Do not index
Do not index
The reality of freelance market
The freelance market is super competitive right now, especially with all the layoffs. It’s normal not to land gigs or even get bids since everyone is tightening their budgets.
A lot of companies and clients still undervalue the importance of Design, let alone User Experience.
We call this low design maturity. That's just the reality.
Typically, high-value clients aren’t usually on sites like Freelancer, Fiverr, or Upwork. Those platforms tend to attract lower-budget projects.
So, you’re facing two main issues:
- Uneducated clients who don't see the value of UX.
- Platform reputation and types of people looking for design work.
How to find clients understand value of UX
High-value clients usually come from Product, Engineering, or Design backgrounds. Those are the ones who have seen how UX can make or break a product, and they’re willing to pay for quality.
Larger companies rarely go for freelancers unless you have worked with them before or have a solid connection.
I would approach startups with funding, especially those in Series A or B. Use Crunchbase to find funded startups in your area.
Finally, instead of relying on the usual freelance platforms, try:
- Your portfolio
- Startup communities
This way, you can connect directly, build trust, and show your work. That’s key before landing high-value clients.
Read more about pros and cons of freelancing:
Learn how to vet clients before taking on any project:
