If you are a service provider — whether a writer, software developer or web designer — one of ways you can get clientele for your business is to use online service marketplaces. Examples of these are guru.com, elance.com, rentacoder.com and other similar services.

To improve your chances of winning the project, here are some tips you can use:

1. Research the client and see the types of jobs they posted previously. Are they the type to choose those who price their services too low? If so, you may consider whether you really want this gig and price yourself lower than you normally do before bidding.

2. If you’re on elance.com for example, feedbacks are given to provide guidance on the quality of the work done. Verify how the customer provides feedback by checking on their previous contractors. If the client is someone who typically gives poor feedback (yet the contractor generally has great feedback), you may want to consider the impact on your future gigs if you work with this client and they also give you poor feedback.

3. Read, read and read the project description. Your proposal should cover all the points that the client want. Learn more about the client. If they have a website, check it out so you can submit a more informed proposal

4. Remember that this is only a job – sound sharp, professional and confident and never act as if your life depends on this job (even if it does!)