How to Win a Freelance Writing Auction

As you're searching for freelance writing work, you may decide to bid on jobs offered at various auction sites on the Internet. This is a great way for beginners to get their foot in the door and it is also a good way to obtain permanent clients. Keep in mind, though, that competition is keen and you may have to submit several bids before you win your first assignment. Following, are some tips to help you win the bidding wars.

Bid Within Your Area of Expertise

Only bid on jobs that you are qualified for and are confident you can complete. Of course, merely feeling qualified and confident isn't enough. Many buyers will ask for samples; some will ask for references, although this isn't always the case. The point is, you have to be well versed in the particular job you are bidding on. In fact, your bid should convey that you know exactly what you are talking about. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially if you don't understand something.

Have Samples Readily Available

Freelancers should always have samples available for clients to see. If your samples are articles, try to have articles on a wide variety of subjects available to send to potential clients or send them a link to your work if you have your own website. Make sure these samples adequately showcase the quality of your work. They should be error free and representative of your writing style.

Follow Directions Exactly

If you can't follow directions in submitting a bid, the potential client isn't going to have any confidence that you will follow directions in actually doing the work. Therefore, take your time and follow the directions to the letter. If there is a maximum accepted bid noted, don't bid more than that amount. If you think the buyer is trying to get something for nothing, don't submit a bid telling him only an idiot would bid on his project.

If the client asks for samples to be submitted along with the bid, then submit samples. Submit samples even if the buyer didn't request them unless they have specifically requested not to receive samples.

Consider Your Bid Carefully

Freelancers sometimes have to under price their services in the beginning to build up a portfolio, to gain experience, or sometimes just to eat. While not all buyers go with the lowest bid, some of them do. Try to remain competitive but don't bid so low that you'll be doing three days of work for one day's pay. If you're able to view the bids of other freelancers, that may help to give you an idea of what you should bid. Some sites won't let you view the bids of open auctions but you can see all the bids for closed auctions. This can be extremely helpful because not only can you see the bids of all the other writers but you can see the winning bid as well. After you study a few of these, you will get a good idea of the going rates for the type of writing you do.

Once you are awarded the job, continue to follow directions and above all, make sure you meet the deadline. Once you start getting positive feedback, you'll be able to win more and more bids.