Aren't many of the freelancing marketplaces garbage? I don't want to work for $10 an hour with the risk of not getting paid.
Which marketplaces are better or worse than others? Is oDesk different from the crapfest that is eLance?
Which marketplaces are better or worse than others? Is oDesk different from the crapfest that is eLance?
But, then I got a little better at identifying the right set of clients and now the I set rate at $33/hr and most of it in hourly contracts that are guaranteed payment. I also take fixed price contracts from clients with whom I have existing relationship. Many guys I know are charging $60/hr and having a good practice.
The thing in the initial phase you come across a lot of noise and as you find out the 1-2 good clients from the 10 shabby ones, you get repeat business from them.
The difference between freelance marketplaces and direct sales is that in the former the clients have a real need, while in the latter the we have to convince the potential leads of the need to have a good website with proper attention to typography, speed and ux.
That is working good so far. It is also easy to maintain, I have WP_MU setup and can update a large number of sites in parallel.