by Doreen Martel

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

You are very excited about having found a trusted freelance website. You have finally found a place where freelance jobs are plentiful and you cannot wait to get started. Before you do, you need some common sense tips that will help you get started freelancing.

A) Your profile - Make sure that your profile on the freelance site is completely filled out. Do not leave gaps in places where you know a potential buyer is going to look. For example, if you are applying for a writing job, make sure that you have relevant experience highlighted in your portfolio. Make sure you carefully review your profile for typographical and grammatical errors.

B) Cover Letters - Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression? Bidding on a freelance site means that you will be competing against veteran providers and other newcomers. Some of these freelancers may have placed a bid lower than yours. Be sure that your cover letter says why you feel you are the best person for this particular job. Identify specifics from the job opening to ensure that the client knows you read it thoroughly. Make your cover letters unique for each position you apply for.

C) Professionalism - You have many opportunities on a freelance site to display your professionalism. Depending on the site, you should make sure that you have included a professional photograph of yourself - with proper attire. Avoid the use of fake names when you are bidding on freelancing sites, it decreases your marketability and many freelance sites consider this a violation of their terms of service.

D) Highlight Accomplishments and Skills - If you are brand new to a freelance site, there are many ways you can highlight your accomplishments and skills. Nearly every freelance site offers free skills testing. Take as many as you feel comfortable with and that are appropriate for your desired jobs. Use sites like LinkedIn to highlight past career accomplishments. One concern many have on freelance sites is that a "newcomer" has little chance against established service providers - remember this, they were all new once too. Request references from prior employers (you can request these on LinkedIn) and include a link to them in your cover letters or in your profile.

E) Be Realistic - One of the most common issues for newcomers on a freelancing site is money. While you should not sell yourself short, just remember something - even if your last job paid you $50 an hour, you had a local reputation, a work history in that field and you were competing against local peers. Most freelancing sites are global (e.g. international) and chances are you will be bidding against others who can live for significantly less. Do not underbid but if you are certain your bid is going to be higher than your counterparts, make sure you clearly make sure that the client knows that your skills are worth the extra money.

Freelancing offers many opportunities for those who want to work at home full time and take control of their destiny. Freelancing is not for those who are faint of heart. Make sure you are using as many bidding tips as you can find! These bidding tips will help newcomers who just joined a freelancing site succeed.

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