Aug 6, 2020 10:51:19 AM Edited Apr 26, 2022 05:58:19 AM by MichaelJ M
Getting started on Upwork can be challenging. Here are some top tips that can help you succeed.
Complete Your Profile
First, it can be very helpful to complete your profile 100%. It’s important to understand that there are certain sections that must be completed in order to reach 100%. You can even technically exceed 100% completion. The more fields you complete on your profile, the better your chances of winning work. Also, your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for badges such as Rising Talent and Top Rated. Check out this help article for more information on the numerous ways you can reach 100% or more completion. I also recommend this article about why a great title and overview can make a difference.
Set Your Profile Visibility
Second, we recommend updating your profile visibility. Once you’ve crafted the perfect profile, you’ll want clients to be able to see it. When setting your profile visibility, you have three options: Public, Only Upwork Users, or Private. If you set your profile to private, it will be excluded from the Upwork marketplace and search engines. This means clients won’t see you when they search for freelancers. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to set your profile visibility to Public or Only Upwork Users.
Submit Proposals
Third, submit proposals! This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s one that often doesn’t receive enough attention from new freelancers. By regularly submitting proposals for projects that fit your skills, you not only increase your chances of winning work, but you also prevent your profile from being automatically set to private, which can happen if you are inactive from the platform. As you submit more proposals, you will also learn what does and doesn’t get the attention of clients. Also, remember, that you may have to submit more than 5 proposals before you win your first project. Persistence is key. To help improve the quality of your proposals, I invite you to read about how to create a proposal that wins jobs and take in this proven advice from freelancers on Upwork. Also, check out this great article about How To Get More Jobs on Upwork in 2022!
Solved! Go to Solution.
Aug 30, 2022 10:59:19 AM by MichaelJ M
For help with your profile, check out this peer feedback thread and consider joining an Upwork Academy Coaching Cohort!
Jun 6, 2022 05:15:32 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Aamir,
Persistence is key as Upwork is very competitive. I looked at your profile and made some observations:
Your profile is only 40% complete. Review this article for guidance on how to create a 100% complete profile. Your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for programs such as Rising Talent and Top Rated.
I did see a few minor spelling and grammar errors. If you'd like to add extra polish, you might want to consider using Grammarly. I use this myself and really like it because it's free and it offers a Chrome add-on so it works in webmail, messages, proposals, and more.
May 25, 2022 11:20:34 PM by Nicole'S D
Wow this is good Mike I am new on Upwork I completed my profile to 100% however I am facing challenges with payment setup my account got previously blocked for trying to set it up confused about the process
Jun 6, 2022 05:17:45 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Nicole,
I have asked our Customer Support team to contact you with assistance.
May 26, 2022 01:38:12 PM by Stacy P
Hello Mike,
I do not know where to find information on the steps to follow after you accept a contract. I am getting ready to start the work, and I have no idea how and where I am loving hours exactly. LIKE the entire process of it from start to finish including to the point of getting paid
Please let me know.
thank you,
Stacy
Jun 6, 2022 05:19:42 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Stacy,
You can find answers to most questions in the Help Center. We also have the brand new Upwork Academy which has courses about getting started on Upwork.
May 30, 2022 10:37:28 AM by Azimul H
Thank you very much! I am new at upwork this post help me to understand upwork.
May 31, 2022 02:32:17 AM Edited May 31, 2022 02:32:34 AM by Abdullahel N
Hello Mike!
I have finished 6 jobs on Upwork but this month I have done more than 100 bids but the response rate is very low.
What can I do about it? or Any profile problem?
If you have any suggestions or any advice please tell me.
Regards,
Nayem
Jun 6, 2022 05:23:21 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Abdullahel,
Persistence is key as Upwork is very competitive. I looked at your profile and you have a lot of great information in there. One thing I noticed is that you link to your website in your profile which would allow clients to contact you outside of Upwork; the sharing of contact information and communication outside of Upwork is not allowed until a contract is in place. Please remove the link from your profile. I urge you to take advantage of the Upwork portfolio feature on your profile in order to share past work examples.
Jun 1, 2022 06:47:42 AM by Philip B
Thanks for the tips Mike ive been on here a while now and cant seem to get started
Jun 2, 2022 07:41:18 AM by Mihaela T
Hi Mike,
very helpful this post. I would really appreciate if you will take a lookt at my profile since I am newbie here I would love some guidance!
Thank you in advance!
Best,
Jun 6, 2022 06:06:08 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Chinazaekpere,
I took a look at your profile and here are my observations:
Your profile is only 40% complete. Review this article for guidance on how to create a 100% complete profile. Your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for programs such as Rising Talent and Top Rated.
Your profile overview is short compared to the average. Upwork’s research shows clients see it as a positive signal if the profile is well written and comprehensive. Therefore, consider crafting your overview as a pitch to prospective clients.
Jun 6, 2022 06:30:50 AM by Harison M
Hi, could you please have an overview of my profile and advice me on the areas I may need to improve on?
Jun 6, 2022 06:39:36 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Harison,
I reviewed your profile and here are my observations:
Your profile overview is short compared to the average. Upwork’s research shows clients see it as a positive signal if the profile is well written and comprehensive. Therefore, consider crafting your overview as a pitch to prospective clients.
Your profile is only 40% complete. Review this article for guidance on how to create a 100% complete profile. Your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for programs such as Rising Talent and Top Rated.
To give a clear impression you’re the person the client wants to talk to, here are some additional tips for writing a great Overview.
Jun 7, 2022 06:21:27 AM by Qandeel N
Hi Mike,
Can you pls review my profile. I have used all my connects and got no reply for any proposal.
Best regards,
Qandeel
Jun 7, 2022 07:05:36 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Qandeel,
I reviewed your profile and here are my observations:
Your profile is only 95% complete. Review this article for guidance on how to create a 100% complete profile. Your profile must be 100% complete in order to qualify for programs such as Rising Talent and Top Rated.
Your profile overview is short compared to the average. Upwork’s research shows clients see it as a positive signal if the profile is well written and comprehensive. Therefore, consider crafting your overview as a pitch to prospective clients.
You may also find these articles helpful:
Jun 9, 2022 09:14:35 PM by Qandeel N
Many thanks Mike for a comprehensive review. I'll work accordingly.
Jun 8, 2022 12:39:07 AM by Yulia K
Hi Mike,
Hope you are well! Could you take a look at my profile please and see if you have any tips?
Thank you!
Yulia
Jun 8, 2022 05:29:59 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Yulia,
I took a look at your profile and I noticed you haven’t added any pieces to your portfolio. Your portfolio is one of the most important profile components that clients review. Our research shows that missing portfolio pieces can be a negative signal for clients. Consider adding a few relevant pieces. It might help in getting more profile views and high-quality job invites.
Jun 8, 2022 09:01:50 AM by Chimka Emmanuella I
Jun 8, 2022 09:09:58 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Chimka Emmanuella,
You can review this article for guidance on how to create a 100% complete profile.