Why your Hire a Freelancer replies are being ignored

[jimbobo2779]

It's because you aren't reading what they have requested!

Every time I post in the HaF I will state to send prices and examples, and in response I get about 3/4 of PMs will include either no examples, no prices or neither prices nor examples.

I am busy and am trying to get a freelancer to save me time, I will not reply to 20 different people that couldn't even be arsed to spend 30s reading a couple of sentences.

Seriously. If someone asks for something specific, don't tell them that you are good at the general topic and ask for more details, especially not if they already gave those specific instructions.

I'm not trying to call anyone, specifically, out here, as it seems to be a very human thing, but seriously, if you are trying to sell something, make sure you know what your customer wants before wasting theirs, or your, time. It is a huge bug bear of mine and I won't even bother replying to people that couldn't even read my request.

 

[Ben Arthur]

It's because you aren't reading what they have requested!

Every time I post in the HaF I will state to send prices and examples, and in response I get about 3/4 of PMs will include either no examples, no prices or neither prices nor examples.

I am busy and am trying to get a freelancer to save me time, I will not reply to 20 different people that couldn't even be arsed to spend 30s reading a couple of sentences.

Seriously. If someone asks for something specific, don't tell them that you are good at the general topic and ask for more details, especially not if they already gave those specific instructions.

I'm not trying to call anyone, specifically, out here, as it seems to be a very human thing, but seriously, if you are trying to sell something, make sure you know what your customer wants before wasting theirs, or your, time. It is a huge bug bear of mine and I won't even bother replying to people that couldn't even read my request.

Completely agree. It’s basic professionalism to read the request carefully before responding. If someone asks for specific details like prices or examples, skipping that makes it obvious you’re not paying attention, and wastes everyone’s time. Clear, direct responses save time for both sides and show you actually value the opportunity.

 

[jimbobo2779]

Completely agree. It’s basic professionalism to read the request carefully before responding. If someone asks for specific details like prices or examples, skipping that makes it obvious you’re not paying attention, and wastes everyone’s time. Clear, direct responses save time for both sides and show you actually value the opportunity.

Yep, this isn't even a new issue. I've always found that the majority just scan the headlines and paste in their cookie cutter response of something like "we can offer this in high quality". Yeah, that is not getting my business.

Send a personalised response for a much better chance of receiving a reply.

 

[Ben Arthur]

Yep, this isn't even a new issue. I've always found that the majority just scan the headlines and paste in their cookie cutter response of something like "we can offer this in high quality". Yeah, that is not getting my business.

Send a personalised response for a much better chance of receiving a reply.

Exactly, that’s the key. Generic copy paste replies are easy to spot and usually ignored. Taking the time to tailor your message to the request. Mentioning specifics, showing you’ve read the instructions, Makes a huge difference. It shows professionalism and actually gets results.

 

[SirTop]

Good post from you, OP
I think most people do that because they are rushing to beat others to send a PM, so they don’t even take the time to properly include all the necessary details asked in the HAF post even though they saw it

Hopefully people can learn from this going forward : )

You know you're doing something right when a potential buyer responds to your PM even though they won’t be working with you at that time.

I’ve had this happen a few times, maybe because they found someone with a lower price or something but they still stay open with you and say if it doesn’t work out, they might get back to you.

That alone shows they appreciated you taking the time to send the PM.

 

[Funiki]

This thread was made by @SettingSun77
https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/the-dos-and-donts-of-replying-to-haf-and-wtb-threads.1717908/

We recommend sellers to read that thread. We also recommend that forum members report any seller who continues to reply to WTB or HAF threads with what we call Spammy Replies, as this is a rule violation in both sections. We want to keep these subforums clean, and a report can help us do that.

 

[jimbobo2779]

This thread was made by @SettingSun77
https://www.blackhatworld.com/seo/the-dos-and-donts-of-replying-to-haf-and-wtb-threads.1717908/

We recommend sellers to read that thread. We also recommend that forum members report any seller who continues to reply to WTB or HAF threads with what we call Spammy Replies, as this is a rule violation in both sections. We want to keep these subforums clean, and a report can help us do that.

That's great and all but it doesn't get to the crux of the issue, that most sellers have their pre-written response and just send it without considering if their reply is what the buyer is interested in.

For example, when I last used the HaF section, I specifically asked for prices and examples of links on offer. I got 30 replies containing text exactly like that advised in the quoted thread.

Great, but I wanted prices and examples, specifically, not your life story.

Tbf some sellers would provide a price list, or link to it, which is perfect, but that was a minority of replies.

I wouldn't say the replies were spammy, or report worthy, just half hearted and lazy to the point I'm not gonna spend more time to ask the same question a second time. If they can't be arsed to send what has been requested the first time, I have low hopes they would do it after being asked a second time.

 

[BassTrackerBoats]

just half hearted and lazy

Those are the people that make no money from their responses... excellent point and excellent thread.

The problem is many are too lazy to read this thread and adjust.

We contact many who do exactly what you described, and few have made adjustments so now, when we see them, we are obligated to issue warnings.

 

[SettingSun77]

For example, when I last used the HaF section, I specifically asked for prices and examples of links on offer. I got 30 replies containing text exactly like that advised in the quoted thread.

You can report these. If a reply isn't responding to the specific requests of your HAF / JV / WTB then that is spamming, in our eyes, and we will deal with it appropriately.

 

[cybersexuals]

It's because you aren't reading what they have requested!

Every time I post in the HaF I will state to send prices and examples, and in response I get about 3/4 of PMs will include either no examples, no prices or neither prices nor examples.

I am busy and am trying to get a freelancer to save me time, I will not reply to 20 different people that couldn't even be arsed to spend 30s reading a couple of sentences.

Seriously. If someone asks for something specific, don't tell them that you are good at the general topic and ask for more details, especially not if they already gave those specific instructions.

I'm not trying to call anyone, specifically, out here, as it seems to be a very human thing, but seriously, if you are trying to sell something, make sure you know what your customer wants before wasting theirs, or your, time. It is a huge bug bear of mine and I won't even bother replying to people that couldn't even read my request.

totally agree on this, a lot were just spewing ai generated cover letters. i saw a post before saying they prefer cover letters that are short and hand typed