How to Stand Out on Job Boards (and Avoid Competition)

1. Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Visibility

Your profile is your first impression on job boards, and it plays a pivotal role in attracting the right clients. A strong, optimized profile increases your chances of being discovered and chosen over other freelancers. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

Craft a Compelling Profile Description

Your profile description should provide a clear snapshot of who you are as a writer, what you specialize in, and what makes you unique. The goal is to be concise yet informative, giving potential clients enough information to want to reach out.

Write a Clear, Concise Overview: Start with a few sentences about your writing background, the types of clients you work with, and what you’re passionate about. For example, “I’m a seasoned freelance writer with 5+ years of experience specializing in content marketing and SEO. I help businesses increase their online visibility through engaging blog posts, articles, and product descriptions.”
Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP): What sets you apart from other freelance writers? Do you have a unique approach to writing? Do you have industry expertise that others don’t? For example, you could say, “I combine my passion for storytelling with proven SEO strategies to help brands create content that not only resonates with readers but also ranks on Google.”
Include Niche Specialties: If you have specific skills or specialize in a niche area like SEO writing, technical writing, content strategy, or email copywriting, mention it clearly. This will help attract clients who need that expertise. For instance, “With my background in digital marketing, I’m able to craft content that’s both SEO-optimized and conversion-focused—perfect for businesses looking to grow their online presence.”

Use Keywords

Job boards often have search features that allow clients to find freelancers based on specific keywords or phrases. If you want your profile to show up in these searches, you need to incorporate the right keywords.

Research Keywords: Spend time researching the keywords and phrases that clients in your niche are likely to search for when looking for writers. For example, if you’re an SEO writer, keywords might include “SEO content writer,” “SEO blog posts,” or “content marketing writer.”
Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Once you’ve identified relevant keywords, weave them into your profile description, skills section, and even your portfolio. Avoid keyword stuffing, as this can make your profile sound unnatural. Instead, aim for a conversational tone while subtly including terms that potential clients would search for. For example, “As a content marketing strategist, I specialize in creating SEO-optimized blog posts that attract traffic and engage readers.”

Showcase Your Portfolio

A portfolio is essential for showcasing your writing skills and demonstrating your versatility to potential clients. It’s the most powerful tool you have to prove your ability.

Include Relevant Writing Samples: Your portfolio should feature samples that align with the type of work you want to attract. If you want to focus on blog writing, include a few well-written blog posts. If you’re aiming for copywriting or product descriptions, showcase that type of writing. Be sure to highlight a diverse range of samples to demonstrate your versatility.
Make Sure Your Portfolio is Polished: Only showcase your best work. The quality of your samples is far more important than the quantity. Choose pieces that are well-written, clear, and professional. If possible, include results—such as increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, or positive client feedback—as proof of your success.
Add a Personal Touch: In addition to professional work, consider including samples of personal writing that might show your creativity or voice. This can help clients understand your style and potential for different types of projects.

Include Testimonials and Reviews

Testimonials and reviews can be incredibly powerful when it comes to building trust and credibility. Social proof is a powerful tool that reassures clients you are capable and reliable.

Gather Testimonials from Past Clients: Even if you’re just starting out, you can request testimonials from clients or colleagues you’ve worked with in the past. If you’ve done any pro bono work or written for friends, ask them for a review of your services. For example, “Jane provided exceptional content that helped us improve our website’s ranking. Her attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines made her an invaluable asset to our team.”
Highlight Positive Feedback: If you’ve received positive reviews or ratings on job boards, make sure these are visible on your profile. Clients often trust peer reviews more than self-promotion, so showcasing happy clients can go a long way toward making you appear more trustworthy and credible.
Leverage Testimonials for Specific Skills: If you specialize in a particular niche, be sure to gather testimonials that reflect your expertise in that area. For example, “Mark’s SEO knowledge helped our website’s blog increase its search rankings by 30% in just three months.”

2. Tailor Your Proposals to Each Job Posting

One of the most effective ways to stand out in a crowded job board is by submitting tailored proposals that speak directly to the client’s needs. Generic proposals often get overlooked, as they fail to address the client’s unique requirements or show any real effort. A personalized pitch not only demonstrates that you’ve paid attention to the job posting, but it also shows your expertise and enthusiasm for the project.

Here’s how you can tailor your proposals to maximize your chances of landing a job:

Avoid Generic Proposals

The key to standing out from the competition is personalization. If you want your proposal to grab the client’s attention, avoid using the same template for every application. Instead, focus on the specifics of the job posting to demonstrate your understanding and how your skills are a perfect match.

Address the Client’s Specific Needs: Carefully read through the job description and identify the client’s pain points or specific needs. Don’t just offer a generic pitch about how great you are as a writer—take the time to explain how your experience and skills align directly with the project requirements. For example, instead of saying, “I am a skilled content writer,” say, “I specialize in writing SEO-optimized blog posts for small businesses, and I can help you increase your online visibility by creating high-quality content that speaks directly to your target audience.”
Customize Your Pitch: Tailor your proposal to emphasize how you can solve the specific problem or meet the particular needs outlined in the job post. If the job involves creating engaging content for a new product launch, mention your experience with product descriptions, marketing copy, or similar projects. Show the client that you understand their business goals and that you’re the best fit for the job.

Use a Hook in Your Opening Line

Your opening line is the first thing a potential client will read, and it has the power to either capture their attention or turn them away. A compelling opening sentence can make the difference between being passed over and getting the job.

Capture the Client’s Attention: Start with a strong, engaging opening sentence that directly addresses the client’s needs or highlights why you’re the perfect candidate for the project. A hook should demonstrate that you’ve carefully read the job description and that you understand what the client is looking for. For example, instead of saying, “I’m a freelance writer interested in your project,” try something like, “I see you’re looking for a writer who can craft SEO-focused blog posts that attract more traffic. With my 5+ years of experience in SEO writing, I can help you achieve that goal by creating content that ranks and engages.”
Show You Understand Their Challenge: A great way to hook the client is by referencing a specific challenge or pain point they’ve mentioned in the job description. Then, briefly explain how you can solve it. For instance, if a client mentions struggling with low engagement on their blog posts, you could say, “I noticed you’re looking to boost engagement on your blog—my approach to writing includes a focus on compelling calls to action and shareable content, which can help increase reader interaction.”

Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Client’s Industry

Taking the time to demonstrate your understanding of the client’s industry or niche can be a game-changer in your proposal. It shows that you’ve done your research, that you understand the language of the industry, and that you’re invested in the client’s business goals.

Research the Client’s Business or Niche: Before writing your proposal, take a few minutes to learn about the client’s industry, business, or specific challenges they might be facing. For example, if the client is in the tech industry, mention how your experience writing technical content can help explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way for their audience. This attention to detail shows the client that you’re not just a generic writer, but someone who understands their unique needs.
Reference Industry Terms or Trends: If possible, incorporate industry-specific terms or trends to demonstrate your expertise. This not only shows that you’re knowledgeable, but it also helps establish credibility with the client. For example, “As a content strategist for e-commerce businesses, I understand the importance of writing product descriptions that not only highlight features but also increase conversion rates. I can help you craft compelling content that drives sales and builds brand trust.”
Prove Your Genuine Interest: Demonstrating that you’ve done your research and have an interest in the client’s business can help build rapport. Avoid generic phrases like, “I can write about anything,” and instead say, “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a growing tech startup like yours. I’ve helped other similar companies create content that resonates with their target audience and generates leads.”

3. Build Your Reputation Through Small Projects

When you’re starting out on freelance job boards, one of the best ways to build your reputation and gain momentum is by taking on smaller, less competitive projects. While it might be tempting to aim for high-paying, long-term contracts right away, these can be more challenging to land when you don’t have a proven track record on the platform. Instead, starting with smaller gigs can help you build credibility, gain reviews, and develop a professional portfolio. Here’s how to make the most of these early opportunities:

Start with Lower-Paying or Shorter Gigs

It’s natural to want to start with high-paying jobs, but when you’re building your reputation on job boards, the key to success is often quantity over quality—at least in the beginning. Lower-paying or short-term projects provide the perfect opportunity to prove your skills without the pressure of a large commitment.

Take on Smaller, Less Competitive Jobs: Starting with lower-paying gigs or jobs that are less competitive will give you the chance to gain experience, build confidence, and demonstrate your reliability. For example, instead of applying for a $500 blog post for a major tech company, you might start with a $50 product description for a small e-commerce business. While it may not pay as much, the value lies in the opportunity to build your profile and establish relationships with clients.
Focus on Building a Positive Reputation: Your main goal when starting with smaller projects should be to earn positive reviews and ratings. Even if the pay is modest, consistently delivering great work on time will help you build a track record of reliability. A handful of excellent reviews can dramatically improve your chances of landing bigger projects in the future.
Get Your Foot in the Door: Smaller jobs give you a foot in the door and allow clients to see what you’re capable of. Once you’ve proven your worth on smaller projects, it’s easier to negotiate higher rates or ask for larger, long-term contracts. Clients who are happy with your work may return to you for bigger opportunities as they come up

Overdeliver on Every Job

One of the best ways to distinguish yourself from other freelancers—especially when you’re building a reputation—is by going above and beyond for every client. By consistently overdelivering, you not only build a positive reputation but also increase the likelihood of getting repeat business, referrals, and higher-paying opportunities down the line.

Go the Extra Mile: It’s easy to meet the minimum expectations for a project but going above and beyond will set you apart. This could mean delivering your work ahead of schedule, providing additional value like keyword research for a blog post, or offering insightful suggestions that improve the client’s content. Small touches like formatting a document in a client-friendly way or suggesting better headlines for a blog post can show the client that you are truly invested in their success.
Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity: Ensure that every piece of work you submit is top-notch, even if the project is small or underpaid. High-quality work will get you noticed more than anything, and it’s what will lead to positive reviews and long-term client relationships. Never sacrifice quality just because a job is small—remember, it’s building your reputation.
Provide Value Beyond the Scope: Whenever possible, offer something extra that enhances the client’s experience. For example, if you’re writing blog posts, you could include SEO suggestions or offer content ideas for future posts. If you’re writing product descriptions, you could suggest ways to improve their product pages or increase conversion rates. These value-added extras not only show your expertise but also increase client satisfaction.
Encourage Client Feedback: After completing each job, always ask the client for feedback. If they’re happy with your work, request a testimonial or review. The more positive feedback you gather, the stronger your profile becomes, which will ultimately lead to more opportunities.

4. Be Selective with the Jobs You Apply For

One of the most common mistakes new freelancers make is applying for every job that seems remotely related to their skill set. While it may feel like casting a wide net will increase your chances of landing gigs, the truth is that being selective about the jobs you apply for is far more effective in the long run. Applying strategically allows you to focus your energy on opportunities that align with your expertise, interests, and financial goals, while avoiding burnout from applying to jobs that aren’t the right fit.

Here’s how to take a more focused approach to landing freelance writing gigs:

Don’t Apply for Every Job

While it can be tempting to apply for as many jobs as possible, quality is always more important than quantity when it comes to freelancing. Applying indiscriminately can waste your time and energy on projects that are a poor fit, or even lead to frustration when you don’t hear back. Instead, be intentional about where you direct your efforts.

Focus on Jobs That Match Your Expertise: Only apply for jobs where your skills align with the project requirements. For example, if you have a background in digital marketing, focus on content marketing jobs, SEO writing, or email campaigns. Don’t waste your time on general writing jobs or topics that you have no experience in.
Consider Your Interests: Freelancing is all about working on projects that excite you and align with your personal interests. If you dislike writing about a particular topic (e.g., technical content, travel, or health), chances are you won’t do your best work. Choose jobs that you’re passionate about, as this will make the writing process more enjoyable and help you produce better results.
Assess Pay Rate Expectations: While taking on lower-paying projects can help you build your profile, it’s also important to be mindful of the rates you’re willing to accept. Be realistic about the amount of work and effort that goes into each job and choose projects that will pay you fairly for your time and skills.
Don’t Apply Just for the Sake of It: Quality matters more than simply applying to as many jobs as possible. By taking the time to choose the right projects, you increase your chances of getting hired for jobs that will allow you to deliver your best work, build a strong portfolio, and earn a fair income.

Look for Niche Jobs

While many job boards have general writing gigs, there are also a wide range of niche opportunities that can provide higher pay and more long-term potential. Specializing in a particular area can help you stand out from the crowd of generalist writers and attract clients who need expertise in a specific field.

Find Niches with High Demand: There are many specialized writing niches that are in high demand but less crowded than general content writing. Some examples include:

Medical Writing: Content related to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or wellness.
Financial Content: Writing for the finance industry, such as investment blogs, personal finance, or fintech companies.
Tech Writing: Writing for the tech industry, including software documentation, app descriptions, and how-to guides.
Legal Writing: Content for law firms, including case studies, blog posts, and legal documentation.
E-Learning and Education: Writing for online courses, instructional materials, and educational platforms.

Clients in these specialized niches are typically willing to pay more for writers who understand the subject matter and can produce high-quality, accurate content.

Leverage Your Background: If you have specialized knowledge or a background in a particular field, make sure to highlight it in your profile and pitch proposals in that niche. For instance, if you have a background in engineering or tech, you could target writing jobs for software companies or create content about new technologies.
Specialized Clients Value Expertise: Niche clients are more likely to value your expertise and be willing to pay higher rates because specialized knowledge is often required to create accurate, insightful content. By positioning yourself as an expert in a niche, you increase your chances of attracting clients who will respect your expertise and are willing to invest in high-quality work.
Reduce Competition: One of the biggest advantages of targeting niche jobs is that there is less competition than in more general writing fields. While many freelance writers are applying for broad content writing or blog writing jobs, fewer writers specialize in areas like law, technology, or medical writing. As a result, you’ll have less competition for those projects, making it easier to stand out and land the gig.

5. Leverage the Power of Time

When it comes to finding the best freelance writing gigs on job boards, timing is everything. By applying at the right moment, you can increase your chances of standing out and securing the job before the competition gets too fierce. Additionally, using time strategically allows you to be more efficient with your job applications, ensuring you’re always on top of new opportunities. Here’s how you can leverage the power of timing to your advantage:

Apply Early or Late

Timing your application correctly can make a significant difference in your chances of landing the gig. Freelance job boards can become flooded with applications quickly, making it hard for your proposal to stand out. The key is to apply when the job posting is either fresh or when the client is still looking for the right candidate.

Apply Early: One of the best ways to ensure your application is seen is by applying as soon as the job is posted. In the first few hours or even minutes, a job posting often attracts far fewer applicants, so you’re more likely to get noticed. When you apply early, you give yourself the opportunity to be one of the first writers considered for the role, which can make you seem proactive and eager.
Apply Late: On the flip side, applying toward the end of the job listing’s window can also be an effective strategy. This works especially well for clients who haven’t yet found the right candidate. By the time you apply, they may have reviewed dozens of generic proposals and are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Your thoughtful, tailored pitch might just be the one they need to reconsider their choices.

Set Up Alerts

Job boards are often updated in real-time, which means you could miss out on great opportunities if you’re not keeping a close eye on the listings. Fortunately, most job boards offer alert features that notify you whenever a new job is posted that fits your criteria. By setting up job alerts, you can ensure that you never miss out on the perfect opportunity.

Use Job Board Filters: Most job boards allow you to filter search results based on criteria like keywords, pay rate, job type, or industry. Once you’ve set your filters according to your preferences and expertise, you can set up notifications that will alert you whenever new jobs are posted that match your criteria.
Customize Your Alerts for Maximum Efficiency: Set alerts based on specific keywords related to your niche, skill set, or preferred industries. This ensures you’re only notified about jobs that align with your expertise, so you can spend more time focusing on quality applications rather than sifting through irrelevant listings.

6. Network with Clients and Other Freelancers

Networking isn’t just about getting your name out there—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can lead to new opportunities, referrals, and collaborations. When it comes to finding freelance writing gigs on job boards, networking with both potential clients and fellow freelancers can help you stand out and access opportunities that might not be available through standard applications. Here’s how you can leverage networking to your advantage:

Engage with Potential Clients

Many freelancers focus solely on submitting their proposals and waiting for a response, but engaging directly with clients on job boards can give you a distinct edge over others. By initiating conversations or leaving thoughtful comments on job postings, you can show clients that you’re proactive, personable, and genuinely interested in their needs.

Ask Clarifying Questions: If a job posting is vague or you need more information to understand the client’s expectations, don’t hesitate to ask questions. This shows initiative and can demonstrate your problem-solving approach, which is a desirable trait for clients. Instead of just sending a proposal, you can use your message to engage with the client by inquiring about their goals, preferred writing style, or deadlines. For instance, you could write, “I’m really interested in this project! Could you clarify if you’re looking for blog posts or product descriptions, and is there a particular tone you’d like me to adopt?”
Leave Thoughtful Comments: Some job boards allow clients to interact with freelancers before hiring them. If that’s the case, take a moment to leave a meaningful comment on the job posting. For example, if the client mentions a specific industry trend or challenge, you could write a short comment offering a suggestion or insight related to the topic. This kind of engagement shows that you are knowledgeable and passionate about the work.
Show Initiative and Interest: Simply applying for a job can feel transactional, but taking the time to engage beyond the application process shows initiative and genuine interest. When you ask insightful questions, leave comments, or reach out for clarification, you make a lasting impression. Clients may be more likely to consider you because you’ve shown that you’re actively thinking about their project.

Connect with Other Freelancers

While job boards often emphasize competing for individual gigs, networking with other freelancers can create collaborative opportunities and foster a sense of community. Fellow freelancers can be great allies when it comes to finding work or expanding your professional network.

Network for Collaboration Opportunities: Freelancers in the same niche may find themselves overloaded with work or encounter projects that don’t align with their skills or interests. This is where networking with other freelancers can come in handy. If you establish good relationships with colleagues in your niche, you can refer work to one another.
Exchange Referrals: Freelancers often face the challenge of being busy or needing a specific skillset for a particular project. By connecting with other writers and freelancers in related fields, you open up the possibility of receiving referrals for jobs that aren’t a good fit for their skill set but align with yours.
Join Niche Freelance Communities: There are often niche communities and forums for freelancers in specific industries. For example, if you specialize in medical writing or tech writing, you may find groups on social media, LinkedIn, or dedicated freelancing platforms where you can engage with other professionals.

7. Build Your Online Presence Beyond Job Boards

While job boards are an essential tool for finding freelance writing gigs, relying solely on them can limit your opportunities and leave you competing with a vast pool of other freelancers. Building a strong online presence outside of job boards can enhance your credibility, demonstrate your expertise, and make you more visible to potential clients. Whether it’s through a personal website, social media, or other platforms, establishing your online presence is a key strategy for long-term freelance success. Here’s how you can do it:

Create a Personal Website or Blog

A personal website or blog is one of the most powerful tools in building your brand and showcasing your freelance writing skills. It acts as a central hub for potential clients to learn more about you, view your portfolio, and understand your approach to writing.

Showcase Your Work and Expertise: A website allows you to display your portfolio in a clean, professional format. You can categorize your writing samples, making it easy for clients to find work that matches their needs. For example, if you specialize in SEO writing, content marketing, or tech writing, you can organize your portfolio to highlight those areas specifically.
Establish Your Authority: A blog on your personal website is a great way to position yourself as an expert in your niche. You can share writing tips, case studies, industry insights, or personal experiences related to freelancing. Not only does this help you connect with your audience, but it also shows clients that you’re committed to your craft and stay up-to-date with trends and best practices.
Increase Your Professionalism: Having a personal website adds a layer of professionalism to your freelance profile. It shows that you take your business seriously and are willing to invest in creating an online presence. Clients may be more likely to trust you with their work if they see that you have a dedicated, polished site.

Link to Your Website in Your Profile

Once you’ve built a website or portfolio, make sure to include a link to it in your job board profiles, email signature, and any other online profiles you maintain. This gives potential clients an easy way to access your full body of work and learn more about your services.

Make It Easy for Clients to Find You: Including a link to your website in your profile is an easy, low-effort way to enhance your credibility. Clients can quickly click through to see your work and read more about your services, which may help them make a faster decision when hiring you.
Highlight Your Best Work: Your profile on job boards may only allow you to upload a few samples or write a brief description of your services. However, your website allows you to showcase a larger variety of work and even offer testimonials or case studies that demonstrate your success in the field.

Grow Your Social Media Presence

Social media is an invaluable tool for connecting with clients and building a network beyond job boards. Whether it’s through LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or other platforms, a strong social media presence can help you demonstrate your knowledge, engage with potential clients, and increase your visibility as a freelance writer.

LinkedIn: Build a Professional Profile: LinkedIn is one of the most powerful platforms for freelancers, especially when it comes to building credibility and connecting with potential clients. A complete LinkedIn profile with a detailed work history, portfolio links, and recommendations can help position you as an industry expert.
X (Twitter): Share Industry Insights and Engage: X is a great platform for engaging with other freelancers, sharing your work, and providing value to your audience. By tweeting about industry trends, writing tips, or even offering advice, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. Engage with others by commenting on posts, joining relevant hashtags, or participating in X chats.
Instagram: Show Behind-the-Scenes and Personal Branding: While Instagram is more visual, it can still be a great tool for personal branding. Share behind-the-scenes moments of your writing process, tips, or even personal anecdotes that humanize you as a freelancer. If you have a niche or focus on lifestyle writing, Instagram can also be a place to showcase that.

8. Stay Consistent and Professional

In the world of freelance writing, professionalism and consistency are key to building a strong reputation and securing steady work. Whether you’re applying for new jobs, interacting with clients, or following up on proposals, the way you communicate and manage your time can greatly influence your success. Here’s how staying consistent and maintaining professionalism can help you build a sustainable and thriving freelance career:

Maintain a Professional Tone

As a freelancer, you are not just selling your writing skills—you are selling your professionalism, work ethic, and ability to manage client relationships. The way you communicate with potential clients, whether in messages or proposals, sets the tone for your future interactions and can directly impact your chances of being hired.

Always Communicate Professionally: When applying for jobs or communicating with clients, make sure your tone remains courteous, respectful, and professional, no matter the nature of the project. Even if you’re applying for lower-budget jobs or dealing with difficult clients, it’s important to maintain a positive and professional approach. Clients are more likely to hire freelancers who are polite, responsive, and easy to work with.
Respond Promptly and Courteously: Whether it’s answering a message, responding to client inquiries, or following up on a proposal, always aim to respond in a timely manner. Delayed or unprofessional responses can make clients feel that you’re disorganized or unreliable.
Handle Difficult Situations Calmly: Sometimes you may encounter clients who are difficult or have unrealistic expectations. It’s important to maintain composure and professionalism in these situations. Politely explain your boundaries, clarify any misunderstandings, and try to find common ground without becoming defensive or frustrated.

Be Consistent in Applying

Building a successful freelance writing career requires constant effort and dedication. One of the keys to maintaining a steady stream of projects is consistency in applying for jobs. The freelance world can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay proactive and ensure that your freelance pipeline stays full.

Set a Daily Routine: Make checking job boards a daily habit. Even if you’re busy with ongoing projects, carve out time each day to look for new opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Regularly applying for jobs helps you stay visible to potential clients and increases your chances of landing new gigs.
Track Your Applications: To avoid applying for the same job multiple times and ensure you’re not wasting time, keep track of the jobs you’ve applied to, their status, and any follow-up actions required. You can use a spreadsheet or a task manager to track deadlines, client responses, and project details.
Be Persistent but Not Overbearing: Persistence is important in freelancing, but it’s also important not to overwhelm clients with excessive follow-up messages or multiple applications for the same job. Aim to apply for relevant opportunities and follow up professionally, when necessary, but don’t become a nuisance. A polite follow-up after a week or two shows interest without being pushy.
Diversify Your Applications: Apply to a range of job types and industries, especially when you’re starting out. This increases your chances of finding gigs that match your skill set. As you gain experience, narrow your focus to niches you enjoy and excel in, but still keep your options open when applying for new projects.

Stand Out on the Job Boards and Score Well-Paying Work

Navigating job boards and securing freelance writing gigs can feel like a competitive and overwhelming task, but by implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve your chances of standing out and landing the opportunities you desire.

Please share your strategies for standing out on the job boards in the comments!