Today’s job market is increasingly being referred to as the Gig Economy. With thousands of layoffs continuing every day, companies still have a need to hire workers to complete critical projects.
Rather than costly full-time permanent jobs with healthcare and benefits, more companies are opting to hire part-time freelancers on a project-only basis. Using the web as an intermediary, these companies can solicit bids from freelancers eager for their next project.
Workers benefit in being able to bid on a variety of exciting projects of varying length, scope, and pay. Another benefit is fast, guaranteed payment for their services – something that can be challenging when freelancing solo.
Five freelancing websites stand out for their reputation, ease of use, and guaranteed payment: Guru, Project4Hire, Elance, GetAFrelancer, and Sologig. Note that on some of these sites (such as Guru), the freelancer must upgrade to a paid member account in order to bid on higher-paying projects.
Become a Freelancing Guru
Using Guru, the freelancer creates a detailed portfolio with work samples, resume, work history, and references. The freelancer then searches for and bids on projects. Getting paid by clients is easy and is guaranteed via Guru’s SafePay Escrow service.
New freelancers using Guru should bid very low for the first few projects in order to establish high feedback ratings from employers. Once a high rating is achieved with several low-bid projects, the freelancer can bid higher.
Freelance with Elance
Elance has been highly covered in the media. The site makes it easy for freelancers to find freelance projects in a number of categories; and it also makes it easy for employers to find freelancers willing to work on a variety of projects.
Freelance with Project4Hire
Project4Hire bills itself as a worldwide freelance marketplace that pairs employers with project needs and freelancers willing to work on a variety of projects. Freelancers are charged a small percentage per project for working through the site.
Project4Hire also features helpful articles and a forum where freelancers can gather and share information on effective freelancing techniques.
IT Freelancing with GetAFreelancer
GetAFreelancer is mainly geared toward the IT industry with freelancing opportunities in such fields as .NET, PHP, Virtual Reality, Javascript, Visual Basic, and Website Design. Their home page displays numerous projects for the freelancer to bid on.
To Bid or Not to Bid on Sologig
Unlike the previous four freelancing websites, Sologig simply pairs open projects with willing freelancers without an up-front bidding process. Bidding is actually accomplished between the freelancer and the employer. Additionally, Sologig doesn’t charge project fees.
Today’s broadband internet makes it easier for those seeking work to find a freelance gig on the web. It’s a great way to work from home and start a small business or simply to fill the gap in seeking another full-time permanent position.
See related articles, "4 Websites That Offer Work at Home Virtual Jobs," "14 Websites that Pay People to Write," and "How to Make Money Writing for About.com."
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