Tips for Getting Started on Upwork

[MichaelJ]

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!

[MichaelJ]

Hi Daniil,

Upwork is very competitive but I did see you have won one project and that's a big milestone. Congratulations!

I reviewed your profile and it looks strong, but I did notice that it's written from the point of view of the agency. You use terms such as "we" and "our". Individual profiles shouldn't be used to represent a company (this could lead to a temporary hold on your account). I highly suggest updating the wording of your profile to represent your contributions as an individual, not what the agency as a whole can do. You can convey what the agency can do on the agency profile. 

I hope this makes sense!

[4be91601]

Thank you, Mike! I see what you mean. I didn't think from that perspective. Thanks for your tip, I'm going to edit my profile.

[c12e192e]

Thank you Mike

[1ad97a83]

Hi Mike! I've done everything except linking my account, I want to link my Instagram but there isn't any option. Also I am super newbie here and sent almost 9 proposals after making my account but no response yet. can you review my profile please? my skills are menswear stylist/ personal shopper and sales agent with past experience in Automotive and real estate

[AveryO]

Hi there!

Welcome to Upwork! We’re here to help you navigate the world of online work. Let’s start with the basics here at Upwork. You’ll find a list of essential resources here.

Below there are a few Upwork Academy courses to help you get started:

• How to create your profile
• Finding work
• Profile Title & Overview
• Building Your Portfolio
• Submitting Proposals

Additionally, feel free to sign up for upcoming events and webinars to learn more about how you can boost your success on Upwork.

As for linking your Instagram account, I can confirm that there is no option to link your Instagram account to your Upwork account. You can only link your accounts (if you have any) listed here.

We hope you find these online resources useful in your Upwork journey.

[96f1c6c6]

Hi Mike,
Thank you very much for this topic. I am new to upwork and I have a bit of a problem with the portfolio, knowing that all the work I have done in the past is more or less confidential, I would like your help. So I put writing skills in general, translator and transcriber do you think that’s a lot? Should I specialize more?

[MichaelJ]

Bonjour Anne!

I understand that the work you've completed may be confidential and therefore cannot be added to your portfolio. That's okay. There is still a lot you can do!

• Consider putting the English text before the French in your profile overview. The primary language used on Upwork is English. While French is a beautiful language (je me suis spécialisé en français à l'université!), clients may be discouraged if they see your profile is in French (they may not even scroll down to see the English). 

• Your profile is only 60% 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.

• The beginning of your profile overview displays in prospective client search results and it’s your first 200-character pitch. So, your first sentence should include clear, relevant information about your primary skill sets and expertise. Right now, your first sentence is "Hello and welcome to my profile!"/"Bonjour et bienvenue sur mon profile !" and that is what will show up in search results. Consider removing this as it does not provide value or information about your skills and takes up valuable space. 

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.

[097b9617]

thank you for your sharing important information .I am a new member in upwork community. thank you 

[biswaskallol]

Hi Mike,

My profile visibility have privet, when I trying to change it but it's din't work. What's going wrong. Please help me.

Thanks 

Kallol Biswas

[MichaelJ]

Hi Kallol,

I have made your profile public. Please review this article for information on why your profile was set to private.

[cd1708e8]

Your post said it all about my profile. Thanks for the enlightening me. However, Sir, I would like you to have an overview of my profile and suggest how I can upgrade it.

Thanks

[MichaelJ]

Hi Dumte,

Please set your profile visibility to Public or Upwork Users Only if you like a review of your profile. It is currently private.

[aggarwal_rashi]

Hello Mike,

I joined upwork long time back but I remained inactive. Now I am trying to grab my first project. My profile is 100% complete and I have been sending proposals. Can you guide how to set up a payment account and is there a software through which the clients track the time being spent on a project? What other things should I be configuring before I grab my first project?

Thanks,

Rashi 

[MichaelJ]

Hi Rashi,

There are many resources available to help you get started. I suggest you check out the help center for specific questions such as setting up a withdrawal option or tracking time. You'll also find several learning paths in Upwork Academy that I think would be helpful.

[aaaaa9d3]

Hi Mike 

I am a new freelancer on Upwork. My profile has been changed from public to private I have tried many times but I could not make it private to public so I request you to change our profile from private to public and also a solution.

Thanks

Md Ekramul Islam

[LuiggiR]

Hi Md Ekramul,

Your profile visibility has been reset. Feel free to check out this help article to learn why it can be automatically switched to private.

[fadlathan]

hi Md Ekramul

I had experienced something similar, my profile was locked Private, until I finally found a way, asked the support team for help to do a reset, so that my profile became public again, thank you assigned agent Mahdi Chakour for helping me

jazakallah

[rupamoni]

Thanks for your article for new freelancers like me.

[adrianne63]

Hello Mike J.?

I am new to the upwork platform for active proposals. I have been submitting proposals for new jobs and only seem to be coming across offers of questionable scams. I have been trying to be extra careful in this matter. I guess it is just a risk to know the correct information of clients and not follow off platform. My question for today is I have gone into linked in to just search and surf some Upwork jobs. Are these the Upwork corporation postings? what is the difference between what I'm finding on Linked in vs. the platform find jobs? And it is confusing to know contract vs no contract postings as well. Can you if possible send a few helpful suggestions? As far as Upwork on linked -in should you connect with your profile as a linked-in member does that help in finding freelance positions?

thank you

Adrianne King,

[MichaelJ]

Hi Adrianne,

Thank you for your message.

The job postings you may find on LinkedIn are for corporate roles or contract positions working for Upwork. While Upwork may post some contract roles on the Upwork platform, the majority of job postings you find on Upwork.com are posted by clients who are using the Upwork platform to find freelancers. 

All projects completed through the Upwork platform will have a contract. You should not begin work for a client until a contract is in place.

There are many ways to find clients for freelancing, but if you wish to work with clients that you found on Upwork, those contracts must take place on the Upwork platform, not through LinkedIn or other means.

I highly recommend checking out our learning paths for getting started on Upwork.

I hope this helps!

[24afee33]

Hi, Mike:

My first propspective client is insistent on a Skype call, even though I told him we're advised to keep communication on the Upwork platform until after we're hired. How should I handle this? Thank you, Juliann B.

[MichaelJ]

Hi Juliann,

While a Skype call would not be admissable, a Zoom video meeting can be conducted through the Upwork platform. Simply click the phone icon within your messages with the client.

[24afee33]

Hi, Mike:

Just received the first response to a proposal, but the prospective client is insistent on a Skype call, despite our being warned to KEEP the conversation on Upwork before getting hired. What's the deal with this? Are we being judged by looks or experience and abilities? Thank you.

[MichaelJ]

Hi Juliann,

I wouldn't be able to speak to your prospective client's motivations, but it is possible to have a Zoom video call through the Upwork platform. There is an option on the Messages page.

[144b0d55]

Hi Mike

Can You please review my profile and give some suggeshion

[MichaelJ]

Hi DM,

I reviewed your profile and it begins with "I'm the HIGHEST RATED and HIGHEST EARNING Digital Marketing freelancer on Upwork with numerous 5-star reviews, including overly positive feedback." It does not appear that you have had any contracts or received any reviews on Upwork. Please ensure your profile is accurate.

[d0afa711]

Would you please take a look at my profile and suggest some improvements? 

[MichaelJ]

Hi Muhammad,

I reviewed your profile and here are my suggestions:

• 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.
• The beginning of your profile overview displays in prospective client search results and it’s your first 200-character pitch. So, your first sentence should include clear, relevant information about your primary skill sets and expertise. Right now your profile begins with "Hi I'm Muhammad Shahzad (Electrical Engineer by profession and Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant by passion)." Consider removing this and focusing on what services you are offering.

• 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. 

  • Help clients understand your abilities better by listing information about your skills and experience in an original and creative way. 
  • Focus on how you can help clients achieve their goals. For example, expand on who you are, the services you offer, and what you’re most passionate about. 
  • Be clear on your expertise and mention specialized software or tools. 
  • If appropriate, let your personality shine through (include some excitement), and show your qualities and praise the work you do, instead of focusing on yourself.

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.

[fadlathan]

hi Mike,
Can you check my profile is complete? If not, what should I add? written 100%
thanks for the support mike

[MichaelJ]

Hi Abi,

When you sign in to Upwork, on the right side of the page you will see your profile completion percentage and suggestions for what you need to do. Your profile is set to private so I'm not able to check. 

[fadlathan]

Hi Mike J,

thanks, my profile has changed from private to public
Would you please take a look at my profile and suggest some improvements?

thank's Mike

[MichaelJ]

Hi Abi,

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. 

• Help clients understand your abilities better by listing information about your skills and experience in an original and creative way. 
• Focus on how you can help clients achieve their goals. For example, expand on who you are, the services you offer, and what you’re most passionate about. 
• Be clear on your expertise and mention specialized software or tools. 
• If appropriate, let your personality shine through (include some excitement), and show your qualities and praise the work you do, instead of focusing on yourself.

[5e7c1c60]

Hey mike J!
Your post help me a lot to set up my profile but still i am not getting any order yet.Can you please help me by reviewing my profile. I 'll be very thankful to you.

[MichaelJ]

Hi Eisha,

Thanks for your message. I reviewed your profile and here are my suggestions:

• 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. 

  • Help clients understand your abilities better by listing information about your skills and experience in an original and creative way. 
  • Focus on how you can help clients achieve their goals. For example, expand on who you are, the services you offer, and what you’re most passionate about. 
  • Be clear on your expertise and mention specialized software or tools. 

• Your written English skills are strong and you are easy to understand. However, I did see a few minor errors. If you'd like to add extra polish, consider using a tool like 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.

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.

[walexutd]

Hi Mike J

Please help me check my Upwork account.

I was working with a freelancer basic (free) account before but I only had a project through out that time I did, and delivered on the 1st of July this year. Meanwhile, I've not gotten another job since then, and all my proposals has no response.

However, I subscribed to freelance plus on Sunday 14th of August, and still all the proposals sent has no response.

Please help me out, is my account deactivated or suspended or is there something I'm not getting right ?

Your quick response will be highly appreciated.

Thanks. 

[MichaelJ]

Hi Olawale,

There are no holds on your account. Upwork is a very competitive platform. Having won your first project, you're off to a good start. I do have one note.

The beginning of your profile overview displays in prospective client search results and it’s your first 200-character pitch. So, your first sentence should include clear, relevant information about your primary skill sets and expertise. Right now, your overview begins with "Hi there!" and a blank line, taking up precious space in the search results.

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.

[c3263e08]

Hello Mike, 

Im new in Upwork have applied for several jobs but so far none has come through. how long does a new bie take to get a single job? am almost giving up and my connects are being exhausted by day.

Regards 

Sara

[MichaelJ]

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for your message. Upwork is a very competitive platform so it can take many proposals to win your first project. The good news is that you'll receive more Connects each month. 

I noticed that 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. 

• Help clients understand your abilities better by listing information about your skills and experience in an original and creative way. 
• Focus on how you can help clients achieve their goals. For example, expand on who you are, the services you offer, and what you’re most passionate about. 
• Be clear on your expertise and mention specialized software or tools. 
• If appropriate, let your personality shine through (include some excitement), and show your qualities and praise the work you do, instead of focusing on yourself.

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.

I hope this helps!

[045e7308]

Hi Mike, thanks for the tips. it actually helped me at lot. 

[HildaM]

Hi everyone! My name is Hilda and I'm one of the four Upwork Coaches from Upwork Academy, an accessible and interactive suite of informational resources and best practices for using Upwork. There are multiple courses and learning paths aimed to help with your success.

What is Upwork Coaching? The coaching team is here to help no matter where you are in your Upwork journey! We are here to provide tips on how to grow your business on Upwork, answer strategy questions, and be your guide. We provide cohort coaching to bring support and advice to more Upwork Community members at once and personalized one-to-one coaching as well.

What is a coaching cohort you ask? It’s an online group on our Community page dedicated to helping talent start and grow their freelancing business. While this is a community group setting, you will have an opportunity to schedule a 1:1 call with the assigned Upwork Coach or attend an “Ask Me Anything” call. It's called a cohort because it starts and ends on specific dates.

Join the Getting Started in Upwork cohort that starts on August 29, 2022, and runs for two weeks. Click the link request to join.  

I am looking forward to helping you succeed!