Jan 1, 2023 03:00:10 PM Edited Jul 15, 2024 10:49:08 AM by Jeanne H
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.
Jan 2, 2023 10:43:32 AM by Prashant P
And have relevant profile picture of you face. Not some desks, or Mickey mouse, or full face covering.
Apr 14, 2023 03:21:34 PM Edited Apr 14, 2023 03:22:13 PM by Radia L
You'll get it after they verify your ID, which they will do after you get some jobs. Verifying everyone immediately is not efficient from where they stand.
Nov 12, 2023 03:56:12 AM by Akubue N
Hello, Radial L.
I just had a difficult day trying to verify my ID and as i snapped the National Identification Slip issued officially and validly to Nigerians, it was marked "X" and the process discontinued. I was given 11-14-2023 as the expiration date for the verification
Prior to this, I had read digest on how Nigerians lament on the difficulties they face concerning this issue. WHAT IS UPWORK DOING TO HEED AND SOLVE THIS PROBLEM?
If i have defaulted in the process or requirements let me be prompted and guided rather than cutting me off abruptly. I was patient the whole while tolerating the delays and loading errors, time and data expenses, so why not give me a helping hand and guide in the process,and to all those who have long tabled their complaints on this issue.
I am, and try to be law abiding and did follow the rules. Where did I err? At one time some days ago, the oval visual verification screen appeared without my knowing what it was all about. Upwork makes alot of page loading hitches. I suggest also that they be patient to guide members and newbies in particular who have not been there before.
Oct 11, 2024 04:07:04 AM by Kyla F
When I was trying to verify my identity, the page simply didn't load correctly. They kept telling me (through bot chat) that I just needed to try a different device. Maybe I'm weird, but I didn't have multiple devices to try verification on. They ended up putting a hold on my account even thougnt they knew I was working through page loading errors (I had sent them screen shots.). I did eventually get it to go through thankfully, but it was a painful process!
Mar 11, 2023 12:04:00 AM by Elvis G
Hello Prashant,
Kindly help me out with my profile since I haven't landed any job yet after wasting lots of connects.
Sep 24, 2023 07:10:38 PM by Jeanne H
Use the post at the top to learn about freelancing and how to avoid scams. Learn about vetting clients and how to write an excellent profile and proposals.
Aug 25, 2024 07:04:23 AM by Lala R
You'll get it after they verify your ID, which they will do after you get some jobs. Verifying everyone immediately is not efficient from where they stand.
Jan 3, 2023 06:56:20 AM by Gift O
Hi, after some time away from upwork after the pandemic, due to my full-time employment, I have wholeheartedly decided to get my upwork freelancing career back on track. I have updated my profile including my profile catelog, overview, as well as added recent portfolio projects.
Although I've begun applying for new jobs, it would be great to maybe get a referral to any copywriting or content writing jobs, probably one you're too occupied to execute.
Jan 3, 2023 08:52:33 AM by Jeanne H
I do not know what you mean by a job referral. All you need to do is go through the job feed.
The only time I recommend another freelancer for a project is when I personally know them very well as far as skills. And even then, the freelancer is on their own to apply.
Jan 8, 2023 06:20:52 AM by Bettye U
"The only time I recommend another freelancer for a project is when I personally know them very well as far as skills."
---------
That is precisely what I said to the requests made to me from strangers asking me to recommend them once Upwork implemented referrals...
Oct 11, 2024 12:31:20 PM by OLUCHUKWU N
There's a job referral option on upwork, one can access the features when you are invited to submit a proposal.
Jan 3, 2023 09:33:36 AM by Imran L
hello my name is imran i am anew freelancer please chek my potforio and give feed back
Jan 3, 2023 10:02:50 AM Edited Jan 3, 2023 10:03:05 AM by Christine A
You need to write your overview in your own words and create your own portfolio pieces, or you won't get hired by anyone. I suggest taking some design courses and then returning to Upwork when you're ready.
Jan 23, 2023 06:43:17 AM by Arinze E
Hello ma'am
Good day I'm new to upwork and freelance in general, but i have been working as a graphic designer for 2 years now and still learning as well, ma pls could take a look at my profile and give me some feedback it will really really help me a lot.
Thanks
Feb 5, 2023 11:51:50 AM by Jeanne H
Go through the links in the post at the top. There are links to the various Academy courses which will help you learn what you need to do to stay safe and how to land jobs. Being new, you are at high risk of being scammed, so it's essential you know all the rules and what will happen if you don't follow them. Scammers target new and inexperienced freelancers.
Although you may have great skills, it usually takes time to transition to online freelancing. For many, it is like starting over. You will likely put in a lot of proposals and spend a lot of connects before landing your first job. That's the reality for anyone joining now.
Oct 25, 2023 01:20:34 PM by Sofiane G
Upwork has turned into a pay-to-get-hired platform now. Well... Except many freelancers don't get hired anymore, since the new platform updates. Connects to send a proposal have increased by +100%. It's very hard to continue working with upwork. Many freelancers are planning to leave the platform.
Oct 25, 2023 01:59:25 PM by Jeanne H
Upwork has turned into a pay-to-get-hired platform now.
I disagree. There are issues, including allowing anyone to be a freelancer if they can buy connects. However, any platform has fees. Freelancing in the physical world has costs. If the return is poor or no jobs are available, it only makes sense to have other options. Everyone, no matter how good things are going, should always have a backup plan, or two, or three and other ways or places to make money.
Oct 18, 2024 07:38:22 PM by Md Billal H
@Jeanne H Right, everyone should have a back plan to survive smoothly.