1. CraigsList.com
Craig's List is probably the best-known free classified service. It is still free except for postings for jobs in certain areas, brokered apartment rentals in New York, and "erotic" services postings. But you can still post freelance services for free.Craig's list a good resource because it is well-known and respected, but it can be hard to navigate quickly and your posts can quickly get lost in the site which offers little visual appeal to site vistors. Still, it is a great resource for business beginnings to help you get started and establish a client base to build on.
2. Elance
Elance is one of the most popular sites for advertising services but my personal experience with Elance has not been positive. It pays to be savvy and document, document, document in the Elance system in case there is a need to dispute any transactions.There are many “fly-by-night” companies and clients lurking in Elance but there are also many good opportunities if you exercise caution. Be sure to take time to read their fine print.
Elance charges a service fee between 4% to 6% of the total job value, plus payment processing fees (about 2.75%) but the fee decreases as you complete more business on Elance. Basic membership plan is always 6% plus processing fees (for a total of 8.75%).
3. Getafreelancer.com
Listing service for freelancers relating to "all things tech." This site focuses on custom web design and programming projects.You can post for free but to get the most visibility, you must upgrade to a "Gold Membership" for $12.00 per month. Only one account is permitted per vendor.
As with all listing services, buyer (or seller) beware. Getafreelancer.com has many online complaints about problem resolution when deals go bad. As always, read the fine print, even when services are free.
4. Guru.com
This fast growing company has won many awards year after year since 2002 including Ernst and Young’s “2008 Best Entrepreneur.” More than 1 million registered members that include employers and 100,000+ active freelancer profiles. The service is free for employers, and for freelancers:
- Basic - Free
- Guru - $29.95 to $99.95 per quarter
- Guru VENDOR - $38.94 - $129.94 per quarter
- Project Fees are 5% (Guru and Guru VENDORS) or 10% (Basic).
5. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
This free email subscription is for reporters and others seeking articles and contacts. This list is not for posting calls for clients, but it can help you connect with reporters to get your business some positive publicity. You can also use this list to call for content and your own interviews with others to build articles for your website.Peter Shankman, owner of HARO, sends out off-beat and humorous emails 2-3 each day with leads. This free resource for new and growing business owners should not be overlooked.
6. IFreelance.com
You can post your project for free, but the project must be approved by the site's customer support before going live. Unlike with other freelance listing services you pay directly to providers who work for you and there are no additional "processing fees." While the traffic (and overall size of the site) is much smaller than other pay-for sites, for small budgets, the appeal of "free" makes it worth giving a listing here a try.7. KiJiJi.com
Kijiji is an online classified directory (think "Craig's List" with slightly a lot more website polish) where you can list local classifieds for free. The site is very user-friendly and easy to navigate.Although you can list your services for free, bear in mind that you will only reach a local audience.
8. Rentacoder.com
The lackluster site (something you would not expect from a technology service lister) tells you something about the reputation of Rentacoder. This site seems to rely heavily on non-US based business participation and Rentacoder takes a 15% percent fee of your final transaction amount. This flat fee is much higher than what other listing servces charge.I have read many online complaints about unfair practices and inattentiveness to problem resolution that are just as bad as those published about Elance and GetaFreelancer.
9. VirtualAssistantForums.com
For those who need to bounce ideas and resources off the minds of other virtual assistants, this is a great (free) forum resource. Forum sections include everything from the basics, to legal aspects, to avoiding online scams. You can even read through their "RFP" section to find freelance leads and opportunities.If you are not yet well-established as an online viritual assistant, there are many wonderful posters who can provide answers to questions about starting and growing your career as an online virtual assistant.
