How do I start freelancing?

Hi guys,

I'm trying out freelancing. I've got profiles on People Per Hour and Freelancer and I do apply (or 'bid' as they call it) for jobs, but it's beginning to feel like house hunting (I'm also currently searching for a new place). As I had never been taken up for a job by someone on these websites, I'm not sure how it is time-wise— are there clients who are not in a rush to get jobs done? How do you approach being a freelancer on these sites, is it best if I am on as many of them (the good ones) as possible? If I am though, isn't that a lot of juggling?

Even though I have been bidding for jobs, I'm not landing any. I'm currently not too fussed on getting paid a lot, decently will do. My main focus is to start actively designing again and getting paid. I've also just thought of going around to the independent shops in my area and passing them my card and CV, I'm sure they'd need some design work done from time-to-time.

The position I'm in now is that I've not held a full-time design job for over a year now (for, reasons), and the most recent job I've done were some wedding collaterals a couple months back. I had previously been an in-house designer for a travel agency and some bars and restaurant. I've had experience with things like social network visuals, flyers, posters, banners, menus, presentations and things of that sort, and I am most comfortable with Photoshop and Illustrator.

I'm aware that I've got a humble skill-set, but I do enjoy working on these things given enough creative freedom. I enjoy exploring how to make something look good and exciting from something often viewed as simple and boring. Little wins, I call them.

My question is, how do I start this freelancing thing? How do I find clients that would hire me?

I'm leaving my portfolio here as a reference to my skill level: Behance

Any advise would be appreciated~!