Thanks to online talent platforms like Fiverr, it’s noweasier than ever to outsource work.
For less than twenty bucks, you could find a writer, designer or editor.
Here’s how you might compete with sites that offer cheap work.
As a freelancer competing with cheap work, value is what you should focus on.
If you don’t have one already, come up with a clear mission statement.
Or, as WorkflowMAX calls it, a “value statement.”
Either way, it’s about defining the qualities that give your business or product value.
Hence, you are priced accordingly.
Of course, saying you have value isn’t enough.
You want to show it, too.
Do this by being professional when you communicate with the client.
If you’re used to freelancing, you probably already know how to do this.
Beyond presenting yourself as professional, check that you have examples of your past work to prove your abilities.
This might be a blog, an actual portfolio of your design concepts, or a demo reel.
Whatever the medium, check that it includes your most high-quality work.
Some clients will also look at your social media participation.
But if they can’t find you, how can they ask you for a bid?
A few tips:
ensure you have an online portfolio.
Build a networkof people who support your ideas.
Respond and engage on social media.
Overall, it’s about letting people know what you offer.
Again, what you offer should be better than what’s available on the cheaper online platforms.
So it’s important to know what you’re up against.
Learn More About Talent Platforms
Take the time to review some of these popular sites.
Check out what users are producing.
Many times, they also offer samples of their work.
Research what buyers get for their money.
Learn where the weaknesses are so you’re able to focus your work on those areas.
you could evenoutrightly ask a clientwhere others have gone wrong.
Basically, you’re looking for things you could offer that these online platforms can’t.
One example might be accessibility.Graphics Design Blenderexplains this.
This is just one example.
Sometimes, it just helps to see to it you’re looking in the right places.
Writing Thoughts cautions against looking for work on bidding sites, for example.
Instead,they suggestyou focus your search here:
Sites that advertise full-time professional positions.
Many companies who hire full-time professionals also have contract freelance opportunities.
Meeting a potential client face-to-face gives you a huge advantage.
Clients who interact with you directly are often willing to pay more.
Don’t be shy about checking in with former clients who have paid you a fair amount.
They may have more work for you or have contacts they are willing to refer you to.
A medium-sized business (or publication) is a better prospect for a writer than a solopreneur.
They are likely to have a bigger budget, yet probably don’t have a full-time writing staff.
Of course, there are always exceptions.
You might very well find a high-paying gig on a bidding site.
You might not have luck with a bigger business.
Some freelancers even work for free when they’re new.
There’s a lot of disagreement on this topic.
This means you’ll have to be better at keeping up with your industry.
Commit an hour each day toimproving your work.
Learn someadditional, related skillsthat might be attractive to potential clients.
Sometimes, they might not need to spend more on higher quality.
And, sometimes, they just prefer someone else.
It can be hard not to take things personally, but keep in mindit’s business.
But maintain your professionalism, even if your work is turned down.
That client might remember you when a colleague is looking for a freelancer.
They might even hire you later.
Online talent platforms make it easy for just about anyone to find cheap help.
And for that reason, they’re becoming increasingly popular.
But competing with them can be a pain.
