Content & Writing Tycoon

**Electroquill** · 12-05-2011, 06:20 AM

Howdy,

I am brand new to this forum and also brand new to freelancer.com. What is the best way to get projects when I have no rating or reviews? I am happy to work for next to nothing in order to get some positive ratings and reviews but is this really a good thing to do? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

**chrishirst** · 12-05-2011, 07:50 AM

Quote:

I am happy to work for next to nothing in order to get some positive ratings and reviews but is this really a good thing to do?

Then you obviously do not value yourself and your work too highly.

And if you don't ... who else will?

**Digital Friend** · 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electroquill

I am happy to work for next to nothing in order to get some positive ratings and reviews but is this really a good thing to do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

Then you obviously do not value yourself and your work too highly.

If you continue to work for next to nothing after getting the ratings/reviews,

You'll have a better chance of being hired if someone sees how well you did a recent job for your last client.

**Electroquill** · 12-05-2011, 03:09 PM

Thanks for your replies.

Chrishirst, I guess that's why I asked the question

I certainly don't undervalue myself but will a customer take me on for work with no reviews or ratings? Do I sell myself short for a few jobs to prove that I cut the mustard or just hope that someone will hire me without knowing that I'm capable of doing the job?

Digitalfriend, I think that's what you're telling me?

**ukrainarts** · 03:40 PM

"ratings/reviews" is only an accessory if you have a really good portfolio to show!

**vangogh** · 12-06-2011, 03:43 PM

Christy it's possible you will need to underprice yourself for the first job or two in order to get those jobs. It's kind of the age old question of how to get experience when all the jobs that would provide the experience require experience to get.

You don't want to underprice your work long term, but you can once or twice to get your foot in the door. You can consider it a marketing cost.

**Giselle** · 12-06-2011, 04:41 PM

Pleased to meet you Christy!

My suggestion keep trying, an opportunity will open up for you. Sometimes ratings are a good thing, but a Contractor/Businessperson will remember they were new at one time and opt to hire someone like yourself. Check your profile, have you filled in all your skills and expertise?

Best Wishes,
Giselle

**pristinewriting** · 12-25-2011, 01:14 AM

Creating a good portfolio with wide ranging topics and presenting the portfolio to a prospective client should help.
You can use Ezinearticles or similar resources for guidance and motivation. Use an appropriate keyword and highlight it across the article so the client knows how you will use the actual keywords when the assignment is given.

Good luck to you.

**vijaypathak** · 12-26-2011, 01:37 AM

I think the best way is to add some entertainment stuff in it.

**chrishirst** · 12-26-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vijaypathak

I think the best way is to add some entertainment stuff in it.

I take it that you have no idea what the thread is about then.

**Ariblue** · 01-01-2012, 06:40 AM

Hi, I am new and this thread helped me realize that

1) One must keep trying.
2) Doing some jobs for less $ can be profitable in the long run
3) Creating a good portfolio.
4) We must value our work instead of underselling it.

Thanks everyone.

**vangogh** · 01-03-2012, 02:35 PM

Yep. All true. With the idea of doing some jobs for less money you want to evaluate whether or not it can help generate more work. The money you aren't getting for the job is ultimately a marketing cost.

That's not to say you can take every job for less and just consider it marketing, but there are times where it makes sense to do so.

**SEOGlen** · 05-18-2012, 05:26 AM

law of demand and supply. When the demand is low (and you don't have any experience yet) it is just good to start with a lesser price. even if you're new in freelancer.com but you have had many jobs done elsewhere or you already have your own websites that you've done a good job on, then these are good enough to get you started. One cannot simply make their pay as high as those experienced specialist when they don't yet have a track record. and once you get some jobs, you can definitely ask for a review. if you did a good job, they'll always commend you for it and willingly give you a good review.

**vangogh** · 05-18-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

When the demand is low (and you don't have any experience yet) it is just good to start with a lesser price

The downside though is if you keep your prices lower too long those low prices can become part of your brand. A client who chooses you based on price is going to recommend you to others based on that same low price.

I think it's better to price yourself fairly. You can't charge like you have 20 years experiences when you're starting out, but you don't have to be the lowest price either.