Elance's Attraction for Fresh Freelancers: 3 Key Factors
For new freelancers, navigating the world of freelancing can be a daunting task. With the need to build a client base, gain work experience, and make a living, it can seem like an uphill battle. However, one platform stands out as a valuable resource for newcomers: Elance, now known as Upwork.
Upwork offers a vast, diverse marketplace where clients from various fields can reach out with projects. This broad access to clients provides new freelancers with opportunities to gain exposure and job opportunities as they start out. With a wide range of freelance jobs available, from writing and design to development and admin support, new freelancers can build their portfolio and find steady work.
One of the key benefits of Upwork is its large client base. With millions of freelancers competing globally, the platform offers a plethora of project opportunities across different niches. This not only helps new freelancers to establish themselves but also provides a steady stream of work.
Another advantage is the potential to build ongoing client relationships. While Upwork takes a 20% commission initially, these relationships are crucial for new freelancers to establish regular income. By working on Upwork, new freelancers can learn how to manage clients and multiple projects, a skill that is essential for long-term success.
However, it's important to note that Upwork is not ideal for long-term freelancing. The platform is best suited for gaining work experience and building a client base during the first few months of freelancing. It can help new freelancers test different ways to interact and communicate with clients, and learn how to juggle multiple projects.
Elance (now Upwork) can be less intimidating for beginners, especially when starting out on smaller projects. It offers a variety of job opportunities, including fast-turnaround projects for different types of jobs and freelancers of all backgrounds and fields. This diversity can help new freelancers to find their footing and gain confidence in their abilities.
In conclusion, Upwork (formerly Elance) is beneficial for new freelancers to get started. It provides broad access to clients, diverse project types, and a professionally managed platform that helps them build experience and clientele early in their freelance careers. While the pay on traditional online freelance bidding sites, such as Elance, can sometimes be below minimum wage, the benefits of gaining experience, building a client base, and learning essential skills make it a worthwhile option for new freelancers.
Embracing Upwork (previously Elance) can provide new freelancers with an expanded network to connect with various businesses, offering chances to enhance their portfolio and career-development opportunities through a wide array of technology-driven projects in fields like finance, business, education-and-self-development, and career-development. The platform's large client base and diverse project offerings enable newcomers to gather practical experience needed for their professional growth.
