Aug 6, 2020 05:51:19 PM Edited Apr 26, 2022 12:58:19 PM 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 05:59:19 PM by MichaelJ M
For help with your profile, check out this peer feedback thread and consider joining an Upwork Academy Coaching Cohort!
Aug 7, 2020 08:10:04 AM by Endurance U
Hey,
thanks a lot Mike J, i´m a new member in the community and i think your post it´s very helpful.
greetings, Nelson.
Aug 7, 2020 12:13:20 PM by Francis N
Hello Mike, Thanks for your interest to help new Freelancers like me. I would be glad if you can help me build my profile, Please reply me so that i can share my profile with you for review.
Thank you.
Francis.
Aug 7, 2020 09:29:20 PM by Will C
Hi Mike,
Could you do a review of my profile and offers some feedback? I'd appreciate some feedback on the profile overall.
Also, as someone just starting out, I'm trying to figure out how to position myself. I can do two things: I'm a great marketing specialist and I can also do a lot of great admin tasks like data entry and cleanup, internet research, VA, etc. Can I straddle both in a single profile or is it better to commit to being a marketing specialist or an admin/data entry-cleanup person?
Thanks,
Will
Aug 10, 2020 03:48:44 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Will,
Thanks for your message. I reviewed your profile and you're off to a great start! I have a few suggestions:
As for how to position yourself, I would suggest creating specialized profiles for each of your two main skills. This will allow you to write a focused overview for each of them.
I hope this helps!
Sep 29, 2020 12:49:26 PM by Md. A
Hello Mike,
Can you please review my profile, everything is okay? And suggest to me how to improve my profile to always get in touch Upwork talent success manager like you and the client to get more invitations. Please review and let me know.
Thanks in advance,
Al Amin
Sep 29, 2020 04:17:48 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Md. A,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and have a suggestion. 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 hope this helps!
Nov 17, 2021 06:25:42 AM by Wasim A
Hello MD A,
Can you please check my profile is fully completed ?
Nov 17, 2021 12:56:08 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Wasim,
I looked at your profile and noticed a few things:
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.
I hope this helps!
Feb 19, 2022 10:59:25 AM by Hannah Margarette H
Hello! I am Hannah. Im new here at Upwork. I've completed my profile. I have submitted proposals to mny clients also but I never landed on a job. Anyone who can give me advice?
Feb 22, 2022 02:04:15 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Hannah,
I think your profile is off to a good start, but the first couple of sentences could be put to better use. 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 you are using this precious space to mention that you are a freelancer working for clients around the globe. That's unnecessary information given the nature of Upwork.
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.
Jan 11, 2021 05:51:15 PM by Prokash S
Hi Mike,
Can you check my profile and recommend changes if any to win contracts. Please help me mike.
Jan 11, 2021 06:34:59 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Prokash,
Thank you for your message. I have reviewed your profile and have some suggestions:
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.
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!
Feb 13, 2021 10:54:56 AM by Ali A
Hello Mike
Hope you are fine.
Sir can you please review my profile and suggest to me what should I do to impress clients and do work more.
Feb 15, 2021 03:10:49 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Muhammad Ashfaq,
Your profile is off to a strong start. Here are some articles that might help improve your success on Upwork:
Aug 15, 2021 09:57:22 AM by Andy S
Hi Mike,
I have joined Upwork quite recently. My profile is 100% completed with a decent portfolio attached and I am still struggling to get the jobs here. In fact, I have sent 168 proposals so far and received only 1 job in return which is very disappointing. Would love your suggestions, mate.
Cheers,
Andy.
Aug 16, 2021 12:47:40 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Andy,
Your profile looks good. However, I noticed your hours are set to “As Needed”. Because different independent professionals use this setting to communicate different things (some mean their workload is varying, some mean that they are booked - but will consider very attractive offers) it may be a detractor to receiving relevant invites. It might be helpful to instead use the “Less than 30” or “More than 30” option - depending upon which is closest to your current projected available hours. Check out this article to help you set your hours.
You may also find these articles helpful:
Jun 1, 2022 11:46:41 AM by Qandeel N
Hi Mike,
I hope you're good. Can you pls review my profile.
I shall be grateful.
Regards,
Qandeel
May 24, 2021 05:40:07 PM by Alok K
May 24, 2021 05:49:26 PM Edited May 24, 2021 05:49:52 PM by MichaelJ M
Hi Alok,
Thank you for your message. I see you are already off to agreat start. Congratulations on your 100% Job Success Score! I did review 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.
I hope this helps!
Dec 26, 2021 09:14:10 PM by Begüm A
Hi Mike!
I really need your opinion, I sent you a private message.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Begüm
Jun 8, 2021 11:02:23 AM by Ozan E
Hello Mike!
I am fairly new. My account was not active and i started using upwork. Got couple contracts and its been going good.
But i couldnt find a clear "requirements" for becoming a "rising star"
And i hear that the %20 comission fee is reduced to %10 somehow. How does that happen and how does it work?
Also, it would be an amazing bonus if you'd take a look at my profile and guide me towards a better presentation.
Thank you very much