Professionalism When Freelancing

"Looking professional" when you are a freelancer posting opportunities online is as important as looking professional in person. I excerpt the following from a blog post by "Virginia Barter" ???

Just as business cards are an expected and valuable piece of your traditional business, websites are like an online business card/resume. You should list your rates, your skills, your availability and your portfolio. A well thought out website will give you the edge when bidding on a position.

When you are applying or bidding on a Freelance position, you must come across as a professional. There is something about the online medium that invites a casual correspondence style. You will do well to avoid this temptation. Save similes, abbreviated internet slang (LOL, IMO, etc) for later on in your relationship with your client.

Your client needs to trust that you are going to help him/her run their business with professionalism.

Written communication is one-way. You have little control over your reader interpreting what you write. I use freelance sites to offer my services as well as to use other freelancers' services. In the past year alone I've used freelance sites for significant tasks involving my business that I am learning to outsource. You best believe I first look at freelancers' own postings – how they write and present themselves; examples of their work that they post at the sites; and whether I can contact them directly to ask more questions of them. How they present themselves at that initial "look" determines whether I include them in my list of "next step" actions. It only takes a few seconds for me to make my decision of "no or go" because there are so many people out there who offer similar services. You must stand out, and stand out in a positive light.

Make sure all aspects of how you present yourself present the positive image you (hopefully) want to present. It will pay…literally!