Case Study - Heidi Ramirez

Heidi Ramirez is an experienced web designer who stumbled upon oDesk by accident. "I was freelancing way before I found oDesk," says Ramirez. "I came across oDesk two years ago and I thought I would try it because seeking out new clientele can be a challenge at times."

"oDesk is really the best thing that happened to me professionally..."

– Heidi Ramirez / oDesk Provider

How oDesk Helped:

Most of Ramirez's work is done through oDesk. "I work 9 a.m. to about 5 p.m. Monday through Friday," says Ramirez.

Ramirez states that securing freelance jobs is much easier on oDesk than by traditional means.

"I have used just about every freelance site out there and found the most success through oDesk," she says. "It's so much easier to apply for jobs -- and to have clients find me."

Ramirez looks for jobs using the Find Jobs tab and searching for keywords. She makes her profile stand out from other providers with positive feedback, oDesk certification tests, an extensive portfolio with samples of her work, and running monthly specials like giving away one free standard banner with every new website designed in June 2008.

One of the ways Ramirez ensures that she receives positive feedback is by maintaining open communication with buyers throughout a job, listening closely to her clients' needs. "I talk to clients via phone or Yahoo! Messenger and e-mail frequently during jobs," says Ramirez. She also builds long-term relationships with buyers, resulting in a number of ongoing jobs.

Ramirez especially likes oDesk's guaranteed payment policy for hourly assignments because, "oDesk eliminates the risk that I don't get paid for a job." As long as she logs her worked hours using the oDesk Team software and follows oDesk's best practices, she is guaranteed to receive payment for all hours worked.

"I plan to do more work on oDesk. It's really the best thing that happened to me professionally, especially as far as finding clients."