Using Facebook for getting Freelance design & development work

Can Facebook be a useful source for getting freelance design and development work? If yes, how much time should one spend on Facebook for this? Also, which areas on the Facebook can be more productive for getting new work and making right work business connections?

Isn’t Facebook for photo sharing & time waste?

“Facebook is just for sharing personal photos, wasting time on browsing funny cat videos and chatting endlessly on Facebook messenger”.

How many times have you heard that?
This is true, but there is a superior business oriented side of Facebook – provided you are ready to explore it!

#1 Get your Facebook profile in right shape

Having a photo of a celebrity as your profile photo won’t help at all. Get started by editing your basic profile information.

– Add a good profile photo (your photo, not your dog/cat).
– Meaningful profile description.
– Add your website or business name in the field.
– Linking to your business Facebook page helps a lot.

#2 Follow leaders in your field of work

Remember to follow people using follow button and do not start by sending a friend request to them. Most likely your friend request would not be accepted. With “follow”, you can easily track their public updates and even comment on them to show your face for some initial visibility.

#3 Facebook groups are gold mine waiting for you

Once you have your Facebook profile all spruced up, start joining Facebook groups related to your field of work. Here is a big list of Facebook groups for WordPress users to get started.

Most likely, you will be accepted in a majority of Facebook groups. If someone does reject your request, nothing is lost – move on and look for another Facebook group.

#4 Behaving the right way in a Facebook group

The first thing you should do on joining a Facebook group is, read the introduction and instructions (usually in the pinned post at the top or in the right sidebar).

Don’t start by spamming group by posting your website links or work you have done. Instead, start by participating in existing threads by commenting or liking stuff. Make a habit of engaging in conversations, which will result in connections down the line.

#5 Should I start my own Facebook group

Sure, why not! Starting a Facebook group is very easy, just a few clicks and you are done. But maintaining and growing Facebook group require a lot of hard work – be prepared for that. Like I try at BasicWP Group on Facebook.

So, where are my leads for Freelance work?

In majority groups, users are looking for help with something or other. Look for opportunities that fit your skill set. Remember, do not work for free for anyone you meet online. Of course, you can help and do small tweaks as “free” courtesy but after that – get on the paid train!