Are you a graphic designer? Painter? Artist? Do you have another talent and you want to start freelancing? Why not use craigslist.org where you can offer your services up to people in your area, as well as all across the country!
Perhaps you’re new to freelancing online, or maybe you’re an old hat and you’re just looking to take your freelance business to the next step. Either way, you are sure to increase your profit by following the tips below.
1) Know where to post on Craigslist. Craigslist.org is basically a free platform to buy and sell items or advertise, including services. When you go to post a service like graphic design or other services, there are two things to consider before posting: A) What city do you want to post in, and B) What type of service do you have?
A) If you’re going to be freelancing graphic design, that is something that can be conducted solely online because the product will be delivered online. If this is the case, you don’t need to post in your area, which is helpful, because you can generate more business by posting your ad in an area like New York City or San Francisco California where there are lots of people with money looking for a freelancer. If you’re a freelance tattoo artist however, it may not be feasible to advertise in an area that you are unable to travel to in order to provide services.
B) Once you decide what cities to post in, you need to scroll down on the main craigslist.org page for that city and click on “Services.” This will take you to a page where people are offering services for pay. At the top right hand side of the page there is a button called “Post.” Clicking on “Post” will take you to a form you can fill out with your advertisement. Be sure to select the appropriate service to list your ad under. People can’t find your graphic design advertisement if you list it under “beauty” services.
2) Be professional. This is the most important part of freelancing. People want somebody who seems professional to do work for them. Being professional includes making your advertisement look professional, as well as being professional on the phone, through e-mail, and in person.
To make your advertisement look professional, be sure to spell check it and read over it for grammar mistakes. The ad needs to be straight forward, clear, and easy to understand. Be sure to list services offered, prices for these services, what types of payment you except, and other important information. Do not be misleading in the advertisement. Adding one or two pictures to your craigslist ad will allow people to see what type of work you do.
Your freelancing business will also look more credible and professional if you have an online portfolio that potential clients can look at. Link to your portfolio and have only your best work displayed.
3) Always deliver the promised service to your clients. As a freelancer your best business is going to come from word of mouth advertising. If you make a client angry, they are sure to tell other people not to use you. If you cater to your client’s wants and needs however, and always act professional and provide the services you promised, they will be willing to suggest you to other potential clients, and perhaps even provide you with a written testimonial you can ad to future craigslist advertisements.
4) Post your craigslist ads weekly so that they stay at the top of the services list.
5) Only post ads when you have time to do the work. If you’re loaded down with work and don’t have time to take on new projects, don’t post new ads in craigslist until you’re ready for more work. You will only disappoint new clients if you advertise and then tell them you’re too busy to take on their project.
6) Secure a promise of payment before starting work. Another purpose of having a portfolio is to show clients what you’re capable of producing. Once a client chooses you to do their project, you need to get in writing by e-mail or fax, or a hand written note, a promise to pay you the agreed upon amount once services are rendered. Always write the agreed upon amount in the ‘contract’ as well as a description of the services you are to provide, and then have the client sign. This ensures that if they fail to pay you for your work, you have a legal foot to stand on.
7) Be careful when accepting checks or money orders. Using paypal or getting paid in cash ensures that you will not be scammed. Anybody can write a check or make a fake money order and give it to you. You cash these fake checks or money orders, spend the money, and then end up having to pay the money back to your bank a few weeks later when they inform you the check was a fraud and there was no money to start with. Paypal is an instant payment method and you can send an invoice for payment to clients via e-mail, and they can pay even if they don’t have a paypal account. There is no way to scam paypal.
Craigslist can be a great tool to jumpstart your freelancing career, or to keep it going when business is slow. By posting your ads in the right place, you can generate good business for yourself. By staying professional and ensuring payment for services rendered, you will ensure that your freelancing career stays active and legitimate.
