LESSON 14: WHERE TO FIND ONLINE WORK PART IV

WHERE TO FIND ONLINE WORK PART IV

1. Bark - A Service Marketplace for Freelancers in Various Niches

Bark is an online service marketplace that connects freelancers across a wide range of industries with clients seeking specific services. The platform is used for finding clients in fields such as photography, writing, event planning, personal training, marketing, design, and much more. Unlike traditional freelancing sites, Bark operates by sending leads directly to freelancers, allowing them to engage with clients who are actively seeking their services.

Why Choose Bark

Bark's lead generation system is what sets it apart from many other platforms. Clients post their needs and requests, and freelancers are then notified of relevant opportunities. Freelancers can respond directly to the client, providing quotes and details about how they can fulfill the job. This approach removes the need for a bidding system, allowing freelancers to focus on tailored responses and building rapport with clients.

Another appealing aspect of Bark is its variety of service categories, which makes it accessible to freelancers from different industries. Whether you're a writer, designer, photographer, or even a personal trainer, there’s a category for your expertise. Freelancers can also access both one-off projects and long-term engagements, making it suitable for those looking for flexibility.

Bark also offers a free basic membership, which allows you to browse leads and connect with clients. However, if you want to gain access to premium leads or respond to more jobs, upgrading to a paid plan is required.

Challenges of Using Bark

While Bark offers great flexibility, there are some downsides to consider. First, the lead system is competitive. Freelancers often compete to secure the same client leads, meaning that only a small percentage of freelancers will actually win the job. This competition can be overwhelming, especially if you're starting out on the platform and haven't yet built a strong reputation.

Additionally, Bark operates on a pay-per-lead model, which means that freelancers have to purchase credits to respond to job postings. These credits can add up quickly, and there’s no guarantee that a lead will convert into a paid job. For new freelancers or those in highly competitive niches, this can feel like a risk.

Another challenge is that Bark’s client feedback system is not as detailed as some other platforms, making it harder for freelancers to gauge the client’s expectations and project quality before accepting a lead.

Tips to Succeed on Bark

To succeed on Bark, personalize your proposals when responding to client leads. Since you’ll be competing against other freelancers, it’s important to stand out by showing an understanding of the client’s needs and demonstrating how you can offer unique value. Avoid generic responses and instead, focus on a tailored pitch that speaks to the specifics of the client’s request.

Additionally, make sure your profile is complete and professional. Include a detailed description of your skills and services, upload high-quality work samples, and set realistic pricing. A strong profile will increase your chances of being contacted directly by clients, potentially reducing the need to rely on lead credits.

As you gain experience on Bark, focus on building client relationships and gathering reviews, as positive feedback can boost your profile’s visibility. Keep an eye on leads that are well-suited to your niche and focus your efforts on responding to those that align with your expertise.

2. SolidGigs - Curated Freelance Jobs Delivered to Your Inbox

SolidGigs is a subscription-based service that curates the best freelance opportunities across the internet and sends them directly to your inbox. Unlike traditional freelance platforms, SolidGigs focuses on quality over quantity, offering a handpicked list of freelance job postings, resources, and opportunities tailored to your niche. It's a great option for freelancers looking to avoid the noise of over-saturated platforms and focus on high-quality gigs.

Why SolidGigs is Worth Considering

The standout feature of SolidGigs is its curated approach to job listings. Instead of spending hours sifting through countless job boards, SolidGigs does the legwork for you. Their team manually reviews and selects top job listings from various online sources, saving you time and effort in your job search. The curated list is then delivered directly to your inbox every week.

SolidGigs specializes in high-quality, well-paying jobs, focusing on a variety of fields such as writing, marketing, design, web development, and virtual assistance. By subscribing to SolidGigs, freelancers can be sure they’re only seeing the best opportunities available, which increases the likelihood of landing desirable projects.

Another benefit is that SolidGigs also provides freelance resources, including courses, guides, and tools designed to help you improve your skills, grow your freelance business, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

Challenges of Using SolidGigs

One of the key drawbacks of SolidGigs is its subscription fee. Unlike other platforms where freelancers can access job listings for free, SolidGigs charges a monthly or annual subscription fee to access their curated job list. This may be a deterrent for freelancers just starting out or those who prefer a free model.

Additionally, since SolidGigs is a curated job board and not a marketplace, you don’t get the full freelancing experience. There is no built-in payment system, client communication tools, or project management features. Freelancers need to handle these elements independently once they've secured a project.

While the curated job list is highly useful, it’s also relatively limited. You won’t find every possible freelance opportunity here, and some niches may not have as many listings, especially for highly specialized skills or more unconventional freelance roles.

Tips to Succeed on SolidGigs

To make the most of your SolidGigs subscription, focus on customizing your approach to the jobs you see in your inbox. Since SolidGigs sends only the best opportunities, you don’t have to worry about sifting through irrelevant jobs. Instead, be proactive in tailoring your proposals to stand out in competitive fields. Personalize your pitch, showcase relevant work, and highlight how you can specifically address the client’s needs.

Since SolidGigs also provides resources and courses, take advantage of these offerings to upskill and stay ahead in your niche. Freelancers who continually improve their craft will find it easier to secure higher-paying gigs in the long run.

Be mindful of your subscription renewal. The value you get from SolidGigs depends on how often you land jobs through the platform, so it’s essential to weigh the cost of the subscription against the quality of gigs you secure. For many freelancers, the investment is worth it for the time saved and the higher-quality opportunities they find.

3. Outsourcely – A Remote Work Platform for Long-Term Freelance Jobs

Outsourcely is a remote work marketplace that connects startups and businesses with freelancers and remote workers around the globe. The platform focuses on long-term, stable freelance and remote employment, making it a favorite for professionals looking to build lasting client relationships. It supports a wide range of job categories including web development, customer support, marketing, content writing, virtual assistance, and design.

Why Choose Outsourcely

Outsourcely is designed to simplify the remote hiring process without the complexities of traditional freelance platforms. One of its main advantages is that clients contact freelancers directly, and there’s no bidding involved. Once your profile is visible and well-optimized, potential employers can reach out to you with job offers. This direct-hire model saves time and allows freelancers to focus on delivering quality work rather than constantly chasing leads.

Another benefit is that Outsourcely does not charge a commission on your earnings. Freelancers keep 100% of what they earn, which is a significant advantage compared to other platforms that deduct service fees ranging from 10% to 20%.

The platform is also tailored to remote and long-term work arrangements, offering freelancers more stability compared to gig-based platforms.

Challenges of Outsourcely

Outsourcely does come with some limitations. First, there is a limited job volume compared to major freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. You may find fewer new listings, particularly if your skill set is niche or outside the platform’s primary focus areas.

Additionally, while it’s free to create a profile, accessing premium features—such as being ranked higher in search results or sending more direct messages—requires a paid subscription. This can be a hurdle for freelancers who prefer not to pay upfront fees or who are just testing the platform.

Since projects and communication happen outside the platform, freelancers need to manage invoicing and contracts independently, which may be a downside for those who prefer built-in protections like escrow or milestone payments.

Tips to Succeed on Outsourcely

To stand out on Outsourcely, create a comprehensive, professional profile. Use a high-quality profile photo, write a clear headline, and describe your experience and services with keywords that match your target job roles. Include links to your portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn for added credibility.

Stay active by frequently updating your availability and checking for new job postings. While the volume may be lower, the platform tends to attract serious clients who are willing to invest in long-term collaborations.

If you choose to upgrade to a paid plan, be strategic: consider it once you’ve established a few leads and want to increase visibility. Also, since payment happens off-platform, be sure to use contracts and professional invoicing tools to protect yourself and ensure smooth transactions.

4. Thumbtack – A Local Service Marketplace for Freelancers

Thumbtack is a platform designed for local service professionals, connecting freelancers to clients looking for specific services in their geographic area. Whether you’re a photographer, handyman, event planner, tutor, personal trainer, or home improvement expert, Thumbtack offers a way for freelancers to gain access to clients who need local services.

Thumbtack operates as a service marketplace where freelancers create profiles outlining their services and receive requests from local clients. The platform covers a variety of service categories, making it a versatile option for freelancers across many industries.

Why Choose Thumbtack

One of Thumbtack’s biggest advantages is its focus on local services. If you offer services like event planning, cleaning, landscaping, home repairs, or fitness training, Thumbtack helps you connect with clients who are specifically looking for those services within your local area. This eliminates the need for extensive travel or the complexities of remote work.

Unlike traditional freelance platforms, Thumbtack uses a pay-per-lead model. You’ll only pay when a potential client reaches out to you with a service request, which can be more efficient than traditional bidding platforms. This allows freelancers to focus on the services they are passionate about, rather than getting lost in a sea of irrelevant job posts.

The platform also provides client reviews and ratings, which help build trust with potential clients. A positive review can be a powerful tool for building your reputation and securing more jobs in the future.

Drawbacks of Thumbtack

The pay-per-lead model can be a double-edged sword. While it allows you to only pay when a potential client contacts you, it can become costly if the leads don’t convert into actual work. Freelancers are required to purchase credits to respond to clients, and there’s no guarantee that the lead will result in a job.

Another challenge is the high competition. Freelancers in popular categories, like home cleaning or photography, often face stiff competition, making it harder to stand out and secure clients. Newer freelancers or those in niche markets might struggle to find consistent work, especially when competing with established professionals.

Furthermore, Thumbtack’s fees and pricing structure can be opaque. The cost of leads can vary depending on the service category and the specific job. Freelancers must carefully track their expenses to ensure they’re getting a good return on investment for the leads they purchase.

Tips to Succeed on Thumbtack

To maximize your chances of success on Thumbtack, focus on building a compelling profile that showcases your expertise. Include high-quality photos, a clear service description, and client testimonials if possible. A strong, professional profile will help you stand out and attract the right clients.

Since Thumbtack relies on lead generation, it’s important to respond to leads quickly to show potential clients that you are engaged and reliable. Speed and professionalism can set you apart from the competition and help you land more jobs.

Tracking your leads and expenses is also crucial. Be strategic with the credits you purchase and focus on the leads that have the highest potential to convert into jobs. The more focused you are, the better your chances of finding quality clients who are willing to pay for your services.

Lastly, build a solid reputation through excellent client service. The more positive reviews you accumulate, the more likely you’ll be to attract repeat clients or new ones who trust your work.

5. Contra – A Freelancer Marketplace with No Commission Fees

Contra is a unique freelance platform that caters to independent professionals, such as designers, writers, developers, marketers, and creatives. What sets Contra apart from traditional freelancing platforms is its no-commission fee structure. This means freelancers keep 100% of what they earn, making it an attractive option for those who want to avoid the often-steep commission rates of other platforms.

Contra is designed with the freelancer-first mentality, offering a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy for freelancers to showcase their portfolios, find projects, and manage client relationships—all without the need to compete with countless others for the same job.

Why Contra Stands Out

One of the main draws of Contra is its zero-commission model. Freelancers on Contra don’t have to worry about losing a percentage of their earnings to platform fees. This is a significant advantage compared to other freelancing platforms, which typically charge commissions ranging from 10% to 20%.

Additionally, Contra's platform focuses on collaboration and long-term relationships, promoting a team-oriented approach between freelancers and clients. Clients can find and hire talent, and freelancers can build lasting, direct relationships, which can lead to recurring work.

Contra also offers a customizable portfolio, which allows freelancers to showcase their past work, provide a clear pricing structure, and highlight their areas of expertise. The clean design makes it easy for clients to understand the freelancer’s services and approach.

Challenges of Using Contra

While Contra’s no-commission model is appealing, it’s still a relatively new platform compared to established freelancing giants like Upwork or Fiverr. As a result, job volume can be more limited, especially in niche fields or less popular categories. Freelancers may not find as many immediate opportunities, which can make it harder to secure work initially.

Additionally, Contra’s client base is still growing. While the platform is focused on attracting businesses that value independence and high-quality work, it may not have as extensive a reach as larger platforms that already have a massive user base.

Another consideration is that Contra does not have built-in payment protection like escrow or milestone systems. This means freelancers must manage their contracts and payments directly with clients, which can lead to potential issues with payment delays or disputes if proper agreements aren’t in place.

Tips to Succeed on Contra

To succeed on Contra, focus on creating a standout portfolio that clearly displays your best work and showcases your expertise. Since the platform emphasizes direct communication and collaboration, ensure your profile highlights your ability to work with clients over the long term.

Because the platform is still growing, you may need to be proactive in reaching out to potential clients. Keep your profile updated and participate in the community to increase your visibility. Additionally, consider offering specialized services or niche skills to stand out in the marketplace.

Building a strong client relationship is key to success on Contra. Since the platform encourages direct collaboration, focus on delivering excellent service, maintaining transparent communication, and nurturing long-term partnerships.

Lastly, be sure to negotiate clear payment terms and contracts with clients. Since Contra doesn’t have built-in protections, having a formal agreement in place is essential to ensuring that you’re paid on time and that both parties are aligned on expectations.

Beyond the Platforms: Off-Platform Ways to Find Clients

While freelance platforms are helpful for securing clients, many successful freelancers find their best opportunities off-platform. Building a diverse client acquisition strategy is essential for long-term success. Here are some effective ways to find clients beyond the usual freelance platforms:

1. LinkedIn Networking

LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for freelancers to connect with potential clients. It’s a professional network that allows you to directly engage with decision-makers in your industry. Here's how to make LinkedIn work for you:

Connect with decision-makers: Focus on connecting with individuals in your niche, such as business owners, marketing managers, or executives. Personalized connection requests increase the chances of a positive response.
Share helpful content regularly: Demonstrate your expertise by posting valuable insights related to your industry. Sharing tips, case studies, or articles shows potential clients that you are knowledgeable and active in your field.
Use LinkedIn search to find companies hiring freelancers: Leverage LinkedIn’s search feature to find companies that are actively looking for freelancers. You can filter by industry, job type, and location to discover relevant opportunities.

By maintaining an active presence and showcasing your skills, LinkedIn can become a valuable tool for building long-term professional relationships.

2. Cold Email Outreach

While it may seem daunting, cold email outreach remains one of the most effective ways to secure high-quality clients. The key is to craft personalized, value-driven emails that grab attention and make a lasting impression. Here’s how to approach it:

Research businesses that may benefit from your services: Start by identifying companies or individuals who could use your services. Look for those with specific needs or pain points that your skills can solve.
Craft personalized, value-driven emails: Instead of sending generic messages, tailor each email to the recipient. Highlight how your services can solve their specific problems, improve efficiency, or add value to their business.
Include a link to your portfolio and testimonials: To build credibility, always link to your portfolio or work samples. Adding client testimonials also strengthens your pitch, showing potential clients that you have a proven track record.

Remember to keep your emails concise and professional, and always follow up after a few days if you haven’t received a response.

3. Personal Website & Portfolio

Having a professional website and portfolio is crucial for showcasing your work, building credibility, and attracting clients. A well-designed website serves as your digital business card, helping clients understand what you offer and how you can help them.

Create a professional site showcasing your services, work, and client results: Your website should clearly highlight your skills, past projects, and success stories. Make it easy for potential clients to navigate and contact you.
Use SEO keywords relevant to your industry: To increase your visibility in search engines, optimize your website with relevant SEO keywords that reflect the services you offer. This will help drive organic traffic from potential clients searching for freelancers.
Include a call-to-action and contact form: Encourage potential clients to get in touch by adding a clear call-to-action (CTA) and a contact form. Make it as easy as possible for them to reach out to you for quotes or inquiries.

A well-optimized website can serve as a powerful lead generation tool and attract clients without relying on platforms.

4. Referrals and Testimonials

Referrals and testimonials are some of the most powerful ways to gain new clients. Satisfied clients can help you grow your business by recommending you to others or leaving positive reviews.

Ask happy clients for referrals and reviews: Don’t hesitate to ask clients who are happy with your work for referrals. Word of mouth is still one of the most effective marketing tools.
Offer incentives (like a discount) for referrals: You can encourage clients to refer others by offering incentives such as discounts on future projects or small bonuses for successful referrals.
Add client testimonials to your site and proposals: Positive feedback adds credibility to your portfolio. Use client testimonials strategically by adding them to your website, proposals, or LinkedIn profile to show prospective clients that you deliver results.

By building a network of satisfied clients, you create a stream of warm leads that are easier to convert into paying jobs.

5. Niche Job Boards and Communities

There are many niche-specific job boards and online communities that cater to freelancers. These platforms are tailored to specific industries, allowing you to find clients who need specialized services. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Platforms like ProBlogger (for writers) or Dribbble (for designers) offer focused gigs: Niche job boards often feature high-quality job postings and allow you to connect directly with clients who are looking for professionals in your field.
Join Slack groups, Facebook groups, or Discord communities in your niche: Online communities are great for networking and learning about new opportunities. Participate in relevant conversations, offer advice, and build relationships with potential clients.

Being part of a niche community not only opens doors to job opportunities but also helps you stay informed about the latest trends in your industry.

By diversifying your strategies and utilizing these off-platform methods, you can attract a steady stream of high-quality clients and build a successful freelance business without being reliant on a single platform.

Conclusion

Finding freelance clients is a mix of strategy, patience, and consistency. Start with one or two platforms that fit your skills and target audience. As you build experience and reputation, branch out using off-platform methods like referrals, outreach, and content marketing. With the right mix, you can create a sustainable and rewarding freelance career.

MORE LESSONS:

LESSON 1: INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE WORK: https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/1084732855443597742?hl=en

LESSON 2: ADVANTAGES OF WORKING ONLINE:

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8736480292744140376?hl=en

LESSON 3: DISADVANTAGES OF WORKING ONLINE:

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/9215626175346417714?hl=en

LESSON 4: 5 BASIC TOOLS YOU NEED TO START ONLINE FREELANCING

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8875564655463521100?hl=en

LESSON 5: OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ONLINE FREELANCE WORK

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/8204564717420579837?hl=en

LESSON 6: THE MINDSET OF A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER

https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/5958831589506082119/4576672918924796883?hl=en