A couple of years ago I wrote about what content mills had taught me, and I ended by saying I was gradually moving my work towards direct clients. Plenty of people have asked how that's gone, so here's an update - and some thoughts for anyone trying to decide which route makes sense.
The case for platforms
Freelance platforms solve the hardest problem in freelancing: finding work. The clients are already there, the payment system is built in, and there's some protection if a client tries not to pay. For a new freelancer with no network and no portfolio, that's enormously valuable. I wouldn't have the career I have now without them.
They're also good for filling gaps. Even with a full roster of regular clients, there are quiet weeks, and having a profile I can switch on and off is a handy safety net.
They're also good for filling gaps. Even with a full roster of regular clients, there are quiet weeks, and having a profile I can switch on and off is a handy safety net.
The case against
The biggest problem is cost. Upwork takes 20% of the first $500 you bill each client, dropping to 10% and then 5% as you bill more. That's a big chunk when you're starting out, and it's taken on top of whatever tax you pay. Other platforms vary but none of them are cheap.
There's also the competition. When a client posts a job, they'll often get dozens of proposals within hours, many from writers charging very little. It can turn into a race to the bottom, and it's hard to stand out when everyone's profile says roughly the same thing.
And there's the lack of control. Platforms change their fees, their rules and their search algorithms whenever they like. I've seen good writers lose most of their income overnight because of a change they had no say in.
There's also the competition. When a client posts a job, they'll often get dozens of proposals within hours, many from writers charging very little. It can turn into a race to the bottom, and it's hard to stand out when everyone's profile says roughly the same thing.
And there's the lack of control. Platforms change their fees, their rules and their search algorithms whenever they like. I've seen good writers lose most of their income overnight because of a change they had no say in.
What working directly looks like
Most of my work now comes from clients I deal with directly - people who found me through this website, referrals from existing clients and magazines I've written for, and a couple of agencies who send me work regularly. The rates are better, the relationships are more collaborative and I have much more say in how I work.
The downside is that it's all on me. I have to chase invoices, write my own contracts and find new clients when old ones move on. That takes time I'm not paid for, and it's not always fun.
The downside is that it's all on me. I have to chase invoices, write my own contracts and find new clients when old ones move on. That takes time I'm not paid for, and it's not always fun.
A few things that have helped
- A simple website. It doesn't need to be fancy. It just needs to show who you are, what you do and how to get in touch.
- Asking for referrals. Happy clients are usually glad to recommend you, but they rarely think to do it unless you ask.
- Clear terms. A short agreement covering rates, deadlines, revisions and payment terms saves a huge amount of awkwardness later.
- Keeping in touch. A friendly email every few months to past clients has brought in more work than any advert.
A note on data
With GDPR coming into force next month, it's worth anyone working directly with clients taking a look at how they store contact details and client documents. It's less scary than some of the emails flooding my inbox would suggest, but it's sensible housekeeping either way.
So which is better?
Honestly, it depends where you are. If you're starting out, platforms are a perfectly good place to learn the trade and build a portfolio. But the long-term aim should be to build a business that doesn't depend on any one platform's rules. Use them as a stepping stone, not a foundation.
And if you're a business looking for a writer, it's always worth getting in touch with freelancers directly. You'll usually get a better rate, and they'll get more of the money. Everyone wins - apart from the platform, which I suspect will cope.
And if you're a business looking for a writer, it's always worth getting in touch with freelancers directly. You'll usually get a better rate, and they'll get more of the money. Everyone wins - apart from the platform, which I suspect will cope.
