Did you know there are so many ways to earn money as a freelancer online? Particularly if you have certain skills like: article writing, content, web page design, program web applications (PHP/ASP/MySQL), video and sound editing and engineering, do some data and captcha entry, internet and market research or even link exchanges for a website and more.
“A freelancer, freelance worker, or freelance is somebody who is self-employed and isn't committed to an employer for too long.” (Source: Wikipedia)=
Being a freelancer is not that easy. It takes patience in searching for good and legit sites for you to get started. You need to be internet and computer savvy for these will be your guide to your journey being a freelancer. Your skills, dedication and positivity will be your weapon in getting your first project. Buyers (Client or Company posted for a job opening) looking for freelancers most often than not pay through PayPal. So, if you don’t have one yet – better sign-up. (See my previous post – Tip #8 – How do I get paid from PTC sites). You can start finding little projects to start TODAY (this is not a joke, it works!) I have started to bid on projects a year ago. And my first job was data entry. Got paid $70 on my first assignment which I’ve accomplished in 1 day.
Follow this roadmap as a guide to your success getting your first assignment as a freelancer.
Starting the Trip:
Step 1: Sign up at a Freelancer Marketplace.
Marketplace is where people post ads for jobs and people bid on getting those projects. As I always remind all of you, DO NOT PAY FOR SOMETHING TO GET A JOB. Beware of the scam sites out there. Join a marketplace with good reputation, and secure payment guarantee. Signing up is should be FREE (and if it isn't - you'll need to look elsewhere). There's usually nothing expected of you at these talent pools until you win a project.
Step 2: Confirmation of your email address (This is important! So make sure, you do this!)
Next, choose a username and filling out your profile. Don't worry about it if you don't have much to add just yet, choose a username and add the basics, for now. Later, you can update and add more when you can. Choose a username that sounds professional. It has to be trustworthy. Think of something like 'freelancer4hire' or 'projectguru', rather than 'dumb123'). You know what I mean…
Step 3: Setting up your profile.
Be sure to choose the categories of the line of work you do (data entry, writing, marketing, web design, ASP, etc.) when setting up your profile. Check tickmark to be updated when new projects arrive instantly. You want to do this for sure; other-wise some other guy could beat you to the job! Most of the times, being the first one to place a good bid will get you the job, so it's worth it! Being FAST is a great way to get started working immediately.
Getting Closer:
Step 4: Let the Bid Begins. Since you’re starting, place bids that are a bit cheaper to get you the job. There’s a slim chance for you to get the project, being new with zero feedback. Feedback is important. Start with a few tiny projects. Make it a BLAST to get good feedback. After which, will get you the clout you'll need to start charging more for projects. Besides, your goal here is to get your first assignment and feedback.
Approaching your Destination
Step 5: Follow Up Guide.
Leave a message on the board when you bid for projects. It’s imperative you know what you’re bidding on. And you have the skills and knowledge to do the job. Create a proposal on how you plan to do the project. Create timelines. Inform the buyer how you’ll deliver the final product. Your proposal must be catchy. Better include of EXACTLY WHAT THEY ASKED FOR IN THE PROJECT POST. Send the point across you’re the perfect candidate. Believe it or not - you'll get chosen! Buyers want service providers to sound like they understand the job. And you do - because you have to read the post to even DO this!
Step 6: Handling your first assignment.
Impress yourself – when you get your first assignment. DO IT ACCURATELY AND EFFICIENTLY. Follow commitments – meaning if you bid “I can finish in 4 hours.” Fulfill it. Or better yet, deliver before its deadline. Speed also plays an integral part of getting a positive feedback. Some market place would ask for your feedback – so leave a positive feedback to your buyer. Who knows? There’s going to be a future project instore for you.
Step 7: Life Cycle.
Accomplishing your first project will make you long for more. So go ahead and follow your roadmap. After few projects, quickly you’ll realize that you're actually getting used to it. There are so many freelance sites out there, you can do this on and on and on...whenever you want in the comfort of your own home.
Aside from oDesk, I have compiled number of freelance marketplace sites on my next post. Watch out for it!
Good luck guys!
