28% of skilled knowledge workers are now freelancers or independent professionals, according to The Future Work Index and by 2027, it's projected that half of the US workforce will be freelancing despite all these, it can be tough to know where to start. If you've been asking yourself, "How do I get a paid freelance project?", you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through a proven strategy to help you land your first paid freelancing gig and build a successful career.
Step 1: Build a StreetCred (Online Presence)
Before you can land a freelancing project, you need to be visible to potential clients. This starts with creating professional and compelling profiles on the right platforms. If you are a developer, creating a Tublian profile keeps track of your activities across various platforms and gives you a streetcred number
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Crafting a Winning Upwork Profile
Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces, making it a great place to start. Here's how to create a profile that stands out:
Professional Photo: First impressions matter. Use a clear, high-quality headshot where you look friendly and professional.
Compelling Title: Your title is your headline. Instead of a generic title like "Freelancer," be specific. Try something like "Content Writer for Tech Startups" or "Graphic Designer Specializing in Logos."
Client-Focused Overview: Your profile overview should speak directly to your ideal client's needs. Explain the problems you solve and the value you provide.
Showcase Your Best Work: Your portfolio is your proof. Upload high-quality samples of your work that are relevant to the jobs you want to land. If you're just starting, you can include personal projects or volunteer work.
List Your Skills: Add all of your relevant skills. This helps Upwork's algorithm match you with the right projects. Watch this video to see how you can build your portfolio.
Ijeoma Onwuka taught on how to setup your upwork profile in our community. Watch the video here.
Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Freelance Success
LinkedIn is more than just a platform for full-time job seekers. It's a powerful tool for freelancers to network and find clients.
Custom URL: Create a custom LinkedIn profile URL that includes your name and, if possible, a keyword related to your services (e.g., /yourname-freelance-writer).
Keyword-Rich Headline: Just like on Upwork, your LinkedIn headline should be descriptive. Use keywords that a potential client might search for.
"Open to Work" Feature: Activate LinkedIn's "Open to Work" feature and set it to "Finding new projects." This signals to recruiters and potential clients that you're available for freelance opportunities.
Get Recommendations: Ask previous clients or colleagues to write you a recommendation. This social proof is incredibly valuable.
Engage and Share: Share content relevant to your industry, comment on posts, and connect with people in your target market.
Miracle Mark taught strategies to land jobs on LinkedIn the right way, in our community. Watch here
Step 2: Automate Your Job Search with the Tublian BizDev Agent
Searching for jobs can be a full-time job in itself. This is where automation can be a game-changer for your freelancing business. The Tublian BizDev Agent is an AI-powered tool that helps you find and win freelance projects.
The agent scans platforms like Upwork and LinkedIn for jobs that match your skills and expertise, sending you real-time alerts so you can be one of the first to apply.
To get started, you'll need to download and configure the Tublian BizDev Agent from the Chrome Web Store. This will involve setting up your profile within the tool so it can accurately find jobs that are a good fit for you.
Watch this video to see how to install and configure your BizDev Agent
Step 3: Write Proposals That Win Jobs
A great proposal is key to landing a freelancing project. The Tublian BizDev Agent can help you write winning proposals by automatically filling out the application form on Upwork. However, you'll still want to add a personal touch.
Here are some tips for writing a proposal that gets results:
Address the Client's Needs: Show that you've read and understood the job description. Mention the client's specific pain points and explain how you can solve them.
Call Client by Name: Calling people by their name has an emotional undertone to it. On platforms like upwork it shows that you have also researched to know what their name is.
Keep it Clear and Concise: Clients are often busy, so get straight to the point. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make your proposal easy to read.
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional. Always double-check your proposal before you hit send.
Include a Call to Action: End your proposal with a clear next step. For example, you could say, "I'm available for a brief call next week to discuss this project further."
Ijeoma and Miracle also talked about some proposal writing in their sessions, refer to the video in the previous section.
Step 4: Maximize Your Efforts and Stay Consistent
The more proposals you send, the more likely you are to land a project. This is where a tool like the Tublian BizDev Agent can be a huge advantage. By automating much of the application process, you can apply to more jobs in less time.
Some freelancing platforms use a credit system for applying to jobs. On Upwork, these are called "Connects." Make sure you have some.
If you are looking for strategic ways to land gigs, you can watch this video on How to get a job without ever sending a CV, taught by Sukhpal, the ceo of engyne AI on youtube.
The Takeaway
Landing your first paid freelancing project is a huge milestone. By building a strong online presence, automating your job search, writing winning proposals, and applying consistently, you'll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding freelancing career.
Let us know if this strategy works for you!
