Accessing Freelance Opportunities

I spent most of 2024 trying to make sense of the job market. Everywhere I looked, the advice felt either outdated or out of touch. Apply here. Network more. Learn to code. Build a brand. It all felt like noise. And then one day, I stopped scrolling and thought to myself, What am I doing? That was the moment the teacher in me took over: the problem-solver and critical thinker. So, I went to work. I analyzed labor trends. Looked at projections. Dug into hiring data. I researched where industries were growing and what roles were in demand. Then, I cross-referenced it with what I am good at, what energizes me, and where I could grow. Because if I were going to move forward, I needed alignment, not just another job. I started taking in-depth courses to explore the possibilities. And I will be honest. Passion was missing at first. But once things started clicking again, it came back. With all that digging, this is what I have found so far. And why not share it? There are others in the same boat. Here are the 10 platforms I found most promising for real opportunities: Jobspresso – https://jobspresso.com Virtual Vocations – https://lnkd.in/eGufeH6k Upwork – https://upwork.com Freelancer – https://freelancer.com Toptal – https://toptal.com Fiverr – https://fiverr.com NoDesk – https://nodesk.co RemoteHabits – https://remotehabits.com Remotive – https://remotive.com Glassdoor – https://glassdoor.com Each one is worth exploring. Some are better for freelancers. Others for full-time roles. Next, I built a 6 to 9-month skill-building plan, including but not limited to courses: • Coursera – I chose certifications from Google, IBM, Meta, and Microsoft • Trailhead by Salesforce – I will be completing certification soon • edX and Verizon Skill Forward – Free, guided programs with a real-world focus https://lnkd.in/e-N2y6_6 Almost everything I am taking is free to audit. These are the certifications I am focused on: Complete list: https://lnkd.in/gB85jDYS Some standouts: Google AI Essentials – https://lnkd.in/gtH8ts-Y Google Data Analytics – https://lnkd.in/gsNiSn9z Microsoft Power BI – https://lnkd.in/gCYSi8Ey IBM Data Analyst – https://lnkd.in/gPiuupFB Google Project Management – https://lnkd.in/g2p-583c Salesforce Trailhead – https://lnkd.in/eJ4iZaUg These are not resume fillers. They are skill builders. Each one was chosen based on data, trends, and long-term potential. Here is what I know now that I did not know then: You do not have to guess. You do not have to wing it. There is a more thoughtful way forward if you take the time to figure out where you fit. So I am sharing this for anyone else trying to build something meaningful in 2025. What helped you stop spinning and start gaining clarity? #careerclarity #careerdevelopment #upskill #learninganddevelopment #salesforce #coursera #freelancejobs #digitalcareers #skillforward #trailhead #edX #careerstrategy #thoughtleadership

I’ve been freelancing since October 2020. If all that experience disappeared and I had to start again from scratch, here's step-by-step what I'd do: Phase One: Knowledge Time to learn how to write. This is the number one thing you must do before anything else. Read... • “The Adweek Copywriters Handbook” by Joseph Sugarman • “The Boron Letters” by Gary C. Halbert • “Writing Tools” by Roy Peter Clark (Free PDF in the comments!) Next, you have to know what you’re selling. What is an article, exactly? How is it structured? What’s the difference between a case study, newsletter, landing page? Semrush has a solid article explaining it all (link in comments)! Post what you learn on a Twitter or LinkedIn account to start building your personal brand. 💡 Phase Two: Practice It’s time to put into practice what you’re learning. → Choose three topics you’re interested in writing about. → Create a Medium profile. → For one month (minimum) post one article a week on Medium. For ex: In my case, I was interested in digital marketing, remote work, and influencers. A few articles I wrote... • How Onlyfans is Ushering the Creator Economy into a Prosperous New Era • How Chloe Ting Became the Queen of Home Fitness • “Skinfluencers” Won’t Make it Easy for the Luxury Skincare Industry Phase Three: Pitch Let’s get some clients. Step 1) → How to Find Them: • TechCrunch’s “Recently Funded” • LinkedIn’s “People Also Applied To” • Newsletter Sponsors (Ex: If your target client is crypto, subscribe to Milk Road and pitch its sponsors as the audience demographic overlaps) Plus, subscribe to these newsletters dedicated to surfacing freelance gigs: • Kat Boogard’s Newsletter • Peak Freelance’s Newsletter • Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week Newsletter • Superpath Content Marketing Slack Community • Kaitlyn Arford’s Newsletter As you sift, create a list of clients that are in relevant to the topics you chose earlier. Step 2) → How to Pitch Them: The final step is to cold pitch. The rules: • The email is 80% about them, and 20% about you. • Bring a gift by pitching articles that are relevant to their target audience. • Link to your Medium articles to prove you can write. • Follow-up twice over the span of eight business days (roughly). Reminder: Stellar articles and personalized cold emails are *all* you need to start freelancing. I was earning ~$5,000 a month before I had a newsletter, website, Twitter, or LinkedIn. The next phase will be building the little parts: Contracts, website, etc (will explain in a future post 😌 ). Did I miss anything? Let me know! (Pictured: My setup working remotely for the first time ever in Paris 🌱 it felt v special :') ! )

I found more freelance gigs on WhatsApp than anywhere else. Most freelancers are busy sending cold pitches or posting daily on LinkedIn. But the real action is happening quietly inside WhatsApp communities. Here’s why they work so well. Every group is filled with people who are already hiring. They don’t need long introductions. They need quick solutions. That urgency makes it easier for you to pitch and close faster. The best part is that these aren’t random people. They’re founders, marketers, creators, and startup teams. They talk openly about projects, ideas, and urgent tasks. You’re basically sitting inside a live marketplace of opportunities. And here’s the smart way to stand out in these groups: → Don’t spam your services. → Offer help when someone asks a question. → Recommend other freelancers too. → Stay consistent in conversations. When people see your name pop up with value, they remember it. And that’s how referrals begin to flow. One small introduction can lead to a long-term client. One quick reply can turn into a project. Freelancers often look for complex ways to find clients. But sometimes, the simplest platforms bring the biggest results. Start joining WhatsApp communities in your niche. Design, writing, editing, marketing—there’s one for everyone. Your next client might already be typing in one of them right now.

For the past few days, I have been spending a lot of time on Product Hunt, thanks to all the product launches we’ve been doing. While scrolling through the platform, I just realized what a goldmine it is for freelancers. Let me explain. Platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork have become saturated, and landing gigs through them is becoming increasingly difficult. The competition is fierce, and it’s hard to stand out. But think about Product Hunt. Every single day, 100s of new tools and websites are being launched there. This means more opportunities for freelancers to connect with founders and early-stage startups who are actively looking to grow their products. These startups often need help with things like content writing, social media management, marketing strategies, design, development, and more. By reaching out to these founders with a personalized pitch, you can position yourself as the expert they need to build their brand or enhance their product. And because these are early-stage businesses, they value freelancers who can bring creative solutions and a fresh perspective to the table. Pro tip: When pitching, don’t just talk about your skills. Focus on how you can solve their specific challenges or contribute to their growth. Do your research, show them you understand their goals, and tailor your pitch to their needs. This will make you stand out instantly. So, instead of spending hours competing on platforms that are already oversaturated, why not explore this untapped treasure trove of opportunities on Product Hunt? Have you ever used Product Hunt to find freelance gigs? I’d love to hear your experience! 🤠 I just discussed this in more detail in my newsletter. I also share tips related to freelancing, content, and marketing. I’m leaving the link to subscribe in the first comment in case you want to check it out. 🤗

Half of my freelance writing clients are new to me each year. Here's how I usually get them.👇 1. I reach out first. I email past clients, editors, and freelance friends to let them know when I have availability. Waiting for work to fall into my lap has never been my jam. 2. I market myself like it's a job. Over 100 emails and LinkedIn intros between January and March one year resulted in $10,000 in new freelance work by the end of Q1. Consistency (and a thick skin) made all the difference. 3. I follow up. There is money in the follow-up. One client I kept in touch with since November hired me for $3,000 worth of work by spring. Another recent client got back to me since the fall with writing opportunities. It's all about timing. 4. I nurture relationships without asking for anything. A quick "hi" or a check-in email can keep you top of mind. Not every message has to be a pitch. Feel free to simply reach out and mention an article you liked that went live on their site or appeared in a new issue. 5. I show up consistently. I post on LinkedIn 3-5x a week because that's where my potential clients hang out. Even if editors don't comment, like, or vote in my polls, several tell me that they enjoy reading my posts when they've later reached out with assignments. (I'm also slowly building on Inst @dianakellyleveyfreelance if you want to say hi there.) 6. I send pitches. And I track them. If an editor adds me to a writer pool on Contently, Skyword, or a similar platform, I send ideas their way when they have pitch calls. Persistence matters. I find that even if my pitches aren't 100% landing, editors appreciate the effort and reward me with an assignment eventually. 7. I turn in great work for the clients I already have. Turning in strong, clean, engaging work helps me stay on their radar and often leads to more assignments (or referrals). What are your favorite ways to find new freelance clients? #freelancewriting #b2bwriter #b2c #contentmarketing

Most people only check 2 or 3 job sites. That's a mistake. After 20 years of running a consulting company, I've used dozens of platforms to find great talent. The best opportunities aren't always on the most popular sites. If you're job hunting, expand your reach. Here are the top platforms to find full-time, part-time, fractional, remote, and freelance work: ➡️ 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 / 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 These dominate global job searches and have the largest employer base. • Indeed – General jobs, global, full-time and part-time 🔗 indeed.com • LinkedIn – Professional networking, full-time roles, career growth 🔗 linkedin.com/jobs • Google Jobs – Aggregates listings from many sites, all job types 🔗 google.com/search?q=jobs Best for: General exposure and mainstream hiring ➡️ 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲-𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 Purely remote or hybrid-friendly by design • We Work Remotely – Tech, design, marketing 🔗 weworkremotely.com • Remote.co – Curated remote roles, flexible hours 🔗 remote.co • FlexJobs – Paid access, vetted remote and hybrid jobs 🔗 flexjobs.com • Jobspresso – Remote jobs in tech, marketing, and UX 🔗 jobspresso.co • Pangian – Global remote community and listings 🔗 pangian.com • Virtual Vocations – Telecommute roles across industries 🔗 virtualvocations.com Best for: Professionals seeking verified remote or hybrid work ➡️ 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Ideal for senior talent looking to go fractional and for side project work • TalentLoft – Top executive and technical fractional talent 🔗 talentloft.com • GoFractional – Fractional leadership roles 🔗 gofractional.com • Toptal – Premium freelance network for vetted experts 🔗 toptal.com ➡️ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 & 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵-𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 Geared toward innovation, product, and early-stage companies • AngelList – Startup jobs, equity options, tech and growth roles 🔗 angel.co • PowerToFly – Focus on diversity in tech, remote work 🔗 powertofly.com Best for: Startup environments and mission-driven work ➡️ 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 / 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 • FlexJobs – Strong focus on flexible or reduced-hour roles 🔗 flexjobs.com • Virtual Vocations – Many part-time remote listings 🔗 virtualvocations.com • Upwork – Freelance gigs often short-term or hourly 🔗 upwork.com Best for: Those seeking side income or reduced schedules I hope this list helps you find your next job. 💡 Share if this helps others ➕ Follow Jason Moccia for more tech and leadership insights

The freelance world can feel uncertain and confusing, so in the spirit of paying it forward, I want to dive into how I find new work. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, but this is what works for me. • Crafting and sharing a LinkedIn post that indicates that I’m looking for work and outlines what an ideal client or project would look like • Reaching out to existing contacts from previous full-time jobs — I use a Google Sheet to keep track of everyone — to see if they’re looking for freelance writers or know someone who is • Seeking out people who work for companies I admire and sending them a clear and direct email or LinkedIn message about working together • Reaching out to people in my personal life to see if they know anyone who is looking to hire freelancers • Asking previous clients I enjoyed working with if they have upcoming projects that require freelance work Yes, it’s vulnerable. But it works. Fellow freelancers, how do you go about finding new work?

After my last post, a lot of people reached out asking how and where to start freelancing as a data analyst. I totally get it, it can feel overwhelming at first! So here’s how I got started and some tips to help you out: 1. Choose a platform: I began on Fiverr, but there are plenty of others like Upwork and Freelancer. Pick one that feels right for you and create a strong profile. Highlight your skills, and don’t be afraid to list small projects you’ve done even personal ones count! 2. Start small: In the beginning, I wasn’t landing big projects. My first gigs were small—think basic Excel tasks, data cleaning, or simple reporting. But every project helped me learn and build trust with clients. 3. Build your portfolio: Once you’ve done a few projects, showcase them. Even if you haven’t had any paid gigs yet, create sample dashboards, reports, or analyses that show off your skills. Potential clients want to see what you can do! 4. Be patient: Freelancing doesn’t take off overnight. It took me some time to build momentum, but with persistence, you’ll see results. Keep improving your skills and updating your profile regularly. 5. Network: Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Engage with others on LinkedIn, join freelancing communities, and connect with people in the data space. Opportunities sometimes come from places you least expect! If you’re thinking about starting, take that leap! It’s a great way to gain experience, build your confidence, and grow your portfolio. Good luck! #freelamcing #dataanalyst

I notice so many #freelancers only marketing through cold outreach. If you're doing this, you're missing opportunities!! Here's what I'd recommend instead: The 3-prong method 1. Cheerleaders: Share the kind of work you're looking for with the people in your network who will always have your back (old colleagues, mentors, friends), and ask them to spread the word. 2. Warm leads: Regularly check in with potential clients who haven't signed up for your offers *yet.* Sometimes it can take years for these opportunities to convert. Pop back into their inbox on occasion to say hi, share updates, and just generally keep the conversation going. 3. Finally: Add some cold outreach to the mix. I like for my clients to keep a running list of potential clients they'd be STOKED to work with. Then, email 1-2 of those folks each week. Eventually, these people will become warm leads, then perhaps cheerleaders.