Job Bidding Sites get a lot of bad press
for a number of reasons some of which are the poor rates of pay, huge
competition and high level service fees. However, these types of
websites can also hold many advantages that are often overlooked. Here
are a few of the benefits:
1) Extend your Reach to New Markets
By selling your services through a bidding site you can find customers in all parts
of the world. This can be particularly useful if you are offering a
niche service and have exhausted all local marketing opportunities.
2) Payment Protection
Many of the bidding sites offer a degree of protection when it comes to payment.
For example, they may advise you not to start work until the job is
financed by a method known as escrow. Most of the existing customers
offering work are aware of this system and happy to comply. Some job
bidding sites will also automatically release the escrow if the service
buyer doesn’t provide any feedback after a certain period following
project completion.
3) Internet Presence
If you are registered with a job bidding website
you will be included in search engine results. Therefore, you may find
that some customers approach you direct after finding your details on a
bidding site. Be careful though, as you will not have the protection of
the bidding site if your client doesn’t pay.
4) Build your Portfolio
For many small companies offering services, job bidding websites
present an excellent opportunity to build your portfolio. You may find
that existing skills enable you to find work, but a particular customer
could also have a number of other requirements. If he is happy with your
work he may ask you to complete other tasks giving you the chance to
branch out into new areas.
5) Assess Demand
By looking at the types of projects that are being posted in your
industry you will be able to assess current demand. This can be useful
for marketing campaigns as you will be able to target them to areas
where you know there is work.
6) Enhance your Reputation
Job bidding websites use a feedback system so it is a good way to
enhance your reputation. Not only will this get you other jobs through
the bidding sites, but many providers also refer to the positive
feedback on their own websites as a form of testimonial.
7) Vary your Rate
Don’t think that you have to charge the same on a bidding site as you
would normally charge. It may be that you have to reduce your rate on a
bidding site because of the competition, but if you would not otherwise
have been working, it is still additional income.
8) Get to Know the Competition
Because you are bidding alongside many others this gives you a good
opportunity to take a look at the competition. What sort of people are
bidding? Which projects are popular amongst bidders? Which providers win
projects and why do you think that is? Could it be because of their
experience, education, glowing feedback or extensive portfolio? Could
you learn anything from them when it comes to marketing your own
services?
For those just starting out in business job bidding sites can give
you the chance to maintain a steady flow of income when you are between
other, better paid jobs. Although you may not wish to rely solely on
these sites for your business income, you can use them alongside any
other marketing methods that you may choose to adopt. Another thing to
bear in mind is that although many other providers may bid a much lower
rate than you, if you have relevant experience, good feedback and an
impressive portfolio, there is still a good chance that many employers
will select your bid.
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