How to stand out on freelance platforms?

The freelance market is growing like wildfire and in all directions. According to a study by Upwork, the global freelance market is expected to reach $455 billion by 2023.

Freelancers can register on popular freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Guru, and PeoplePerHour and start earning money from anywhere in the world with a good wifi connection and a smart device.

This brings us to the next big challenge: how to make your profile on freelance platforms stand out?

In this blog post, we’ll cover 7 tips to help freelancers stand out in their online profiles and attract potential clients ont these freelance platforms:

• Niche down on your expertise
• Use a professional and friendly tone
• Showcase a clear value proposition
• Offer a clear pricing structure
• Use data and metrics to demonstrate results,
• And use a professional profile picture.

Let’s dive in and explore these tips in detail.

Top 7 tips you must ace to stand out on freelance platforms

1 – Niche down your expertise (and how!)

To niche down or not is a common question among freelancers. The data is quite clear, studies say that freelancers who specialize in a particular field tend to earn more and attract high-paying clients. For example, a freelance copywriter who specializes in writing for the technology industry is likely to earn more than a generalist copywriter who writes for multiple industries.

Specializing in a niche helps you position yourself as an expert in that field, which can make you more attractive to clients. You can also build a work portfolio that is specific to your niche, so your prospective clients can easily see your value proposition.

However, niching down too much can also limit your opportunities. If your niche is too specific, you may struggle to find enough clients to sustain your business. For example, a freelance copywriter who specializes in writing product descriptions for eco-friendly products may struggle to find enough clients to sustain their business.

Therefore, strike a balance between specialization and flexibility. Specialize in a particular niche, but also be open to working on projects outside your niche if they align with your skills and interests. This helps maximize your opportunities and stay competitive in the freelance market.

2 – Showcase your portfolio in a grand way

Your portfolio is a reflection of the quality of work you offer and your personality as a freelancer. Make it grand and impactful using the following tips:

• Include your best work in your portfolio. Choose projects that highlight your skills and expertise and showcase the quality of your work.
• Organize your portfolio in a clear and easy-to-navigate way. Use categories or tags to group your work by type, industry, or skillset.
• Provide descriptions and context for each project in your portfolio. Explain the challenges you faced, the solutions you provided, and the results you achieved.
• Use visuals, such as images, videos, or infographics, to showcase your work. Visuals can help you tell a story and make your portfolio more engaging.
• Use quotes or excerpts from satisfied clients to highlight your strengths and achievements.
• Keep your portfolio updated with your latest work and achievements. This shows potential clients that you are actively working and improving your skills.
• Add links to your portfolio or upload samples of your work directly on the platform. For example, if you are a graphic designer, upload some of your best designs or link to your website portfolio.

3 – Use a professional profile picture

Your profile picture is often the first thing that potential clients see when they visit your profile, so make it count.

Avoid using selfies or casual photos. Instead, opt for a headshot or portrait that showcases your personality and professionalism.

Consider your target audience and the industry you work in when selecting a profile picture. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, choose a photo that showcases your creativity and design skills. If you’re a consultant or coach, choose a photo that shows your approachability and expertise.

When taking your profile picture, make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for your industry and target audience. For example, if you work in a corporate environment, wear professional attire. If you work in a creative field, you may be able to show more personality through your clothing choices.

Finally, make sure your profile picture is consistent across all of your online profiles, including your website, social media accounts, and other freelance platforms. This helps establish a strong personal brand and makes it easier for potential clients to recognize and remember you.

4 – Add relevant keywords that are in the trend

The right keywords on your profile will get discovered by potential clients. For example, if you are a social media marketer, add keywords such as “social media management,” “content creation,” and “marketing strategy” to your profile. This will increase your visibility on the platform and help you get more job invitations.

5 – Use a professional and friendly tone

Using a professional and friendly tone in your profile can help you stand out from other freelancers who may be more formal or stiff in their communication style. Here are some tips to keep your tone in check:

• Make sure your profile is free of spelling errors and grammatical mistakes. Use punctuation to help clarify your points.
• While it’s important to showcase your expertise, avoid using jargon or technical terms that might confuse potential clients.
• Sound positive and enthusiastic in your bio, while maintaining a professional attitude. This can help make potential clients feel more comfortable and excited about working with you.

For example:

• Instead of saying “I have extensive experience in software engineering,” say “I’m passionate about software engineering and have been working in this field for over a decade. I love finding creative solutions to complex problems.”
• Instead of saying “I’m an expert in digital marketing,” say “As a digital marketing professional, I specialize in helping businesses build their online presence and reach new audiences. Let’s work together to help your business grow.”

6 – Offer a clear pricing structure

A clear pricing structure indicates to potential clients that you value transparency and respect their time and money. Use these tips to build trust with your clients regarding money:

• Decide whether you want to charge hourly rates, project-based fees, or a combination of both. Consider the scope of work, your expertise, and industry standards when setting your rates.
• State your rates prominently in your profile or proposals, and ensure they are easy to understand. Don’t be afraid to provide a breakdown of your costs or additional fees for specific services.
• Offer packaged services or bundles to make it easier for clients to understand what they are paying for. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, offer a logo design package that includes multiple revisions and a brand style guide.
• While it’s important to have a clear pricing structure, be open to negotiation or customization based on the client’s needs and budget.

A clear pricing structure attracts the right clients who value your skills and expertise and prevents misunderstandings or disputes over project costs.

7 – Use data and metrics for evidence

Data and metrics are powerful ways to demonstrate your results and showcase the impact of your work. Instead of simply describing your skills or services, show potential clients what you’ve achieved for previous clients. This helps build trust and credibility among your potential clients and differentiates you from other freelancers who may not provide such evidence.

Ask your previous clients for permission to use their data and anonymize it if necessary. Additionally, focus on the metrics that matter most to your target clients and provide context for the numbers to help potential clients understand the impact of your work.

Here are some tips to effectively use data in your freelance profile:

• Use specific numbers and statistics to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of saying “I increased website traffic,” say “I increased website traffic by 50% in three months.”
• Use charts, graphs, or other visual aids to help communicate complex data clearly and concisely.
• Include case studies or testimonials that highlight the results you have achieved for previous clients.
• Use industry-specific metrics to show your knowledge of the field and position yourself as an expert in your niche.
• Use relevant software or tools such as Google Analytics or Trello to track your progress and gather data that can be used to support your claims.

Standing out on freelance platforms takes effort, but it’s worth it. By implementing these tips, you can increase your chances of attracting the right clients and growing your freelance business.