Mammoth AwardsWorking online is an entirely legitimate way to make money nowadays. Depending on how good you get, you could start making a ton of money from your couch.
While online work may get a bad rap, it’s much more than just doing scores of surveys to snag a couple of cents. Instead, you can now get Internet gigs from clients that will pay you to:
- Write articles and emails
- Design logos
- Proofread text
- Translate
- Do voice work
- Transcribe audio into text
- Create videos
- And more
Although that list is a bit long, it’s just a tiny fraction of online work that’s available. Unfortunately, you will run into competition in your quest to land Internet gigs, since it’s an arena that’s open to the entire world.
That competition can be particularly stiff if you have no online experience and your resume is lacking. But don’t fret, we’ll teach you a little hack that can help you get that first gig, and many more after that.
How to Use Facebook to Get Your First Online Gig
For this article, let’s say you use Photoshop as a hobby, and you’d like to make money designing logos for people and businesses. You’re pretty good at it, but you’ve never had an official client, so your paid portfolio is lacking.
This lack of a portfolio can make it hard to stand out on sites like Fiverr or Upwork. Many clients will visit those and other freelance sites to find people to complete tasks in exchange for payment. But they’ll often pay more attention to profiles with reviews or extensive history.
Instead of making a profile on such sites and waiting forever for your first paying fish to bite, go on Facebook to get noticed.
First, look at your friends list. Do you notice any business owners on there? You can message them offering to create a logo or some other design for free in exchange for a testimonial.
Will they say no? Probably not, since it’s free. And if you do a good job, you could get paid handsomely or get future work or referrals from them.
You could use a screenshot of their testimonial as a profile pic on a freelance site. Or, if that first client wants future work, ask them to hire you via the website you desire to get that track record going.
Why is a track record on sites like Fiverr or Upwork important? It builds trust with clients who don’t know you, and it gives you a solid reputation that will make it more likely to get hired.
How to Use Facebook Groups to Land Gigs
Besides using your friends list, you can use Facebook in another way to get clients via Groups.
Facebook Groups are great since they bring people with similar interests and needs together. By making a post in a group regarding your free offer for logo design, you could attract many interested parties at once.
What type of Group should you target to solicit your service? If it’s a logo, aim for groups where entrepreneurs gather.
Whether they’re starting local small businesses or online ones, they’ll need a logo. Instead of paying for one, they’ll gladly take your offer for a free design, and give you that much-needed testimonial to get your gig career going.
Before you post in any group, be sure to read the rules. Some may not allow you to post anything offering services. Others, meanwhile, will allow you to introduce your services on certain days.
You can skate around strict posting rules by engaging with others on their posts too. If someone makes a post asking for recommendations on logo design, pop in and give your offer. Or, to be super stealth, message the person privately.
The point is to make contact with people who need your service. Offer the first one for free, get that testimonial, and get on the fast track towards online cash.
