Boost Your Freelance Writing Success with Bidding Sites

If you are a freelance content writer, you have no doubt considered visiting a bidding site to get some work. Bidding sites like Rent-A-Coder, Get A Freelancer, Scriptlance and Elance offer a simple way for freelance writers and content buyers to meet and do business.

There are several advantages to getting work from a bidding site. There is never a shortage of writing projects available. Most bidding sites update their work lists daily. Even if you don't find an attractive project one day, there will certainly be more available the next day. You can choose projects based on your own skills and interests. Most buyers will provide the topic areas that the articles will cover. This will help you see if you are qualified or willing to work on the project.

Having the bidding site handle the finances is the most convenient part of the process, in my experience. When you use a bidding site, they charge the client, collect the money and deliver it to you conveniently. Payments are made through a check or Paypal and are normally delivered bi-monthly.

There are some keys to getting consistent work on bidding sites. I have been working at several sites for almost a year, and have had a lot of success. Recently, I posted a bid request to have some work done for me for a project. It was my turn to act the part of the buyer and see a whole new side of bidding. I was surprised at the quality of bids that I received, and realized that a lot of writers don't know how they are coming across.

The following is a list guidelines for bidding on content.

1. Proofread your bid. I was shocked when two writers bidding on my project misspelled words within their bid text. I know that bidding on projects can be really exciting, and you may want to get several bids posted quickly. However, haste in writing doesn't make a good impression on the buyer. Before you post your bid, read over what you've written so you can make the best impression.
   
2. 
   

1. Read the bid request carefully. I had several writers requesting an article length for my project. I had this information clearly in my bid request. If these writers can't take the time to read the request, how are they going to do on my project?
   
2. 
   

1. Always include samples. If you have relevant samples to the bid request, include them. Even if you don't have samples that relate, include some of your most recent work. Show what you can do, don't just tell the buyer what you can do.
   
2. 
   

1. 
   
2. Proofread your samples. I was extremely embarrassed a few months ago when a buyer told me I had a typo in one of my writing samples. It was a sample I had been using for a few weeks, and apparently hadn't proofread well at all. I fortunately got the bid anyway, but it taught me an important lessons. Always read and reread everything you write and submit.
   
3. 
   

1. In a bid request, keep things short and sweet. In my bids that I make as a writer, I normally write a few lines explaining my experience, my interest in their topic and pointing out my samples. In the bid request I posted recently as a buyer, I had one writer post what seemed to be a life story. She told me about her career goals, what she was doing writing at this site, what she was taking in school, and how she became a writer, etc. I literally had to wade through two paragraphs before she addressed my bid topic. Buyers don't care what you've been through; they want to know what you'll do for them.
   
2. 
   

1. Customize each bid request. I saw a lot of writers bidding with what was obviously a bid they used for every topic. It made me feel like they didn't take the time to read my bid. Even just a one-line change in a standard bid request can make the difference.
   
2. 
   

For example:

"I am an excellent writer and can provide great articles on the topics you outlined."

Vs.

"I am an excellent writer with 5 years of content writing experience. I know I can provide you great articles on dog grooming. I have two dogs myself, so I have experience in trying to find the right grooming solutions."

The second bid is much more personalized, and gives a buyer the knowledge that you have actually read their bid request. Take the time to personalize your bid and watch yourself win more projects.

With these tips, you'll definitely set yourself apart from the pack and snag more writing assignments.