Don't use the freelancing sites. They're a race to the bottom.
Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
21–30 of 78 posts
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#22We're building matchist (matchist.com) to solve this exact problem.
Don't compete with low-cost overseas developers and spend all day bidding for projects.
Instead, sign up for the matchist beta (http://matchist.com/talent). We believe in matching you with projects you want to work on and have the skills for.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#23Referrals.
If you say "I don't know anyone" then start networking. Sure, it's easier said than done. But if you have the chops, and do just a few good projects, word will get around.
To take it to the next level, try to find a company that is run by or that employs a master sales person. Take that person to lunch and get a crash course in sales. Because once you have the referral, you're warm; when you know how to close, you'll be hot.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#24If you're doing web or mobile development or anything that is contracted out regularly, I highly recommend you make relationships with the creative/development agencies in your area. My experience is that the decent ones always have more leads than they can execute on at any given time, which leads to two scenarios: 1) They want to grow, lack full development strength, and will subcontract you to work under their nam…
This is great advice. As a former freelance developer, I used to do this often and honestly, it's not a bad deal. As you mentioned, although you're generally going to get a lower rate, you get regular work and you're no longer the sales team, project manager, etc.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#25I've been freelancing for just over four months now and there are only two ways I've found clients ( who will pay the rates I charge ) so far.
1. Emailed the larger web design and creative agencies in the local area. ( Maximum around 1 1/2 hour drive is acceptable to me )
2. Created a personal website, and did some very basic ( and always improving ) keyword optimisation, for my areas of expertise.
I've been busy for the last four months solid. Right now is the first time I'm actively looking for work again, and it's mainly because I stopped emailing companies. Big mistake.
It's worth noting that the clients who have found me via my website/blog ( I try to post at least once a week) are happy to pay considerably more than the web design agencies. From my experience most web design agencies don't know how much a good developer can be worth in terms of code maintainability and time saved delivering the project.
On another note I always recommend getting face to face with potential clients. My confidence in my ability shines through when I'm in stood/sat in front of them, and really helps to build that trust factor.
As repeated in many other replies here, and something I'm only just learning myself. Find a problem that people want solving and sell yourself as the solution to that problem.
I'm still not sure what problem I'm solving or can help someone solving, but I'm hoping to figure it out sooner rather than later. :)
Hope this helps.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#26Referrals. If you say "I don't know anyone" then start networking. Sure, it's easier said than done. But if you have the chops, and do just a few good projects, word will get around. To take it to the next level, try to find a company that is run by or that employs a master sales person. Take that person to lunch and get a crash course in sales. Because once you have the referral, you're warm; when you know how to cl…
This is precisely it. I found an extraordinary mason recently from a friend's referral. He has zero online presence. When I asked him about that, he said "why would I get a website when I already have more work than I can handle?" Being known as a pro is more important than all the marketing and bidding in the world.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#27We're building matchist (matchist.com) to solve this exact problem. Don't compete with low-cost overseas developers and spend all day bidding for projects. Instead, sign up for the matchist beta ( http://matchist.com/talent ). We believe in matching you with projects you want to work on and have the skills for.
Too bad you're open to US devs only :/ Any plans on expanding?
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#28Don't use the freelancing sites. They're a race to the bottom.
Freelancing sites are a poor way to make a living long-term, but I know several people who established themselves using freelancing sites. They are one way of establishing happy customers, customers who go to you first for new work and who refer you to others.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#29My experience says that you need to be good at at least one of these. Ideally, you should do all IMO:
1. Network especially with people you have already worked with/for in industry that you are now freelancing in. Most ppl underestimate this. For example, I have a list of contacts whom I email at least once a year just saying hi. I usually do it during christmas/new year eve. Never burn bridges with anyone and always try and stay in touch.
2. Get found by people/clients/recruiters/employers by building a strong online presence. I constantly get good offers through linkedin. To do this however, you need to focus on a more specialist profile vs. a generalist profile. Focus on your niche, add the right keywords and experience, get recommendations online in that domain and frequently update your profile.
Re: Ask HN: How does an experienced freelancer get work?
#30Don't use the freelancing sites. They're a race to the bottom.
Freelancing sites are a poor way to make a living long-term, but I know several people who established themselves using freelancing sites. They are one way of establishing happy customers, customers who go to you first for new work and who refer you to others.
Whatever works. Just realize you'll have a lot to unlearn when you get done working on those projects, like the fact that your real rate is anywhere from 1.5x to 5x higher than you've been getting.
Also not sure how advisable it is to set up a stable of recurring/referring customers on a rate established in competition with the types of freelancers that frequent those sites.