Freelancing, especially on the Internet has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For a complete newbie, it can often become frustrating to be able to get the first project or job. This is primarily because as yet they do not have a reputation attached to their name and the freelancing sites or companies which offer such work may be skeptical about the person's ability.
NO REVIEWS is the often the first roadblock for a complete newbie. Without some good reviews you are just one of the several wannabe freelancers. So many of these wouldn't even know their job and would fail in the first project itself, while some of them would be no good and probably would never even recover from this first failure. So... pitted against this sea of freelancers who may be no competition to you as far as you niche is concerned, you seem to have little chance. The big question is: How do you make a buyer feel that it is only you who can do their job.
Though, it is an individual's struggle and for every person the roadmap to success is different, yet a few basic tips may come in handy when a beginner starts with freelancing:
1. Prepare samples of your work and upload them for the buyer or employer to see.
2. Good work and consistency will pay off in the long run. Never get bogged down by the initial problems.
3. Desperation can be an eternal part of the journey of a freelancer and especially at the beginning things can get really bleak. In those times, try not to undersell yourself.
4. Get membership and look for work on multiple forums/sites.
5. Ask the buyers for good reviews after a project is completed.
6. As a beginner, the rates that you get for your work may be rather low. But remember, in the initial days, work it is work that you are looking for. Do good work ... and money will follow.
7. Don't lose heart. The first few days for a freelancer may be disheartening and sometimes you'd be tempted to quit. But stick it out and chances are... you would be rewarded!!
8. If you've a day job and you are not financially stable enough then keep the freelancing career of yours only as a part time thing. At least until you have gained a foothold in some industry. There are no guarantees on the Net and it may be days before you are able to land a good project.
A great site to start with is: GetAFreelancer. Registration is free at this site and there are numerous projects of all kinds that can be won through a bidding process. The UI of the site is user friendly and what's more, you'll be paying commission to the site only once you're paid. Those who wish to make some money on the Internet and are not adept at any kind of technical work can take up copywriting for blogs. Another good site is Elance.com. Additionally forums like digitalpoint are great places to hang out at, while looking for work or trying to learn new skills.
There is no dearth of work on Internet and there is some kind of work for everybody. The point is to be consistent and work hard ... and sure enough the greenbacks will follow.
My blog : REAL ONLINE MONEY. It deals with legitimate means of making money online like freelancing, blogging, affiliate marketing, etc.
