How to earn money through “Freelancer” step by step guide?

There  are unique features you should understand to maximize your chances of success. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and earn money on freelancer.

What exactly is a freelancer.com?

Freelancer.com is an online platform that connects employers with freelancers for a wide range of projects and services.  It acts as a marketplace where businesses and individuals can post job opportunities and freelancers from around the world can bid to complete these projects. Here’s an overview of its key features and functionality.

Key Features:

1. Wide Range of Services:
   • Offers categories including web development, graphic design, writing, data entry, marketing, engineering, and more………
2. Global Platform:
   • Connects employers with freelancers from around the globe, enabling diverse collaboration.
3. Project Posting and Bidding:
   • Employers post their project requirements.
   • Freelancers bid on projects, often submitting proposals outlining their qualifications and rates.
4. Payment System:
   • Uses a milestone payment system to ensure secure transactions between employers and freelancers.
   • Employers can release payments in phases as work progresses.
5. User Verification:
   • Includes identity verification processes to increase trust and credibility.
6. Skill Certifications:
   • Freelancers can take skill tests to demonstrate their expertise and boost their profiles.
7. Contests:
   • Employers can start contests where freelancers submit entries, and the employer selects a winner.
8. Mobile Apps:
   • Provides mobile apps for managing projects and communication on the go.

How It Works:

1. For Employers:
   • Create an account, post a project with details like budget, timeline, and requirements.
   • Review bids, interact with freelancers, and hire the best fit.
   • Manage and track project progress through the platform.
2. For Freelancers:
   • Sign up, create a profile showcasing skills and past work.
   • Browse projects and submit proposals.
   • Complete projects and receive payment through the platform.

Benefits:

• For Employers: Access to a vast talent pool, competitive pricing, and the ability to find specialized skills for specific tasks.
• For Freelancers: Opportunities to work with global clients, flexibility in choosing projects, and a chance to build a professional portfolio.

Costs:

• Freelancer.com charges fees to both employers and freelancers. These include project fees, contest fees, and membership plans for enhanced visibility and benefits.

It’s one of the most popular platforms for freelance work, serving millions of users worldwide.

1. Create a Freelancer Account

• Sign Up: Visit Freelancer.com and click on the “Sign Up” button.
• Choose Your Role: Select “I want to work as a freelancer” to create a freelancer account.
• Provide Information: Use your email or sign up through Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn.
• Set a Password: Create a secure password to protect your account.

2. Complete Your Profile

Your profile is key to attracting clients:

• Profile Photo: Upload a professional and clear profile picture.
• Headline: Create a catchy headline that highlights your primary skill or expertise. For example, “Expert Web Developer” or “Creative Graphic Designer.”
• Description (Bio): Write a compelling bio that explains your skills, experience, and what you can offer clients. Focus on how you can solve clients’ problems.
• Skills: Add relevant skills to your profile (e.g., WordPress, HTML, SEO, translation, etc.). Choose skills that are in demand on the platform.
• Portfolio: If you have prior work, upload samples to showcase your abilities. This is particularly important for fields like writing, graphic design, or web development.
• Hourly Rate: Set a reasonable hourly rate or project-based rate. Research other freelancers in your field to understand what others charge.
• Certifications & Education: Add relevant certifications or education to show credibility in your field.

3. Browse and Search for Jobs

• Explore Categories: Browse through job categories that match your skills (e.g., Writing, Web Development, Graphic Design).
• Job Feed: Freelancer.com provides a job feed with listings of available projects. Use filters to narrow down by skills, budget, and other criteria.
• Check Project Details: Carefully read job descriptions to make sure you are a good fit and understand the project requirements.

4. Submit a Strong Proposal

When applying for jobs, it’s important to craft personalized and compelling proposals:

• Tailored Proposal: Write a proposal that’s specific to each job. Show the client that you understand their needs and explain how your skills can solve their problem.
• Offer Solutions: Focus on providing solutions to the client’s challenges rather than just describing your skills.
• Portfolio Samples: Attach relevant examples of past work to showcase your skills.
• Ask Questions: If the job description isn’t clear, ask thoughtful questions to clarify expectations and show you’re detail-oriented.
• Set a Realistic Price: Make sure your bid is reasonable. As a new freelancer, you might want to start with lower bids to gain experience and build your reputation.

5. Understand Freelancer’s Bidding System

• Free Bids & Paid Bids: Freelancer.com operates on a bidding system where you use “Connects” to submit proposals. New users get a free number of Connects, but you can buy more if needed.
• Connects: You get a certain number of free Connects each month, and additional Connects can be purchased if you want to apply to more jobs.
• Bid Wisely: Use your Connects wisely. Apply for jobs that match your skills well, as applying for irrelevant jobs can waste your Connects and decrease your chances of success.

6. Win Your First Job

• Start with Small Jobs: To build your profile and earn positive reviews, consider starting with smaller, lower-paying jobs. This will help you build a portfolio and get positive feedback.
• Communicate Promptly: Respond to client inquiries quickly to show you’re reliable and eager to work.
• Negotiate Terms: If necessary, discuss the project scope, timeline, and payment terms before you start the work to avoid misunderstandings.

7. Deliver High-Quality Work

• Follow Instructions: Always ensure that you understand the client’s requirements and deliver work that meets their expectations.
• Communicate Regularly: Keep the client updated with progress reports or ask for clarification if needed.
• Meet Deadlines: Always deliver work on time or even ahead of schedule, which can lead to repeat business and positive reviews.
• Offer Revisions: If the client requests changes, be open to making revisions to improve the quality of your work.

8. Get Paid Securely

Freelancer.com offers multiple ways to receive payment:

• Hourly Projects: For hourly work, Freelancer tracks the time spent on the project using its Time Tracker. You’ll get paid weekly based on the hours logged.
• Fixed-Price Projects: For fixed-price projects, you and the client will agree on a payment amount. Freelancer holds the payment in escrow until the work is completed and approved.
• Milestone Payments: For larger projects, you can set up milestones (specific stages of the project). The client releases payments upon reaching each milestone.
• Withdrawal: After the job is completed and payments are released, you can withdraw funds through several options, including PayPal, bank transfer, or Freelancer’s own payment system.

9. Get Reviews and Build Reputation

• Request Feedback: After completing a job, ask your client to leave a review. Positive reviews are crucial for building your reputation on the platform.
• Focus on Client Satisfaction: If you consistently deliver high-quality work and communicate well, clients are more likely to leave glowing reviews.
• Use Reviews to Your Advantage: As you accumulate positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates and take on larger projects.

10. Scale Your Freelance Business

• Specialize in a Niche: Focus on a specific skill or industry that you’re passionate about or that’s in high demand. A specialized skill set can set you apart from generalists.
• Increase Your Rates: As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates to reflect your expertise.
• Maintain Communication: Continue communicating effectively with clients, delivering top-notch results, and being professional.
• Build Long-Term Relationships: Aim to turn first-time clients into repeat clients by consistently delivering high-quality work and being responsive.

11. Stay Consistent and Keep Learning

• Continue Learning: Stay updated with new trends, tools, and technologies in your field. Offering new skills will keep you competitive.
• Be Persistent: The freelance world can be competitive, so don’t get discouraged by rejection. Keep applying to relevant jobs and learning from each experience.
• Manage Your Time Well: Be organized and use tools like calendars or task management apps to stay on top of deadlines and manage multiple projects.

By following these steps, you can successfully start earning money on Freelancer.com. The key to long-term success in freelancing is delivering quality work, building a strong reputation, and constantly improving your skills. Keep up your hard work. Good luck!