Online freelance work is an enormous way to bang recession and a silent way to earn your income even if you don’t have a permanent job. This type of work needs a detailed set of skills that you can advertise to attain your clients. These clients are all looking for someone that can understand their vision and produce a logo, article, or web page that expresses the ideas they want to convey to customers.

Here are 10 tips from Freelancer Guides that will help you to become a skilled freelancer:

1. Start by exploring a web site that will assist you to learn what it’s like to work via the Internet. There are lots of good sites available that will help you. Explore more here: Websites to Get Freelance Projects
2. DON’T pay cash for everything until you have a fine idea of how much you’ll get profit on your investment.
3. DO sign up for one or two of the online recommendation services that match freelancers with projects. See Websites to Get Freelance Projects
4. DO: be choosy about the projects on which you offer / place your bid. To get more help on this read: How to Win your first freelancer bid
5. DON’T ditch your principles for cash. This is greatly tough to do in these harsh economic times, but attach to your rules as best you can.
6. Frequently use every social networking contact you have, but follow appropriate manners. Don’t send links to every pixel you post; save your contacts for the really fine stuff. Learn more on this here:  How Freelancers are Using Social Media for Real Results
7. DO write at no cost, or just about free, on particular interest sites and on common sites such as a fast-growing network of online news and information. You can build your online status and skills this way, and you may make some cash as well. Get more details here: Promote your Freelance Service through Article Writing
8. DO keep detailed records on every buck you make. Try to get paid through PayPal or Payoneer like services, which automatically keeps a record for you of all deposits to your account.
9. DON’T expect to work full day as an online freelancer. Going rates for online content are not quite slave wages (well, some are), but you’ll need lots of cash to meet your necessities, but still take time to rest and relax with family.
10. DO think of yourself prepared, learning how to live in the new society. If you come up with an improved way to do online freelancing, use it, and then try to figure out how to make a dollar from it on the Internet.

Hope these quick tips help you further, If you are new to freelancing or looking to learn more of the freelancing read:

• Steps to Start as Freelancer
• 11 Tips to be a Successful Freelancer

you can also ask any Freelancing Question here.

Question: I am now a junior studying journalism at Towson University. This summer I would like to venture out and cover stories — freelance, if you will. I have never done this before. Do I need to do anything official before I get out and write? And since I would not only like to do print, but video, photo and audio as well to cover stories, what would I label myself as?

Answer:

You are smart to not let this important summer go by without gaining some professional experience — in whatever way you can.

There is no official test, board exam or credential for you to become a freelance journalist. You can start right now without any permissions.

This is one of the things that makes journalism great. It is open to all, and people who attended a far less prestigious program than yours — or no program at all — can make it if their work is good.

The most important thing to have when you start freelancing is a darn good idea for a story. Editors seldom have enough of them and do not want to spend one on an untested freelancer. However, if you call in or come through the door with an idea that someone likes, you might get your chance.

Begin with research. Study the news outlet to familiarize yourself with the type of content it runs. Find out if it will accept freelance work. And make sure your idea is not one that has recently been done or is on a beat that the newsroom already has well-covered. You’re looking for good stories that might fall through the cracks. Those cracks can become niches for freelancers.

Once you get the green light to do a story or project, move Heaven and Earth to do it well. A first assignment done exceptionally well will usually pave the way for the second story — which you should also pitch. (I usually pitch my next story as I turn in the one that is due next.)

The most efficient use of your time is to create repeatedly for the same place rather than to create just once apiece for a variety of clients. Economize on the amount of time you need to spend pitching, invoicing and collecting.

If you become successful at freelancing, you will eventually need to get serious about setting yourself up as a small business. It is not necessary to set up a business structure in advance of summer work, though.

And to answer your question about what you should call yourself, I would go with “multimedia journalist” given all the avenues you want to pursue. That is in demand and leverages your diverse interests.

Reference: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=77&aid=183839

Getting freelance projects is comparatively easier now, if you know where to look for. Here I will be discussing only the Top 7 websites that provides good freelance projects. Based on user friendliness, projects, fee structure, reliability, security, support for freelancers, people opinion and my personal experiences. So here we go:

RentACoder / vWorker

Started in 2001, based in USA
The best site in terms of supporting their buyers and providers both equally. Its free to join and post, all providers treated equally and only difference is an old provider has a rating and new one don’t but no one can get above other by paying anything, so its free to apply on any number of jobs, then it all depends on your skills if you can convince buyers. You can find lots of regular projects their. The process of project execution is safe for buyers and sellers both. A best place to start looking for freelance projects.

oDesk

Started in Dec 2003, based in USA
One of the site that has best tracking of sellers work. You can find some regular freelance projects from oDesk. Best for those who want to get paid for time or want to pay for provides time spent only. So in a way it provides a Win-Win situation for both. I find some freelancers who says its not good to always track time, as they want to work freely [thats why most freelancer start as freelancers]. It is secure and reliable.

Elance

Started in 1998, based in USA
One of the oldest site on the net providing continuous flow of freelance projects.  I have seen them grow with time. Initially their many services were free but then they start charging health amount from freelancers too, and now as competition increases their fee structure is lowered now, although limited. I still don’t like the limitations on freelancers, but still its one of the best site for serious bidders where it covers its cost for freelancers and provide some lucrative freelance projects.

Freelancer (previously GetAFreelancer)

Started in Feb 2004, started in Sweden now based in Australia
One of the popular freelance projects site, specially since they changed their looks  and become freelancer and promote their services. There are some limitations on freelancers but it worth it, due to the number of projects and payoffs. But there are complaints from freelancers that their buyers just vanishes after they completed the project, because they do not enforce escrow payment system. So there is a chance but this happen rarely and off course if you are a wise freelancer then you will judge any such buyers. I personally liked their new interface and process is fine, only one issue that you can not post a private message to buyer without bidding, this  is annoying some times as you have to compromise your number of bid to get private clarification on projects. They do have a public project clarification board. Overall its a good site to start looking for freelance projects, despite of large competition.

Guru

Started in Aug 2000, based in USA
Guru is also a reliable source of freelance projects, although I personally never find the site very user friendly, but what if you get paid, right. It offer options for memberships or project fees. Overall a stable site.

ScriptLance

Started in 2001, based in Canada
Very similar to other freelance projects site. But simpler fee structure for both buyers and freelancers. Found  it live and running. Although I didn’t face any issue with them but I find  many freelancers complaining payments issue from scriptlance. A risk place but still freelancers are earning and competition is not too tough.

EUFreelance

Started in Feb 2004 (so as freelancer.com), based in Singapore and Australia
This is based on Freelancer.com engine. The payments are in Euro and appears to be stable. And find this site growing now, after they implement some serious marketing strategies. Although the  number of projects are low but so as the competition, as they are new in business so has less competition of freelancers.

There are many other websites but I found that so far others are not worth mentioning here, but surely you can search for more freelance projects and find out if some other works for you, but be cautious before spending your energy and time. I believe you find this freelance projects sites list supporting, you are welcome to share your thoughts on these sites in comments.

Question: Are there any organisations which directly provide projects without bid?

By Anil Sharma

Answer:

Yes it happen but only after you have established a relationship and confidence in your services by that company. If you are in start of your freelancer career then bidding is the path for you, you can build a relationship with your initial buyers and once a buyer get confidence in you, you don’t have to compete with others to get his projects. There are many frequent buyers on these  sites who prefer to work with same providers/freelancers.

To get your initial job, go low in your bids.

There are a few companies like MetaExpert who maintain a pool of resources and outsource tasks to them, and usually the first one who replies to a requirement gets the job.  I am not sure if they are still doing this.

There is also a site for freelance writers essaywriters.net that gives jobs with almost no big competition of other bidders, but its hard to get get approved with them as their worker.

If any of you know any other site or company who does this, you are welcome to share here in comments.

Throughout the hundreds of interactions I’ve had with freelancers, I’ve noticed a pattern that separates freelancing professionals who get more freelancer projects from those who don’t.

Here are the points that makes a difference in winning more freelancer projects:

1) Perfect your Sales Pitch:

Keep in mind your bid is a sales letter but it should be all relevant and not only remain as a sales letter but a mix. Those who align their proposals with a sales letter, without preparing it on loud sales pitch are more likely to win more freelancer projects.

2) Customize your Proposal:

Customizing your bids shows that you’ve taken the time to study the project description, and mostly buyers appreciate that. Remember its give and take, only expect a buyer to read your bid message thoroughly if you have read his project description throughly.

3) Accommodate Examples:

To get freelancer projects you should add examples of your plan that are accordance to the job you’re applying for. Don’t kill yourself for examples, just mention something similar you have done n past, providing similar references is always good, but do not make up any example of your own unless you really have good knowledge of the subject.

4) Exude Confidence:

If you accept the abilities bare for the job you are applying for, keep confidence in yourself. I’ve found many freelancers who know how to do a job but don’t have confidence to show to the client, which gives an unprofessional feeling. Show that confidence in your bid and proposals. Do not always stuck with what client says, tell him what you feel is the best for them.

5) Accommodate Clear Advice:

I have won many projects and client’s confidence with my true advice. Never fear to tell client what you feel is best for them. I have seen many freelancers who only follow what client says. Remember if client knows exactly how to do something, why he hasn’t done that himself. Believe in yourself and give him accurate advice based on your own knowledge.

6) Follow Up:

To catch more freelancer projects, keep in touch with your clients. I have experience many clients coming back for more jobs after couple of years, just because I keep in touch with them through occasional emails and keeping informed on what we are doing.

7) Prepare Customized Mockups:

Preparing Customize working samples and mockups increase lots of confidence of the client in your capabilities. Never hesitate to prepare free samples and mockups for clients where you see potential of long term work.

These are seven different tips and approaches that will surely can help you out to get your freelancer projects. Employers searching to outsource are afraid about accident time and money with freelancers who don’t accomplish as they should. The key to acknowledged for freelancer projects is to prove that you will do what you say and capable to execute your plans.

Doing Freelancer jobs is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. People are finding more freelancer jobs as buyers are seeking cost effective ways get their work done quick. Freelancing is the best way to earn while staying at home. A freelance job is a supplementary source of income in advances to safe your future.

Now the question arises “where to find freelancer jobs?” Here are some of the places where you can easily start your search for freelancer jobs.

1) Internet for Freelancer Jobs:

Internet is one of the most effective and easiest source to find freelancer jobs. You can easily search for freelancer jobs by visiting different jobs posting websites, online advertisements and also different company’s websites. While online searching you can also submit your resume and post your details on different websites. These online job portals will send you different notifications, emails, addresses and information about different freelance jobs. This is the best way to explore your freelance job in a very short period.

But off-course the main source are the freelancing websites that are getting more and more serious buyers now. On some of these its hard to compete for jobs but most of the them provide good amount of jobs, so that everyone can have their share.

you can look into the sites like:

• RentACoder.com (change name to vWorker.com now)
• Freelancer.com (previously GetAFreelancer.com)
• Elance.com
• oDesk.com

Get more details on which freelancer website to use here: Top 7 Websites to Get Freelance Projects

2) Freelancer Jobs Communities:

By joining different freelance communities you can locate your freelancer job. These communities inform and updated you about different jobs and opportunities about freelancing.

3) Social Media for Freelance Jobs:

Be proactive and let others know that you are a freelancer and looking for freelancer jobs. Social Media sites and creating your profile there can be come one of the best source to get more freelancer jobs for you. you can read more on this here: How Freelancers are Using Social Media for Real Results

4) Be in touch with Existing Clients:

 

Normally getting your first few freelancer jobs are difficult, if you are intelligent and able to prove your skills to initial clients and then stay in touch with them, you can open continuous stream of freelancer jobs for you.

 

 

 

5) Join A Freelancer Team:

 

Undoubtedly, there are many freelancers who are working too much and earning good amount of money. So if there is a freelancer around you and have plenty of work, offer him your services as freelancer.

Starting a freelance career is not much difficult, specially in current era of internet and social interactions world wide. Just try to follow these options and I am sure one day you have an entire portfolio of those clients who are begging to hire you for more and more freelancer jobs.

This is an unfortunate news. Acts of some people hurting those who are not involved. But anyway I am sure that Freelancers will find a solution to this.

When payoneer.com launched and many freelancer sites start offering it as a payment option for freelancers, Many (almost all who are aware) switched using this option, as it is cheap, more flexible and easy to use.

In my personal experience I found the payoneer service very reliable and their response and resolution on issues are excellent. So what happens now? its not their mistake, they send a notification on 4th of May 2010, that the service will not be available in some specific countries from 1st of June 2010.

you can see the exact message and reason below. Although now payoneer mentioned that they are working to find an alternate solution, but since this message I personally get no response from payoneer for any trouble ticket or email sent to them, not good to see a nice service going out like this.

These countries are:

• Angola (AO)
• Ecuador (EC)
• Ethiopia (ET)
• Pakistan (PK)
• Turkmenistan (TM)
• São Tomé and Príncipe (ST)

Sad to know, because most of the online freelances are from these developing countries.

I expect that Payoneer should take this issue seriously and should try to resolve this issue as the reasons are not related to the actual users, they can propose some more verification processes. Their act will define their future, freelancers will eventually find a way out.

Anyway in all this situation the role of RentACoder.com’s Ian Ippolito is really appreciable, I found him taking this and every matter related to freelancers benefit seriously.

Mostly freelancing site owners prefer to take all matters related to Buyers more seriously, but on every occasion I found Ian (the owner of RentAcoder.com) very serious and equally available to solve freelancers issues too.

You can read about Ian efforts here: http://blog.vworker.com/2010/05/payoneer-money-sending-restrictions.html

Exact message from Payoneer on 4th May 2010:

Dear Customer, Due to a change in requirements from our regulators, as of June 1, 2010 Payoneer cards will be blocked for transactions in the countries listed by the US government as having strategic Anti Money Laundering (AML) deficiencies. This change will affect card usage in the following countries: Angola, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Sao Tome and Principe.

If your card is in use in one of the countries listed, we encourage you to use all funds by May 31, while transactions are still possible in these countries.

Please note that beyond May 31 your card will continue to be fully functional in all countries not banned by the US government, and we will be happy to load payments to the card without any change.

We apologize for the inconvenience and hope that the Payoneer card will continue to provide you with valuable service.

Please feel free to use our Contact Us page for any additional questions. Sincerely,

Payoneer Customer Support

Here are a few tips for freelance writers, if you want to break in or those of you who want to do a little bit more.

1) Don’t write what you know.

What does this mean? It means, simply that fiction and nonfiction are two different birds. Probably 70% of the freelance assignments I get are outside my realm of knowledge, but with the internet and a few research skills these articles and assignments are great fun to write. Get to know the internet. Did I mention the need for research? This goes for fiction and nonfiction writing. If you don’t know ‘it’, haven’t had experience with ‘it’ or know someone — directly, not indirectly — who has dealt with ‘it’ and will be interviewed, research it. The internet, local universities and your public library are great places to start.

2) Stay Active.

Both mentally and physically. With spring rolling in a lot of us are working on a new health regime, but before you try diet pills or anything else, check with your doctor. And remember, the best advice for getting into shape is, “Everything in moderation.” You can eat that chocolate bar or have that soda — as long as you keep it to one a day or one every couple of days.

3) Subscribe to a few freelance writing ezines

Troll for markets for your article ideas, look for new freelance jobs each week. There are jobs out there and money to be made, you just have to know where to look.

4) Diversify but find your niche.

But niches can’t be divirsified, you say. No, but you can be. I write nonfiction articles on family and education, I do copywriting for companies all over the globe ranging from designer clothing to construction equipment and I write romantic fiction. If that isn’t diversified, I don’t know what is. I’ve always written, romance is my genre because I love happy endings and the roller coaster ride of falling in love. So far, my CPs are my only fans…but more will come. My articles are my ‘niche’ — this is what I began reporting on when I working in television and radio. I’ve simply explanded my base, if you will. Copywriting is my most recent ‘step’ and I love it. I work with great companies, business owners with integrity and a genuine love for their business — just like me!

5) Freelancing ain’t easy.

You’ll be rejected and ignored on a regular basis. Don’t get down if your article is rejected. Instead, find another market, tweak it a little and get it back out there. You can’t sell it if it’s languishing on your computer.

6) Be Passionate.

There is nothing better (to me, at least) than writing for a living. I wake up each morning excited whether I have a copywriting job, article or fiction chapter to work on first. Have fun with your life because life is too short to be stuck doing something you don’t love.

Read this article from source: http://agentrandomosity.blogspot.com/2010/04/few-freelancing-tips-for-writers.html