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oDesk is an online marketplace to hire freelancers of various skills and expertise. It is one of the websites that has made it possible for people with different skills to connect with people who are in need, and willing to pay for their services. From website designers, content writers, software developers, mobile App developers to administrative assistants, oDesk is filled with professionals and non-professionals with all levels of expertise. Like other online marketplaces for services, oDesk works by allowing freelancers to sign up and create a professional account for themselves. The account contains personal information, professional and educational experiences, previous work samples as well as oDesk certified tests in various fields. This profile is a good substitute for freelancers who are either uninterested in, or unable to afford a personal website. For people looking to hire freelancers to work on their project, a sign up is also required on oDesk. But unlike the freelancers, people looking to hire only have to post their job openings and requirements for freelancers to apply. After receiving all applications, the prospective client can look through all the applicants and select the most suitable. oDesk also serves as a buffer between the client and the freelancers, in terms of communication and payment. For example, you are only allowed to communicate with a client within the oDesk platform, not through your personal emails. oDesk also receives a freelancer’s payment directly from the client and the freelancer is free to transfer it to their personal accounts or PayPal account after paying the oDesk fees. All these are designed to protect freelancers and clients from fraudulent individuals. Talking about fraudulent individuals, if you are interested in advertising your services on oDesk, here are a few tips to getting the best and honest clients that will pay well for your services.

The client writes in good, understandable English. Grammatical errors may not necessarily mean the person is a fraud, but it can point to a client who is out for the lowest unreasonable fee he can get.
The client does not set unreasonable deadlines. Any client that wants a service delivered in the next few minutes is not a client who will appreciate your hard work.
The client is polite. I have come across a lot of clients on oDesk who post job requirements with the attitude of a spoilt child. Instead of stating their criteria, they go on about previous bad experiences they have had, and their high expectations of freelancers.
Doesn’t give low rates. You may be badly in need of work that will utilise your skills, but you should never accept a cheap gig on oDesk. For every $1 dollar project you agree to write, there are several better paying ones worth your skills and time. You just have to keep searching.

To increase your chances of getting a good gig on oDesk, here are a few tips that will help you stand out.

Apply as soon as you can. Once you see an opening that matches your expertise, don’t wait till it’s crowded with applications before applying. A lot of clients will only read the first few applications they get.
Don’t apply to an already crowded gig. You will only be hurting your chances.
Don’t be brow-beaten into cheap gigs. Like I said earlier, you only have to look well to find something worthwhile.

For oDesk, the success lies in their creating one of the largest, virtual platforms for people to advertise, and buy services. About the Author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)