advice on getting started

[#1]

Hi, I'm new to Upwork.  I finished my profile and tomorrow I will be adding my work experience.  Honestly, can you make semi-decent  money if you have a good portfolio and you do good work?  

[#2]

Only if you also
1. Know how to pitch yourself in your proposal and profile 
2. Learn Upwork's specific rules for entering into contracts, billing and receiving payments
3. Understand how to vet clients and avoid scammers and those who will attempt to leverage feedback to get free work

[#3]

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Mindy T wrote:

Hi, I'm new to Upwork.  I finished my profile and tomorrow I will be adding my work experience.  Honestly, can you make semi-decent  money if you have a good portfolio and you do good work?  

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Hi Mindy,

I think you can make decent money but it will help to remain clear-eyed on your expectations because it's not likely to happen right away. It could take months of sending proposals before you land your first solid gig.

Be ready to respond quickly to any attractive job offers that you see. Don't get discouraged if you don't get responses. It takes time! Do make sure to avoid any clients with red flags. I recommend installing a RSS reader and add Job Searches to it*.

Good luck.

* https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063078-Search-for-Jobs

[#4]

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Mindy T wrote:

Hi, I'm new to Upwork.  I finished my profile and tomorrow I will be adding my work experience.  Honestly, can you make semi-decent  money if you have a good portfolio and you do good work?  

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Mindy, not to sound harsh, but no, you have not finished your profile. It's too short and not client focused. The main thing you should be able to sell as a marketing professional is yourself. Right now you don't. 

Next, have you researched your competition?

[#5]

I see it now.  Sorry it was a little confusing.  

[#6]

I would work on your profile as that is what will entice clients to buy. I would provide some items in your portfolio and examples of work you have done. I think your profile is a bit too general, so including the types of marketing you do with real world examples would help. If someone is searching for marketing they will also be judging how you market yourself on your profile, and as of now, it is lacking. 

As for other tips 
1) Learn how UpWork works including fixed price and hourly contracts
https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/sections/360002707413-Hourly-Contracts
https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/sections/360002679394-Fixed-Price-Contracts
2) Find your niche - Thousands of marketers are freelancers are on this site, so be sure to set yourself apart.

Good luck Mindy 🙂