Mastering the Gig Job Search: Tips for Freelancers and Gig Workers

Gig economy defines a new way of working where individuals are free to work on their terms and there are chances for all the workers globally. But as you can imagine, it’s not easy to stand out in this market, and just registering on the platforms is not enough. Let me get into more detail as to what successful strategies you should apply to enhance your gig job search greatly.

1. Create a Standout Profile on Multiple Platforms 

Because there are many gig platforms, you should register on many sites so that postings will be seen by more people. There is a long list of platforms designed for freelancers; it includes Upwork, Fiver, TaskRabbit, and Freelancer that offer services from digital freelance services to some in-person services. Different platforms have different audiences so while targeting a large audience, you are likely to get a variety of job offers. 
 
For instance, freelancers who do logos or voice-over jobs will find Fiverr more suitable for them, especially if they are in the creative field, taskers in need of assistants for home cleaning, painting, carpet cleaning, among others, will find TaskRabbit useful. 
 
When building your profile, it’s crucial to: When building your profile, it’s crucial to: 

• Lay down professionalism when it comes to the selection and application of photos and other related visuals. 

• It’s crucial to write about your skills and personal qualities, as well as those specs that make you stand out. 

• Explain as specifically as you can what services you offer and what your qualifications are. 

• Attach samples of your work (pictures or links or clippings of the work you have accomplished). 

Tip: Freelancers’ bios can shine a light into how they promote their work. 

Source: Forbes on Best Gig Platforms 

2. Use Strategic Keywords to Optimize Your Profile 

Keywording Your profile: The best way of making sure that your profile responds to the right keywords is by making sure that you incorporate Strategic Keywords into your profile. 
Keywords play the central role when searching for relevant job listings on gig platforms, in general. Adding the right keywords also makes you more likely to appear in the search results thus making it easier for clients to find you. 
 
For example: If you are a graphic designer, I suggest the following keywords as part of your profile description use the following words such as logo design, brochure design, web graphic design. 
Writers can be specialized in ‘’SEO content writing’’ ‘’blogging’’ or ‘’ technical writing. ’ 
Two ways of identifying relevant keywords for your gigs is to look at the job descriptions of gigs you wish to take or search for what clients in your specialty often search for. 

Tip: It is also important that you keep updating your keywords to reflect pre-sent job market requirements or any changes in the industry. 
 
Source: Freelancer.com Blog on Profile Optimization 

3. Tailor Each Job Proposal for Better Success 

Another reckless mistake that freelancers make is mistaking a proposal for one kind of gig as a proposal for another. This way the clients will contact you realizing that you’ve set aside your time to understand their needs.  

• Recall some of the requirements stated in the job post and describe how you possess the competencies for the job.  

• Show how you performed previous similar tasks and provide as many examples as possible.  

• Closely connected with the action plan is the indication of time goals for the accomplishment of the task.  

Creating a unique selling point can be a significant factor in getting the attention of the clients, and it also proves that you are fully committed to the client’s project.  

Tip: If it is allowed, add the citations of the clients who support these qualifications too. 

Source: Upwork Community Guide 

4. Expand Your Network Beyond Gig Platforms 

When it comes down to it, gig platforms are perfect for finding work, though many freelancers get gigs by word of mouth. It may help to become an active member in social networks or start visiting events dedicated to your topic.  

For example:  

• Recruitment boards, Human Resource managers, industry peers and other freelancers are always found on LinkedIn.  

• One can find numerous Facebook groups focusing on definite fields (for instance, copywriting, graphic design, virtual assistance), which can help find a job, get some advice, or network.  

Also, it may be helpful to attend such an online webinar or a conference or even a local meeting as this will allow establishing a contact with the potential buyer. Cold mailing is also common among many professionals since they identify companies that require their services then contact them to propose their services.  

Tip: One should never ignore the positive effect of word-of-mouth. Inform your friends, families, and your previous employers that you are open for gig works. 

Source: LinkedIn Networking for Freelancers

5. Stay Updated on Gig Economy Market Trends 

They often change with time and the need for certain skills in business can go high or low. Providing services in line with the current trend in the gig economy also dictates that one updates themselves with the trend. 
 
For example, in a pandemic situation, demand increased for working from home as online marketing, Bloggers, and Online assistants. This will enable one to invest in areas that are ripe to make a shift or even add products for other market segments. 
 
By going to Google trends one can get an idea what kind of skills or services are growing in popularity. Read industry blogs, news and forums to see what is out there; make connections with bloggers and/or forums administrators. 
 
Tip: Always make sure that you have updated your profile and the services that you are offering to ensure you are showing how capable you are to handle such increasing demands. 

Source: Harvard Business Review on Gig Trends

6. Set Realistic Rates and Stick to Them 

Other factors that bear so much significance in the sharing economy include: The pricing strategy of the services. Look for other writers like you and note the amounts they charge and charge a bit more, depending on your years of service, specialties, and the platform’s average rates per word. 

• First of all, it is necessary to set rather moderate but reasonable prices to interest potential consumers. 

• When establishing the reputation, the service provider should increase the rates as he or she gains experience. 

As much as you would like to get a job, do not oversell your capabilities and worth, with the intention of getting the job. There is a tendency to set low rates to attract customers and this gives the impression that the work being delivered by your company is substandard. Setting a price range of your services lets the clients know that you are a professional and it gives you an opportunity to establish trust-based relationships with them in the long run.

Tip: Do not be rigid on your prices and be willing to engage the clients in bargain, especially when the project is big or long-term. 

Source: Entrepreneur on Setting Freelance Rates

7. Build a Strong Portfolio and Keep It Updated 

Your portfolio is the best marketing tool that you can have. It must be varied so that the    audience can see your versatility as well as the projects that you have done. Use real examples that should fall under the type of gigs that you are targeting.  

For aspiring freelancers, it is recommended that you accept relatively small (including non-paying) projects so that you have a basis to work on. After developing a portfolio, it should be updated from time to time and with the latest achievements.  
 
Social networks like designers and artists are the best for digital portfolios such as Behance and Dribbble.  
 
He or she may maintain a blog and submit pieces of the best work to blogging sites such as Medium.  
 
Tip: In all instances it is necessary to adapt your portfolio according to the industry or the kind of job that you are proposing yourself for. An off-the-shelf product is likely to attract a certain client as compared to a company designing a portfolio to fit a client. 
 
Source: The Muse on Portfolio Building

8. Respond Quickly and Professionally to Inquiries 

After getting a client’s attention, the next important thing is to ensure that all forms of communication between you and the client are professional and friendly. Reaching out frequently to customers also enhances the confidence level of the customers regarding your quality services by proving that you are ready to take more projects from them. Most of the clients that one is likely to encounter are usually hurried by time, therefore, being the first one to respond could work for you.   

If you’re not able to do a project, do respond, say ‘Thank you for considering me, unfortunately I will not be available for this project. ’ Then you may include your availability time or suggest another freelancer. This invites for other opportunities in the future.  

Tip: Make sure to get a notification in your email or on your app so that you are able to reply immediately. 

Source: Gigworker.com on Communication Tips 

Conclusion 

Today’s freelancing world is still a work in progress and breakthroughs are equally a focus of hard work, planning and perseverance. Thus, as when job searching and optimizing one’s profiles, always keeping an eye on the market rate, building the network, and presenting your portfolio properly, you will not have to worry about reliable and well-paid gigs. Remember, it’s a process, and it will take time but with the right attitude you can and will build a stable career doing freelance work.