First I want to say, as a little encouragement to those working in a freelance market, it is an extremely tough way to get business, and very competitive. Before I failed over and over again, I had no idea what I was doing, and it really showed when I had to face up against a professional seller. I would try to sound smart and end up using words the customer didn’t understand, while my competition smoothed talked their way into contract after contract.

I did have one advantage that in the end made me stand out over everyone else. I was really good at what I was doing, and I really loved doing the best possible job. Once I figured out a few key aspects of freelance markets, there wasn’t a job I couldn’t get if I really wanted it.

The market I mainly deal with is the Wordpress support, which is basically setting up websites using the same platform we use here at CricketSoda, and personalizing it to meet their needs. Some of these “reasons I get the job” may be related to my market, but I hope that you can find ways to related it to your own market. After all, part of being a good freelancer is being creative.

These are listed in order from most important to least. I want you to surf away from this article with the top items on your mind. And hey, if you try these out and still don’t see any improvement on the jobs you land, I will buy you a drink.

So at least you will get some sleep either way.

Reason #1 : I sound smarter than everyone else, but any idiot can understand what I am talking about. When you are talking to someone use everyday language, but don’t numb it down. The person who is going to hire you isn’t 3, but they may be new to the industry, or have little hands on experience (which is likely why they are hiring someone). Keep in mind that the person really just wants a complete project without hassle. Explaining things thoroughly but in easy to understand language is important.

Reason #2 : I explain my plan for how I am going to get the project done completely before I am even selected for the project. This can take a little extra work but it well worth it. By convincing your possible employer that you already have a plan, and know what you are doing, will push you above everyone else who doesn’t take the extra time to do so. This is especially important if your bid is higher than one of your competitors. People are willing to pay for quality work, and convincing them that you are capable of giving them that will boost you impression before you even start.

Reason #3 : I use a little small talk to break any tension. When I am working with someone, I try to make a little small talk, especially if it is something related to their website. For example, say I am going to do a site for a Florida real estate company; I will usually ask about the weather (since Florida is known for it) and perhaps talk a little bit about real estate. Showing them that you have an interest in what they are working on will let them know you are dedicated to the cause. Always showing concern for the employer always helps, and a Hello, how are you? Is always welcome in a message before you start getting down to business. In a digital world, it is always comforting to know you are dealing with a real person on the other end, so act like you would if you were talking to them in person.

Reason #4 : I let them know where I live, and a little bit about my background. When I am first propositioning someone for a project I want to get in on the personal level as quick as I can. By letting them know a little about me they are then able to relate to me a little bit better. If they have a problem with anything about me, then it is probably better that we don’t work together, just to avoid costly problems.

Reason #5 : I don’t ever half ass anything, especially when it comes to getting my bid accepted. If a potential client ever asks me a question, I try to answer it in a above and beyond kind of way. I want them to know that I am confident in what I am doing, and that I can tackle problems head on. I encourage them to ask questions, that way I can really show them what I am made of. No job is too small, and a lot of the time great things can come from giving special attention to even the smallest of jobs.

I hope that now you know how I do it, you won’t feel so bad that I get all the jobs, while you are bidding lower and lower hoping to pick someone up.

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