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]

Thankyou Mike. You rock🤘

[#3]

Hi Muhammad, presently i'm going through the same problem here as well....I dont even know how to overcome this. I am about to give up on this freelancing thing because its just not working for me presently.

[#4]

Hi Mike,

I am new to Upwork and I've been reading through the guidlines but I am confused and do not want to do something wrong.  On the page about submitting proposals it says something about offering a phone or video call, but I also see we are only supposed to communicate through Upwork?  Isn't that contradictory?

If a client accepts my proposal and wants me to do a tax return, what do I do next?  I assumed I'd use my own programs and email it to the client when done but after reading about only using Upwork, I do not know how to proceed.

My apologies if these questions are answered somewhere else.  I've been looking but have not found the answers.

Thanks for your help.

-Eve

[#5]

Hi Eve,

Thank you for your message. You can make both phone and video calls directly through Upwork Messages from the browser.  This includes initiating Zoom Meetings! Check out this article about Voice and Video Calls. Using any of these methods directly through Upwork constitutes keeping communication on the site.

As for delivering the work, once the client sends you an offer and you accept, a contract is created. Once the contract is in place, you can communicate with the client outside of Upwork.

That said, if you decide on a fixed-price contract, there is the ability to deliver the finished work through Upwork. For more on that, take a look at this article about Getting Paid for Fixed-Price Contracts.

I hope this helps!

[#6]

Thanks for your reply.

[#7]

Hello. Thank you for your useful post.
I am a new freelancer and im sending proposals out, but nobody is noticing them and most people prefer freelancers who have performed other projects here.... and im afraid i’ll run out of connects at this rate.

Would you kindly give me some advice and review my profile?

[#8]

Hi Carine,

Thank you for your message. Winning your first project can be the toughest. I've 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. 
• 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.). 

I also recommend these articles.

• Upwork Profiles: Why a Great Title and Overview Can Make a Difference
• How to Create a Proposal That Wins Jobs
• How to Write Proposals: Proven Advice From Freelancers on Upwork

You will receive 10 free Connects each month. If the need arises, you can purchase additional Connects. A Freelancer Plus membership also provides an additional 70 Connects per month.

I hope this helps!

[#9]

Hi Mike,

I have tried a lot of things with Upwork and submitted a lot of bids, but nothing has worked so far. Please I will like your help in suggesting best practices so I can be successful on the platform.

[#10]

Hi Babajide,

Thank you for your message. 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. Consider removing "Hi, Thanks for viewing my Upwork profile page." as this is taking up precious real estate.
• 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 (right now you have 3, but we know clients like to see at least 4) of your best work. Learn more about building a great portfolio here.

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!

Best,

Mike

[#11]

Thanks, Mike. I will work on the changes you suggested; hopefully, things will get better.

Regards.

[#12]

Hi Mike! Thanks for the post that really helping new comer also replying and reviewing people's profile.

Could you also take a look on my profile and see if there's any improvement that I could do because I haven't landed any jobs since I've been active again these past few weeks (I made the account few years ago and left the account hanging because of office work) even after I propose on more than 15 jobs. 

Thanks!

Regard, Lionny

[#13]

Hi Lionny,

Thank you for your message. I took a look at your profile and noticed 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. 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.).

When writing your profile Overview, also consider that many clients do not know which software or skills are required to complete their task. Therefore, it's important to make sure you put equal emphasis on the end products you offer (logos, marketing materials, etc.). 

Don't be discouraged by the number of proposals you've sent. It is normal for it to take some time to win your first contract. Most talent report that the process becomes easier after winning their first job.

I hope this helps!

[#14]

Hi Mike, 

I joined upwork for a long time but then I was not active on it until recently. After submitted more than 20 proposals, I kept worrying that I don't have what it takes to work on Upwork But then I finally landed on my first job!

Thanks for the reviews and I will continue to polish my profile and portfolio. 

Regards,

Lionny

[#15]

Congrats, Lionny! That's great to hear! Perseverance is key.

[#16]

Hi Mike!

Good day! I just want to ask something about my upwork profile. I created the account on 2017 and it was in active for 3 years. Last year, I was able to land on my first client. How will I get a badge? It says, 

To qualify for a Rising Talent badge, you must:

1. Pass the Upwork Readiness Test.
2. Complete projects on time and as promised to clients.
3. Maintain a 100% complete profile with accurate skills and genuine work.
4. Keep your availability status up-to-date.
5. Regularly submit proposals to projects that match your skill set.

I think, I am doing it all but I'm not still getting any badge. I want it so bad. Can you help me? 

Thank you so much and hope you have a great day!

Regards,

Kayla

[#17]

Hi Kayla,

Thank you for your message. 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. In your case, you are ineligible for Rising Talent due to the age of your account.

You're, of course, still eligible for the other badges. Your next step will be to earn a Job Success Score (JSS) which can then lead to a Top Rated badge. Not all projects and clients are equal, so the time it takes to get a Job Success Score varies. In order to get a Job Success Score, you need to complete:

• Projects with 2 (or more) different clients
• 4 (or more) different contracts within 24 months

I hope this helps!

[#18]

Hey Mike, could you review my profile and give me some feedback about my profile?

[#19]

Hi "Make",

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

• You appear to be using a company name as your name. This is a violation of the Upwork Terms of Service. Please update your information with your legal name. If you wish to operate as a business on Upwork, you can create an agency.
• 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!

[#20]

Hey Mike J,
I'm new to upwork and would like to get some help in building a good profile.
I'm also finding trouble finding my first job.

[#21]

Hi Aaron,

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. Consider improving yours by taking a photo that is cropped to include only your head and the top of your shoulders. Check out this how-to guide.

• 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.). 
• You have a strong command of the English language. However, I did notice some minor misspellings and grammatical errors (such as "Microsoft Office" not being capitalized)(. To help add extra polish, consider using a tool like Grammarly. It’s free and it works as a Chrome add-on, so it works in your Upwork proposals, profile edits, and Web-based email. As you're promoting yourself as a writer and editor, your spelling and grammar should be free of errors.

I hope this helps!

[#22]

Thank you, Mike. That is absolutely awesome information.

[#23]

• Have been active in the past 90 days or joined in the past 30 days <<< thats one requirement for raising star does it mean we have to wait for 3months or 1 month of waiting just to get a job?
  
  for raising star is one criteria they are looking? 
  
  is there a way for us new to Upwork but an expert on our profession or fields?
  
  i hope offer and give us a chance as NEW to Upwork to at list be given a chance to find a job.
  i doubt it for i already submitted multiple proposals and yet ZERO reply or response.

[#24]

Hi Rico,

Thank you for your message. In order to earn the Rising Talent badge, you either need to have been active (earning or submitting proposals) in the last 90 days or have joined Upwork in the last 30 days.

It takes persistence to win your first project. 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.

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!

[#25]

It is so lame to write it with correct grammar and well-presented writeups and more.
i am selling my self as a TECHNICAL GUY in terms of VIDEO EDITING  
i AM NOT SELLING my self as a GOOD AND PERFECT WRITER.

In terms of rising talent badge, i should wait for 90days just like a fraternity need to suffer and wait just for me to get ONE single JOB.  and yet it has been 15+ YEARS and more i doing the JOB THEY WANT ME TO DO.

My question is... Is it about the  WRITEUP on my profile? OR ABOUT MY CAPABILITIES OF DOING THERE REQUIRE PROJECT?

[#26]

Hi Rico,

While it's true that, for some categories and types of jobs, a perfect command of English isn't a requirement, we often hear from clients that clear communication is very important to them when they make hiring decisions. Having a well-written profile description that is free of grammatical errors shows that the freelancer is professional and has great attention to detail. On the contrary, typos and confusing sentence structure may turn some clients away. 

Your experience is important and the Upwork profile provides opportunities for you to show and list this past experience to help you win projects on Upwork. A well-structured profile will help clients to easily understand this past experience.

As for the Rising Talent badge, I believe you are misunderstanding the requirements. The 90-day requirement means that you must have submitted proposals or earned on Upwork in the last night days. You do not need to wait 90 days. I reviewed your account and you meet all the requirements for the Rising Talent badge. The badge will appear on your profile in 24-48 hours.

I hope this helps!