Introduction to Elance
Elance is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking their services. It provides a marketplace where individuals or businesses can hire freelancers for various tasks and projects.
Table of Contents
History and Evolution of Elance
Elance was founded in 1999 by Beerud Sheth, Srini Anumolu, and Sanjay Noronha. Originally launched as a platform for software development services, it later expanded to include various other fields such as writing, graphic design, and marketing. In 2013, Elance merged with oDesk to form Upwork, one of the largest freelancing platforms in the world.
Features and services offered by Elance
Elance offers a wide range of features and services to both freelancers and clients. These include:
Job posting and bidding system
Escrow payment protection
Communication tools
Skill tests and certifications
Feedback and rating system
How Elance works for freelancers
Freelancers on Elance create profiles showcasing their skills, experience, and portfolio. They can browse through job listings and submit proposals to projects that match their expertise. Once hired, freelancers work on the project and receive payment through Elance’s secure payment system.
How Elance works for clients
Clients can post job listings on Elance detailing their project requirements and budget. They receive proposals from freelancers and can review their profiles, portfolios, and ratings before making a hiring decision. Elance provides tools for communication and collaboration throughout the project duration.
Benefits of using Elance
Access to a large pool of skilled freelancers
Flexible hiring options
Secure payment system
Transparent communication and collaboration
Ability to scale projects as needed
Drawbacks and limitations of Elance
High competition among freelancers
Quality of work may vary
Fees and commissions charged by the platform
Limited control over freelancers’ work schedules
Potential for disputes and conflicts
Comparison with other freelance platforms
Elance differs from other freelance platforms in terms of features, pricing, and user experience. While it offers a comprehensive set of tools and services, some freelancers and clients may prefer alternative platforms based on their specific needs and preferences.
Tips for success on Elance
Create a professional profile highlighting your skills and experience
Tailor your proposals to each job listing
Provide clear communication and meet deadlines consistently
Build a strong portfolio showcasing your best work
Request feedback and reviews from satisfied clients
Case studies of successful freelancers on Elance
John Smith: A graphic designer who built a thriving freelance business on Elance by delivering high-quality designs and exceptional customer service.
Emily Johnson: A freelance writer who found success on Elance by specializing in niche topics and establishing long-term relationships with clients.
Conclusion
Elance offers a valuable platform for freelancers and clients to connect and collaborate on projects. With its wide range of features and services, it has become a popular choice for individuals and businesses seeking flexible workforce solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Elance still active?
Yes, Elance merged with oDesk to form Upwork in 2013, but the platform is still operational under the Upwork brand.
How much does it cost to use Elance?
Elance charges freelancers a service fee based on their earnings, ranging from 5% to 20% depending on the total amount billed to a client.
Can I trust freelancers on Elance?
Elance provides tools for verifying freelancers’ skills and experience, and clients can review their ratings and feedback from previous projects before making a hiring decision.
What types of projects can I find on Elance?
Elance offers a wide range of project categories including writing, graphic design, programming, marketing, and administrative support.
How do I get started on Elance?
To get started on Elance, you need to create an account, complete your profile, and start browsing job listings or posting your own projects.