Guide to Finding Freelance Projects

Whether you call yourself a freelancer, independent contractor, solo worker, consultant or free agent, the Web is a boon to finding work. Sites that play matchmaker have taken the art of project hunting to new levels. Effective freelancers tend to share these traits:

1. A passion for The Project. Your career is defined by a series of projects, so focus on one at a time and enjoy the thrill of a job well done.
2. A client satisfaction obsession. You must be good at reading client expectations and always stand behind your work.
3. A priority for personal branding. As a freelancer, your brand name is you; so spend some time to build your personal brand around your special expertise.
4. Project pickiness. Seasoned free agents avoid the “same-old, same-old” in favor of work that builds new skills or leverages existing skills to a higher price.

Business.com's "What Works for Business" blog is a great way to keep up with the latest solutions, trends and strategies for small and medium business — including new web-based ways to market a freelance or solo business.

Freelance job sites vary in approach. At some, freelancers bid on projects. Others are job boards where you respond directly to the employer. Here are some of the best project matchmaking sites:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tap more than 10,000 new projects daily

That's the average number of new project postings claimed by Sologig, one of the nation's largest freelance sites.

I recommend: Get registered at Sologig. It's free and they never charge project fees. You can build a customized resume of your expertise accessible to thousands of employers. Sologig has something for everyone, from beginning freelancers to seasoned consultants. Sign up to receive email notification of projects in your selected field or search thousands online. Check details of how it works.

Get listed as a Guru

The list of specialized skill sets at Guru.com is impressive.

I recommend: Guru.com's mission is to connect employers with freelance talent locally or globally, and the site is one of the deepest in the freelance field. See how to post your professional profile, select a membership type, get paid safely through their SafePay payment service and earn a professional services ranking.  Check other details on costs and membership levels. Try out their project search capabilities.

Find a media feast at MediaBistro

If you freelance in the media industry -- as a writer, designer, editor, ad sales person or other position -- MediaBistro is THE place to be.

I recommend: Become a member at MediaBistro, register in the Freelance Marketplace or just check online job listings in the freelance category. MediaBistro is a fun and fascinating place to hang out on the Web.

Play the work-at-home mom angle

A growing number of sites cater to work at home moms.

I recommend: HireMyMom.com is a new site that links qualified work-at-home mom professionals with businesses seeking temporary or permanent project help. The site is part of the Home Based Working Moms Network.

For a refreshing switch try FreelanceSwitch

This fresh new site for freelancers of all types, including designers, writers, programmers, photographers and illustrators, is a promising addition to the freelance universe.

I recommend: FreelanceSwitch has a freelance gig board, forums and one of the best freelance resource directories around. It's new, and while it takes time to build a freelance community online, the site has a look of success in the early going. You'll find links to helpful solutions for invoicing, project management, stock libraries, legal issues, business tools and -- of course -- freelance job boards.

Enable your online work search with Elance

Elance is another major site that helps businesses hire and collaborate with experts like you on projects such as web development, graphic design, programming, marketing, writing, administrative, research and more.

I recommend: Elance says over 100,000 potential customers visit the site weekly looking for freelance help. Unlike some other sites, however, this works on a bid system. Employers post projects, and interested freelancers bid for the work. Elance will automatically notify you of new projects in your selected categories. See the Service Provider Guide for details on how to get started. You pay a membership fee to Elance and also a percentage of the transaction.

Work with a professional services firm

Aquent is unique in its approach to matching companies with project talent -- even offering benefits to temporary employees.

I recommend: Aquent is a specialist in the fields of marketing, creative services, healthcare consulting and financial services.

Play the field of other freelance job sites

The Web is alive with sites offering freelance listings.

I recommend: A few sites to check out include All Freelance Work, All Freelance, Contracted Work, Freelance Work Exchange, NY Freelancers and Freelance Quotes.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Freelancers who show they've done some homework on a company and the specific project or position being offered tend to get noticed. If ads are "blind" you won't be able to do this, but when the employer name is available, taking a little time to learn about them will pay big dividends.
• Before you respond to a freelance project posting, ask yourself how your particular skills, experience and knowledge will help you better serve the customer. Many freelancers send out so many project queries that they get careless - and their cover letters show little thought and consideration.
• Always show how your expertise will translate into success for the company.