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]

Hi Yusuf,

Thanks for your message. I reviewed your profile and have some ideas:

• Your profile is only 75% 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.

• 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 may also find these articles helpful:

• 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

[#3]

Hello, I Gor you all are so nice and nice that I am already improving my English, I am new here and I am afraid to mess something up please you professionals look at my profile put a review, and tell me what to change or correct. Thank you.       Gor M. profile 

[#4]

Hi Gor,

Welcome to Upwork! I took a look at your profile and noticed 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. 

• 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.).

[#5]

Thank you, Mike, you helped me a lot I will do so thank you, brother!

[#6]

Hi Mike

Thanks for the above tips. I would also really appreciate you looking over my profile when you get the chance please?

Am completely new to this and could really do with the help.

Many thanks 

Julie

[#7]

Hi Julie,

Thank you for your message. I took a look at your profile and here are my thoughts:

• Your profile is only 80% 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.

• 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.

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.

[#8]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the above information. Could you please have a look at my profile and advice? I am new here and I have never landed a job. I am willing to share with you my profile.

Regards. 

[#9]

Hi Raphael,

Your profile is currently set to private so I am not able to view it.

[#10]

Hi Mike,

I am new to upwork.Can you check my profile and recommend changes if any to win contracts. Please help me 

[#11]

Hi Sethu,

Thank you for your message. I looked at your profile and have some notes:

• Your profile is only 40% 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.

• 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.

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!

[#12]

Nice and well crafted. 

[#13]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the above information. Could you please have a look at my profile and advice?  I am new here.

Regards. 

[#14]

Hi Bishowdip,

I looked 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. Right now, you are taking up this precious space with "Hello, Thank you for checking out my profile, here is a quick overview of my skills and strengths." My suggestion is to remove that.

• I notice you haven’t added any pieces to your portfolio. Your portfolio is one of the most important profile components that clients review, even for non-visual fields. 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. 

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.

[#15]

Hi Mike,

Brand new and don't know the correct protocol used for employers to have you contact them, I have someone that is asking me to go to different sites, download different apps and then send a message to someone completely different.  It frightens me and I don't know what to do, am I being scammed how do I know?  Another one wants me to do an online interview/briefing exercise via skype.  What is the proper protocol for an employer to secure your services?

[#16]

Hi Susan,

This sounds like a scam! You can report it using the "flag" option on the job posting. I'm sorry to hear you had this experience! A tip that can help avoid scams like this is to remember that the Upwork Terms of Service require that all communication takes place on Upwork until a contract is in place. Adhering to this rule can help to avoid some scams. I also recommend checking out this blog post where Community members compiled a list of red flags for scams. 

[#17]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the above informations. Could you please have a look at my profile and advice?  I am new here.

Regards. 

[#18]

Hi Inaam,

I looked 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. 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.

[#19]

Hello Mike,

Thanks for your interest to help new Freelancers like me.  How can I grow my profile next level? Regular I will try to do something better. I can't do this.

I would have benefited if you had pointed out my mistakes.

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

Thank You!

Asif

[#20]

Hi Asif,

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 your first line is taken by "Hi." Consider removing that. 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.

[#21]

Mike, signed up the other day. Working with my first client today (1st proposal I sent out too!).  Already working with him but I don't have anything in my file stating there's a working contract. Who initiates that process? Should I have gotten that before I started working with him? 

[#22]

Hi Joseph,

A contract should be in place before any work is begun. The client must send you an offer and then you could accept the offer if you agree to its terms.

[#23]

Hello Mike,

I am new on Upwork and unfortunately, I am running out of connects but not gotten one single project. I went to my overall dashboard and found that not one client has seen my proposal. It is very disheartening because I have previously boosted my proposal.

I am close to giving up. My proposal has everything you have shared on how to write a proposal. I try to charge fairly but no one is reaching out yet.

Would love help from anyone please.

Warm regards,

Ema

[#24]

Hi Ema,

I'm sorry to hear that you haven't won a project on Upwork yet. I looked at your profile and I 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. Right now your profile overview starts with "Profile Summary". Consider removing this.

• 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.

I hope this helps!

[#25]

Hello Mike, 
Thanks for sharing that. I'll be glad if you could help me improve my profile and get my first ever work as a freelance. I'll really appreciate your help. 
Looking forward to connect. 
Thanksyou 
Aman 

[#26]

Hi Aman,

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 of your best work. Learn more about building a great portfolio here.