Getting freelance work on websites like Upwork, and Freelancer is a bit tricky. You can still lend a decent gig by using one of these websites, but how?
Freelancers who are new to these websites mostly end up not getting a project at all, no matter how hard they try.
I know how exactly it feels when you have all the skills in the world, but when you send a proposal to the client, you never heard back from them.
And you keep trying and trying that. After so many rejections you just want to quit. And you should; unless you want to improve.
Freelancing is not easier than any other profession. Sure, it gives you more freedom as a professional working from home, but you have to work and work harder, in order to land a client.
Your freelance career will take time, hard work and dedication to be successful just like any other business or a job.
What Actually Helped Me Get More Work on Freelance Job Websites?
When I started working as a freelancer I rarely got any jobs. Why? Because:
- I wasn’t giving it enough time and effort.
- My proposals were needlessly comprehensive.
- I wasn’t treating myself as a business.
- I wasn’t reading and improving my business skills.
One thing that helped me tremendously to find new freelance work online was improving my understanding of how other freelancers were working.
I started asking questions in groups and forums. I discovered that every freelancer who makes a good living through freelancing treat themselves as a business rather than a freelancer.
What other Professional Freelancers Were Doing Differently?
- They prepare spreadsheets, documents, proposals, invoices, reports to deliver the best experience to their clients.
- Professional freelancers track their time using tools and software to deliver projects before deadlines.
- Most importantly, professional freelancers make clients satisfied.
1- Write Brief Proposals
What? Yeah, you read that right. This advice alone could double your freelancing income in no time. If you don’t believe yet, just give it a try.
Please keep in mind; client’s don’t want to read how great you are at whatever skill you have. They want to know if you can solve their specific problem or not.
If yes, then convince them.
Tell them how you can solve their specific problem. Ask them questions to show your interest in the work. Show them that you care about them and want to improve their business.
2- Never Compete on Price
Some freelancers believe that using this strategy will get them more projects.
Believe me, it is not in anyone’s favor.
Most likely the client that you got through low-balling would be a nightmare to work with.
What instead you should do:
- offer great quality service at a reasonable price.
- Keep your price competitive but not cheap.
- Make sure that you are getting enough money that justifies your hard work.
3. Ask a Question in every Project Proposal
This helps your client to understand that you read their job specifications and you are genuinely interested in their project.
You would be amazed to know more than half of the people don’t bother to read the client’s specifications at all on these freelance job sites.
(I have hired a few people on these websites as well, so this is based on my personal opinion, but it could vary)
4. Always remember your end goal
Most freelancers think that getting a project should be their end goal but it shouldn’t be.
Because you are pitching to your potential client at this stage, he/she wouldn’t just give you a job once they read your proposal.
Your client would most likely start a conversation with you.
So when writing proposals, make sure that you ask your client a question which leads them to strike a conversation with you.
Having a conversation with a client should be your end goal.
When they approach you in the inbox, I think it is easier for you to convince them and talk about your skills, their project, and anything in between.
Now, that your client has finally come to your inbox, you should talk about the project and show a great deal of interest in their project.
In my opinion, you should never brag about 12 years of experience because if they want to know more about you, they would gladly ask or read your profile.
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Best of luck!
I hope this post would help you get more freelance work.
Please feel free to add your valuable opinion about what things worked for you and how other freelancers can get more work in the comments. I will add them to this post. So everyone can benefit from them.
If you’re from Pakistan and not getting paid on time then check out my post on how to receive online payments in Pakistan
