Find Freelance Work at Online Forums
The practice of using online forums to find freelance work and projects can be a lucrative way to take advantage of Internet social media. If you perform freelance work as an independent contractor, the act of participating and networking within various freelance communities, such as forums, can potentially help you land your next project or client. The majority of online forums are moderated, and require its users to follow specific rules and guidelines set in place by that particular forum, or domain. However, by using and participating in online forums properly and consistently, you can build relationships with other members of the freelance community, and find freelance work. Use this article as a guide to help you find freelance work and projects in online forums.
Contents
[hide]Steps
Finding Freelance Forums
- Find forums related to your freelance niche. The best way to find freelance work is to participate in forums whose members can take advantage of your services. For example, if you perform freelance work in web design, find web design forums.
- Go to any Internet search engine, and search for forums in your niche using one or more keyword combinations. For example, if you perform a variety of freelance writing services, type "forums for freelance writers" or "freelance writing forums" to find forums that cater to this niche.
- Look for forums on freelance domains you already frequent. Sometimes, websites that post freelance advice or freelance jobs may have forums on their websites you can participate in.
- Read and review the rules and guidelines for each forum. Most forums are moderated by senior community members, and your discussions and participation may be monitored to ensure you follow the forum rules and guidelines.
- Look specifically for restrictions in regards to advertising your freelance business or services. Some forums may prohibit solicitation or prevent you from posting website links into your discussions.
- Verify that the forum allows you to use a signature. Your signature will be a major key to finding freelance work in forums; especially since other members of the community can contact you or learn of your services through the signature.
- Review the signature guidelines to determine whether you can post your email address or website link into your signature.
Developing a Forum Profile
- Create a user profile for the forum. In most cases when joining a forum, you will be required to sign up, create a user profile, and upload an image for your account.
- Develop a username that is consistent with your other online identities or social networking profiles. This will allow your professional freelance name or brand to be more recognizable as you become more involved in the freelance community.
- Completely fill out your user profile. Most forums will allow you to develop a profile that provides the community with personal information about yourself, your professional background, and contact information.
- Add an image to your forum profile. An image for your user profile can make you appear more personable and recognizable in the online community.
- Post a professional photo of yourself, or use the logo for your freelance website or business as your image.
Participating in Freelance Forums
- Read through forum posts before writing your first discussion thread. This will allow you to become more familiar with the atmosphere of the community, and to learn about the types of topics that are regularly discussed.
- Introduce yourself to members of the freelance forum. Most forums will have a "Newbie" or "Introduce Yourself" discussion thread that allows you to greet other community members and provide background information about yourself.
- Participate in forum discussions consistently. As you start to participate and contribute to various discussions, you will begin to develop relationships with other forum members and become a recognized and reliable staple in the community.
- Provide help and advice to other members when possible. Participation such as this can get you noticed by potential clients, and will also allow other community members to develop trust in your knowledge and services.
- Look for discussions and posts regarding freelance work. Some forums will have designated "Marketplace" or "Help Wanted" discussion threads, in which you can find freelance work or offer your own freelance services.
- Check your forum messages regularly. Most forums will provide you with a message center or inbox in which other forum members can contact you. In some cases, potential clients may initially contact you using this method, as opposed to using the contact information provided in your signature.
Tips
- Complete a one-time, free-of-charge freelance project for a tenured, senior member of the freelance forum. This opportunity can often allow you to obtain positive feedback and testimonials from the senior community members, which in turn, can help you gain the exposure and recognition needed to secure projects from other community members.
