Making Money on 99Designs: A Freelancer's Guide to Design Jobs

 

Are you a creative freelancer looking to turn your design skills into a profitable career? 99Designs might just be the platform you're looking for. In this guide, we'll take you through the ins and outs of making money on 99Designs, giving you actionable steps to boost your freelance design career.

Table of Contents

Sr#	Headings
1	Introduction to 99Designs
2	How 99Designs Works
3	Setting Up Your Profile for Success
4	Finding Design Jobs That Match Your Skills
5	Participating in Design Contests
6	Building a Winning Portfolio
7	Networking with Clients
8	Understanding Pricing and Payment
9	Common Pitfalls to Avoid
10	Growing Your Reputation on 99Designs
11	Expanding Your Freelance Business Beyond 99Designs
12	Conclusion: Making the Most of 99Designs
13	FAQs

Introduction to 99Designs

If you're new to the world of freelancing, you might be wondering, "What is 99Designs?" Think of it as an online marketplace that connects designers with clients who need design work. From logo creation to web design, 99Designs offers a wide range of projects that freelancers can bid on or compete for. But how exactly do you make money on this platform, and is it worth your time? Let's dive into the details.

How 99Designs Works

99Designs operates on two main models: design contests and direct client work. In design contests, clients set up a brief for a project, and multiple designers submit their work. The client then selects the winner, who receives the payment. Alternatively, freelancers can work directly with clients on one-to-one projects. This setup allows for flexibility, but it also requires strategy to make the most out of your time and skills.

Setting Up Your Profile for Success

To sign up and start a project on 99Designs, follow these steps:

1. Create an Account

• Visit the 99Designs Website: Go to 99Designs.
• Click on "Sign Up": Locate the "Sign Up" button at the top-right corner of the homepage.
• Choose How to Sign Up: You can create an account using your email address or sign up with your Google or Facebook account.
• Complete the Registration Form: If using email, fill out the required details, including your name, email, and password.
• Confirm Your Email: You may need to verify your email address by clicking on the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

2. Start a Project

• Log In to Your Account: Once your account is created, log in with your credentials.
• Choose a Design Category: Select the type of project you want to start, such as logo design, website design, or packaging design.
• Describe Your Project: Provide detailed information about your project, including your brand’s vision, preferences, and any specific requirements.
• Set Your Budget: Choose the pricing package that fits your budget. You can either run a design contest or hire a designer directly.
• Launch Your Project: After setting everything up, click "Start" to launch your project. Designers will start submitting their work for your review.

From there, you can communicate with designers, provide feedback, and select your winning design.

Finding Design Jobs That Match Your Skills

One of the keys to success on 99Designs is knowing where to focus your efforts. The platform offers a variety of design jobs, from logo and branding projects to website design and illustration work. Look for jobs that align with your skills and experience. It’s tempting to apply for everything, but focusing on your strengths will increase your chances of winning contests or landing direct jobs.

Participating in Design Contests

Design contests are a popular feature of 99Designs, and they can be a great way to build your portfolio and reputation. But they can also be competitive. Here are a few tips to stand out:

• Read the Brief Carefully: Make sure you understand exactly what the client is looking for before starting your design.
• Submit Early: Getting your design in early can help you get noticed by the client.
• Be Open to Feedback: Many clients will provide feedback on submissions. Use this to your advantage by making revisions that improve your design.

Building a Winning Portfolio

Your portfolio on 99Designs is more than just a collection of your work—it's a tool to win clients. To build a strong portfolio:

• Include a Variety of Work: Showcase different types of design projects to appeal to a broad range of clients.
• Highlight Your Best Work: Quality over quantity is key here. Select pieces that demonstrate your unique style and abilities.
• Update Regularly: As you complete new projects, add them to your portfolio to keep it fresh and relevant.

Networking with Clients

99Designs isn’t just about design contests—it’s also a platform for building long-term client relationships. Once you've completed a project, don't just disappear. Follow up with clients, ask for feedback, and let them know you're available for future work. A strong client relationship can lead to repeat business and referrals.

Understanding Pricing and Payment

Getting paid on 99Designs is straightforward, but understanding how to price your services can be tricky. The platform offers different tiers of pricing based on the type of work and your experience level. Be sure to:

• Research Market Rates: Know what other designers are charging for similar work.
• Consider Your Experience: If you're just starting, you may need to price lower to attract clients, but as you gain experience, don't be afraid to raise your rates.
• Understand Fees: 99Designs takes a percentage of your earnings, so factor this into your pricing strategy.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While 99Designs can be a great platform for freelancers, it's not without its challenges. Some common pitfalls include:

• Overcommitting: It’s easy to get excited and take on too many projects at once. Be realistic about your time and abilities.
• Undervaluing Your Work: Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is worth. If you price too low, you could end up working a lot for little return.
• Ignoring Client Feedback: Listening to your clients is key to building a successful freelancing career on 99Designs.

Growing Your Reputation on 99Designs

As with any freelance platform, your reputation is everything. Positive reviews from clients can help you stand out and attract more work. Here’s how to build a strong reputation:

• Deliver High-Quality Work: Consistently producing top-notch designs will keep clients happy and coming back.
• Communicate Clearly: Good communication goes a long way in ensuring that both you and the client are on the same page.
• Meet Deadlines: Always deliver your work on time. Reliability is a trait that clients highly value.

Expanding Your Freelance Business Beyond 99Designs

While 99Designs is a fantastic platform to start your freelancing career, don't limit yourself to just one avenue. As you build your portfolio and client base, consider branching out to other freelance platforms, creating your own website, or reaching out to clients directly. Diversifying your income streams can help you build a more sustainable freelance business.

Conclusion: Making the Most of 99Designs

Making money on 99Designs requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and perseverance. By setting up a strong profile, focusing on the right jobs, and building solid client relationships, you can turn your design skills into a thriving freelance career. Remember, success on 99Designs doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and effort, it can become a valuable part of your freelancing toolkit.

FAQs

1. How do I get started on 99Designs?
• Sign up for an account, set up your profile, and start browsing design contests or direct job opportunities.
2. Is 99Designs free to use?
• Yes, it’s free to join, but 99Designs takes a percentage of your earnings from each project or contest you win.
3. How can I increase my chances of winning a design contest?
• Read the brief carefully, submit your work early, and be open to feedback from the client to improve your design.
4. What types of design jobs are available on 99Designs?
• The platform offers various jobs, including logo design, web design, illustration, and more.
5. Can I work with clients directly on 99Designs?
• Yes, aside from contests, you can work one-on-one with clients on individual projects for agreed-upon rates.