15+ job boards to find your ideal clients


Hey Freelancer!

by Blair Sharp


Still sitting at the number ONE spot for "struggles freelancers have" is:

GETTING CLIENTS.

So I've come to your rescue...er...sort of.

For the next few weeks, I'm writing about all the different ways you can acquire clients. If they've worked for me, I'll also share some personal experiences and advice.

To start us off...

✨ Using job boards and freelance marketplaces to find work ✨

There are A LOT! (you just have to know where to find them)

To get ready πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

  • Update your resumeβ€”no need to list every single job you've ever had. Add relevant work experience. If you don't have any, add your last few positions.
  • Update your portfolio and website if you have one. Check out this article for online portfolio tools.
  • Have a few work examples. If you don't have any, try finding lower-paid or volunteer work (this is the only time I suggest doing unpaid work). You can also try open platforms like Medium if you're a writer.
  • Prepare your "elevator pitch." Be ready to discuss what you do and why someone should hire you. This is good for initial meetings or emails with potential clients and to get you in the right mindset, too!
  • Consider your rate. How much are you looking for per hour or per project? If you're a writer, check out this article from All Things Freelance Writing to find out what others are making.

My experience πŸ‘‰πŸΌ I haven't had the best luck with freelance marketplaces where you either post a profile or "bid" for jobs. I tried Upwork when I started but lost interest pretty quickly once I acquired clients in other ways (more on those in the coming weeks!).

However, I do enjoy browsing freelance job boards from time to timeβ€”jobs are listed for you to view, and you connect with the poster using the site or their listed contact info.

Other useful tips πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

  • Have your social profiles updated, and make sure they scream, "I am a great person, and you'd really enjoy working with me!" 🀣
  • When using job boards or marketplaces, read through the website. Each has its own process. Some list gigs with contact information so you can easily apply. Some require registration for a platform to find work.

Check them out for yourself πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

​All Things Freelance Writing​

​Upwork​

​Behance ​

​We Work Remotely​

​ProBlogger ​

​Fiverr

​Designhill - graphic design jobs​

​Freelancer.com​

​Guru​

​PeoplePerHour​

​Toptal​

​FWJ - Freelance Writing Jobs​

​LinkedIn (search "freelance")​

​Dribble - graphic design jobs​

​SimplyHired (search "freelance")​

​Tasquitos Freelance Marketplace​

​Indeed (search "freelance")​


Here's what you can do today πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

Find some uninterrupted time to browse job boards and marketplaces.

You'll soon find that they're not all created equal, and some are best for your industry and others, well, not so much.

Remember to keep an open mind when applying for jobs.

And get used to rejection. That's like Freelancer 101, isn't it? πŸ€ͺ


A very interesting article about cheese πŸ§€

Is anyone else willing to give their limb for some Chick-fil-A mac and cheese after a hard day? Oh, just me...πŸ™ƒ Anywho, check out this article for some inspo to make it at home!

​Mashed - The 5 Cheeses You Need For The Best Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac And Cheese​


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Rochester, Minnesota
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