Reliance on freelance job sites vs. marketing to companies

I'm a part-timer, but most of my work has come from being in the industry for a long time and knowing a few people, and then having repeat work. If I were to go full-time, or pursue more billable hours, I'd probably market myself by:

1. making a list of professional aquaintances and contacting them by email or phone
2. having a spiffy updated website for everyone to go to (my website needs a solid reworking)
3. contacting all the PR agencies in my area
4. I use the paper or online sources to find out about companies--perhaps they've just had an influx of venture capital and have money to spend, or they just got a big new client (which means they have work), but I might not send in a resume to an actual job posting if there are going to be an enormous amount of resumes sent in and I'm going to be lost in the shuffle.

None of the work I've gotten in the past three years was advertised anywhere, but that might change if I was going to get really aggressive about pursuing more.

Job boards versus business marketing

I am a virtual assistant, or a full-time freelancer. I've built my practice slowly over the years as it went from part time (so I could meet the needs of my young children), to where I work every day.

Marketing your business isn't easy, but IMO, it's better than only finding jobs on job boards like guru, elance, etc. As an experiment, I signed up on guru a few months ago as a professional member. I bid on probably 30 jobs. I got one job out of it, and he has turned into an ongoing client. One of the problems is that you have a ton of competition, and especially from people who are perfectly happy to work for a LOT less than you.

As a writer/editor/admin, I provide virtual assistance to my clients, and belong to a few virtual organizations that have RFPs, directories, etc. I also get referrals by networking with potential clients and other VAs that have different specialties.

Good luck!

I spent a little time looking at the sites - and was appalled at the low bids! I quickly decided that route was not for me and am now actively marketing on my own to try to generate clients. It's not easy, but I am positive it is the better route.

I've been working in the business for some time so a lot of my work comes from repeat clients. That said, I used boards heavily when starting out to build a name and reputation. I also visit them now to drum up new business when I need a new client. Typically I find I get one client, give them a good deal, and they refer me out to dozens of others I can charge my normal rate. If you do go to a board and land a job, do an excellent job then ask them to refer you out or provide you a testimonial for other clients. You can post these to your home page or in any advertisements if you plan to use them. I have business cards I use for local customers, but most of my business is for people throughout the states and abroad. Good luck!

now this is the KEY to success but shhh--no one really does it...market themselves. i do NOT rely on boards. most of my business comes from me initiating contact...

Yes

I've been a full-time freelance writer for several years. I'm also single, so if I don't work, I don't eat.

A wise person once told me that in my business, I should have a Plan A and a Plan B. And, I should do them both at the same time. So, I think writers should be on the job boards AND marketing themselves.

I do market my services. However, I've had more luck getting repeat business from firms that I've worked with before, than getting first-time assignments from marketing.

I've had really good luck with clients finding me from the portfolios I posted on some of the job sites. The first week I was on one site, a client called and offered me a non-fiction ghostwriting assignment that ended up being $8,000 worth of work. I still work for that client from time to time... more than two years later.

I have another client who found me through my posted portfolio and resume on a job site. That particular client paid me $15,000 in 3.5 months last year... and yes, I'm still working for them (although they don't have as much work anymore.)

Both of those jobs came from the sites, although no bid was ever involved. That's why I continue to pay the fees, even though I seldom bid on jobs. I will say, if you're on the sites, make sure that your resume and posted portfolio are top-notch. I've seen too many writers who post a profile that reads like a poorly written personal email.

The low rates on the job sites can be really, really discouraging. But, the project doesn't always go to the lowest bidder. About half the time, quality is more important than price. (Once you've successfully completed several assignments, you'll have great feedback ratings, which really help.)

I try to focus on ongoing assignments on the job sites, even if the rate is slightly lower. That way I always have work. I also look at the client's payment history. One of my clients has more than $200,000 worth of payments on a single site. That's an indication of how much work they contract out, as well as their payment record.

Some of my most profitable working relationships started as assignments that were barely worth my time.

Also, I find it reassuring to know that if my assignments ever do dry up, I can have work-- and income-- within a few days on the sites.

I know everyone's business is different, and this is just MHO. The great thing about freelancing is that you can do whatever works for you.

I stick to using contract agencies ... they do the schmoozing to find jobs, collect the money and pay me.

It's like having an agent.

Ah, I'm learning new things here. I always avoided bidding sites because ... well, of the bidding aspect. I had no idea you could use it as a place to park your Resume', though it really makes sense. How much does a sign-up fee run?

I stick to using contract agencies ... they do the schmoozing to find jobs, collect the money and pay me.

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I didn't know there are contract agencies for freelancers, but that's neat. Can you give me an example of one? I get most of my work through Freelance Daily and listings like Deb's (except for the clients I'd already established before deciding to expand!).

BlueBadger said:

Ah, I'm learning new things here. I always avoided bidding sites because ... well, of the bidding aspect. I had no idea you could use it as a place to park your Resume', though it really makes sense. How much does a sign-up fee run?

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Blue -- It depends upon the site. The cheapest that I'm aware of is Elance, which I believe is $13 per month. Guru has a free feature that allows you to post your resume, but not a portfolio.

In a way, bidding is publicity, too. On the transparant sites like Elance, anyone can see your sample and bid. So, you'll sometimes find other employers contacting you about similar projects, even if you don't win the initial auction.

BlueBadger said:

I didn't know there are contract agencies for freelancers, but that's neat. Can you give me an example of one? I get most of my work through Freelance Daily and listings like Deb's (except for the clients I'd already established before deciding to expand!).

Click to expand...

Volt Technical
Adecco

The "temp agencies" in other words.

Thanks a lot!