Expert tips for getting hired as a freelancer

Hundreds of online platforms offer freelancers the opportunity to market themselves for a wide variety of jobs and other moneymaking opportunities. But freelancers who work, sell and rent their possessions through big online platforms say that the real challenge lies in getting hired.

How do you get favorable client attention? And how can you close the deal?

We talked to a variety of successful individuals about the art of getting hired. Here are the best tips.

Photos

Whether you’re looking for work or wanting to rent out your yard, swimming pool or patio, compelling photos are the key to getting interest. You don’t need a professional photographer. But you do need a good eye for visual details that underscore your pitch.

The photos you’d use when trying to get a job will hinge on the type of work you’re seeking. Consider what qualities the job requires and try to make those qualities shine in your photo.

A good hook

Justin Gignac, creative director at Working Not Working, says every job he’s ever gotten stemmed from one hook. Specifically, he packaged and sold New York City garbage. Literally.

It all started with a discussion about the importance of packaging, he says. Gignac believed that you could sell anything with the right package. His friend did not. Gignac mulled it over, and created lucite cubes labeled “Garbage of New York City.” Inside you see … garbage. He has sold more than 1,300 cubes for between $50 and $100.

What have you done that’s extraordinary and shows off your potential? Lead your profile with that.

Really sell it

The rest of your online profile should read like a dating profile for the job you want. If you want to deep-clean kitchens and bathrooms, talk about the satisfaction you get from seeing sparkling white grout appear from the depths of grime.

Pro tip: Before you write your profile, visit the site as a customer, suggests Vanessa Garcia, who earns more than $7,000 a month on TaskRabbit. That allows you to see how other people describe their work and what they charge.

Recommendations

When I hired a caregiver for my parents, the first thing I looked for on profiles were recommendations from former clients. Although you can’t manage what clients write, you can ask them to provide recommendations when they’re satisfied with your work.

Pricing

When Dan Simms first signed up to be a Rover animal sitter, he chose to offer his services at bargain rates. His theory was that until he had numerous glowing recommendations, his best chance to compete was on price. He now makes a high five-figure income and no longer relies on low rates to nab clients.

Even when you’re new, you shouldn’t price yourself so low that you regret taking jobs, adds Gignac. But setting your pricing at the low end of an acceptable range can be smart until you build a client base. Once established, don’t hesitate to hike your rates.

Availability

Garcia also says it’s smart to open up your calendar to be available for virtually all work. By doing this, you might get lastminute gigs when moreestablished freelancers need to back out. These can win you loyal clients, who appreciate your flexibility.

Outside marketing

However, you’ll do far better if you don’t leave all the marketing to the online platform where you list your services. Mention what you do on neighborhood social media sites, such as Nextdoor. And, if you have accounts on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or YouTube, market yourself there too.

Kristof is the editor of SideHusl.com, an independent website that reviews moneymaking opportunities in the gig economy.