The start of a new year is the best time to set positive goals, such as gearing yourself up to hook as many well-paying freelance gigs or jobs as possible.
It’s a daunting challenge for any freelancer, but it is particularly challenging if you have to rely on freelancing platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr that have millions of freelancers bidding for the same jobs and clients that you are.
You have to work that much smarter to stand out from the crowd and get the attention of the well-paying clients.
In the same way that the well-to-do tend to hang out with their peers who are well-to do, well-paying clients tend to be attracted to experienced and reliable freelancers that know how to spend those big budgets efficiently as they deliver on the job.
Sure, there could be exceptions to this general rule, such those clients who are willing to give new freelancers a chance.
However, in general, most well-paying clients simply don’t have the time or bandwidth to consider all their choices for potential candidates. It’s no wonder then that they prefer those with experience and some clients.
This is not to say that the newbies have no chance — I’ve met freelancers who won the first bid they ever put out — but you have to tread carefully and have the right mindset.
Here are some steps that any freelancer – both new and old – can take to increase the chances of hooking well-paying freelance gigs on Upwork this year:
What's Covered in This Article
Understand the client.
By reading most job descriptions you can find out whether a potential client is too fixated on experienced freelancers with “at least one hour” or is open to stepping out into the unknown to give newbies a chance.
Beauty with this is that it helps you to decide early on when its time to move on.
Focus on the one thing you do best.
Let your expertise shine right from your Upwork profile to your cover letter.
Focus on the one thing you do better than all other freelancers to solve the client’s problem. The more focused manner in which you differentiate yourself, the higher your chances of getting the client’s attention.
I know you’ve probably heard this said a zillion times but its worth repeating: You cannot be all things to all people. Curve a niche and market yourself to your prospects.
An example could be: I am your go to person for killer marketing plans or winning business plans that get funding.
Let the well-paying clients find you.
Once you’ve decided on the one client challenge that you solve better than any other freelancer based on your key strengths, the way you brand and profile yourself should be aligned to leverage that fact.
You must be strategic on how you position yourself especially if using the freelance marketplaces to get jobs.
Take a look at your Upwork profile.
Is it a clear reflection of what value you bring to the table?
What about your cover letter, is it a reflection of your strength?
Prove you can handle it.
Be prepared to demonstrate to the client you have what it takes to deliver on their job.
This is where your portfolio and past customer testimonials come to play.
Remember even in the online world, word of mouth still counts big time.
In other words, give the client solid proof that you can make good use of their budget.
Chemistry is important.
Remember, although you are online freelancer, you are still dealing with a human being with emotions – just like yourself.
Present yourself in a manner that lets your humanity shine through.
You can start by trashing all those generic re-cycled dear sir/madam cover letters you’ve been sending to all job posters since you registered on Upwork 8 years ago.
Tailor your cover letters to the job requirements and try to connect with the client at a personal level.
So go ye and pitch today!
Set yourself a goal to hook as many well-paying freelance gigs this year as possible, and prepare well and wisely so that other freelancers consider you as a real contender.
Photo credit: Stuart Miles
