DEW is a U.S.-based portal that matches clients with a wide range of specialized freelancers. Its scope is pretty broad. Verticals include software and web development, design, business consulting, administrative assistant work, customer support and client service, marketing and social media, writing and translation, and multimedia production..
Looking for a work?
To get started, you’ll need to create a free DEW account and formally apply for a place on the platform. If accepted, you’ll then create a profile highlighting your experience, competencies, and minimum compensation requirements. You can then respond to up to 15 client-posted jobs per month at no charge and receive unlimited direct solicitations from clients who’ve viewed your profile and think you’d be a good fit for their project.
A stellar profile helps too. DEW advises new users to create complete, error-free profiles with professional photos and comprehensive accountings of relevant skills, experience, and educational credentials.
Landing work on DEW takes some effort. When you come across an appealing job posting, you must put together a proposal that includes your qualifications, estimated completion time (including a detailed timeline for each deliverable), and required compensation – either an hourly rate or a flat fee, depending on the client’s specifications.
Clients generally follow up on proposals that offer the optimal combination of experience, skills, and reasonable compensation requirements. Most jobs involve at least one phone or Skype interview before hiring unless they’re one-off affairs that require just a few hours of work.
Looking to hire talent?
Job postings that require fewer specialized skills, such as website content writing and logo design, tend to have more applicants. More complicated jobs, especially OS-specific development work, may be less competitive. As you gain traction on DEW, you’ll find it easier to compete for sought-after projects, as clients prefer workers with higher lifetime earnings, lots of positive client feedback, and portfolios rich with solid deliverables.
On the compensation front, be aware that you’re competing on price with other freelancers, many of whom are based in lower-cost overseas markets. Your earnings could be lower than you’d like at first. However, your total earnings, endorsements from past clients, and the number of successfully completed jobs all increase your attractiveness to prospective clients. You can manage your active jobs, proposals, postings, and more in your WorkStream dashboard.