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]

Clients' requirements are nothing to me it is so easy. I even submit a proposal lowest bid of $3 just for me to get the job and yet still no response. I doubt there is in the system that is blocking me not to be seen by clients.  I not i am on last offer list since i am new to upwork. 

I offer PRO BONO (FREE OF CHARGE) just for me to be tested and have good ratings in "Job Success Score" for i am confident enough i can do it professionally.

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER (pay 14$ a month?) it is a straightforward question.
in order for upwork to show my OFFER to them. I am pretty much sure there something wrong with the system its either blocking or hiding us new to upwork hidding my info if not it  will be in the last of the list because i am not a member.

DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO GET THE PROJECT?

[#3]

Hi Rico,

No, a paid membership is not required for your proposal to be shown to clients. Also, providing the lowest bid is not necessarily the key to winning a contract. Many clients wish to hire the best candidate, not the cheapest. The cover letter you send with your proposal is their first indication of your skill and professionalism.

Upwork is a very competitive marketplace. Persistence and a concentrated effort are key for success. I put together a list of relevant articles that I suggest you read:

• Mistakes Independent Talent Make When Setting Their Rates—and Ideas to Fix Them
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Create a Proposal That Wins Jobs
• How to Write Proposals: Proven Advice From Freelancers on Upwork

[#4]

I wish Upwork be honest to us not give us false hope. it feels like every new to Upwork will be put to the arena like a royal rumble and survival of the fittest. who ever lasts long will survive.  It not about the quality of work anymore it's a test of patience.

Putting features in upwork that shows who views your profile or proposal but not selected is much more encouraging to do more effort to improve my profile presentation and cover proposal.

but this current system of upwork?  i am pretty much sure that my account was blocked and not being shown to client. just for a reason that  i am new to upwork.

clients requirement is to buy bicycles and i even offer Ferrari racing car and yet it is being ignored. thats how frustrating upwork system currently. 

just imagine i almost used my 80connects and zero feedback? what would you feel?
and you know know that you are the best in your field of work. 

[#5]

Hi Everyone,

I was out from upwork around 10 months and recently I've started to work fulltime, I have applied more jobs with a good proposal but all of jobs are still in open position. Non of them are hired anyone. Will it take maximum two or three days to get someone hired?

Thank you

Vishwa

[#6]

Hello Mike,
don’t ever doubt that your article was very helpful. It really helps to have someone that cares for us ( I mean newbie freelancers). I would also like you to please check my profile and give me your feedback whether it’s good or not and what’s wrong. I’ve not yet closed a job and I don’t have much pro experiences yet so for I’m trying to gain experience as much as I can. Thanks to reply as soon as you can.

[#7]

Bonjour Pascal,

Merci pour votre message! (I'll stop there, but I don't get to use my French skills too often. ) I reviewed your profile and you're off to a great start. I did want to share some articles that you may find helpful as you continue your journey on Upwork:

• 9 Tips to Help You Create a Freelancer Profile That Stands Out
•  Tips from Freelancers: Best Practices for Success
• How to Create a Proposal That Wins Jobs
• How to Ace Your Next Client Interview

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!

[#8]

Hello Mike,
Your French skills are pretty cool(I mean this sentence 🙂!)
I really appreciate your help via those articles. I’m pretty sure it’ll
also help me gain more pro experiences whether on Upwork or not.
Please be safe. It was a pleasure.

[#9]

Hi Mike my name is vinu a newcomer on upwork. Till now haven't recieved a single job offer. Please can you hook me up with some clients. **Edited for Community Guidelines**

[#10]

Bonsoir mike . J

Je m’appele clovis et je suis nouveau pigiste sur la plateforme. Je vous remercie pour votre article qui nous permet d’éviter les érreurs de débutant. j’ai eu mon premier entretien à peine etre inscrit sur la plateforme mais j’ai pas été retenu surement parceque j’ai pas su repondre à l’entretien. s’il vous plait je voudrais savoir comment reussir un entetien avec le client, comment est-ce qu'

[#11]

Bonjour Clovis,

Welcome to Upwork! Here are some articles with great advice for the interviewing process:

• How to Write Proposals: Proven Advice From Freelancers on Upwork
• How to Ace Your Next Client Interview

And these help articles provide information on using the Desktop App and tracking your time:

• Logging Time with the Desktop App
• Use Your Work Diary

I hope these help!

[#12]

je voudrais aussi savoir comment le client nous fait parvenir ses travaux et comment utiliser l'application pour suivre le temps de travail sur upwork

[#13]

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 to me so that I can share my profile with you for review. 

Thank you.

[#14]

Hi Mike ! Glad to read your article. I am new to Upwork but been for months. I haven't got a single job from my proposal. Got one but it was just done thru Upwork as a customer sales rep but got a bad feedback since it wasn't my niche after all. Can I get rid of that feedback , is it possible to be taken out from my profile since it is no longer my niche coz I have been studying a lot and taking for courses to be a Graphic designer / Video editor. It is hard for us not to get noticed since we don't have experience as a freelancer befere. Can you please take a look on my profile and see what is missing.Thank you very much and GOD bless.

[#15]

Hi Luisa,

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. 

  • 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 notice you haven’t added any pieces to your portfolio. Your portfolio is one of the most important profile components that clients review. Our research shows that missing portfolio pieces can be a negative signal for clients. Consider adding a few relevant pieces. It might help in getting more profile views and high-quality job invites. 

As for feedback removal, there is a perk for Top Rated freelancers to remove feedback occassionally, but otherwise feedback cannot be removed or changed unless the client agrees to do so.

[#16]

hello, sir hope you are fine today. I am new in Upwork I have completed my profile 100% and passed my rising star test with full marks and 24 hours passed but I don't get a rising star badge yet what can I do now? I hope Your answer will make my way to success.

[#17]

Hi Sadaf,

Welcome to Upwork and thank you for your message. You have completed the pro-active steps toward earning the Rising Talent badge. 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.

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.

[#18]

Good day, Mike,

I have made the changes you suggested. Please look at my profile again, so I know if I need to change something else.

Regards.

[#19]

Hi Babajide,

Your profile looks good!

[#20]

Hi Mike!

My name is Kelsey and I am new to UpWork.

I have sent out just under 10 proposals and I have not had one response.

What am I doing wrong?

Your help is appreciated! Thanks!

[#21]

Thanks, Mike,

However, I noticed that my profile is not seen by potential clients. Is there anything I can do about this?

[#22]

Hi Babjide,

I reviewed your account and it looks like you haven't sent many proposals recently. Upwork is extremely competitive. In order to win projects and be viewed by clients, you'll need to continue to submit proposals. Clients may discover you organically through search results, but most clients post jobs and wait for proposals.

[#23]

Hi Kelsey,

Thank you for your message. It is not uncommon to have to send more than 10 proposals prior to winning your first contract. As talent builds a reputation on Upwork, they often report it becomes easier to win projects. 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 profile is only 90% complete. In order to qualify for badges since as Rising Talent and Top Rated, your profile needs to be 100% completed.

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!

[#24]

Hello Upwork community, I am new in this world. Please suggest to me some tips and tricks so that I can start my career on upwork. 

[#25]

Hi Pratik,

Welcome to Upwork! I took a look at 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.
• 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.

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.

Good luck!

[#26]

Hi Mike,

Can you check my profile, please? Is everything ok in my profile? I am new on Upwork. Can you give me the best suggestion for getting a job and talent success badge? I already sent many proposals but no one sends me any invitations or single messages. Can you help me, please?

Thanks

Khalid