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!
May 4, 2021 04:44:11 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Pronob,
Thanks 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. 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.
You might also find these article helpful:
May 4, 2021 04:15:29 AM by Nikko D
Hi Mike,
It has been years since I was able to land and offer. I'm sending multiple proposals but none of them are having responses from clients. Could you please help me identify what I can improve on?
May 4, 2021 04:46:00 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Nikko,
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.
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.
May 4, 2021 10:19:10 PM by Virginiya Z
Hi Mike,
I am a newcomer and have recently got profile' approval. Could you be so kind to look through and give an advice what should be improved.
I would like to gain an experience in QBO but I am a fresh person in it.
TIA
Virginiya
May 5, 2021 06:07:26 AM Edited May 5, 2021 06:10:22 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Virginiya,
Thank you for your message and welcome to Upwork! I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
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.
May 12, 2021 12:42:55 PM by Adrian G
Hi Mike
Please advise, I am feeling rather frustrated.
I'm new to Upwork but not freelancing and I am an expert in my field. I can't seem to land my first project despite sending out many proposals. I get that I am competeing against others in a big pool but begining to feel like I'm wasting my time.
Is there any way of knowing why my proposals are not being accepted? So I can either adjust my strategy, profile or price. I see the same company/person looking for retouchers everyday "We are looking for Hi-Experienced editors/retouchers for regular projects (3-4 projects per week)" and I have applied to just about every post of theirs but not getting anywhere even thouh I am a perfectly suitable candidate. Are they hiring the same retoucher everytime they hire? Please review my profile and let me know if something is prehaps off there. Many thanks, Adrian
May 13, 2021 06:56:43 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Adrian,
Thank you for your message. Winning your first few projects on Upwork can be tough, but persistence is key. If you are seeing the same job post and not receiving replies, I would advise against continuing to apply to that role as the client may be looking for something different than what you are offering or your rate may be out of their range. Clients aren't required to indicate why they are not moving forward with a proposal. You may find the Freelancer Plus membership helpful as this gives you insights into the bid ranges of competitors on a specific job post.
I also suggest these articles:
I hope this helps!
May 20, 2021 07:22:13 AM by Bijoya S
Dear Mike,
I know you're fine Please check my profile and tell me if my profile has been completed correctly. I look forward to hearing from you. Please let me know. I have a request for you. Thank you.
Regards,
Bijoya Sarkar
May 11, 2021 09:37:32 AM by Margaret E
May 11, 2021 10:01:34 AM by MichaelJ M
HI Margaret,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
Your profile is only 90% 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.
I hope this helps!
May 6, 2022 04:45:26 PM Edited May 6, 2022 05:50:56 PM by Arjay M
Dear peers
take my love and getting of you. I am a new freelancer on Upwork.
my profile is complete and 100% but I didn't get any job! so please help how can i get a job?
**Edited for Community Guidelines**
May 12, 2021 01:59:19 PM by Brittany F
May 13, 2021 06:58:47 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Brittany,
Yes, you can have multiple active contracts on the platform.
Jul 3, 2021 02:42:32 AM by Ezekiel D
Jul 5, 2021 06:03:28 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Ezekiel,
Thank you for your message. In order to reach 100% profile completion, which is necessary in order to earn Rising Talent or Top Rated badges, please review this article. There are many different ways to reach 100%.
As for your profile, I do not see a freelancer context on your account, only client. You may have a second account, but please note that users are only allowed 1 account. You can be both a freelancer and a client on the same account. You can find directions for creating a freelancer profile under your existing account in this article.
Jul 24, 2021 02:26:27 AM by Muhammad Hasnain H
Hi,
I have completed my profile and also Upwork readiness test. I have applied for more than 15 jobs but not getting any response from the clients after 1st order. Can anyone please review my profile and give me suggestions about winning a job or improving the profile?
Thanks,
Hasnain Hayat
Web Developer
Aug 2, 2021 06:46:45 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Hasnain,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and wanted to mentiont 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.
I also recommend these articles:
I hope this helps!
May 17, 2021 02:37:37 AM by Samuel N
Yes, Brittany, you can, If you have the capacity to manage more clients successfully, go right ahead!
May 19, 2021 02:17:15 PM by Jimoh J
Hello Mike am new to upwork please kindly help go through my profile and tell me what I need to get done. Thanks in Advance
May 19, 2021 02:24:07 PM Edited May 19, 2021 02:27:36 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Jimoh,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
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!
May 24, 2021 01:23:59 PM by John A
Hi Mike,
Thank you for doing this!
Would be so helpful if you could go through my profile and share any suggestions that you might have to share. Thank you so much!
May 25, 2021 06:01:43 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi John,
Thank you for your message. Your profile looks great! One thing I wanted to make sure you're aware of 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. Your first sentence is already an overview, but I wanted to make sure you know this shows in search results in case you wish to make any adjustments.
May 23, 2021 02:42:55 AM by Rashid L
Hi,
Friends i am new in free lanceing and i want some help so, who help me