Freelance web work gives you the flexibility to work for clients anywhere in the world, drastically increasing the size of your target market. Because work is arranged through the web, you can liaise with clients from any city in the world. You’re no longer tied to a single location.

‘International Freelancer’ sounds a lot cooler than ‘San Diego Freelancer’, doesn’t it?

In Part 2 of the ‘Becoming a Freelance Web Worker‘ series I’ll be sharing 23 ways freelancers can find work online. Once you find your clients through the web, most of the hard work is done. You’ll be well on your way to becoming a web-only freelancer with the ability to work (and be paid) from anywhere in the world.

All freelancers

1. Build a solid online portfolio
   A killer online portfolio will be something you can show prospective clients to turn them into done-deals. A well-promoted portfolio can also get you job offers on autopilot as web traffic flows in steadily.
2. Create a thriving blog
   My own blog, Skelliewag.org, has functioned as my portfolio and client generating machine all in one. Creating a thriving blog does take time but in my experience will be worth the effort. A tip: write for an audience who are also likely to be prospective clients.
3. Get work through Linkedin
   Collis has shared 8 great tips on how to do this. Linkedin is steadily growing and it’s really worth developing a profile there.
4. Get clients to come to you
   Chris has written a nice primer on this strategy. By building a profile within your target market, clients will begin to seek you out, rather than the other way around.
5. Use your forum signature
   Aim to become a helpful and interesting voice on a forum frequented by your target market. Use your forum signature to advertise your freelancing services.
6. Send out email to your contacts
   Send out an email to your address book explaining what you can do for them as a freelancer. This list should include former clients and personal acquaintances — both a good source of potential work.
7. Cold email
   Cold emailing is a lot less scary than cold-calling. Search out members of your target market and email/contact them offering your services. You could hook them in with a free consultation or a can’t resist introductory deal. A tip: target people who look like they’re in need of your services.
8. Run a Google AdWords campaign
   As a web worker you won’t need to make your advertisements location based (but you can if you want). AdWords is an advertising method favored by many freelancers.
9. Advertise in online directories
   With a bit of searching you’ll be able to unearth several online directories where you can advertise your services. Here’s one to get you started: Sologig. Our Monster List of Freelancing Job Sites has plenty more sites you can use to get noticed.
10. Write an eBook or report for your target market
    A free eBook or report is a great way to build your profile. There’s also a chance it will go viral. Include your freelance details somewhere in the eBook and, if it’s successful, it might just send you a stream of new clients.
11. Trawl online job boards
    Probably the most traditional method of the lot, applying via online job boards is a tried and tested way to get work when the clients aren’t coming to you. Get started at the FSw job boards. Our Monster List of Freelancing Job Sites is another essential reference for anyone looking for work.
12. Search engine optimize your portfolio or website
    Search traffic is another targeted source of potential clients. The great thing is that once you get it, the traffic will trickle in constantly. Try this beginner’s guide to search engine optimization to get you started.

Photographers

1. Optimize your Flickr account
   Add your freelancing details and availability to the blurb of your favorite photos. Optimize your Flickr profile to inform and convert prospective clients, too. Create a Flickr set called ‘Portfolio’ to give interested visitors somewhere to go.
2. Start an online photojournal or photography blog
   Photojournals and blogs will allow you to showcase your work and bring in potential clients.

Programmers and developers

1. Write a simple, useful web app
   Offer it as a download from your website or portfolio. It will generate traffic, build your profile and bring prospective clients closer to your details.
2. Become a forum authority
   Forums on programming and web development are generally full of people who want their questions answered. Be helpful and informative. Some people might just say thanks by hiring you!

Illustrators and animators

1. Start a comic strip blog
   These blogs have the potential to be really popular (see: xkcd and gaping void) and they’ll also showcase your skills to prospective clients.
2. Do a comic strip/illustration for a big blog or website
   Make it free, with one caveat: that each strip/illustration contains a link to your portfolio or website and a by-line explaining that you’re a freelancer available for hire.
3. Optimize your DeviantArt profile
   DeviantArt remains the web’s number 1 art community. Share your work and include freelancing details in your profile and in the description of your best stuff.

Writers

1. Pitch yourself to blogs and websites
   An ever-increasing number of clever web entrepreneurs are running their blogs and websites on autopilot. They pay others to write the content and pocket the left-over profits. Contact established blogs and let them know you want to be a part of their success (blogs with only a small readership probably won’t have the funds to hire writers).
2. Guest-post and use your byline to advertise
   A guest-post is the perfect advertisement for your writing skills. If the blog’s owner isn’t interested in hiring you, one of their readers might be. Use your guest-post byline to advertise your freelancing services.

Designers

1. List your profile at design sites
   Coroflot and Design Is Kinky are two good places to start.
2. Create a free Wordpress theme
   WP themes are in high demand. Create a good one and link to your portfolio in the footer. You’ll get a link each time someone uses your theme. If it’s good, admirers will look to the footer to see who’s responsible.

In Part 3 of the series I’ll be sharing how you can liaise with clients and carry out all your freelance work online. Stay tuned!

Part 3 of the series will be online tomorrow, you can also read more from Skellie at her brand new blog Anywired