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Finding reliable clients as a freelancer is a huge challenge. You can waste hours on job board websites and yet, you might never find the type of long-term, well-paying gigs that you are looking for.
Without consistent high-paying work, the success of your freelance career is always uncertain. You would have to continuously compete with hundreds of other freelancers, who are also looking for the same gigs that you are.
What is Freelancing and How Can You Succeed Without Using Fiverr?
Freelancing is an increasingly popular way to earn a living. It involves providing services to businesses or individuals on a contract basis, usually in exchange for a fee.
Freelancers work on their own terms, setting their own hours, rates, and workload. Freelancing can be an excellent way to build a career without the need to be employed by a single employer.
It is also possible to succeed in freelancing without using services such as Fiverr. Successful freelancers typically have an entrepreneurial spirit and an extensive network of contacts. They are well-versed in their chosen field and can satisfy the needs of their clients.
You can succeed without Fiverr either by choosing websites like Upwork or Freelancer. Another alternative is to create your own freelancing brand and market your services on Social media platforms like Pinterest or LinkedIn.
How to Find Freelance Work Outside of Fiverr?
As I have mentioned above you can find freelance jobs on other platforms where the competition is less. For instance:
1. Upwork
Upwork is an online platform that connects businesses and independent professionals. It provides a variety of services, including finding freelancers, providing tools for project management and payment processing, and allowing businesses to post job listings.
Popular services on Upwork include web and mobile app development, software development, graphic design, content writing, data entry, virtual assistant services, customer service, and project management.
2. Freelancer
Freelancer is a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent professionals connect and collaborate remotely. Freelancers can find jobs in areas such as web development, writing, graphic design, data entry, customer service, and more.
Popular services on Freelancer.com include web development, software development, mobile app development, graphic design, data entry, copywriting, SEO services, animation and video editing, social media marketing, and voice-over services.
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is an online freelance marketplace that connects businesses with freelance professionals who offer services such as website design, data entry, copywriting, and more. The platform allows businesses to post projects and receive bids from freelancers, making it easier to source and hire professionals for short-term or long-term projects.
Popular services on PeoplePerHour include web design, logo design, copywriting, SEO and digital marketing, video editing and animation, and app development.
4. Guru
Popular services on Guru include web development, graphic design, content writing, data entry, virtual assistant services, customer service, and more.
Guru is a great online freelance job site, offering both on-demand and long-term jobs.
5. SimplyHired
SimplyHired is an online job search engine that aggregates job postings from thousands of job boards, newspapers, classifieds, and company career sites across the web. It allows users to search for jobs with a variety of filters and search terms and includes additional resources such as company profiles, salary information, and career advice.
Popular services on SimplyHired include job search, resume search, salary tools, and employer information. Additionally, users can create a profile, upload a resume, and receive email alerts when new job postings match their criteria
The other option is to create your own website/blog and attract organic traffic( potential clients) to your website.
6. Starting your own Brand
This is perhaps the most effective strategy to create a system that will bring clients consistently to your website.
Though many people will prefer to find a freelance platform, it is better to have your own website and create quality content to attract new customers.
Here are the steps that will help you to create your own brand:
- Do some competition and target audience research.
- Decide on your personality and focus.
- Choose a name for your company.
- Create a slogan.
- Choose your brand’s aesthetic (colors and font).
- Create a logo for your company.
- Create your own website/blog
Related: How To Do Personal Branding Without Showing Your Face
Tips for Growing Your Client Base and Keeping Your Clients Engaged
1. Set expectations and maintain communication
One of the most important aspects of client engagement is setting expectations and regularly communicating with your clients. You should be transparent with your clients about the scope and timeline of your services.
Clients will appreciate your honesty and professionalism, leading to repeat business. Additionally, make sure to respond to any client inquiries or requests promptly and keep them updated on the progress of their projects.
2. Engage with your clients on social media
Social media is a great tool for connecting with and engaging your clients. Using profiles such as Twitter or Facebook, make a point of sharing content and information about yourself and your business.
You can also use social media to promote compelling projects that you know will resonate with particular audiences. Show your clients what you’re working on by posting photos of their work in progress or professional milestones like completed projects or gallery exhibitions.
The Benefits of Working as a Freelancer
1. Flexibility
One of the main advantages of working as a freelancer is the flexibility of creating your own hours and locations. You can choose to work from home or from a co-working space, and your availability is up to you and your client’s needs.
2. Variety:
As a freelancer, you can work on different projects with different clients at any given time. This allows you to explore different industries, work with new people, and use skills that you may not have had the chance to use in a traditional job role.
3. Income Potential:
Freelancers have the potential to make a lot of money doing what they love, which can be extremely fulfilling. You are your own boss and serve as your own client.
4. The Lifestyle:
Working as a freelancer has many benefits, such as being able to work when you want and in locations that suit your lifestyle best without having to deal with the commuting stress of traditional jobs.
Freelancing Tools & Resources to Make Your Life Easier
1. Slack: Slack is an instant messaging platform that makes it easy to communicate with clients and collaborate with other freelancers.
2. Trello: Trello is a task management tool that allows you to easily organize tasks and create checklists for each project.
3. Time Tracking Software (Clockify): Time tracking software helps freelancers keep track of their hours and make sure they are billing their clients accurately.
4. Invoicing Software(Zoho): Invoicing software makes it easy to create professional-looking invoices and track payments from clients.
5. Zoom: Zoom is a video conferencing software that allows remote workers to connect with each other.
6. Google Docs: Google Docs is a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tool that makes collaboration easy.
7. BaseCamp: BaseCamp is a project management tool that helps organize client work and stay on top of deadlines.
Conclusion: How To Freelance Without Fiverr?
In conclusion, freelancing without Fiverr is entirely possible and can be a great way to break into the world of freelance work. With some research and dedication, you can get started building your own client list and becoming a successful freelancer.
The key is finding the right resources and putting in the necessary effort to make sure your freelancing career gets off the ground.
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