Any tips for getting work on Elance and Odesk?

[Robin Bull]

Originally Posted by Hanvi

Thank you for posting more tips! I have two more questions about Elance and Odesk:

1) How long did it take you to start seeing results from the efforts put into the bidding sites?

2) Will getting a good review from a client for a non-writing job help me to eventually get hired for writing jobs on the same site?

In regards to question 1 - for me it was when I started putting forth effort to find and bid on things I was qualified to do.

In regards to question 2 - yes. I started out on odesk doing virtual paralegal work...and my feedback showed good writing skills and that I finished all projects before they were due. Then, I added writing samples and my portfolio. Now I routinely turn things away which I guess is a good problem to have.

[Hanvi]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me Robin!

[mwldream]

Originally Posted by Hanvi

Thank you for posting more tips! I have two more questions about Elance and Odesk:

1) How long did it take you to start seeing results from the efforts put into the bidding sites?

2) Will getting a good review from a client for a non-writing job help me to eventually get hired for writing jobs on the same site?

For me I made sure I got the jobs in my skill set and also I saw results within 2 weeks of opening my Odesk account. And if you are struggling because you have no feedback find a private client and get them to hire you on Odesk as its a great way to get your feedback moving!

[LaurenBT]

I haven't been back to WAHM for a little while, so didn't see your response at first Hanvi. I would say that some colour on your website is a good thing. I chose white because I like black text on a white background, as I think its a little easier to read.

I am looking to revamp my site though, and add some more colourful accents, like a logo, as I think my site's a little bland at the moment.

Also in answer to your other questions:

1) How long did it take you to start seeing results from the efforts put into the bidding sites?

I think that it differs from person to person, but I would say four to six months at least for you to get ongoing work from bid sites.

2) Will getting a good review from a client for a non-writing job help me to eventually get hired for writing jobs on the same site?

I would recommend sticking to writing jobs. Clients looking to hire writers will be looking at what relevant experience you have had in the past, and non-writing jobs won't be ideal.

Hope that helps!

[Hanvi]

Originally Posted by mwldream

For me I made sure I got the jobs in my skill set and also I saw results within 2 weeks of opening my Odesk account. And if you are struggling because you have no feedback find a private client and get them to hire you on Odesk as its a great way to get your feedback moving!

Wow! 2 weeks? That's awesome! And that's a great idea about asking a private client to hire through Odesk to help with ratings. Unfortunately, my only private client is a bit inactive at the moment. Guess I'll just have to hang in there.

[Hanvi]

Originally Posted by LaurenBT

I haven't been back to WAHM for a little while, so didn't see your response at first Hanvi. I would say that some colour on your website is a good thing. I chose white because I like black text on a white background, as I think its a little easier to read.

I am looking to revamp my site though, and add some more colourful accents, like a logo, as I think my site's a little bland at the moment.

Also in answer to your other questions:

1) How long did it take you to start seeing results from the efforts put into the bidding sites?

I think that it differs from person to person, but I would say four to six months at least for you to get ongoing work from bid sites.

2) Will getting a good review from a client for a non-writing job help me to eventually get hired for writing jobs on the same site?

I would recommend sticking to writing jobs. Clients looking to hire writers will be looking at what relevant experience you have had in the past, and non-writing jobs won't be ideal.

Hope that helps!

Since starting this thread, I've only won 1 bid. But it's not even a writing job. I guess I'll just have to keep trying.