Online Freelance Work

Finding online freelance work can be a long and tedious process as you sort the low quality from the real opportunities. Here we show freelancers how to refine their online search to find the right freelance jobs. We also look at how to use social media sites to find freelance work.

We looked at the different internet-based resources for finding freelance work at Freelance Online Writing Jobs

Here we help you to maximize your efforts by giving you great tips on how to search smart to find appropriate and genuine freelance jobs online.

• Use the right search keywords If you simply type "freelance writing jobs" into the search engine you will be overwhelmed with poor quality job listings and bidding marketplace opportunities that have you competing against the rest of the world, often offering sub-standard rates. To avoid wasting your time use search keywords that are common to professional freelance job adverts and publications that accept freelance submissions. Use search phrases such as "writer's guidelines", "submission guidelines", "author guidelines" and "contributor guidelines". Other good search phrases include "design for us", "write for us".
• Refine your seach phrase using rate-related keywords To more specifically target the freelance work you are looking for expand your search phrase to include an indication of rates. Add phrases such as "per word" and "per article". Refine your search further by indicating a specific range such as "$1.00 per word".
• Include keywords that relate to your speciality Avoid having to go through loads of search results to find relevant online freelance work. You can refine your search further by including keywords that directly relate to your area of expertise. Examples include "blog writer's guidelines", "health writing", "women writer's market" and "travel magazines".
• Try different combinations of keywords Trying out different combinations of search phrases can bring up hidden markets and different opportunities for freelance work. For example, try this combination and see what comes up - "writers guidelines" and "travel" and "per word". Your search results will include information on a number of specific travel publications that use freelance writers. You can set up a Google Alert for your search terms and get daily updates.

How can you use social media sites to find online freelance work? Using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to get freelance jobs just makes good business sense. This is how you can maximize these sites to get freelance jobs.

• Create a Facebook page for your business Set up a separate page on Facebook for your freelancing business. It is quick and simple and keeps your personal stuff separate from your work.
• Post examples of your work on your Facebook page Use your wall to share examples of your freelance work. Post links to pages where your work has been published online.
• Join groups on Facebook Search for freelance groups, groups that specialize in your areas of expertise and related groups to join and post your details. For example if you are a freelance writer who specializes in travel then go beyond just joining freelance writer groups. Join groups for adventure travelers, sports travelers, travel groups for different countries - the list is endless. These can all provide good networking opportunies.
• Search on Twitter Do a search for freelance work using the search terms we discussed above. Posts that contain your search keywords will come up. You can also create your own Tweet to let people know you are looking for online freelance work. Include your credentials and post links to examples of your work. It is important to post your work samples on the web so that they can be accessed easily. Network with other freelancers on Twitter and exchange tips and ideas.
• Create a company profile on LinkedIn You can create a Company Profile Page on LinkedIn to promote your freelance business. This allows you to build individual pages about your freelance services. On your personal profile page visitors can click on the icon next to your company or business listing to go to your company profile page.

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