Should You Bid on Jobs or Offer Predefined Gigs as a Freelancer?

Freelancing throws a lot of choices your way as a freelancer, and one of the most common decision you will have to make is this: Should you spend time bidding on jobs, or create predefined gigs and let clients come to you?

Because whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow, figuring out how to get clients consistently is the lifeline of your freelance career.

And the truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, both approaches work, but not always at the same time or for the same reasons. One is proactive and hustle-heavy. The other is more passive but requires strong positioning which all depends on where you are in your freelance journey, what you’re offering, and how urgently you need results.

In this article, we’ll break down when to use each method, what they actually require behind the scenes, and how to find the right balance between chasing opportunities and building systems that attract them.

When Should You Bid on Freelancer Jobs?

Bidding is where most freelancers begin, and honestly, it’s a necessary phase that teaches you how to sell yourself, how to respond to real client needs, and how to stand out in a crowded space. But it will only work if you know how to do it properly through:

• writing tailored proposals,
• showing you understand the client's needs,
• pricing yourself fairly but competitively,
• and presenting your skills in a way that feels confident but not desperate.

Even then, if you follow all those steps to the letter, it still doesn’t guarantee a response. Sometimes you’ll lose out to freelancers with better portfolios. Other times, it might be someone who’s just better at writing proposals, even if their skills aren’t as strong. It’s frustrating, and it gets exhausting. But if you're just starting out, this is how you build credibility. Clients won’t trust a profile with no reviews. Bidding helps you earn that trust, get some wins under your belt, and learn the pace of real client work. If you're new and need to land your first few clients, bidding is where you start.

When Should You Offer Predefined Freelancer Gigs?

In a situation where you’ve done a few jobs, built trust, collected some reviews, and figured out what you're good at, many freelancers start exploring niche-specific gigs (predefined gigs).

Basically, these are custom offers or Personalized services for unique buyer requests that allow freelancers to maximize their earnings while giving buyers more flexibility. Instead of bidding or applying for jobs every day, you can create a fixed offer or service that is packaged neatly with a title, description, price, and delivery time. It’s like putting up a sign that says, “Here’s exactly what I do. Buy it if you need it.” However, while implementing this can be a relief, saving you from searching for clients, it is only effective if you set them up properly. To put it simply, you need:

• a sharp title,
• a clear, benefit-driven description,
• polished visuals (especially on freelance websites),
• the right keywords to show up in search,
• and most importantly, reviews to build credibility.

For gigs to bring the desired results, they need to be clear, relevant, and built with search in mind. And even then, it might take time before anyone buys it. That’s why gigs work best when you’ve already built some credibility and know how to present your offer in a way that speaks directly to what clients are looking for.

Gigs aren’t easier. They’re just less active. You still have to earn attention.

Which Should You Choose as a Freelancer?

If you’re starting out, focus on bidding. It gives you momentum, helps you land reviews, and gets money coming in. But don’t stop there. In the background, start building gigs around services you know how to deliver consistently.

Think of bidding as a short-term hustle and gigs as a long-term setup. One keeps your engine running. The other builds something stable that works while you sleep.

The freelancers who last aren’t choosing one or the other; they’re doing both, depending on their season.

So ask yourself: Do I need quick wins right now, or am I ready to build something slower but more passive? Do I have a skill that’s easy to package? Do I enjoy the process of pitching, or would I rather focus on crafting a strong offer and letting it attract clients?

Once you know the answer, the next step becomes clear.

Conclusion

Believe it or not, freelancing is a game of self-awareness and more about what works for you, where you are, and what you need right now.

That’s why neither path is better than the other. Learning to use both gives you flexibility, the kind that helps you adapt when clients slow down, when gigs stall, or when your priorities shift.

So, whether you’re pitching today or polishing your gig listing, just make sure it’s moving you forward.