To all freelancers looking for help

[#1]

I have always had freelancers come to me for help. In the last year, the river has swelled into an enormous ocean.

You don't need me; Upwork provides an enormous amount of information that few ever use. If, after you have gone through all the information I provide, you still have questions, that is when you ask additional questions in the forum.

If you think you will make big bucks right away, you are mistaken. The majority of freelancers never land a job because they have no skills and aren't interested in educating themselves. Others believe online freelancing is a path to full-time employment. It can be, but highly unlikely on this platform.

Freelancing is not for everyone. It means you are self-employed and must adhere to all regulations and laws governing responsibilities, such as paying taxes. Freelancing means you are on your own. No one has your back, including Upwork. If you don't follow the rules, no one will or can help you.

If you are willing to work hard, follow the rules and prepared to spend a lot of connects and proposals, you can be successful, as many are on Upwork. While so many fail, it is almost always due to lack of skills and treating freelancing like employment  where the employer will make sure you do the job correctly.

If you want to succeed, start with the Terms of Service, then read this from Wes. 

Then go here. Then here.  Next, check this site regularly for events such as webinars and other learning opportunities.

After that, go here for safety information, and then here. If you still need help, after you have gone through all the previous steps, you can find additional help here. This thread is dedicated to new freelancers. And here are announcements from Upwork that can help keep you up to date.

It will take some time to go through all the information. I'm not suggesting people should not post in the forum, I am suggesting before you ask questions and want help, you need to help yourself first.

From Prashant P: "And have relevant profile picture of your face.  Not some desks, or Mickey mouse, or full face covering." 

From Susan S: "And patience! Have patience! It takes a while to get started, even after going through all the information available."

From Martina P:  "Only one thing you forgot, namely telling people to use all 15 skills, if you have all 15 skills"

And with advice from Maria T, I will say, 

Refrain from personal messages, please read all the links I have added.

[#2]

Kindly review my profile

https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01c40339962b2ea14c

[#3]

Go back to the top post, read it and follow every link. You are at risk for being scammed because you haven't read or aren't following best practices. Do you know the Terms of Service? All the ins and outs of hourly vs. fixed price contracts? How to avoid scams? Then use the top post where all this and more waits to guide you.

The clients only see the top line of your introduction. Get rid of the graphics/emojis and learn how to have an excellent profile to attract clients and deter scammers.

[#4]

I'm new to upwork, is there a nifty way to show a profile on the main page when searched

[#5]

No. The profiles are on a rotating basis. That being said, no one knows the program behind the rotations and placements because some would cheat. Obviously they don't use the JSS, because I have found my profile many pages in, with many freelancers with less than 80% ahead of me consistently. It is not based on recent work, money earned, number of contracts, etc.

The search engines and best matches were changed, to the detriment of clients finding the right freelancers.

[#6]

Yes, I have also noticed that many are ahead of me (have JSS of 93%) inspite of having very low JSS even one has 67% as well as many freelancers with lower earning than mine are ahead of me. 

[#7]

Same dear 

[#8]

Dear Riki:

Good question.. its some parameters that rank your profile. There are many peoples with same name, so you should work on your profile to get insight.

Regards.

[#9]

Riki,

Please set your Profile to public so that it can be reviewed.

[#10]

Maybe your title is too welcoming. Can you change it to "Freelancers: Instead of asking for my help, do this!"

Of course, that won't stop the ones that begin "I tried all that, but...."

[#11]

I need help i'm new this site and i streesed where tobegan.

[#12]

Go back to the top post. Read every word and follow every single link. Upwork provides all the information you need to know to start on the platform.

[#13]

Greetings 

I know you are probably busy, if you find time could you please review my upwork page.

Best Regards

[#14]

Bhuti, I see you have put in work on your profile. Good for you! Unlike so many, you are working to establish yourself. I recommend using the Academy to improve your profile. The introduction is weak. While it's important to tell the client your qualifications, you need to tell the client why you will do an excellent job. What do you bring to the job that's better than others?

Your field is crowded, and Upwork in general is flooded with freelancers, so, you have to find a way to stand out. I would add more to your portfolio, and have a photo or graphic on the samples.

You will hear a lot of advice on how to set up your profile, and how many words to use. You know your business and the way you want to run your business, better than anyone. I encourage all freelancers to find their way, and not be tied to someone saying use a specific amount of words. Use as many words, in the right format, as you need. Of course, be mindful the clients aren't going to read a long page of qualifications or promises.

Spend some time trying different ideas on your profile until it reads well, and try to be objective. Look at it from the client's perspective: the client wants a freelancer who can do the job without problems, at a fair price. Don't lower your fee in an attempt to get a job, because it locks you in to the low-paying, and demanding clients. Charge for your level of skills.

Your start is good, and if you improve your profile as I suggested, it will be strong. Don't be afraid to change it up. Profiles require maintenance and adaptation.

Freelancing isn't easy and will require a lot of proposals and connects. Such is the current status of Upwork. It has nothing to do with skills; it takes everyone a while to break through. However, plenty of freelancers have carved out a career, or more likely found a way to pay a few bills. Freelancing, like life, depends greatly on what you do with it. Good luck!

[#15]

Yes!

I also want to be community member

[#16]

You are a member of the Upwork community by reading or posting.

[#17]

Zeeshan,

Turn your profile to Public so we can review.

[#18]

This is not the review your profile thread. Perhaps he isn't interested in having you look at his profile. Why do you want to make this a profile review thread, when it's about teaching freelancers how to use the platform and avoid the scams? There is a whole thread that goes wanting for replies to this very subject, but only a couple of dedicated freelancers ever answer those threads, and you are not one of them.

[#19]

 You are a community member by posting here.

[#20]

yes

[#21]

I also want to be community member... 

[#22]

You are a community member by posting in the forum. If you want to be a freelancer, read the top post and follow every link.

[#23]

Trust me. I help you. Contact me my email: smnazmulhasan22@gmail.com

[#24]

No, you can't help me. I am talking about the people who pay no attention to the top post, not to anything else. You have no profile to speak of, your skills are in doubt, and you've never had a job. Exactly how do you think you are going to do anythng for me?

Stop advertising your lack of skills here. If you follow the rules you would know you can't advertise outside of Upwork. People are supposed to be banned for those shenanigans, but it doesn't look like that ever happens, with clients or freelancers.

If you want to work, learn and follow the rules, spend money on connects and client fees, and put in lots of proposals, then go back to the top post and learn.

The first rule of scams is run away when some random stranger says, "trust me" when trying to sell something.

[#25]

Could you help me with a step by step to have a convincing profile please.?

[#26]

Read the top post.