Where to find work
Where do you find work for freelance jobs? For most people starting off on their own the hardest part of freelancing is actually finding people who need work done. Once you have a number of references and a pile of past clients, finding work is usually no problem (due to word of mouth, repeat clients, maintenance, etc.), but for those starting off here are some of my tips to find work online.
Finding work on Craigslist
Personally, I think that Craigslist is the best place to find local work. First of all, there's a good number of jobs available because Craigslist doesn't charge a fee to post job ads for most markets. Second, you can usually find whatever specific niche or specialty job you are most capable of doing. Third, Craigslist makes it easy for you to get in contact with a large number of people.
Since I do web design and development consulting / freelancing I usually check a few specific places on Craigslist (note all of these links are for the default (sfbay), change it to whatever location is closest to you):
"Gigs" - which are usually small / short term jobs posted by individuals
- computer gigs (cpg)
- creative gigs (crg)
- general gigs (ggg, some web jobs end up in here)
"Jobs" - which are more specifically geared towards corporations and consulting, but usually a few indepedent web design jobs will show up under 'web'
- web design jobs (web)
- systems and networking jobs (sad)
- tech support jobs (tch)
- software development jobs (sof)
Finally, it's usually a pretty good idea to post your resume to the resume board, which can bring in a few prospects.
Most likely after hitting these sections you have seen some listings that you are interested in responding to. Now you're ready to start contacting those people! Head over to the how to respond to a Craigslist ad article for more tips!
Bidding sites and other freelance services
If Craigslist is not your cup of tea there are plenty of other places out there that have freelance work available.
- Bidding sites - these sites allow individual users around the world to post and bid on freelance jobs. If a job poster is satisfied with your bid and work history he will hire you and pay the money on completion. Be warned though, as competition is very stiff on these sites, with many freelancers from places like India and Eastern Europe who can afford to do jobs at a much lower rate than you. It can also be difficult to get started at bidding sites because a lot of work is handed out on reputation, which means you'll probably have to take some less than stellar jobs at the beginning to build your reputation up.
- Elance - mostly focuses on technology work (programming, web and graphic design, writing, etc.)
- Rent-a-coder - also focuses on technology work (mostly programming and development jobs)
- iFreelance
- Programmer meet Designer - a neat little service where designers, programmers, entrepreneurs, and writers can meet each other and get together to work on projects. People post notices saying that they are looking for someone with a certain skill, which you can then respond to and comment on. Very natural and low-stress way to find work. I highly recommended this kind of service over the bidding sites.