To be a successful freelancer you have to be able to find freelance jobs and clients. Whether you are a web designer or a writer, there are several ways that you can successfully land freelance jobs. Here are just some of the many ways to find freelance jobs.

StarReviews Top 3 Freelance Websites

1) Elance

2) Guru.com

3) GetACoder

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Freelancing Bidding Sites
There are several freelance job websites that require you to bid on projects that are posted by companies looking to get projects completed. Some of these websites include Elance.com, Guru.com, and Odesk.com. Even though these sites require you to bid on jobs, not every buyer is looking for the cheapest person, as most are concerned with quality and want the project done right. Also, with these types of freelancing websites, it is much easier to collect payment and make sure that you are paid for your services on time. Many freelancers have been able to land jobs on these websites that end up becoming long term clients instead of just one time jobs.

Referrals
Once you work for one client and they are satisfied with your work, as them in a polite manner if they wouldn't mind referring you to other people that they know or may come across looking for a freelancer. If a client is satisfied with your work, most of them will not mind doing this for you. This can be a great way to establish network connections especially if you work in a specific niche. This is also why it is very important that you treat every client with respect and only give them your best quality work.

Social Media Sites
Some people don't believe that social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can be a great way to land freelancing jobs. The key to them is to not look like you are desperate or bug people about jobs. You need to basically make connections and friends by posting  quality information and being friendly to others. You never know when that person that you talk to from a big marketing company is going to need a writer to write a sales page. Never spam your work on these sites as most people will ignore you or not want to hire someone who is only interested in spamming others.

Cold Calling
Check out the local yellow pages in your area for any companies that may be in need of your service. If you are a web developer or designer, send out a postcard advertising your services and what they can do for the company. Then, about a week later, place a follow-up call to the company to further sell your services. Even if you only end up doing jobs for  1 out of 10 that you cold call, that can potentially grow your business exponentially. The client may use you for several different projects, which can mean a lot of money for you or they may decide to refer you to other people that they know in the business as well, which means more clients and money for you as well.

There are several ways that a freelancer can find freelancing jobs, but they do require time and effort. A freelancer should be sure to include time in their schedule for finding these freelancing jobs.