote requests from freelance buyers just as you would treat a request from any client who stopped by your office, called you on the phone, or found you through your website contact form. Slang and text-message abbreviations just don’t cut it in the business world.
10. Successful freelance is built on referrals. When you have successfully completed a project, thank the buyer. Pay a compliment. Tell your new client why you liked working on the project and that you look forward to working on another. Remember to ask the buyer for a short testimonial that you can add to your portfolio or ask if you can use the feedback left on the freelancing site. Also ask if you can use the buyer as a reference.