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!
May 25, 2021 10:00:08 AM by Alan S
Hi,
Two questions for you.
1.) Could you glance at my profile and offer any tips to improve upon it?
2.) I've saved down a few different searches, but want to hone in on specific "tags" that a buyer has access to that as a freelancer we do not. Is there specfic advice regarding this?
Thank you so much!
May 25, 2021 01:42:35 PM by John A
Hey Mike,
Thank you for the suggestion!
I'll work on improving my profile overview.
May 26, 2021 02:31:56 AM by Asmerom Estifanos E
Hello Mike,
This is Asmerom, I was wondering if you could give a quick look at my profile and give me your feedback. As I am new to this freelancing business, your help is invaluable to me.
Kind regards,
Thanks
May 26, 2021 07:37:47 AM by Tiffany F
Hi Asmerom,
Thanks for your message. I have reviewed your profile and have few tips for you:
I hope this is helpful!
I recommend visiting the Upwork Events page. There are great past (recorded) and upcoming profile makeover webinars that can help you better understand how to position yourself and make your profile more marketable.
Best,
Tiffany F. | Upwork Success Partner
Jun 30, 2021 10:33:46 PM by Asmerom Estifanos E
Jul 1, 2021 03:10:21 AM by Asmerom Estifanos E
Jul 6, 2021 06:44:07 AM by Tiffany F
Hi Asmerom,
I'm glad to hear you found the information I provided to be helpful in making updates to your profile. It looks like you've added some additional information to your overview which will be very helpful for potential clients to learn about who you are and what kind of projects you're looking for.
I also see you've added some more skill tags. Since my post to you the limit for skill tags has been increased from 10 to 15 so you're free to add more if you want to make changes in this section. I would encourage you to keep working on your portfolio and adding additional samples of your work. If you have items that demonstrate something specific about your skills or a particular technique then those are great items to have there. This helps clients see you are capable of doing exactly what they are looking for.
Keep up the good work and happy bidding 🙂
Best,
Tiffany F. | Upwork Success Partner
Aug 11, 2021 02:46:33 PM by Sanskriti S
I'm fairly new to Upwork and have a pretty comprehensive profile though I've only completed 1 project.
I feel like I am doing all the things required to maximize the chances of getting my proposal considered but the process is very slow right now.
I'm asking this question here in hopes of getting some more insight into the procedure since I'm kinda running out of my free connects.
May 31, 2021 06:07:36 AM by Neetu G
Hi,
I have submitted lots of proposals or applied on multiple projects but still not getting any response from Client side. Please suggest what should I do ?
Thanks,
Neetu
Jun 1, 2021 05:43:46 AM by Neetu G
Please suggest what should I do? Can I contact or send messages directly to client?
Jun 2, 2021 05:32:01 AM Edited Jun 2, 2021 05:34:09 AM by Michael J
Hi Neetu,
I apologize for the delay in responding. Your profile looks good and is well organized. One thing to keep in mind 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.
I would also recommend completing your profile. It is currently 90% complete. It must be 100% complete to qualify for programs such as Rising Talent and Top Rated.
I suggest you review this articles for additional tips that may help:
I hope these help!
May 31, 2021 03:22:07 PM by Chiamaka O
Jun 2, 2021 05:35:18 AM by Michael J
Hi Chiamaka,
Thank you for your message and welcome to Upwork! I reviewed your profile and noted 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.
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!
Jun 6, 2021 05:23:33 PM by Chiamaka O
Jun 2, 2021 10:11:35 AM by Taunja B
I am concerned about listing past work places. My concern is I only want to add to my income sources not replace. Would not want my employer contacted. Feedback?
Jun 2, 2021 01:38:55 PM by Michael J
Hi Taunja,
You needn't supply any contact information. You can also just list the name of the industry, rather than the company.
I hope this helps.
Jun 2, 2021 11:09:15 PM by Alexa L
Hi Mike,
I am new to Upwork as a freelancer. Can you check my profie for review and some feedbacks? I actually also wanted to ask help in regards with sending proposals. Mind if you can help me in making a good proposal for a first timer?
Best Regards,
Alexa L.
Jun 3, 2021 05:37:49 AM by Michael J
Hi Alexa,
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.
You might also find these articles helpful, particularly those about proposals:
I hope this helps!
Jun 4, 2021 01:26:57 PM by Melissa P
Hi Mike, I am Melissa and I am new to the platform and I would like if you can review my profile and give me some tips to achieve success! Thank you!
Jun 7, 2021 09:03:37 AM by Hoang Huan N
Hi Mike,
Can you check my profile and recommend changes if any to win contracts. Please help me mike.
Jun 7, 2021 09:12:52 AM by Michael J
Hi Hoang,
Thank you for your message. I reviewed your profile and you're off to a good start. Your profile is well organized, but I do 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.
I also recommend these articles about submitting proposals:
I hope this helps!
Jun 9, 2021 12:02:32 AM by Usman A
Jun 14, 2021 05:59:34 AM by Michael J
Hi Usman,
Thank you for your message. I see you had 4 views on your profile last week. One of the keys is to have a really great profile so that it stands out in search results. Here are some suggestions based on my review of your profile:
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!
Jun 14, 2021 12:01:34 AM by Gaurav C
Hi Mike,
I have landed my first job. But, I am not getting any invite or my proposals accepted after that job. It would be of great help if you could provide me tips on getting my Upwork profile stand out and getting a rising talent badge.
Regards,
Gaurav
Jun 14, 2021 06:09:40 AM Edited Jun 14, 2021 06:35:27 AM by Michael J
Hi Gaurav,
Thank you for your message. Your profile is well-organized and off to a great start! One important thing I wanted to mention 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. As such, I would suggest moving your "Why chose me?" section below the first paragraph ("I have 3+ years...") as that paragraph will be better for displaying in search results.
You may also find these articles helpful:
As for earning the Rising Talent badge, we look at a variety of factors when determining whether to award the badge. 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. To improve your chances of earning the badge, continue to submit proposals to job postings that are relevant to the skills listed on your profile.
I hope this helps!