| Freelancing online seems like an easy way to make | | | | 3. When writing proposals, tailor your response to the |
| money - wake up, head to the computer, bid on a few | | | | bid in question. Don't waste your time with generic, |
| jobs, and watch the money roll in. The reality that most | | | | one-size-fits-all proposals. They might be easier to |
| people face, after the initial quandary of finding sites | | | | write, but they make a bad impression on any potential |
| and determining which are reputable, is that competition | | | | client who considers you. After all, if you won't write a |
| is steep. | | | | tailored proposal, what kind of work ethic can they |
| There are hundreds of thousands of people who may | | | | expect? |
| have your skills and qualifications. Even if they aren't all | | | | 4. Follow up your proposal with an email or message. |
| bidding on the same projects as you are, you can bet | | | | Not every freelance site allows you direct email |
| that the jobs with only one or two bidders are few | | | | access, but nearly all of them have a private message |
| and far between. So how to make your bids | | | | board. Send a note telling the potential client that you |
| worthwhile? Here are a few rules: | | | | are interested in the job and invite them to ask any |
| | | | questions you may not have covered in your proposal. |
| 1. When searching for projects, always choose the | | | | Remember -- bidding on a freelance job is not the |
| most specialized jobs first. If you stick with your | | | | same as sending in a resume or a cover letter to a |
| specialty, you are more likely to submit a qualified | | | | standard job opening. Even though there may not be a |
| proposal that will garner the attention of your potential | | | | long-term investment in your time, clients like to know |
| client. | | | | that they are hiring the best. If you start with your |
| 2. Do your research. Freelance proposals are much | | | | specialized area of expertise, tailor your proposals to |
| simpler to write when you do a little research into the | | | | their needs, and follow-up with any questions they may |
| company or professional. If they have a website, read | | | | have, you'll soon see your freelancing goals come to |
| it! Take the time to get to know their offerings before | | | | fruition. |
| you finalize that bid. | | | | |