If you are curious where you can find freelance jobs this episode is perfect for you! I review the most popular freelancing sites for beginners and give you some tips on how to start applying for jobs today.
Season 1 Episode 3
Learn The Freelance Lingo
Let’s make sure you know the lingo used in the freelance world.
- A freelancer is the person providing a service
- A client will hire a freelancer because their services are needed for a project
- A gig is the freelance job
- An unpaid trial means the client wants you to do work for free to assess if you will be a good fit. You can decide if you want to do this but I would recommend running far from this type of client!
Freelance Marketplaces
There are several online freelance marketplaces that will post freelance gigs. Generally, these places are great for beginners but they are not perfect. Most of the opportunities will pay far less than market value and it can be competitive.
Best Freelancing Sites For Beginners:
- Upwork (my personal favorite)
- Fiverr (my least favorite website)
- Contently
- Toptal (great for tech-focused freelancers)
- Guru
- Freelancer (I did not have great success on this website but I know many writers who have done very well on this platform)
- People Per Hour (same comment as I made for Freelancer)
I have tried every single one of these websites. They all have strengths and weaknesses and are riddled with spam content. Whenever you login to a website you need to practice vigilant internet safety. Never share your personal information to a stranger online. If you suspect you are being targeted for spam, block the person and cease communication.
Why Do I Love Upwork?
My first year on Upwork I earned ten thousand dollars. I wrote articles, short e-books, and created meal plans for clients. I had very positive interactions with clients on Upwork and I continue to work some of them to date.
People often ask me how I scored high paying gigs on Upwork but I do not have a secret formula to offer. I showed up everyday, applied to at least five jobs per day, and worked hard. After you get your first five star review it is easier to get hired for better paying jobs.
Next week I will be releasing the first installment of a two part series all about Upwork!
You Need To Hang Out In The Same Place As Your Clients
The best place to find freelance work will be the place where your ideal clients are hanging out. You may have to research this information a bit but it is well worth it.
If you are targeting young brands you may want to get a Tik Tok account or spend time on Youtube. If you want to work with start up brands you should head over to LinkedIn. New businesses will rely on as much free marketing as they can to get their company off the ground!
Other Places To Find Jobs
Freelance marketplaces are a great place to start but they are just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to make serious money you will need to graduate away from these platforms and start getting your own clients independently.
- Word of mouth and networking with your peers
- Joining relevant facebook groups such as the Unconventional RD or Virtual Assistants for Dietitians
- Reaching out to your favorite brands that are active on social media
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and applying for job postings on the platform
- Create a website that is SEO formatted to make it easier for clients to find you
If you want to learn more about the best sites to start freelancing click play on the episode below!