I have been working on freelance sites for a good 4 or 5 years, bending over backwards to build a decent portfolio and generate great ratings. I take huge pride in my work (web applications).I'm completely lost because when I think what would happen if I suddenly lost my freelance account it isn't a pretty picture. I have literally no idea where else I could advertise my services apart from google paid advertising.Any suggestions? I'd of course be more than willing to pay for marketing and such. I've been searching google for ages and can't find much advice on where to advertise to secure good clients for web development work.I say good clients because I mean actual business owners, not somebody else who is outsourcing to me (where do they find clients?). I'd appreciate any help. 
Online Advertising And Marketing Your Services?
web development;web applications;marketing
It sounds like the first thing you need to do is make yourself a web application that has your portfolio on it if you don't already have one, so if whatever site you are using loses your portfolio you still have all the information available. I would also consider creating an LLC or private corporation or something as well. Then take your website you create and make sure you make it available to people looking you up everywhere you frequent, your SE profile, your freelancer profiles, other forums profiles/post signatures...Essentially do for yourself what I assume you have done for many of your clients.