In the booming freelancing industry, the demand for freelance work continues to increase, and so does the number of freelancing platforms.
There are currently numerous websites, making it difficult to know where to get started as a freelancer. Guru.com is one of the fantastic websites that connect freelancers with businesses that need their services. We are not only going to introduce it but providing you with top tips and tricks to get the most out of it are there.
So, If you’re ready to join millions of freelancers on Guru and bring your profession to the next tier, read on!
What is Guru?
Guru is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces for finding jobs as a freelancer. It allows you to create a profile where you can showcase your skills and find freelance jobs across various categories. It does not matter if you are a beginner or an expert, you can browse the listings in your desired category and apply for the ones that interest you.
Freelancers can find work on Guru.com by bidding on projects, and businesses can find the perfect freelancer for their projects by browsing through the many profiles on the website.
With over 1.5 million registered professionals, Guru.com is one of the world's largest online communities of freelancers.
Guru is the perfect place to find your next freelance project or a freelancer for your next project. With millions of freelancers and businesses using the platform, you're sure to find what you're looking for on Guru.com.
Guru works as a marketplace for freelancers. It primarily works to connect freelancers with potential employers. The employer posts jobs and anyone from the pool of freelancers signed up with Guru can attempt to bid for the project.
They send a brief to the client, the deliverables, and the rate they charge. Samples, if any, can also be shared. The potential client then sifts through the applications and picks one based on their criteria.
Things to know before getting started
- The most important thing is to research and find the right job that suits your level of experience and has a good reputation.
- In addition, you should know the level of communication with the employer. Find out if they are easy to communicate with or very demanding.
- You should also know the payment terms and conditions.
- Before accepting the job, assure that you are comfortable with such conditions.
Who is Guru for?
Guru is for freelancers looking to supplement the income of their day jobs or turn to freelance as a full-fledged career option. In either scenario, Guru can be used to hunt for gigs.
Websites like Guru help propagate the gig economy and work around the concept of freelancing, which means you can work from any location you desire.
Guru helps employers outsource tasks to freelancers who then accept them or not, depending on their level of expertise.
How does Guru work?
Guru is open to freelancers who are 18 or older. Your first step would be to register and set up your account. You can choose to sign up as a freelancer or an employer.
In this blog post, we are primarily looking at how Guru benefits the freelance community.
When you sign up as a freelancer, you can choose a free or paid membership. The main difference is the number of bids at your disposal. These bids are necessary when applying for jobs.
Finding Your First Freelance Job
- While you are still getting your feet wet, here are a few tips on how to find your first job as a freelancer.
- Search for a project that fits your skill set.
- Read the description and requirements thoroughly and that you have the required skills for the job.
- Create a great cover letter and portfolio to show prospective employers what you’re capable of.
- Mind that you might not get the job the first time, but be consistent.
How to be A Successful Freelancer on Guru
- Be proactive, so stay active on the platform.
- Plus, ensure responding to messages ASAP.
- Your profile is your first point of contact with prospective employers. Ensure to add all the details about your skills and experience. Also, keep it updated.
Gig Application Process
Those who sign up for the free membership have ten bids each month with the option of buying more if needed. The monthly bids available under the free membership do not roll over, unlike purchased bids that do not expire.
The cost structure of the bids is as follows:
- 20 bids – $10
- 40 bids – $20
- 60 bids – $30
- 125 bids – $50
- 250 bids – $100
Should you choose to upgrade to a paid plan, the following would be your option:
- Basic
Free and 10 Bids monthly or 120 a year with a 9% fee.
- Basic+
$11.95 when billed monthly or $8.95/month when billed annually. Fifty bids a month or 600 yearly with a 9% job fee.
- Professional
$21.95 when billed monthly or $15.95/month when billed annually. Fifty bids a month or 600 yearly with a 7% job fee.
- Business
$33.95 when billed monthly or $24.95/month when billed annually. Fifty bids a month or 600 a year with a 6% job fee.
- Executive
$49.95 when billed monthly or $39.95/month when billed annually. Fifty bids a month or 600 a year with a 5% job fee.
How does Guru calculate the amount payable
Guru being an open marketplace, has no predetermined rates. You determine your own working rate, but it is also determined by the competition and the budget stated by the employer.
Depending on the nature and scope of the project, you can arrive, negotiate and claim payment in one of four ways.
1. Milestones
It's a good idea to break down long-term projects into smaller segments with their respective complete dates. Setting a pay rate for each segment would ensure you get paid as you along, and this is infinitely better as it motivates you to stay focussed on the project.
2. Tasks
These are usually smaller projects that are unrelated to each other and can be invoiced individually upon completion.
3. Hourly
Negotiating an hourly rate with new clients can be a tall order as they have no working relationship with you or haven't been privy to your work. While working for established clients, having an hourly rate can provide a stable income.
4. Recurring Payments
Recurring payments would be a mix between hourly payments and milestones. You can negotiate a weekly or monthly retainer when you choose to receive a recurring payment.
Means of Payment Transfer
Guru utilizes their proprietary Safe Pay system, which ensures that you will get paid as employers are required to deposit the funds in escrow.
In theory, it works fine as it will give you confidence that you will get paid. Employers are still required to verify and authorize payment which has been the topic of controversy.
Receive your funds on Guru via:
- Direct Deposit (US banks only)
- PayPal
- Payoneer Prepaid Mastercard
- Wire Transfer (To non-US banks)
Conclusion
As with every business transaction, it's good to exercise some measure of prudence, mainly as there is an exchange of goods and services for money. While every employer may not try to rip you off, be aware that bad apples are everywhere.
Guru has made it easier than ever for freelancers to find jobs they’re passionate about and get paid what they’re worth for their skills and expertise. It offers the best tools and resources for freelancers seeking jobs, and businesses looking for candidates. If you’re ready to find work on Guru, there’s no better time to start than now!
If you like the content, don’t forget to go through our other articles here.
In this case, it is always good to follow your instinct and look for obvious red flags when conducting business on freelance sites. One obvious red flag would be when the potential client asks to take the business dealing offline. Drop the transaction like a hot potato as there is no guarantee you will get paid, and the platform can play no part in assisting you to recover the money due to you.
Implementing these tips with essential caution will guide you on your freelance journey on Guru. For more premium tips for freelancing, read our blog.
FAQs:
1. Is Guru good for freelancing?
Guru is a reasonably good option for freelancing. But it would help if you noted that you would be competing with established freelancers. It is a great marketplace, and you can find a wide range of work. From data entry and content creation to design and programming, you can find almost every type of work as a freelancer.
2. Is It Free To Use Guru As A Freelancer?
Yes, it is free to use Guru as a freelancer. You don’t have to pay anything to create and apply for jobs. But there are paid plans, starting from $11.95 per month.
3. Is Guru better than Fiverr?
There is no easy answer to this question. Guru takes a more simplistic approach to freelancing, while Fiverr offers many services across the freelance spectrum and is a more versatile platform.
4. What is Safe Pay in Guru?
Safe Pay refers to the amount held in escrow and paid by the employer to ensure the freelancer gets their due.
5. What percentage does Guru take?
Guru claims anything between 5% to 9% depending on your chosen plan from every successful contract.
