Freelancers today have almost unlimited options when it comes to finding work and connecting with clients thanks mainly to the Internet. There are two main ways: Freelance platforms and Directly contacting clients Each method comes with its pros and cons that freelancers should weigh when considering how best to expand their operations. Well that all sounds well and good, but is it really the optimal way to go about this? Let’s see by breaking down some of the finer points.
Freelance Platforms
Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are some of the freelance platforms. Com has gained in popularity over the last few years. All such platforms are intermediaries incorporating freelancers and clients who require specific services.
Pros:
Although, It is Easy to Get Started: The freelance platforms offer a marketplace that has been already created and you can create your profile immediately on the platform. This is especially relevant on the freelance side of things to people who are just getting started.
Payment Protection: Many platforms offer secure payment systems so that freelancer can rest assured they will be paid for their work. This can give you peace of mind, especially when dealing with new clients.
A Consistent Stream of Job Opportunities – These platforms feature a wide range of clients posting new jobs every day, which can contribute to keeping you busy.
Reviews and ratings: positive feedback will give you a reputation that can lead to more customers in a long-term perspective
Dispute Resolution: Most provide services for conflict resolution if something goes wrong between the freelancer and the client.
Cons:
The Downside: There will most likely be high competition on popular platforms and a large number of freelancers focusing on the same jobs. This is what keeps the prices low and you may have a hard time separating yourself.
Platform Fees: Most freelance platforms will take a bit of your earnings as their platform fee If you are a tutor doing some free work may take too much out of your profit margin, especially for higher-paying gigs.
Platforms: Many tasks with platforms have stringent policies and rules that contractors must adhere to. This can be restrictive in just how you complete your work or even communicate together clients.
A Platform Dependency: Actually, when you are building a business on top of all platforms then your whole venture is left at stake if that particular platform changes its policies or gets down.
Difficult to Build Long-term Relationships: Some platforms don’t allow you or discourage using your clients outside their platform, and hence it makes it difficult for an app marketing consultant to build long-lasting business relationships.
Direct Client Acquisition
This concept means doing the work to find clients, instead of going through an intermediary platform.
Pros:
Higher Profits: You get to keep 100% of your earnings (minus taxes and operating costs, naturally) without any platform fees.
More control: Set your terms, rates, and working conditions without platform restrictions
Creating a Personal Brand: When you acquire customers directly, instead of being one in many on an app-based platform.
Building Relationships: You can build long-standing relationships with clients and they won’t have to abide by the rules of platforms
Target Specific Clients You Couldn’t Reach on Freelance Marketplaces (e.g., companies in certain industries or niches)
Cons:
It takes LONGER: For freelancers who do not have support in acquiring clients (think marketing, networking & pitching), finding your work is time-consuming.
Variable Work Flow — You might have peaks and valleys in your workload as you wait to land another project.
Single skill not enough: To be successful in direct acquisition you often need marketing/sales/bus dev skills along with your core freelance talent.
It has a lack of platform ratings and reviews which means there is an initial supposition for trading without the credibility that has existed in Fiverr.
Payment Risks: Without a platform that can insure the bonds of these contracts, you now have to manage your billing and run a higher risk than on platforms like IRIS from non-payment or late payment.
Which Method is Right for You?
In general, whether to use freelance platforms or go after direct clients comes down to personal circumstances and the nature of your skills and goals in freelancing. The fact is, most of us use both to be a successful freelancer.
Freelance Websites are a great way for new kiters or even riders who have been in the game a while to pick up some extra work. As such, they are great ways to get into freelancing with low barriers and allow you the opportunity for a gradual track run so that over time – potentially set up your portfolio as well.
It’s harder to get started, but getting your clients directly is more profitable and you have a freelancing career with no limitations. This is most often used by experienced freelancers eager to move their business and personal brand up the ladder.
For some security start on a freelance platform, get your experience, and then climb to more personal client acquisition after you developed, and learned enough. Both of these methods have their benefits, and a hybrid approach can help you exploit all the advantages associated with each method while trying to limit the potential downsides.
Ultimately: The key to success in freelance always comes back to doing good work, being professional, and continuously honing your craft whether you land gigs through Upwork or any other means.