As a freelancer no one really gives you the better or more profitable alternatives to freelance platforms when you are starting out. Starting out as an African freelancer, all the advice I received was to go on Upwork, or Fiverr, or Freelancer to set up a profile and start reaping the benefits of the game. True to their words, I landed my first client and spent two months writing a novel. It was an exhilarating experience. However, acquiring clients like her soon became a new job for me. I learned all the tricks I could master from YouTube and other forums, applied them to the hundreds of proposals I sent, filtered and edited my gigs, optimized my profile, and tailored my requests per client. Yet, getting clients became a daunting task that I work up dreading to do. Snagging a client or two was simply not sustainable for a young lady who had just moved away from home and was ready to face the world head-on. Don’t get me wrong, these platforms are great for making money, but I don't believe they should be the long-term go-to for any freelancer.
Disadvantages of using freelance platforms for your freelance work
**High fees**: Freelance platforms typically charge a commission on each project awarded to a freelancer, which can range from 5% to 20%, significantly eating into a freelancer's profits.
**High competition**: The sheer number of freelancers competing for work on these platforms makes it difficult to stand out from the crowd and win projects.
**Low pay**: Many clients on freelance platforms are primarily focused on finding the lowest possible price, which often leads to freelancers being underpaid for their work.
**Unreliable clients**: Not all clients on freelance platforms are reliable. Some may not pay on time or at all, which can strain a freelancer's finances.
**Lack of support**: Freelance platforms typically offer limited support to freelancers, making it challenging to resolve issues with clients or the platform itself.
What Are The Better or More Profitable Alternatives to Freelance Platforms?
You might be wondering, "What are the better alternatives? If I don't get clients on these freelance platforms, do I just give up?" The answer is a resounding NO. Why? Because there are indeed better alternatives you can use to find clients. Let me share with you my go-to alternatives:
**Direct client relationships**: One of the best ways to find work as a freelancer is to build direct relationships with clients. This can be achieved through networking, attending industry events, or even cold-calling potential clients. Building such relationships often leads to loyal, repeat clients.
**Referrals**: Once you have a few satisfied clients, they are likely to refer you to their friends and colleagues. This word-of-mouth marketing can bring in new work without requiring excessive effort on your part.
**Own website**: Having your own website is an excellent way to showcase your work and attract new clients. You can also utilize your website to sell your products or services directly to customers.
**Social media**: Social media platforms offer a great way to connect with potential clients and promote your freelance business. Be sure to create profiles on major social media platforms and regularly share your work. Remember, showing up and actively engaging with others accounts for 80% of the work.
**Job boards**: Job boards can be a valuable resource for finding freelance work. However, keep in mind that some job boards may charge a fee to post a job. Currently, I rely on the LinkedIn job board, but there are other platforms like Toptal, Behance, Jooble, and those specifically tailored to African freelancers, such as RemoteAfrica, Asuqu for Nigerian freelancers, and Kuhustle for Kenyan freelancers. It's important to note that certain job boards may require a subscription fee before you can send an application, so exercise caution and be aware of scammers.
By utilizing these methods, you can find work as a freelancer without relying solely on freelance platforms. This approach gives you more control over your work and income.
Additional Tips For Finding Work As A Freelancer
**Be specific about your skills and experience**: When marketing yourself to potential clients, be clear and specific about your skills and experience. This helps clients understand how you can benefit their business.
**Be confident**: Whether bidding on projects or networking with potential clients, exude confidence in your abilities. Demonstrating confidence shows clients that you are serious about your work and confident in your ability to deliver results.
**Be patient**: Finding steady work as a freelancer may take time. Don't get discouraged if you don't find work right away. Continue marketing yourself, networking, and eventually, you will attract clients willing to pay for your services. Like I stated before, 80% of the work comes from just showing up.
Benefits Of Each Alternative
**Direct client relationships**: This approach provides you with the most control over your work and income. You can set your own rates, negotiate your terms, and establish long-term relationships with clients.
**Referrals**: When you do excellent work for a client, they are likely to refer you to their friends and colleagues, leading to new opportunities with minimal effort on your part.
**Own website**: A professional website acts as a platform to showcase your work and attract new clients. Additionally, it enables you to sell your products or services directly to customers.
**Social media**: Utilizing social media platforms allows you to connect with potential clients and promote your freelance business effectively. Ensure you maintain profiles on major social media platforms and consistently share your work.
**Job boards**: Job boards can be an effective way to find freelance work. However, remember that some may charge fees for job postings.
The best alternative for you depends on your specific needs and goals. If you desire maximum control over your work and income, direct client relationships are the way to go. Referrals work wonders if you're seeking new opportunities effortlessly. For establishing a robust online presence, having your own website or active social media profiles can yield great results. Freelance marketplaces or job boards serve as viable options if you're seeking work without paying exorbitant fees.
It's essential to note that freelancing comes with no guarantees. Finding work may require considerable effort, and high-paying gigs may not always be readily available. However, if you're willing to put in the work, freelancing can be a fulfilling way to make a living.
Tips For Finding Success With These Better Alternatives To Freelance Platforms
**Direct client relationships**
Network with individuals in your industry by attending events, joining online forums, and connecting on social media.
Cold-call potential clients after conducting thorough research and preparing a clear pitch.
Offer free trials or samples of your work to demonstrate your skills and generate interest.
**Referrals**
Deliver exceptional work to impress clients and increase the likelihood of receiving referrals.
Ask satisfied clients for referrals by sending thank-you notes and politely requesting recommendations.
**Own website**
Create a professional website that is visually appealing and easy to navigate, highlighting your work and services.
Regularly update your website with new work and any changes to your offerings.
**Social media**
Establish and optimize profiles on major social media platforms and regularly share your work to engage potential clients. Don’t overwhelm yourself, you can just pick the platform where your ideal clients love to spend their time on.
Actively interact with potential clients on social media by following them, joining conversations, and showcasing your expertise. You can do this by joining groups.
**Job boards**
Post your resume and portfolio on relevant job boards to make it easier for potential clients to find and learn about your skills and experience.
Tailor your application materials to specific job requirements when applying for positions.
Remember, success may not come overnight, so stay persistent and focused. With time and dedication, you can build a thriving freelance career.👉
Exploring Better Alternatives: Finding More Profitable Avenues for Freelance Work
While freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can provide initial opportunities for freelancers, they come with disadvantages such as high fees, intense competition, low pay, unreliable clients, and limited support. However, by exploring better alternatives such as direct client relationships, referrals, having your own website, utilizing social media, and leveraging job boards, you can find more profitable avenues for your freelance work. These alternatives offer greater control over your work, the potential for higher pay, and the ability to build long-term client relationships. So, instead of solely relying on freelance platforms, consider diversifying your strategies to find success as a freelancer. Remember, persistence and proactive marketing efforts are key to securing fulfilling freelance projects and establishing yourself as a sought-after professional in your field.
Ready to take control of your freelance career and discover more profitable avenues? Don't limit yourself to freelance platforms alone. Explore the alternatives mentioned in this article and find the one that best suits your goals and aspirations. Whether it's building direct client relationships, leveraging referrals, creating your own website, utilizing social media, or exploring job boards, there's a world of opportunities waiting for you. Start exploring today and unlock your full potential as a freelancer!
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