UPDATE: Elance is now known as UpWork however it works the identical manner so take what you study from this put up and apply it in the identical manner!
In the present day I'm going to point out you learn how to become profitable on Elance by sharing the precise technique I used to start out being profitable on Elance myself.
This enabled me to earn $1,593+ a month and reside location free.
Sadly, the freelance world has been made, nicely, a little bit sophisticated!
There's a course, an eBook and a six determine freelance information from each guru you may consider, all giving their recommendation on it.
And it’s turned Freelance residing right into a murky water the place you by no means fairly determine what you’re imagined to do, with out paying a $200 price ticket first.
However that’s about to vary.
In the present day I need to present you the easy, easy-to-follow technique I used to construct my freelance enterprise, and springboard me right into a world of location free residing.
All utterly without spending a dime.
Why?
As a result of it’s time to clear the waters. Throw out all of the guides and provides some easy, efficient info you should utilize immediately.
In case you’re prepared, seize a pen and paper, and doubtless a tough hat, as a result of some information bombs are about to be dropped…
How To Make Money On Elance
Elance (and it’s sister website, oDesk) is a web based market for freelancers, identical to you and is the proper reply to the query… How do I become profitable on-line?
The place you might be trawling the Web searching for work, Elance places the potential jobs proper in entrance of you. You could find work in all of those niches:
- Copywriting
- IT and Technical
- Digital Help
- Gross sales and Advertising
The roles listed right here aren’t going to make you a millionaire anytime quickly.
Primarily persons are searching for decrease price freelancers to get their work carried out nicely.
Which is why it’s usually, unlovingly, known as a Content material Mill. However that’s largely by snobs and not using a thick pores and skin.
Nevertheless it does include a whole lot of advantages:
- Quick access to new work
- A nice technique to construct your portfolio
- Reliable cost safety
It additionally provides you a high quality important for survival on any on-line venture –
a thick pores and skin.
So, ignore all of the haters of Elance and let’s see what you may actually get carried out on Elance…
Who Am I To Educate You About Making Money On Elance?
My title is James and I’m a full-time, location free Copywriter from England.
I stop my retail job final summer season and determined to pursue writing as my new profession. And, Elance is the place I realized my craft.
Within the three months I spent on Elance, utilizing this technique you’re about to study, I managed to common $1,593 a month for a bit over 80 hours work complete.
Which is a little higher than my retail job, don’t you suppose?
Though I did this in Copywriting, it may be carried out in any of the niches on the positioning.
And it’s so easy to try this when you’ve realized it right here, you should utilize it to build your freelance business to even new heights.
Or, simply use it to make some fast money in a pinch, relying on what you are feeling like.
Step #1: The Foundations
A great profile could make or break you.
As a result of that is the place potential employers resolve in the event you’re reliable. Which, as anybody who has ever labored in gross sales will let you know,
belief is essential.
So let’s take a look at some easy methods to construct belief together with your profile-
Your Headshot
You wont get work and not using a headshot. In the identical manner you wouldn’t settle for a pal request off anyone and not using a image.
It doesn’t should be skilled, however you do want to contemplate a number of factors:
- It must be clear
- It's best to look skilled
- Smile like your life is determined by it
All of which comes collectively to create a reliable image, like this one in every of my ugly mug-
Your Strapline
See the place it says, ‘Expert Content Creator, Trojan Horse Thinker’? That’s your strap line.
Consider it as your first impression on shoppers.
You want to make an excellent first impression.
Somewhat trick I like to make use of right here is, Promote it in six.
In case you needed to promote your self to somebody in solely six phrases, what would you say? When you may reply that, you’ve received the proper strapline.
Right here’s some concept’s to get the juices flowing:
- Nice writing that makes you cash
- Quick technical help, low-cost charges accessible
- Digital Assistant so good you’ll cry
Your Bio
Consider this as your after pitch. As a result of no person goes to see it until you’ve already pitched to them.
Use this area to:
- Present you’re an actual human
- Present your skilled aspect
- Give any info you neglected of your pitch
Right here’s what mine seems to be like to provide you an concept.
However, do strive writing one for your self so you may learn to do it.
Signal Up For Premium
Turning into a premium member prices you $10 however you’ll make that again virtually immediately.
It provides you:
- Extra credit to use for jobs
- You rank increased in proposals
- You’re considered as extra reliable, since you invested in your self
So, if you’re introduced with the chance, do it. You’ll not remorse it.
That’s about every part it's good to get began on Elance.
After getting this basis in place, it’s time to study concerning the actually enjoyable stuff:
Pitching and being profitable.
In brief: Your profile is the first half you arrange, however the final half the consumer reads. It ought to all the time add to what you stated in your pitch. And it ought to present you as an actual, reliable particular person they need to work with. Skilled, Private and to the purpose.
Step #2: Discovering Your Niches
Being area of interest is the finest factor you might be if you’re engaged on Elance.
Or, in the event you’re a freelancer on the whole.
In contrast to a enterprise, it pays to have a number of niches. Each creating its personal revenue stream at a special degree to the remainder.
It additionally means you’ll all the time have the ability to discover a matter you get pleasure from – or are at the very least know sufficient to work on.
For instance, as a copywriter I stick to those 5 niches:
- Web Advertising
- Enterprise and Freelancing
- Well being and Health
- Males’s Life-style
- Private Growth
So I solely discover work in these Niches.
The rest is a waste of my time. And, as soon as you discover these niches – like you'll in a second – it turns into a robust device for productiveness.
As a result of, abruptly, you cease wanting at jobs that may pay nicely however don’t curiosity you. And also you make the aware resolution to solely discover work in these niches.
Which, means you naturally filter out all the different mess within the market.
Neat, huh?
Let’s take a look at how you could find your individual niches…
It Begins With One Easy Query
What would you do even when somebody wasn’t going to pay you for it? What do you get pleasure from working, or being, round? What excites you?
Don’t censor your self. Take a pen and paper, or open Evernote, and scribble down every part you may consider.
Then, of all of these, select your high 5. Those you are feeling probably the most drawn to. And rank them highest, to lowest, within the order you need to do them.
In case you wished to work in Gross sales and Advertising, it'd seem like this:
It'd sound a bit ‘airy-fairy’, however belief me, the extra you benefit from the matters, the extra sustainable it's.
Preserve The Record Secure…
Whenever you’ve received your checklist, you’re going to want to do two issues:
- Put it someplace you may see it
- Preserve an editable model saved
This checklist goes to return in actually useful after we take a look at the system of making use of for jobs a bit afterward. Plus, it by no means hurts to maintain a reminder of what you’re making an attempt to attain in view both.
Earlier than you study the system, it’s time to study some instruments that may enhance your likelihood of getting jobs.
In brief: You’re going to spend so much of time searching for, and dealing in, these niches. Particularly if you wish to hit that $1,600+ mark. Make positive they’re matters you’re educated about, however that you simply additionally need to work in. As a result of in the event that they’re not, you’re setting your self up for a fall.
Step #3: Social Proof, Visitor Posting, Suggestions & Your Portfolio
Potential employers are naturally cautious of individuals.
As a result of between you, me and the 4 partitions – not everybody on the Web is as trustworthy and hardworking as us. Go determine, proper?
You’ve already checked out constructing belief in your profile. However the fact is, persons are sheep. They don’t all the time need to be the primary. They need to know the water has been examined.
Enter the facility of social proof.
Social proof is by far the finest manner of gaining somebody’s belief. Particularly in case you have a giant title behind you.
Image this:
You need to rent a copywriter in your new weblog. You’ve narrowed it down to 2 individuals.
Candidate A has an excellent writing type, that you simply actually like, however hasn’t ever been printed anyplace.
Candidate B has an excellent writing type, you don’t prefer it as a lot, however he additionally sends alongside this graphic of locations he’s been printed, with hyperlinks:
Which candidate do you select?
It’s virtually undoubtedly Candidate B. Since you’re taking up a lot much less threat.
However, how does that show you how to in the event you don’t have social proof? In case you’re beginning utterly from scratch.
Right here’s what you do in the event you’re in that state of affairs:
Begin By Getting Visitor Posts or Testimonials
In case you’re a author, having another person use your writing is highly effective.
Now I can inform individuals I’ve been featured on Matt’s weblog for instance…
It’s going so as to add a whole lot of credibility to me.
So exit and get visitor posts. Attempt to get featured on the lower-end blogs in your niches, or ask a pal to allow you to do the copy for his or her web site.
In case you’re not a author, testimonials are the best way to go.
Chances are high you’ve carried out the work for somebody, someplace, in some kind. So get a testimonial from them and a hyperlink to their web site, e-mail or related contact particulars.
If somebody says…
“This guy is amazing at coding, I can’t recommend him enough”
It provides a ton of weight behind you.
Get Elance Suggestions
Suggestions is a robust forex on Elance. For each job you do you get a star ranking. Which helps the cream of the crop, such as you, rise to the highest.
Something over 4 stars is the place you need to be. As a result of generally individuals are choosy and can fault you over a misplaced comma. So there's room to manoeuvre.
I as soon as received a 4 star overview that stated, ‘James is the best health and fitness writer I have ever worked with’, to place that into perspective.
However how do you get this suggestions with out social proof to get the job?
You ask for it.
Whenever you’re pitching – which you’ll study within the subsequent step – you provide to swap time for suggestions. Corresponding to writing a pattern article in return for a 5 star overview.
It'd sound a bit underhanded, however it’s predatory pondering, and it’s going to get your foot on the ladder to creating an revenue. Generally, you’ve received to be ruthless.
Make Your Personal Portfolio
Begin a venture. Measure your outcomes. Use it to promote your self.
Suppose alongside these traces:
- Create a ‘list’ weblog put up about one in every of your favorite niches
- Begin a social media marketing campaign in your buddies weblog or enterprise
- Do a weeks free Digital Help and measure the way you improved productiveness
Something that's tangible and exhibits the advantages of working with you on their subsequent venture.
In brief: Folks belief different individuals. That’s why critiques are so highly effective. Give your potential consumer a motive to belief you. Get printed someplace, have good suggestions and showcase your abilities in a portfolio, even when you need to make it up your self. It might be an funding of time, however it might return some huge cash.
Step #4: Studying To Pitch
Life’s a pitch.
And that is an important stage of incomes your cash on Elance.
As a result of, in case your pitch is weak, you’re not going to get any.
It truly is that easy.
However, fortunately, I’ve written sufficient failed pitches to point out you what it is best to and shouldn’t be doing on the subject of contacting a possible consumer.
Let’s break it down into its parts so you may piece it collectively as you go alongside.
RTBQ: Learn The Bloody Query
Whenever you discover a place you need to apply for, they’re going to have a job description define what they’re searching for.
Make positive you learn it. Twice. As a result of the extra you may present what they’re searching for, the higher your probabilities.
And, sometimes, they’ll drop in sections like this:
In case you miss out something on the checklist, you’re out of luck earlier than you even begin.
So learn the web page and be sure to’ve not missed any essential info.
Half #1: The Introduction
Together with your introduction you need to:
- Get their consideration
- Preserve it
- Show your price
Somewhat bit like this…
Don’t fear about any of the niceties or sparking up a dialog. You’re engaged on the idea that their e-mail inbox is full.
Reduce by the fluff and get straight to the why they need to rent you.
Set up:
- Who you might be
- Why you’re pitching
- Why they need to care
And also you’ve received an excellent basis for any pitch.
Half #2: Why You’re The Proper Individual For The Job
After getting launched your self clarify why you’re the correct particular person for them to rent.
Don’t deal with the options of your service, deal with the advantages of working with you.
Do you…
- Improve productiveness?
- Interact their viewers?
- Increase social shares?
- Preserve worthwhile paperwork secure?
Something that offers them an actual want to work with you, and units you aside from the opposite individuals pitching.
Half #3: Social Proof and Portfolio’s
You need to make your potential shoppers life as straightforward as potential. Which implies placing all the knowledge you may in entrance of them, within the shortest area potential.
Including your social proof into this subsequent part does that completely.
Sharing hyperlinks to your printed work, and even to your portfolio samples in a Dropbox folder, makes all of it extra accessible and highly effective to your consumer.
Lay it out, merely, like this:
Half #4: Share Your Story, Then End Robust
I don’t suppose I’ve used the phrase belief sufficient on this article, have I? Possibly I've. However I’m going to say it once more.
That is one other alternative to construct belief and show you’re an actual particular person. Share a bit bit about your self, your background and who it's they’ll be working with.
Then end sturdy with a assured close-out.
Bonus Half: Asking For Suggestions
All the above is how to pitch for work. However, in the event you’re asking for suggestions in return in your time, it's good to method this barely in a different way.
Not a lot although.
In Half #2 – Why you’re the correct particular person for the job – merely substitute that with a easy message like this:
In Brief: Pitching is important to your success on Elance. It’s the beginning of you incomes cash and touchdown jobs. Bear in mind these key factors: preserve it quick, be clear, make their lives simpler, focus in your advantages and keep assured. The remaining will deal with itself.
Step #5: The Most Easy System In The World For Constructing A Freelance Enterprise
Phew! You made it this far into the article. Nicely carried out. Hopefully you’re nonetheless with this system…
You’ve made it to the most straightforward, but efficient, enterprise mannequin of all time. How do I do know it’s so easy? As a result of, nicely, it really works for me.
And I’m the king of,
‘Keep it simple, stupid!’.
All it's good to make this enterprise mannequin work on Elance is:
- A chunk of paper
- A pen
- The power to put in writing a tally chart
- Your checklist of niches
Yeah, it truly is that easy.
You’re going to separate your web page into three completely different columns:
- Jobs Utilized For
- Responses Obtained
- Assured Work
So it seems to be a bit one thing like this…
Then, everytime you apply for a job, you merely put one other line on the tally chart:
And if you get a response:
And if you get some assured work:
Why Do You Do That, Precisely?
As a result of now you know the way many roles it's good to apply for to become profitable. How?
Let’s say you apply for ten jobs. From these purposes you get two responses. Nevertheless it takes you 4 responses to get one piece of labor.
How many purposes do it's good to make?
That’s proper, 20.
As soon as that info, you’re in a position to determine how a lot it's good to assure your self some work.
In case you wanted 4 new shoppers tomorrow, you'll apply for 60 jobs right now. Not that it's good to go to that excessive although.
The place Do The Niches Come Into It?
Ahh sure, the area of interest checklist. Nicely that’s your information by the world of searching for jobs, and figuring out those you need to do.
Whenever you first come to the ‘Find Work’ web page on Elance, it is going to look a bit like this:
A heaped mess of jobs you don’t need to do. Now you’re going to make use of your niches to information your self by it.
Let’s say you set your self a goal of making use of for six jobs right now. And your primary area of interest is Expertise Writing.
You would choose ‘writing and translation’ from the sidebar, after which search, ‘Technology’.
The world of job looking simplified.
However, what in the event you can’t discover six jobs you need to apply for in Expertise? Nicely that’s the place the checklist is available in once more.
You simply work right down to the following part in your checklist. And so forth, and so forth, till you’ve stuffed your quota.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat. On a regular basis.
Easy, proper?
A Fast Notice On Setting Your Value…
There isn't any proper worth to set for your self.
Solely the value you are feeling comfy charging. As a result of, in the event you don’t really feel trustworthy in your worth, you gained’t ever truly receives a commission it anyway.
However I made my entire first $1,593 charging between $20-30 per hour, and charging in bulk on greater objects (like a ten,000 phrase eBook for $700) for instance.
You’ll discover a place that fits you.
However keep in mind to worth your time, since you’re price way more than $5 an hour.
Wrapping It Up
On this article is every part it's good to know to start out your individual freelance enterprise with Elance and begin incomes critical cash from it.
The extra you observe this method, the better it will get. The better it will get, the more cash you begin to make.
And that brings me to a problem I need to make to you now you perceive learn how to become profitable on elance.
Are you able to beat $1,593 in a month, utilizing this method?
I need to see you strive. I need to see you succeed. And I need to see you break the mould.
Do you suppose you are able to do it?
When you've got any questions on being profitable on elance or simply need assistance? Let me know within the feedback under…