Do you find yourself asking the question… Why Is It Difficult To Find Work as a Freelancer? You are not alone.
Sometimes I get the impression that everyone in the world works as a freelancer.
The level of competition is so high and daring. When it comes to a single assignment, I don’t even dare to think about how many freelancers are fighting for it.
If you find yourself going through the same stage, try not to feel too horrible about it. It’s something that every freelancer has to deal with.
During this time, there are some people who give up and start looking for regular jobs. In addition to that, there are a few individuals who view it as an opportunity to grow and improve upon their previous actions.
Let’s face it: if you’re using freelance sites and not getting any work, there’s a good chance you’re doing something wrong. Find out what it is by working together.
In this article, I’ll discuss some of the most common reasons why freelancers don’t receive any work on freelance sites and why clients don’t choose them despite their experience. Check to see if you’re guilty of any of these common blunders.
Reasons Why it is difficult to Find Work as a Freelancer.
Patiently awaiting the miraculous appearance of work
You have finished your profile on the freelance site by uploading a cool profile photo, writing an awesome bio, and completing the other required fields. At this point, all you need to do is wait for customers to get in touch with you, right?
That’s not Wright!
Nobody is going to call you just like that, and even then, they won’t hand you their projects on a platter.
The reality is that you need to put in a lot of effort and find your own customers. You must acquire the skills necessary to develop effective business proposals and to send cold emails to prospective customers.
The solution is to search for suitable jobs via the freelancing website. You should submit applications to as many projects as you can that are a good fit for your skill set. Also, try sending a personalized message to prospective customers in order to inform them about the services that you offer.
Competing With New Freelancers
The relationship between the first and second reasons is quite close.
It is one thing to have “healthy” competition, but it is an entirely different thing to compete against new freelancers who are prepared to work for lower pay.
This is because new freelancers are more likely to be looking for work. One of my customers often used to comment, “There’s always new freelance blood ready to work for less,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Your Pricing May Be Too Low
It appears like the majority of freelancers think of the opinion that reducing their rates is a productive strategy for increasing the number of customers who hire them.
Clients in fact view this as a last-ditch effort made by inexperienced freelancing professionals.
Low pricing not only reflect a lack of self-esteem but also bring to a reduction in the value that you place on your experience.
The solution is to forget about charging by the hour. Set the price of each project in accordance with the quantity of labor and time that will be required.
An Unhealthy Amount of Rivalry
Freelancing platforms such as UpWork and Freelancer.com are plagued by low-quality service providers who compete with one another to charge the lowest possible fees. You will inevitably have to compete on the same level as other users of those sites if you try to win there.
This further explains the statement by Seth Godwin, that one of the most significant drawbacks of having rivals is that it removes the incentive to chart one’s own course, to develop one’s own approach, and to discover alternative means.
Unfinished or Incomplete Profile
The first thing you need to do in order to start earning money online is to finish setting up your freelance profile.
Your customers will come to this website to learn about your expertise and previous work experience.
Sadly, the vast majority of freelancers don’t even spend five minutes on this part of the process.
The way out is to finish your profile by including an informative bio and a photo of yourself facing front while smiling. Demonstrate that you are a skilled professional.
See this for details on how to optimize your profile.
Your Delivery Is Not Good
If you create a poor pitch for your idea, it does not matter how many applications you submit per day; you will never be accepted. If you make even the least grammatical error in your presentation, it could cause your clients to question your capabilities.
To figure out how to write a decent pitch, here is a solution that could sound a little bit cruel, but it’s actually a sly trick: Put up a bogus job listing on a freelancing platform and see how other independent contractors respond to your posting. Pay attention to the sales pitches that are sent in by people who have had successful sales.
Failing to Demonstrate a Sincere Interest
This is a mistake that many people who work as freelancers on the side make. Since they also have a “real job,” they don’t put as much effort into their freelance work as they might.
Therefore, they submit their applications to projects as though they were trying to do the client a favor.
The right thing is to give your freelancing career a higher priority. Follow your enthusiasm and passion in anything you choose to do. If this is not possible, you should find another line of work because you have little chance of being successful as a freelancer.
“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and most importantly, don’t allow anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your dreams.” — Donovan Bailey
Attempting to Deceive Your Customers
You cannot be 20 years old, but have been working as a web designer for the past 10 years already? That is absolutely unbelievable. Please go ahead and agree to our proposal.” Said no client ever!!
Understand that the customers have previous experience working with freelancers. They are not easily fooled. Maintain realism and candor when discussing your previous experience and capabilities.
An Inadequate Description of Your Profile
Here is an example of a terrible profile description that I came across on a well-known freelance platform recently. Written by a user who had only made one sale (name changed) — “John Doe, a former HR professional, is now a certified project management professional, a freelance writer, and an entrepreneur. He offers writing and graphic designing services to both small and large businesses, thereby assisting those businesses in achieving their marketing and communication goals.”
Do you find it really annoying when other people talk about themselves in the third person? That behavior is only seen in egomaniacs.
The solution is to write your bio for your profile in the first person. Personalize your description so that it is relevant to the freelance site, but avoid being overly boastful. Instead, put your energy towards explaining to people how you plan to assist them in some way.