Tips for getting freelance work?

What are some tips for getting freelance dev work? I never seem to have any luck on UpWork. Am I doing something wrong?

Comments

[Ben Halpern]

Upwork seems like a pretty transactional and unforgiving platform that might be part of your approach, but I'd guess your best results would come from establishing a good presence off-platform.

Here are some thoughts that come to mind:

• Establish your expertise by writing about your work.
• Have a great landing page that explains exactly what you do well and the kinds of projects you'd like to take on.
• Get in touch with recruiters who might be interested in placing you for contract work.
• Attend meetups and conferences and connect connect connect.

You don't need all of that, but it's some ideas.

[Darryl D.]

What problems are you having on Upwork? I just wrote a post that speaks to this A fluff-free guide to pre-freelancing

I found most people fail on Upwork because they don't know how to navigate it all too well when starting off. What is your current process?

I had/have huge success on Upwork and coached some peers into the same success, let me know if you need some help! It's pretty easy after you land that first client.

[Sawyer Billings]

My current process is to look for jobs within my skillset i.e. iOS/Android development. I am still a full time student so I look for projects that I think I can tackle in 1-2 months and then I write a cover letter citing my relevant experience working on similar projects to the one I am applying for. I would love to talk strategy with you if you are open to it!

[Darryl D.]

I don't mind talking strategy, send me a dm on Twitter. Also take a look at my last post as it may answer some questions then we can go from there!

[Sawyer Billings]

Throw me a follow back on twitter when you get the chance so it will let me send my DM. Thanks Darryl

[Nicole Saunders 💻🌹]

Darryl, I sent you a follow too, I'm wondering the same thing if you don't mind.

[Darryl D.]

Sure! Dm away!

[Joshua Johnson]

Try to partner with a local vendor that might need web development work. Typically a design firm with 1-2 people is the client you want to seek out. I just did a write up on this very subject. Pay close attention to the Step 3 – Getting Your First Client section

[Sawyer Billings]

Thanks so much man! Your article does a great job detailing the steps you took.

[Joshua Johnson]

Thanks man! I hope it helped!