Countries across the globe have embraced gig models as a dependable way to keep costs down and grow. Thousands of individuals in India, too, are looking to become a part of the booming gig economy as freelancers. But one of the biggest challenges is finding the right work.
Karthik Sridharan, Co-founder and CEO of Flexiple, a provider of freelance developers and designers, says every freelancer they have interacted with finds generating demand for themselves as the most painful thing to do. So these individuals require guidance around the kind of options available in the market and its benefits.
The good news is that recruitment portals are gradually shifting the narrative in favor of self-employed individuals. And, freelancers no longer have to rely only on their physical network or word-of-mouth referrals to land projects. Online portals are playing a crucial role here. Aspiring freelancers only have to understand how to leverage these portals effectively to give a push to their careers.
How online platforms align freelancers with relevant opportunities
Job and networking platforms serve as invaluable catalysts for freelancers seeking not just work but avenues to grow by seamlessly connecting them with companies that have suitable work opportunities, says Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO, apna.co, a job and networking platform. apna.co enables freelancers to effectively navigate the changing gig economy and gives them the flexibility to undertake various tasks and create sustainable relationships, he adds. Sridharan categorizes the portals into three categories: vetted, bidding, and order-based platforms. Vetted platforms like Flexiple promise quality clients, authentic contracts, and no problems with payment, Sridharan says. But the volume is not that huge here; it is significant on bidding platforms like Upwork. But a freelancer needs to spend a significant amount of time bidding on various projects here. Finding a trustworthy client can be a concern; however, individuals can build their reputation, start generating demand and then move on to better projects, he explains. The third category is order-based platforms, which have the least amount of money as the skill requirements are quite specific and the projects are very small. Some freelancers do work on such projects where the skill level is very niche, he says.
Roles seeing high hiring demand as freelance gigs
Talking about the roles witnessing a rise in freelance job opportunities, Parikh says there is a significant demand for app developers, graphic designers, digital marketers, and business consultants on apna.co. In Sridharan’s opinion, two types of verticals register a majority of jobs at every freelance platform: tech and content. However, the emergence of AI has affected both of them in absolutely different ways. Content generation has become a lot easier with generative AI. As a result, businesses expect a lot more inputs at a comparatively lower price from freelancers, leading to inconsistent demand. But as every company intends to incorporate AI into its operations, there is a noteworthy demand for AI/ML engineers, data scientists, and data engineers, he says.
Strategies to differentiate yourself from competitors
With an increasing number of people doing freelancing now, it can be a strenuous task to stand out from the crowd and attract clients. Experts say this task can become easier if freelancers can show a diverse portfolio by working on projects that showcase their skills and expertise. At the same time, the key is to work with top brands and quality clients, as that plays a prominent part in separating the great from the mediocre in the eyes of potential clients. Along with this, they suggest individuals create a personal brand by constantly posting content around their niche, spread the word about their abilities and work on open-source projects.
It is important to constantly upskill yourself in order to acquire in-demand skills and stay relevant. Get certifications from well-established bodies to validate your abilities. Apart from this, referrals from co-founders and CEOs can act as strong testimonies about what you are capable of, say the experts.
Beware of these red flags while looking for projects on online platforms
With an increasing number of freelancers viewing for projects on recruitment platforms, there is also an increase in the number of scammers posing as clients. It can be tricky to spot these parties, especially for those new to the freelance marketplace.
Experts say freelancers can stay away from such traps by avoiding clients who do not agree to pay an advance. Sometimes even trusted clients may not want to offer a sum of money before the work is completed; but might be open to persuasion. Another obvious red flag is when a client is not willing to sign a contract. To prevent such traps, the experts advise freelancers to establish formal agreements such as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to safeguard their interests and avoid misunderstandings. They also emphasize staying away from clients who haggle a lot and demand a certain part of the project be done for free as an evaluation. Also, it’s best if all the conversations take place through mail for clarity and to build long-term relationships with the clients, add the experts.
In conclusion, the gig economy is on the rise, and freelancers have a plethora of opportunities available to them through online platforms. By understanding how to effectively leverage these platforms, showcasing their skills, and staying vigilant against potential red flags, freelancers can thrive in this dynamic and competitive landscape.
