Whether you are new to the world of freelance writing or you are an experienced professional, you may find yourself looking for new jobs and projects to expand your freelance writing business. Elance and oDesk are good web sites to visit from time to time in order to browse available projects for not only freelance writing, but for many other freelance skills as well. Since your goal in using these job finding sites is to get yourself some work, here are a couple of tips for increasing the frequency with which you are awarded the jobs that you bid on.
When you bid on a job, a client does not just see that excellent proposal that you wrote just for them. He or she also sees your contractor profile, so why not use that profile to put your best foot forward and make yourself even more appealing to clients. It does take time to complete a contractor profile, but take the time to make your profile complete. You never know which segment of a profile could capture their attention and make your proposal stand out from the others that they have received. Perhaps they are an alumnus of your alma mater and feel a loyalty because of that. They could be looking for a contractor with some glowing testimonials from other clients. Whatever it is, if your profile is as complete as it can be, they may find something in there that tells them that you are the one that they want to work with.
Speaking of potential clients, as tempting as it may be to bid on any job that sounds good for any client who has posted it, resist the temptation. Develop a list of job types and client types that you feel are the best fit for you and bid only on projects that meet your criteria. Not only will you enjoy the work that you are awarded, you may end up with repeat business as well as a proven track record in the niche that you have selected. Clients love to see that you have done work similar to their project, especially if the feedback from that work is positive.
Please be advised that although I am a member of Elance and oDesk, I am not compensated by them in any way for mentioning them here. Their web sites are just two examples of web sites where freelance writers and other freelance professionals can browse and bid on jobs. I would encourage you to check out a few job finding sites and see which one best fits your needs before becoming a free or paid member of any of them.
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