Elance Talk

I have a template I use when I bid. I always customize it for the project that I am using it on. I guess some buyers hate those type of proposals. Would you like to take a look at it and critique it? I can show it to you. Also- I have just recently helped a buyer even form his description of the job he was posting and after all the help I gave him, he picked someone else!! LOL I can't win....

Thanks for your critiques and suggestions Charles. ((It means a lot just to hear from an established designer that you feel I have some talent!!))
I just added those stupid things around my portfolio pieces because I saw another successful Elancer's portfolio set up like that....I am just trying to do everything and anything to get some work here!
I will definitely work on that, hopefully it will help!
As far as the proposals go, is it better to be very laid back sounding or is it better to outline everything more formally? (That is how I have been doing it....)

Hi Emily,
In regards to bid comments, the writers on this thread gave some great advice, as well as examples of bids not-to-use, and bid comments that should attract buyers:
http://www.elance.com/p/node/3312

Thanks shaw_belt. I appreciate your reply! I have read it and will definitely employ it- I definitely need to talk more about solutions for the buyers!
Emily

Hello Emily,
Also on the writing bid part, be honest with the clients as to what when and how you will deliver the files.
Try googling "how to write winning bids"
There is some very good advice there.
The trick is also.. spend some time seeing what winning bids are priced at, another suggestion is study the person posting the project, how many project they have posted, how many they awarded at what bid amount etc, and only bid on those that you see are stable enough.
There are a lot that are a waist of time, this part I am stilllearning myself.
regards,
Robert

Thanks Robert, I will definitely check it out.
I have made some changes to my portfolio, heeding your advice to a degree. I still have my branding on the portfolio pages, but much smaller, and in the background.
I have been invited to bid on three projects since posting this thread...NEVER had that happen before!
strange.....
Emily

Who knows why you haven't had any luck yet, it could be anything really. Keep trying, and I'm sure you will get some projects soon.

I agree with charlesdesign's comments about your portfolio. I'd also suggest removing your branding from all of your portfolio pieces. I think your logo and illustration work is your strongest area, but the way they are presented could be more effective. I'd suggest placing each example on a plain white background. Just show they designs for what they are, without any embellishments. In portfolios I think it's best to emphasize your strongest work. Choose the pieces that you think are your best and put them first, because with the way the Elance portfolios are set up, potential buyers will see the first pieces in each folder first and if they like what they see at the beginning they will keep looking. If you put a few examples that aren't your strongest first, a potential buyer may choose not to keep looking and never get to your stronger pieces. I know a lot of designers can get offended by criticism of their work, but if you're open to it and interested in some honest feedback I'd be happy to offer some suggestions on which pieces I think are your best and worst.

ABSOLUTELY
I will take any criticism you may have...that's how we get better isn't it?
I welcome your comments and critiques, thanks
Emily

Thanks I am thinking that the black detracts from it as well....but it might be abit until I update it. It has taken me hours of working on my portfolio just to get it where it is now! Thanks for your reply, I do appreciate it.
Emily

Hello Emily,

I am fairly new to Elance as well but have had a great experience over all. My initial strategy was a type of "investment", that is to say that it was more important to me to get satisfied clients, positive reviews and build my portfolio, then to make a profit. I offered unlimited revisions, low bids and quick turn around as well as timely communication. Out of 24 clients, 22 have been great. Two ripped me off as I also provided files before payment.

I realize I can't always offer this but it has given me a great start, happy clients and repeat customers. I am now in a better position to up my bids and my portfolio has grown considerably.

I say this to encourage you and give you a few ideas. It is my opinion that clients view the satisfied customer reviews and make their decision based on that more then pricing. However, most clients on Elance are seeking a low bid but moreover, they want good work. Hang in there and don't give up.

Sincerely,

Gary D. Hines
President
Lone Tree Productions LLC.

Thanks Gary. I am hanging in there. Still working on my portfolio, I upped the size of each piece, got rid of the black background and now I just have to finish uploading them. I have changed all of my profile info to be more professional, and I added that I do unlimited revisions. I have started bidding quite low, but not crazy low, and I just recently revised my proposal. Hopefully all the work and effort I have put into this will finally start to pay off!! (SOONer rather than later)!  So I guess I am really throwing myself out there with all I can, let's see what happens......
If nothing happens then I am considering either going back to school, or just forgetting about trying to make a living from home....
I really like staying home with my kids, and it saves a ton of money in childcare and gas costs, but I will do whatever I have to, since the student loans have to get paid off!!
Thanks,
Emily Genevish
Genevish Graphics\

WooHoo! Good for you Emily, I have been rooting for you!

Gary

Thanks Gary-

It is really nice to know there are some really nice people working around here on Elance, and we stick together!

Emily Genevish

Interesting. I find your point to be very good, and I think that I have put all these things in there because I do them all. But maybe I need to specialize more and maybe have two different profiles for different things then. Thank you for taking the time to give me your thoughts !
Emily Genevish

One final thought Emily.

Many buyers watch these boards and build up an image of the providers. I can think of a dozen providers I wouldn't touch with a barge pole purely based on comments made on these boards. If you stay as professional and honest as you have so far, you will get there and I wisjh you all the very best.

Hello animated3d,
You may just want to expand upon your provider profile before giving up completely. Perhaps add in some past client references, as well as add more descriptions to your lovely portfolio images (ie, are those being used on any specific website or other media or company)?

Congratulations Emily,
I see you have been awarded your first logo project.
And you have changed your portfolio samples look.
Great job, this is just the start.
Regards,
Robert

Hey Robert!

Thanks for checking back in on me, I really appreciate all the help and suggestions you and (most of) the others have given me! I really took it all to heart and made some significant changes to all aspects of my Elance profile. I guess it finally paid off! I have been getting offers to bid and now I just won my first logo project on here! I am excited and rearing to go on it, it looks like it will be fun!

Thanks again,
Emily Genevish
Genevish Graphics

Hello Emily,
Congrats!
This is a great thread, considering it stated with the subject "Pretty Much ready to throw in the Towel here at Elance".
What do you think put you "over-the-top?" In addition to upgrading your Elance provider profile, did you also interview with your buyer on the PMB or phone call? If so, was there anything in particular you told him that helped in his decision to award you?

Really, I think their decision rested on the fact that I had a logo that I had in my portfolio that used the colors they wanted and they liked the style of it, and the fact that it was a logo for a similar business. I won the project out of 35 bids! Not bad for my first win!

I am looking forward to creating a really great logo for them, and hopefully other projects will follow!!

Thanks,
Emily Genevish

Hi Emily, this is a little late in coming but I'm new to Elance and was just browsing through Elance Talk. I love your portfolio! Its made me realize I need to revamp my own brochure for my VA business . Congrats on your win out of 35 bids!!!! whoo hoo.

animated3d -

You share the sentiments of many providers on this site.

Emily:

I disagree with the last provider. At the end of the day, you charge what you need to to make a project worth while for you to do. What are you trying to get out of Elance, money or experience. It is hard to get both, but can be done.

I only have one thing to say to that, you get what you pay for. Okay I guess I have more than one thing to say...if you want top quality work from someone who takes pride in their work and has respect for their clients, then you pay more than 3-5 dollars an hour. In other countries if that rate of pay is good for your culture and will provide for your family, that is one thing. But, if you live in this country, with the cost of living the way it is and increasing daily, you have to charge more. Just my opinion and not intending to offend anyone, anywhere.

I also disagree with this. For freelance graphic design work $25/hour is on the low side for countries like the US, Canada, the UK, etc. You should not resort to lowering your rates to compete with providers from other countries that can afford to work for lower rates. If you're not able to win projects on Elance at your regular rate I think instead of lowering your rates to compete, you should try other venues for marketing your work and find clients elsewhere. That being said, it is possible to find clients on Elance who respect what designers do and are willing to pay what it's worth. I charge $45/hour and I still win projects on Elance so it is possible. Unfortunately I think the majority of the buyers who come to Elance are looking for the cheapest thing they can find. Why not ask yourself - is it worth working for clients like that? I say it's not, and I won't change my rates or policies to win over clients like that. I'd prefer to keep charging my regular rate to attract buyers who are looking for professionalism and high quality work instead of just the cheapest bid.