How to Get Your First Project on Freelancer.com
A beginner-focused guide to landing your first project on Freelancer.com with proven bidding strategies and practical tips.
How to Get Your First Project on Freelancer.com
Look at this proof! I only placed three or four bids quickly just for the sake of this video, and we already have a reply. Based on your votes, here is the video on how to land that first project.
1. What is Freelancer.com?
Simply put, it's a marketplace. If someone needs work done, they post a project. People who want to earn money for their skills wait there to bid. You grab the project, complete the work, and get paid.
2. Setting Up for Success
Step One: Create a Profile. My profile is already established with 10 reviews (though I do most of my high-revenue work for offline clients now). For beginners, this site is a goldmine.
Skill Selection: Only add skills you actually know, are learning, or can definitely deliver on.
Filtered Feed: The projects listed in your "Browse" section will depend on these skills. Keep refreshing the page to see new opportunities.
3. The Three Golden Rules of Bidding
Rule #1: Be the Fastest (The "2-Minute" Rule) You need to bid as soon as a project is posted. If a project was posted 2 minutes ago, the client is likely still sitting at their computer, excited to see who applies. Speed gives you the best chance of being seen first.
Rule #2: Target Low-Bid Projects Look for projects with zero or very few bids. If you jump in early, your proposal won't get buried under dozens of others.
The Template Strategy: Keep a simple template ready. I use something like: "I understand you need [Project Detail]. Once you message me, consider your work done." This shows confidence and proves you actually read their post.
Rule #3: Have Patience Avoid projects with massive budgets when starting—you likely won't get them yet. Wait for the perfect project that fits Rules 1 and 2.
Avoid "Crowded" Projects: If a project already has 45 bids, as a new freelancer, you will be listed at the very bottom. The client will likely have found someone else by the time they reach you.
4. Pro-Tips for Beginners
The Contest Hack: While you only get 6 bids, Contests are free to enter and unlimited. It’s a great way to make some extra money and build a name for yourself.
Target the Indian Market: Initially, try bidding on projects from Indian clients. US-based projects get flooded with hundreds of bids instantly. Indian projects often have less competition, making it easier to earn those crucial first reviews.
The "First Bid" Bonus: If you are the very first person to bid, the platform often sends an automated notification to the client. This makes it look like you reached out instantly, which impresses them.
The Result
As I mentioned, I bid on a few projects just to show you guys. In just 42 seconds on one project, I got a response! The project is mine if I want it.
However, I’ve actually stepped back from freelancing for now to focus on other things. If any of you are interested in taking this on, let me know!