So, Should You Actually Apply For Freelancing Jobs?

Contra, Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn...here's the opinion of one 5-year freelancer.

I can count on one hand how many freelancing jobs I’ve gotten by applying to them via websites like LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork, and Contra. And that spans over five years of freelancing.

This may be an unpopular opinion because each site is very popular in its own regard. Tons of freelancers even say you need to be on these websites to score your first freelancing gig.

In my opinion, they’re completely oversaturated and due to this, the chances of you getting a worthwhile response can be slim – no matter how talented you are.

Not to mention, many of the freelance job websites can be low-paying and full of clients that will really make you work for it.

It’s good to diversify the methods in which you find freelancing work. After all, being a freelancer means constantly being on the look for work – so it’s important to find methods that work time and time again.

So, if you want to try applying to freelancing jobs, give it a whirl. But, if you’re not having much luck, don’t throw in the towel yet. Try some of these methods for getting your first freelancing job:

Cold Outreach

Cold outreach via email has proven to be one of the most successful methods of finding freelancing work for me. Many people fear rejection and being too forward, but you never know who needs help and you could land in their inbox at the right time.

Successful cold outreach is all about high volume. Decide how many pitches you can send each week to potential clients you’d like to work with and stick to that. The more you can send, the better.

Social Media

Marketing yourself as a freelancer on social media can sometimes be hit or miss, but you never know whose ‘For You’ page you land across. By promoting your services on social media, you increase your chances of inbounds – meaning, potential clients reaching out to you. They may see your work, be impressed, and reach out directly to work with you.

Don’t feel pressured to be on every single social media platform. Choose one or two that you feel comfortable with and try to be consistent with sharing your work. Utilize it as an online portfolio and place to share your knowledge, as well.

Local Networking

Many folks feel more comfortable working with people they personally know. This is where local networking comes in. Joining groups like a local Chamber of Commerce or finding relevant MeetUp groups is a great way to get connected with business owners in the community.

As you build relationships, you’ll likely have folks inquire directly about your services and what you offer. This is a simple way to build longtime local relationships while having a reliable source of work.

Optimize LinkedIn

I know many people have a love/hate relationship with LinkedIn – myself included. But, there’s no denying that it’s a great place to find work opportunities and network with others.

Not only can you share your work and experiences, but you can also signify on your profile that you’re open to work or providing services. I’ve received several inbound messages for high-paying projects via LinkedIn messages, so it’s worth it to optimize your LinkedIn and update it regularly.

Referrals

There is no shame in tapping into your personal network and asking for referrals. You never know who needs your services and sometimes the strangest connections come from referrals.

Make sure you are constantly letting your friends and family know about the services you provide and to spread the word for you. If you have any past clients you’ve worked with or current clients, you can also ask them if they know of any opportunities.

How do you find freelancing work? Do you prefer applying to freelancing jobs, or do you have other methods of finding work?