Freelancing: How to

Step 4: Project searching and Bidding.



As we said we are going to learn how to find projects and bidding strategies that actually work. To find out how just follow the link : http://www.odesk.com/



As you are there just in with your account details and click on 'find provider and jobs' and then 'jobs'. You will provided with lots of categories to choose which best suits you. Now its your turn to find out, if you are a data entry operator you have to search for 'data entry' jobs under the 'Administrative support' category. The search results show the project listings and you will see the project has currently received.



You can manage your job alerts, how...If you are subscribed with daily e-mail notification then you will be notified via e-mail daily by odesk team as per your area of expertise which set earlier in your profile by you.It is better to be in touch with the bidding process as soon as possible as there are lots of eager provider awaits in the process of bidding. Don't waste your bids by bidding quickly without evaluating which jobs/projects best suits you . As you know your bid limit depends on how many exams you passed with odesk free skill tests(Max.bid limit 20/month).You have the options of change bid or detract bid if you wish to. But it is suggested that take your time to bid than change/detract . This will not make a good impression if it seen by the buyer before your change take effect.

Before you bid remember a couple of things that recommended: First, post a profile and fill in your past work history and skills. Take a few online tests to verify your skills. Start applying for jobs! Try out small projects first to accrue feedback and then go after the bigger fish.


Follow these bidding strategies. I’ll going to furnish some of them below for you:



1) While going through the bids, keep an eye open for three things:

a) Does the bid match your chosen field and is it urgent? As a new provider could you manage the time line.
b) The number of bids the project has received till now. If there are, many providers bids already on a project, then if you bid on it, your chances of winning will be low. Try to find projects with low bidded project before you bid.
c) Take a close look at the average bid amount while you bid. This will give you a better idea how much money you’ll earn if you’re selected. If possible don’t bid on the projects that are fixed priced, instead try to bid on hourly projects.



2) Before you have chosen the project you want to bid on, carefully read out the project description and take a carefull look at the bidders bid on the projects before you,if any. Read the description carefully and decide if you can actually do the project or not.

3) After that you need to click just on ‘Apply', and you will be taken to a form where you have to write short cover letter to your buyer describing how your expertise best suits to the project and how can make a difference if you win the project. There after agreeing with the terms of odesk you have to enter your bid amount in dollars in the next page.

4) If you have prior experience which relates to this projects you can attach your work details/credentials by placing the link for the required project.
Follow the under spelled rules while bidding:
Try to be clear and concise about how you will proceed with the project and try to explain the buyer about your abilities and effectiveness to complete the project on time.
Don’t disclose any contact information of yours; such as Messenger Handles, and Email Addresses. Doing so, will get you banned from the Site.

Now,

a) How do you know which buyer is good?
Just check out the feedback other providers have left for the buyers and take a look at the number of paid jobs they've completed on oDesk. It is also providers lookafter to ensure that there is a good fit during the interview process.

b) Should you bid on hourly or fixed price jobs?
Whichever you prefer. Most long-term relationships are done on an hourly basis, but fixed-price projects may be a great way to get started with your first oDesk jobs.

You can get your updates, information in the 'messages' tab and also learn current standings of the projects status by clicking on 'candidacies'.'Candidacies' is where you can change/ detract a bid.

So, you’ve placed your bid, you need to wait for the Buyer’s Response. Have a cup of tea and get ready to know the details of the next how to interact with the Buyer….....................