Tips for Getting Started on Upwork

[#1]

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!

[#2]

Hi Rajesh,

Once qualified you will receive an email confirmation, the badge will be awarded on your profile in up to 48 hours. To learn more about the requirements check out this Help Article. Thank you.

[#3]

I am new here, but do not get the Raising Talent Badge yet. is there any special requirement to get the badge? However, I have already read the necessary requirement to become a Raising Talent at Upwork.

[#4]

Hi Md Firoz,

Once qualified you will receive an email confirmation, the badge will be awarded on your profile in up to 48 hours. To learn more about the requirements check out this Help Article.

[#5]

Hi Mike! 

Thank you for the tips. Also, thanks for linking the articles that you feel would be helpful. I will definitely be checking them out. 

Have a blessed day.

-Cindy-

[#6]

I would really appreciating a review of my profile please

[#7]

Hi Iyanuloluwa,

Thank you for your message. I have reviewed your profile and have some 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. 

Here are some additional tips for writing a great Overview.

I hope this helps!

[#8]

Mike,

Thanks for the tips. I signed up to purchase connects but would like to pause the connects for a month or so. I don't want to pause the work, as I am still applying but my connects are piling up. How do I accomplish that task?

Thanks for the info.

Tina

[#9]

Hi Tina,

You can adjust your membership from Settings > Membership & Connects. You can learn more about Connects balance limits and roll over here.

[#10]

Hi Mike!

Could you review my profile and suggest to me how to improve my profile?

Best regards.

Kadir

[#11]

Hi Kadir,

Your profile is off to a good start, but I would suggest requesting peer feedback in this post.

[#12]

Thank you Mike!

[#13]

Dear Mike J, I am new here and I was going to ask about all the topics you mentioned and it did stop me to write and read. It was helpful and informative. Thanks.

[#14]

Hi:

I'm fairly new to Upwork (just over a month I think) and am having trouble finding jobs. I have redone my profile, and am starting to lose hope. I have had just two contracts, a few bites, but nothing came of them. I find people bidding for far less than I can afford to, and wonder how a freelancer can actually work for the rates they are putting. Plus, I've already bought plenty of connects, and some jobs take up 6. In my opinion, if you are not hiring me, you should return the connects to me 

I hope I have a better experience in the near future.

[#15]

Hi Mike,

Hope you are soing fine.

I am new in Upwork. Created my profile 04 months ago. I have applied for 04 jobs but not yet get one.

But my profile has been set to Private automatically. 

Will my profile be disabled or closed if don't win job in next few months?

As per the email sent to me I am trying to earn but can't win bids.

what can I do now?

Regards

Md. Abdul Awal.

[#16]

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to invite you to an exclusive Ask Me Anything office hours with one of our Upwork Success Partners. During this live session, you will be able to ask any unanswered or follow-up questions about maximizing your success on Upwork.

The Ask Me Anything will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, November 4th at 10 am CDT. 

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://upwork.zoom.us/j/92673475397?pwd=MFA5ZGdrem05UkxySDZlTFlLbmZydz09 

Meeting ID: 926 7347 5397
Passcode: 044629

We look forward to speaking with you!

[#17]

Hello Mike,
Would you mind providing me the most useful and specific suggestions to start my career with Upwork through taking a look at my profile?
I would like to start with entry level jobs like data entry, copy writing, Bengali to English language translations or simple copy-paste jobs etc. I have submitted 6 proposals and expecting response from the clients.
I think your valuable suggestions may lead me to find the right key to unlock the door of my first success.

Thanks
Shafiul Alam Khan

[#18]

Hi Shafiul,

Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:

• Photos make a strong first impression. Clear, headshot-style photos with a simple background work best. Improve yours by taking a photo with a plain background and in which you have a more welcoming facial expression. Check out this how-to guide.
• 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.

• 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.
  • Other examples of information you can include are past accomplishments and projects, preferred working style, and your business’ values (e.g. I believe in strong communications or thorough upfront planning), industries or lines of businesses you have worked in before, and the types of clients you have worked with before (start-ups, solo entrepreneurs, large businesses, etc.). 

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!

[#19]

I am waiting to land new clients through this program .Though only a week ,has anyone got success in landing new clients through this program.Just curious .

Shweta

[#20]

Hi there

Yes one does get new projects, but not within a week.  It takes a bit more time and persistence. I managed to get my first 2 clients within a couple of weeks after submitting a few proposals. I wish you all the best, good luck Shweta.

[#21]

Thank you for all this info Mike.  As a new member I am continuously on the look out for helpful tips on how to improve my chances of winning projects on Upwork.  I am currently trying my best to get that rising talent badge!

[#22]

Thank you a lot for sharing such great information, Mike!

Could you have a HOOK LOOK at my profile 🙂 because I feel there is something missing thank you aggressively in advance :).

[#23]

Hi Mohammed,

I have reviewed your profile and you are off to a good start. 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 would suggest that you complete your profile. It is currently only 40% completed. You cannot obtain Rising Talent or Top Rated badges if your profile is not complete. You can review this article for information on completing your profile.

[#24]

Hi Mike,

Can you check my profile and recommend changes if any to win contracts.

[#25]

Hi Clim,

I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:

• 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.

• 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.
  • Other examples of information you can include are past accomplishments and projects, preferred working style, and your business’ values (e.g. I believe in strong communications or thorough upfront planning), industries or lines of businesses you have worked in before, and the types of clients you have worked with before (start-ups, solo entrepreneurs, large businesses, etc.). 

• 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, 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.

I hope this helps!

[#26]

Can you please help me review my profile and please provide feedback as well so I can improve it thank you