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."
And with advice from Maria T, I will say,
Refrain from personal messages, please read all the links I have added.
