FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Freelancer Service Marketplace - is a marketplace that connects clients who need written content(Employers) with service providers(writers)
Getting Hired Frequently Asked Questions
There are 3 ways you can get a job from Freelancer Service Marketplace;
1. Internal Orders: Internal orders are assignments directly allocated by our company to our writers. Upon activating their account, writers will receive orders from our orders department. It’s crucial to note that consistent delivery of high-quality work is required to continue receiving assignments. In cases where a writer fails to meet this standard, the contract may be terminated, and further assignments will not be provided. To receive the next task, the previous work must have been approved. To join this program, you can sign up by following this link: https://freelancer.or.ke/
2. External Orders: External orders, involve external employers posting projects on our marketplace at https://freelancer.or.ke/projects/. Writers have the autonomy to review project descriptions provided by employers and decide whether they can fulfill the requirements. It’s important to emphasize that the selection of projects and bidding is entirely at the discretion of the writer; the company does not dictate which projects a writer should undertake or who the employer should work with. For detailed guidance on how to bid on external orders, please visit https://freelancer.or.ke/tutorials/how-to-bid/.
3. Referral Program: Our platform also operates a referral program where employers request us to recommend top-quality writers for their projects. We select the best writers based on their outstanding reviews, consistent quality of work, and reliability. This initiative aims to connect exceptional writers with potential employers seeking top-notch writing services through our platform.
Bidding refers to the act of expressing interest in completing a specific writing project posted by a client. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Project Details: Clients post job listings with essential project information, including the title, descriptions, budget, deadline, and any specific requirements.
Writer’s Decision: Freelance writers review these project details and assess whether they have the skills and capacity to undertake the job.
Bid Submission: Writers who are interested in the project submit bids or proposals outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and a proposed fee for completing the work.
Similar to Job Application: Bidding is comparable to applying for a job, where writers present themselves as the best fit for the project based on their expertise.
Client’s Evaluation: Clients evaluate the submitted bids, considering factors such as the writer’s experience, proposed cost, and the approach outlined in the proposal.
Selection Process: The client then selects the writer they believe is most suitable for the project, and the work agreement begins.
In essence, bidding is a fundamental aspect of the freelancing process, allowing writers to compete for and secure writing projects based on their qualifications and proposed terms.
Expressing Interest: Bidding serves as a formal expression of a writer’s interest in undertaking a specific writing project, signaling availability and capability.
Competitive Nature: Bidding is inherently competitive, involving multiple writers vying for the same job. Writers must craft compelling proposals showcasing their skills, experience, and understanding of project requirements.
Customized Proposals: Successful bids entail tailoring proposals to meet the unique needs of the client’s project. This involves demonstrating expertise, offering competitive pricing, and showcasing a fitting writing style.
Negotiation: Following bid submission, clients may accept a writer’s proposal, initiating a negotiation phase. Discussions may cover project specifics, deadlines, and compensation.
Selecting the Right Projects: Writers benefit from strategically choosing projects aligned with their expertise and interests. This increases the likelihood of winning bids and successfully completing projects.
Winning bids as a writer on Freelancer.or.ke requires a strategic approach. Here are key tips to increase your chances:
Create a Strong Profile:
- Develop a comprehensive and professional profile, showcasing your skills, experience, and writing samples.
Understand the Project:
- Thoroughly read and comprehend project descriptions and requirements before bidding to ensure alignment with your capabilities.
Craft a Customized Proposal:
- Write a personalized bid, addressing the client directly, reiterating project requirements, and emphasizing your suitability for the job.
Competitive Pricing:
- Balance your bid’s budget with flexibility, avoiding extremes. Reasonable pricing enhances competitiveness without being too high or too low.
Demonstrate Expertise:
- Highlight expertise in specific niches or industries relevant to the project, showcasing credentials and experience.
Professional Communication:
- Maintain professionalism in all interactions, respond promptly, address concerns, and convey politeness.
Meet Deadlines:
- Timely delivery of high-quality work establishes a positive reputation and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
Provide Quality Samples:
- Include relevant writing samples to showcase your style and quality, when applicable.
Be Responsive:
- Stay engaged throughout the bidding process, respond promptly to client messages, and be open to negotiation.
Build a Strong Reputation:
- Consistently delivering quality work builds a positive platform reputation, enhancing your appeal to clients.
Ask for Feedback:
- Seek client feedback and reviews after completing a project to boost your profile’s credibility.
It’s reasonable to place a budget higher or lower than the budget given by the employer, but it’s important to strike a balance. While flexibility in pricing can help you win bids, it’s unreasonable to bid way too high or way too low.
Balancing Act:
Placing a budget slightly higher or lower than the employer’s offer is a strategic negotiation tactic. It signals flexibility, accommodating the client’s budget while valuing your expertise. This approach enhances your appeal, demonstrating adaptability to potential clients.
Quality vs. Cost:
Extreme pricing, whether too high or too low, has drawbacks. Excessive bids may deter cost-conscious clients, while very low bids raise concerns about work quality and commitment. Strive for a balance that aligns with market rates, project complexity, and your expertise.
Strive for Fairness:
The key is fairness. Consider market standards, project intricacies, and your skill level when determining your bid. A reasonable and competitive bid reflects the value you bring as a writer, ensuring a win-win situation for both you and the client.
Please visit – https://freelancer.or.ke/tutorials/how-to-bid/ for more information.
After completing the bidding process on Freelancer.or.ke, follow these steps:
Wait for the Client’s Decision:
- Allow the client time to review all proposals. This stage requires patience, as clients carefully consider their options.
Check for Notifications:
- Regularly monitor notifications or your email inbox. Freelancer.or.ke will notify you of updates on your bid status, whether it’s accepted, rejected, or if the client has additional questions.
Review the Client’s Response:
- When you receive a response, thoroughly review the client’s message. If your bid is accepted, expect details on project specifics such as deadlines and requirements. If rejected or assigned elsewhere, the system will notify you.
Note Potential Sample Requests:
- Some clients may request samples of previous work or short project-related samples before finalizing their decision. Be prepared to provide these if requested.
Stay responsive and attentive to client communications during this phase to enhance your chances of successfully securing the project.
The time it takes for a client to respond to a submitted bid can vary, influenced by several factors:
Client’s Availability:
- Clients may not be available immediately to review bids due to other responsibilities. They might be assessing multiple proposals, requiring additional time.
Project Urgency:
- Urgent projects often prompt quicker client responses. In contrast, projects with longer deadlines may result in a more extended review process.
Number of Bids:
- The volume of bids received can impact response time. Clients may take longer to evaluate numerous proposals thoroughly.
Client’s Decision-Making Process:
- Each client has a unique decision-making process. Some decide swiftly, while others take more time to consider options. Some may even request additional information or samples before making a decision.
Understanding these factors helps writers manage expectations regarding client response times after bidding.
After successfully winning a project on Freelancer.or.ke, the following steps and responsibilities should be followed:
Client Confirmation:
- Await confirmation from the client, indicating their selection of you for the project.
Project Details:
- Review project-specific details provided by the client, including scope, requirements, word count, topic, keywords, and any specific instructions or guidelines.
Communication:
- Maintain clear and open communication with the client throughout the project. Address questions or concerns promptly and seek clarification when needed.
Deadlines:
- Pay close attention to project deadlines. Communicate in advance if any challenges arise that may affect meeting these deadlines.
Work on the Project:
- Begin working on the project according to the agreed-upon terms. Follow client instructions and adhere to provided guidelines, ensuring high-quality content.
Submit the Work:
- Submit the completed work through the Freelancer.or.ke platform for client review.
Client Review:
- The client will review the submitted work, providing feedback, requesting revisions, or approving the content based on their satisfaction.
Revisions (if needed):
- If revisions or changes are requested, promptly address and implement them. Collaboration and flexibility contribute to client satisfaction.
Payment:
- Once the client is satisfied, they will release payment. Payments are typically received in your Freelancer.or.ke account. Refer to Payment Process for detailed information.
Review:
- The client will leave a review about the delivered project. Positive reviews enhance your platform reputation and credibility for future projects.
You will receive a notification indicating that your bid was not selected by the client or the bid was awarded to someone else. You are likely to lose some project bids. Don’t be discouraged.
There are no restrictions on the number of bids you can submit. You have the flexibility to submit as many bids as you find suitable.
Freelancer.or.ke facilitates communication between employers and writers through a dedicated message board. It’s crucial to adhere to platform rules for a smooth experience:
Message Board Usage:
- Employers initiate conversations through the message board. Utilize this platform for all communications to maintain transparency.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information:
- Do not share personal contact information with employers, as it violates platform terms. Report any client requesting such details.
Providing Writing Samples:
- If a client requests a writing sample, use the message board to submit it. Avoid providing unpaid samples exceeding 200 words.
Email Notifications:
- Stay informed through email notifications whenever an employer sends you a message. Regularly check your email for updates on communications.
Please visit – https://freelancer.or.ke/tutorials/how-to-buy-bids/ for more information.
Integrity and Scam Frequently Asked Questions
Freelancer.or.ke employs a revenue model based on two primary channels:
Bids Purchase:
- Writers purchase bids before submitting proposals for projects. This financial transaction allows writers to actively participate in bidding for projects.
Commission from Projects:
- The platform earns a commission from projects posted by clients. This commission is deducted from the total project cost, providing a revenue stream for the platform.
Supporting Platform Services:
- This revenue model is vital for covering expenses associated with acquiring and maintaining a client base. Attracting and retaining clients is a resource-intensive process, and the generated revenue helps sustain the platform’s services.
Effective Connection Between Clients and Writers:
- Charging for bid purchases ensures a sustainable and effective connection between clients and qualified writers. It supports the platform in maintaining a reliable and competitive marketplace for freelance services.
By utilizing this revenue model, Freelancer.or.ke can continue to provide a valuable platform for both clients and writers.
Freelancer.or.ke charges writers for bids on projects for several strategic reasons:
Revenue Generation:
- Bids serve as a revenue stream crucial for sustaining platform operations. The generated revenue covers expenses related to maintenance, customer support, and marketing efforts.
Quality Control:
- Charging for bids acts as a form of quality control by discouraging low-quality or spammy bids. This measure ensures a higher level of professionalism in the proposals submitted by writers.
Commitment and Professionalism:
- Introducing a financial commitment through bid charges attracts more committed and serious writers. This results in improved quality of work and fosters a sense of professionalism within the platform.
Client Trust:
- Paid bids contribute to client trust by serving as a filter for less dedicated writers. Clients perceive paid bids as a way to attract writers who are serious about their work.
Reduced Overcrowding:
- Charging for bids helps reduce overcrowding on the platform, making it easier for clients to evaluate proposals. This streamlined process benefits both clients and writers.
Balancing Writer and Employer Needs:
- Ultimately, charging writers for bids is a strategic approach that balances the needs of both writers and employers while supporting the long-term sustainability of the marketplace.
At Freelancer.or.ke, several measures are in place to protect writers from potential scams and disputes:
Initial Employer Vetting:
- While we don’t vet employers upon account creation, we closely monitor posted projects. Writers can report suspicious employers or projects, and we take necessary action based on these reports.
Project Deposit:
- Employers are required to deposit project funds with Freelancer.or.ke before awarding a project. This ensures that upon successful completion, writers can receive payment without complications.
Arbitration Process:
- In case of disputes, an arbitration process is available. As employers deposit funds, a fair ruling can be made in favor of the writer if they followed all instructions. Effective arbitration requires open communication and work delivery through the platform.
Ensuring a Secure Environment:
- These measures work in tandem to create a secure environment for writers. Freelancer.or.ke is committed to upholding these safeguards, prioritizing the protection of writers’ interests throughout their freelance journey on the platform.
At Freelancer.or.ke, our management has implemented several measures to protect you from potential scams. Be cautious of the following types of scammers:
Contact Information Request:
- Avoid individuals requesting your phone number or email to award projects outside the platform. Insist on using the platform for all communication and project deliveries to maintain the safeguards in place.
Inappropriate Projects:
- Exercise caution with projects unrelated to writing or lacking clear specifications. Focus on projects aligning with your expertise to ensure a meaningful freelance experience.
Excessive Sample Requests:
- Be cautious if asked to provide sample articles exceeding 200 words without a valid reason. Exercise discretion in sharing extensive samples.
No Project History:
- Be mindful of users regularly posting projects but having no history of awarding them. Profiles with no project history may raise concerns.
Combined Safeguards:
- These precautions, along with our platform’s security measures, contribute to ensuring your safety and minimizing the risk of encountering scammers. Your commitment to following these guidelines and best practices enhances the overall trustworthiness of the freelance experience on Freelancer.or.ke.
As a company, Freelancer.or.ke prioritizes trust and transparency in the freelance writing industry, assuring users of our commitment to safety and security. Here are key points to emphasize:
Legitimacy and Clear Policies:
- Freelancer.or.ke is a legitimate platform with a strong online presence, operating under clear policies and guidelines to ensure transparency.
Secure Payment Handling:
- We provide secure payment handling to guarantee fair compensation for writers. This commitment reinforces our dedication to the financial well-being of our users.
Contact Information:
- Reach out to us at [email protected] for any inquiries or assistance. We value open communication with our users.
Client Verification:
- Mechanisms are in place to verify the legitimacy of clients on our platform, promoting a secure environment for both writers and clients.
Discouragement of Personal Contact Sharing:
- We discourage the sharing of personal contact information, emphasizing secure communication and project deliveries within our platform.
Active Monitoring and Swift Action:
- We actively monitor the platform for suspicious activity and promptly address concerns raised by users, ensuring a responsive approach to maintaining platform integrity.
Robust Arbitration Process:
- A robust arbitration process is in place to resolve disputes, ensuring fair outcomes for both writers and clients.
User Caution and Reporting:
- While striving to provide a safe environment, users are encouraged to exercise caution and report any suspicious behavior. Reading our guidelines and policies is essential, and our support team is ready to assist with any concerns.
Continuous Improvement:
- Freelancer.or.ke is committed to continuous improvement, enhancing services and safety measures to provide a positive experience for all users.
We appreciate the trust our writers place in Freelancer.or.ke, and we remain dedicated to fostering a trustworthy environment in the freelance writing community.
Getting Paid Frequently Asked Questions
Please check – https://freelancer.or.ke/tutorials/payment-process/ for more information
REFUNDS
Refund Policy: The fees and commissions paid to Freelancer.or.ke for site services, including site commissions and bidding packages, are non-refundable. These financial transactions are integral to supporting site administration services, such as staff payments and advertising efforts to attract employers locally and internationally.
Purpose of Fees: The collected fees and commissions contribute to the overall maintenance and enhancement of the platform, ensuring a reliable and effective space for freelance collaborations.
User Responsibility: Users are encouraged to thoroughly understand the platform’s role and services before making payments. As responsible adults, it is assumed that users can make independent decisions based on the information provided in the platform’s contract and other materials.
Customer Support: In case of challenges or inquiries, users are invited to contact Freelancer.or.ke via email for assistance. Support tracking is streamlined through email correspondences, and no support is offered via calls, WhatsApp, or texts.
Freelancer.or.ke appreciates the understanding and cooperation of its users in upholding the platform’s financial and operational sustainability.