Yesterday we talked about how to get business clients. Today is all about where to find freelance work. There are a number of ways to stir up new interest. And, there are dozens of sites dedicated to telecommuting positions. Personal preference will likely determine those best suited to your needs.
Google AdWords
If you have an online presence, you may be familiar with PPC (Pay Per Click) campaigns. Google AdWords credits are occasionally sent out by hosting providers and other subscription-based sites. You can use these credits to drive search traffic to your freelance website with a PPC campaign.
Online Job Boards
There are several online classified job boards. Some of these offer listings for all telecommuting categories. Others are specific to a certain industry.
All Categories
Crazedlist (use to search multiple Craigslist cities at once)
Freelance Writing
journalismjobs.com – Select “Telecommute” for Location
Translators
Web Design and Programmers
DesignCrowd – There are both projects accepting bids and contests here. Make sure you are in the right category.
crowdSPRING **Newly Added**
IT Jobs
Industry-Related Forums
Most industry-specific forums have a Services section. You may be able to list your services and/or respond to requests for services. You can also search for similar forums by using the following as an example search term related:http://www.wickedfire.com.
VirtualAssistantForums – has both a Services Required folder and a RFP system. You must have 100 posts to be able to view RFPs.
Freelance Directories and RFP Systems
The majority of directories offer free listings. RFP systems are typically subscription-based.
VirtualAssistantForums Directory
National Association of Independent Writers and Editors
Gig Sites
Gig sites specialize in one-off projects. These projects can turn into long-term clients. Review the site’s TOS before attempting to take your relationship offsite.
Fivers World
Bounty It – This is another site with both projects and contests.
Jobsfor10.com
TaskArmy **Newly Added**
General Marketplaces
Offline
Your clients don’t need to come from the Internet. Going local is big right now.
Chamber of Commerce
Industry Events
Small Business Networking Events
Referrals
Ask your existing clients, family and friends for referrals.
Where is your favorite place to find freelance work?
About Angie Nelson
Awesome list! I love how so many of the new gig sites have sprung up!
Me too, Lisa. They are not for every task, but if you have things you can whip out quickly they work!
I’ve had some success using craigslist in attracting clients for my editing work. To be more effective, I need to use some of the other avenues mentioned here.
Thank you for this list. It’s been awhile since I went looking but things are a little slow for me right now and it is nice to know there are still all these places I can go and check out. I used to spend time on odesk, elance and freelancer.com but I found that most jobs were so underpaid that I lost interest. Having all of these options and being able to post our own jobs and prices makes it feel like we are still in control of how much we make.
I have bookmarked this page as it will take some time going through all of these sites.
I am so interested in going local. I just don’t know of a lot of local places that need a writer…:/
Great idea for a post, Jess! I’ll try to get something put together.
SEOClerks is really a great site to make money by offering micro services. It’s a great alternative to Fiverr and does have a lot of potential customers or buyers.
Thanks, James!
Thanks Angie, what an extensive list of places to find work. My wife has obtained a number of jobs from Fiverr (you recommended this in another recent post of yours. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Be blessed.
Thanks, Wade.
And so the wife promptly got sent to investigate your list further
. Thanks so much for sharing!
Welcome, Lizette!