Aug 6, 2020 10:51:19 AM Edited Apr 26, 2022 05:58:19 AM by Michael J
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 Michael J
For help with your profile, check out this peer feedback thread and consider joining an Upwork Academy Coaching Cohort!
Mar 12, 2021 01:02:27 AM by Jamstack V
Hi Mike,
Your post is really helpful to me. I'm new here and know nothing about how Upwork works. Could you please review my profile?
Also, my team and I strive to reach more customers who are in need of a website and brand identity. How can I find them in Upwork.
Best regard,
JAMstack Vietnam.
Mar 14, 2021 03:01:13 AM by Anya S
Good afternoon, Mike!
If it's not difficult for you, I would like to ask you to look at my profile and point out errors and give any advice on the profile to win contracts.
And some more tips for taking the Rising Talent test: How many tries are given? I can't get through it ((
Mar 23, 2021 07:38:16 AM by Michael J
Hi Anya,
Thank you for your message. You may complete the Upwork Readiness Test as many times as needed. Please review the ariticles linked here for the needed information to pass the test.
I reviewed your profile and suggest you add to your portfolio. Your portfolio gives you the opportunity to impress potential clients with real-life examples of your skills and expertise. To help you look your best, consider showcasing 4+ examples of your best work. Learn more about building a great portfolio here.
I hope this helps!
Mar 15, 2021 07:09:33 AM by Jennifer L
Hi Mike,
I have some clients who have written testimonials but they have not been posted to my profile. It's been one week already. What is the general timeframe for testimonials to be uploaded by Upwork? Thanks for the helpful tips.
Best,
Jen L.
Mar 15, 2021 09:10:06 AM Edited Mar 15, 2021 09:10:24 AM by Andrea G
Hi Jennifer,
Please allow 10 business days for your Testimonial request to be reviewed.
Thanks!
Mar 15, 2021 01:43:46 PM by Samantha C
Thank you for this post! I have had this account for several years and really just started checking it out and completing my profile. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Mar 23, 2021 07:40:45 AM by Michael J
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and your 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.
I hope this helps!
Apr 9, 2021 11:13:11 PM Edited Apr 10, 2021 12:00:08 AM by Pradeep H
Hello Mike,
I had been submitting proposals for more than two months. I change very often and added everything I learned from this forum. But I never get a single response from a client. Why does that mean if you don't have any past experience, you are not eligible for any work on Upwork. Kindly look into my profile **Edited for Community Guidelines** If you want I will be happy to share the proposals with you.
Thanks for your consideration.
Kind Regards,
Usman Khan
Apr 13, 2021 06:58:47 AM by Michael J
Hi Usman.
Thank you for your message. I 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.
Your written English skills are good, but 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!
Mar 18, 2021 12:55:29 AM by Imad U
Dear Mike J.
I am glad to read your instructions and found it fruitfull. Indeed it will help me a lot as I am new to upwork freelancing. It will be more benefical for new one to be gudied through sample .
Thank you for your kind information.
Imad
Mar 26, 2021 09:23:09 AM by Lambert A
Hello, Thanks for your information, i have a complete profile and i have submitted several proposals, no invite yet, no job. what else can i do?
Apr 13, 2021 06:42:10 AM by Michael J
Hi Lambert,
Thanks for your message. I suggest you review these articles:
Mar 26, 2021 12:22:21 PM by Lavenda A
Hey Mike,
May you please review my profile and advice me accordingly,
thanks in advance.
Apr 13, 2021 06:44:19 AM by Michael J
Hi Lavenda,
Thank you for your message. Your profile is off to a good start. You may find these articles helpful:
Mar 30, 2021 07:39:31 AM by Prachi T
Hello Mike,
It is so kind to help New Freelancers like me. It would be pleased if you can check my profile and give me your valuable suggestions.
Thank you.
Prachi
Apr 13, 2021 06:46:05 AM by Michael J
Hi Prachi,
Thank you for your message. You're off to a good start. One thing to note is that 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. 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.
Mar 30, 2021 01:11:17 PM by Nayan M
thanks a lot, Mike J, I think your post it´s very helpful to build the profile. just visit my profile check Everything Ok or Not
Apr 13, 2021 06:48:01 AM by Michael J
Hi Nayan,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and want to remind you that 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 starts with an unnecessary "Hello" which takes up some of this precious real estate in 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.
Mar 31, 2021 08:17:02 PM by Vickey B
Hi Mike,
Please help me and review my profile. From the last few days, I'm not getting responses and invitations from clients.
Apr 13, 2021 06:49:59 AM by Michael J
Hi Vicky,
Your profile looks good and you've already earned the Top Rated badge. Congratulations!
You may find that invites eb and flow. A big key to success on Upwork is submitting proposals. Try not to rely too much on invites as the competition on Upwork is fierce.
May 5, 2022 01:07:31 PM by Aisha O
please how do i get a client to accept my proposal and hire me as a newbie? I really want to start work and start earning.
Apr 1, 2021 10:39:51 AM by Haneef L
Apr 13, 2021 06:56:12 AM by Michael J
Hi Haneef,
For the Rising Talent badge, we look at a variety of factors when determining whether to award Rising Talent status. This includes client feedback, the overall strength of your profile upon submission, including prior experience and skills and your educational background, as well as the opportunities available in the market.
For the Job Success Score, more than 90% of freelancers have a score after 5 projects, and nearly all freelancers have scores after completing eight projects.
Please review these articles for more information:
Apr 11, 2021 07:29:22 PM by Hector A R