Robert Reeve 2m 598 #freelance
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
You have developed the courage to get started on your very own freelancing career. You signed up for a profile on a freelance site but now you don’t know what to do and where to turn.
Getting clients isn’t easy, especially with a profile that isn’t properly structured. You may be at a loss as to what you should do, and how to make your profile as attractive as possible to potential clients.
It is important to keep certain pointers in mind when trying to land your first few jobs.
How the Client Sees It
When a client outsources a project and has to scan through dozens of applicants, you must want to know what’s going through their mind. Most freelancers cut and paste their proposals, so you need something extra to get you ahead of the game and get you noticed. Just be aware that cut and paste proposals are blatantly obvious, and most will be declined instently.
Llients are very careful when choosing the appropriate freelancer for the job. After all, they will probably be sending your work off to another client, and putting their name to it, so they want to make sure it is as good as possible.
Different clients will look at a number of different characterisitics. However, you would like to be one of the first that catches their eye.
Review Previous Work History
This is one of the first things clients look at. Most clients don’t want to hire a newbie unless it is for a bargain price, although they are still hesitant. At the same time, they will probably understand that everyone has to start somewhere, so if you’re lighthearted and humble when trying to win early projects, you have a better chance of doing so.
People that are serious in the freelancing industry always have work and strive for more work, and if not, they are always available to respond to your messages and inquiries, whereas newbies may sign up and never come back. Start developing a work history and state that you are always available.
State Your Experience
It is vital to express your previous experience. This shows potential clients that you have been somewhere and have done something, and not just someone that doesn’t know what they are doing. It is very important to list on your profile what your previous and current experiences consist of, and in fact don’t be afraid to jab that into your job proposals as well.
However, only list the experiences that are appropriate for the type of job posting, for example, if it is a writing job, there is no need to talk to the potential client about your web development experiences.
With all these tips in mind, it is important to look at situation and jobs from a client’s perspective, as this will allow you to gain a better understanding as well as an insight of how to better stand out to the client.
Discover Emerging Sites
Do not just stick to the popular and well known freelancing sites. Take the time to check out the new and emerging freelance and networking sites, such as Enthuse, so that as they grow you have already established a reputation and are able to capitalize on all of the business that will come your way.
Robert began his freelancing career in 2008 and hasn’t stopped since. His profile can be found on websites such as Enthuse and Google+. As a freelancer he has the capability to participate in some of his favorite hobbies, including, tennis, soccer, and running.
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