Aug 6, 2020 10:51:19 AM Edited Apr 26, 2022 05:58:19 AM 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 10:59:19 AM by MichaelJ M
For help with your profile, check out this peer feedback thread and consider joining an Upwork Academy Coaching Cohort!
Oct 7, 2020 12:05:29 AM by Goran V
Hi Rajesh,
Once qualified you will receive an email confirmation, the badge will be awarded on your profile in up to 48 hours. To learn more about the requirements check out this Help Article. Thank you.
Oct 12, 2020 12:26:37 PM Edited Oct 12, 2020 12:27:34 PM by Md Firoz H
I am new here, but do not get the Raising Talent Badge yet. is there any special requirement to get the badge? However, I have already read the necessary requirement to become a Raising Talent at Upwork.
Oct 15, 2020 07:20:38 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Md Firoz,
Once qualified you will receive an email confirmation, the badge will be awarded on your profile in up to 48 hours. To learn more about the requirements check out this Help Article.
Oct 12, 2020 12:39:56 PM by Cindy O
Hi Mike!
Thank you for the tips. Also, thanks for linking the articles that you feel would be helpful. I will definitely be checking them out.
Have a blessed day.
-Cindy-
Oct 20, 2020 07:21:26 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Iyanuloluwa,
Thank you for your message. I have 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.
Here are some additional tips for writing a great Overview.
I hope this helps!
Oct 20, 2020 06:21:21 PM by Tina P
Mike,
Thanks for the tips. I signed up to purchase connects but would like to pause the connects for a month or so. I don't want to pause the work, as I am still applying but my connects are piling up. How do I accomplish that task?
Thanks for the info.
Tina
Oct 26, 2020 07:07:44 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Tina,
You can adjust your membership from Settings > Membership & Connects. You can learn more about Connects balance limits and roll over here.
Oct 23, 2020 02:24:30 AM by Kadir Z
Hi Mike!
Could you review my profile and suggest to me how to improve my profile?
Best regards.
Kadir
Oct 26, 2020 07:12:50 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Kadir,
Your profile is off to a good start, but I would suggest requesting peer feedback in this post.
Oct 24, 2020 11:28:15 AM by Daniel G
Dear Mike J, I am new here and I was going to ask about all the topics you mentioned and it did stop me to write and read. It was helpful and informative. Thanks.
Oct 26, 2020 10:17:27 AM by Moushumi C
Hi:
I'm fairly new to Upwork (just over a month I think) and am having trouble finding jobs. I have redone my profile, and am starting to lose hope. I have had just two contracts, a few bites, but nothing came of them. I find people bidding for far less than I can afford to, and wonder how a freelancer can actually work for the rates they are putting. Plus, I've already bought plenty of connects, and some jobs take up 6. In my opinion, if you are not hiring me, you should return the connects to me
I hope I have a better experience in the near future.
Oct 30, 2020 12:39:33 PM by Mohammad Abdul A
Hi Mike,
Hope you are soing fine.
I am new in Upwork. Created my profile 04 months ago. I have applied for 04 jobs but not yet get one.
But my profile has been set to Private automatically.
Will my profile be disabled or closed if don't win job in next few months?
As per the email sent to me I am trying to earn but can't win bids.
what can I do now?
Regards
Md. Abdul Awal.
Nov 2, 2020 10:43:14 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to invite you to an exclusive Ask Me Anything office hours with one of our Upwork Success Partners. During this live session, you will be able to ask any unanswered or follow-up questions about maximizing your success on Upwork.
The Ask Me Anything will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, November 4th at 10 am CDT.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://upwork.zoom.us/j/92673475397?pwd=MFA5ZGdrem05UkxySDZlTFlLbmZydz09
Meeting ID: 926 7347 5397
Passcode: 044629
We look forward to speaking with you!
Nov 2, 2020 11:50:13 AM by Shafiul Alam Khan R
Nov 3, 2020 07:06:14 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Shafiul,
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.
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 4, 2020 08:17:34 PM Edited Nov 4, 2020 08:18:31 PM by Shweta P
I am waiting to land new clients through this program .Though only a week ,has anyone got success in landing new clients through this program.Just curious .
Shweta
Nov 8, 2020 12:29:53 AM by Shamila I
Hi there
Yes one does get new projects, but not within a week. It takes a bit more time and persistence. I managed to get my first 2 clients within a couple of weeks after submitting a few proposals. I wish you all the best, good luck Shweta.
Nov 8, 2020 12:23:11 AM by Shamila I
Thank you for all this info Mike. As a new member I am continuously on the look out for helpful tips on how to improve my chances of winning projects on Upwork. I am currently trying my best to get that rising talent badge!
Nov 16, 2020 04:51:07 PM by Mohammed A
Thank you a lot for sharing such great information, Mike!
Could you have a HOOK LOOK at my profile 🙂 because I feel there is something missing thank you aggressively in advance :).
Nov 20, 2020 08:47:41 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Mohammed,
I have reviewed your profile and you are off to a good start. 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 would suggest that you complete your profile. It is currently only 40% completed. You cannot obtain Rising Talent or Top Rated badges if your profile is not complete. You can review this article for information on completing your profile.
Nov 17, 2020 01:52:56 PM by Clim F
Hi Mike,
Can you check my profile and recommend changes if any to win contracts.
Nov 20, 2020 08:51:48 AM by MichaelJ M
Hi Clim,
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.
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.
I hope this helps!
Nov 20, 2020 12:12:23 AM by Alma D