Freelancers often turn to online platforms for opportunities in the evolving landscape of remote work. Navigating freelance websites can be liberating and challenging, offering a gateway to diverse projects and clients.
Yet, the journey isn’t without issues. As a freelancer, the path to success requires thoughtful consideration of various factors that can impact your experience on these platforms.
From setting competitive rates to establishing effective communication, every decision shapes your freelance journey. This exploration will delve into key considerations for freelancers navigating the dynamic world of online platforms, offering insights to enhance their professional endeavors.
Below is a list of things to consider when deciding whether or not one particular website is right for you:
How long has the website been around?
Before you decide to work on a website, it’s important to consider the following points:
How long has the website been around? This can give you an idea of its reliability and whether it will likely be around. If they have only recently started working in this field, they may still be learning as they go along and might need to offer better service.
How many clients does the website work with? If a company is relatively new, its client list will also likely be small. A large number of clients indicates that there must be something about how this company provides services that work well for clients, better than other similar companies.
What kind of features does the website offer?
The kind of features a website offers is an important consideration. You want to make sure that the site has everything you need to get the job done and that it has it in a way that’s easy for you to use. You’ll want to look at what other sites offer compared with your prospective employer’s website. Consider whether or not there are any differences between them and how easy they are to use.
How many people are using the service?
The first thing you should do is check how many people are using the service. This can tell you a lot about whether or not it’s worth your time. If there are only a few thousand members, it’s probably not worth your time. However, if it has millions of users, that’s a good website to create an account on.
How does the bidding or searching process work?
Several features can help you find the right job. For example, some websites allow you to upload a resume and cover letter, giving your profile more weight if it matches the job description. These resumes are often linked to other sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook (if possible) so clients can check out your work history before hiring you.
Another helpful feature is seeing the feedback about freelancers they’ve used in the past. This way, clients know whether or not they’d like to work with someone before committing. Some platforms even offer recommendations from previous employers or colleagues if they’re available.
Are you able to communicate directly with clients?
As a freelancer, you should be comfortable that your clients are in control. This doesn’t mean they will take advantage of you or refuse to pay for your services. It simply means that they have all the power to negotiate deals and agreements.
If you’re working on a freelance website like Upwork or Freelancer, read all terms and conditions before accepting work from clients. There may be hidden fees or specific policies about payment methods that could affect how much money you make due to this particular assignment.
If you are unsure about anything at all regarding working with freelance websites, feel free to ask questions. The best way for both parties involved (the freelancer and client) is for everyone to know precisely what they’re getting into before they begin working together on projects or assignments.
Can you do a background check on potential clients?
Most freelance websites allow you to conduct a background check on potential clients. However, not all of them do. If the platform allows it and you want to use it, here are some things to consider:
What kind of information can be found in a background check? A background check can tell you if someone has had issues with freelancers they’ve worked with.
How do I do a background check? The process varies from website to website, depending on the information available through the service’s existing database. Nowadays, it’s quite easy to research the company’s or client’s reputation. Using Google, you can type in the name of the company or client, and the search engine will display the desired results. Apart from Google, LinkedIn is a good place to find out someone’s credibility.
What is the payment process like?
When you work with a freelancer on a freelance website, the payment process is different than when you hire someone directly. With a freelance website, payment will be made through the website itself and before any work is completed. The amount paid may be higher or lower than what would have been paid if you had hired them.
As with hiring from an agency or company, there are multiple ways to pay:
Payment is made in advance before any work begins
Payment is made after completion of all tasks associated with your project (or parts thereof)
Payment is contingent upon approval by your client
What support is available for both freelancers and clients?
There are several things to consider when looking for a freelance website. For example, you should know how much it will cost to sign up and what kind of support is available for freelancers and clients.
Often, sites will link to their support page on their main page or in the footer area of the site. This is helpful because it allows you to quickly access this information without having to do any searching.
Conclusion
Venturing into freelance work through online platforms can be rewarding, but navigating this digital landscape with thoughtful consideration is crucial.
Balancing opportunity with caution ensures a fulfilling freelancing experience. As you embark on this journey, remember to prioritize clear communication, set realistic expectations, and safeguard your professional integrity.
By embracing a mindful approach, freelancers can harness the potential of online platforms while sidestepping common pitfalls. Remember that success in the freelance realm often lies in the balance of enthusiasm, diligence, and a discerning eye for opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.
By keeping these principles in mind, you can unlock the potential of freelance platforms and build a sustainable and fulfilling career. Happy freelancing!
Angeline Licerio
Angeline Licerio is the blogger behind Dollarmize.com. After working online as a writer and SEO strategist, she decided to start this blog to give advise to people who would like to earn money online. She is also the founder of SEO Tutorials for FREE, a Facebook community that helps aspiring freelancers and SEO specialists to kickstart their work from home journey.
