How to Earn Money Working Freelance at ODesk

Freelancer's Guide to Being Profitable in the Online Marketplace

Apr 8, 2009 Alla Kondrat

Freelancers must market their services in order to earn money at ODesk. The completion is fierce, so being profitable in this online marketplace is not an easy task.

At ODesk an independent contractor can earn money by means of completing freelance projects. However, for a beginner it may be difficult to get a job, especially getting a well paid one: there are always competitors who are ready to complete the assignment for $10. Since it is not what a serious freelancer wants to earn for a serious job, here are some tips that will help to get freelance projects at good rates.

Prepare a Portfolio that Earns Money

A portfolio is the freelancer’s face online. It should be built professionally, and include the information on the person’s skills, abilities, and work experience. It must include the list of the projects the contractor has successfully completed, or participated in – they are the most essential part.

The portfolio should be eye-catching and evoke a positive emotional reaction in the potential clients.

Choose Freelance Projects at ODesk

When looking through the lists of new jobs posted in the online marketplace, it is essential for a freelancer to pick only those that one is sure to complete successfully. It is better if the portfolio already includes similar completed projects. Even if it doesn’t, there are still chances to get the job if the contractor has all the required skills and qualifications.

Apply for a Freelance Project in the Online Marketplace

Sending an application to the potential client is the most important part of the process. The letter should immediately catch the customer’s attention, and make him look at the freelancer’s portfolio.

The application letter should be simple and unique. Using one template to apply for different jobs is not the best option.
Make it personal. Tell the client why you are interested in the project.
Describe a completed project similar to this one. Offering some solutions regarding the client’s current project may also help.
Don’t forget to include the link to the portfolio, and contact information.

The Price of the Freelancer’s Work at ODesk

After the application letter is sent, the freelancer has to specify the rate for the project. Here it is important not to underestimate one's own skills and talents. If the price is higher than the average for those who have already applied for the project, it may, at least, catch the client’s attention, and make him take a look at the portfolio. If the client is not ready to pay that much, find a client who is ready to pay well for a good job.

Complete the Freelance Project to Earn Money and Credibility

If an independent contractor has been awarded the chosen project, it is important to compete it well, so that the client is satisfied with the result. In such a case the customer will rate the freelancer’s work well, so that the contractor will have further chances for getting further assignments. Secondly, a successfully completed project at ODesk will add to the freelancer’s credibility, and more customers will be willing to work with such a contractor.

It is not easy to get projects and earn money working freelance at ODesk. Being profitable in this online marketplace requires the freelancer’s portfolio, skills, and pricing strategies to be outstanding. It is Important to present one’s skills and abilities professionally, reflecting the rate the freelancer wants to charge.

To learn more about starting a freelance career at ODesk, read ODesk – an Online Marketplace for Freelancers. To learn about passing the first ODesk test, see ODesk Readiness Test for Independent Contractors.

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