My main area: web development.Of course, I don't expect anybody give away their 'gold mine' or whatever but I am struggling to see where I should be advertising my services. I have one other developer I work with and we have a lot of happy clients - on freelance websites. Thing is, freelance websites just seem to suck the life out of you when you're being out-bidded by ridiculous rates. I want to attract customers who are more concerned about quality and accountability than price.Any suggestions at all? I'm so lost with this.EDIT: Added bounty of 200 - all of my 'reputation'.EDIT: Added second bounty of 50I did hear of a novel idea. Do work for an opensource project and get featured in their 'trusted developers' section, if they have one. Input?
Where to find clients?
freelancing;client relations;marketing
The web is great.  We wouldn't be here if it wasn't.  However, if you are trying to break into the business of selling services, you might want to consider going lo-fi.  Face to face.  Boots on the ground.Present yourself/your firm to neighborhood businesses, members of regional chambers of commerce.  Become a member of your local chamber.  Primarily smaller, but well established firms are what you would look to at first to build a portfolio, and reputation.  Local medium to larger firms might be an option after you have proven.   Many of these firms have done business the old way for a long time, probably think they are fine w/o the ---IT or web presence (because they don't use it and email is at the least, a challenge).  They will be reluctant to invest in services or infrastructure.  However that doesn't mean the door is closed.  Others potential clients may have a very dated or limited presence and might be due for a 'remodel' or a 'makeover' or a 'tune up' -- something the client can relate to in their line of business.  Remind them that in the age of cellphones and the web, google maps and web presence has largely replaced the Yellow Pages.If the negotiation of fees is a potential roadblock, consider offering services as deferred investment -- very nominal charge for putting the product in the field and supporting it (you need to eat and pay rent just like they do -- demonstrate to them shared values).   Consider accepting your investment with them as a limited term for profit or revenue sharing from business generated by your work, or by a derivative of your work, to prove out its potential and value.  When the tem of investment expires, prepare to transition to a more traditional fee for services model (at a rate closer to market norm).  Keep in mind depending structure of client business and formality of investment may require special tax rate, collection, and reporting.  Both you and client would have to weigh this consideration, so do your homework before presenting this option. Most importantly, aim to keep the terms of your arrangement clear, and simple.