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After a period in my life where I had no work or academic records due to health problems, I needed to find a way to start my professional life from scratch. The internet is full of promises of easy and fast money, and one of the most talked-about job marketplaces online is UpWork. At that time, I decided to try freelancing on UpWork. Still, honestly, I never imagined I would achieve what I have now: a top-rated freelancer badge and clients with very successful businesses. My lack of a clear future horizon and willingness to work led me to where I am now. I started small, not realizing that this is the first step for every dream we want to achieve.
Discovering what we do well and segmenting our niche is crucial. Initially, we need to conduct a self-assessment to determine what we want to offer when freelancing on UpWork. It's important to note that the common areas of work on this platform include:
However, some areas may overlap or be connected to other fields that aren't obvious in an online job marketplace. For instance, I've seen job openings for cooks needed to create new menus and recipes for restaurants. Therefore, you should research the platform and understand the market for your particular skill or asset. For me, it was straightforward: I wanted to work as a writer, so I focused on content writing and copywriting positions.
To ensure you can offer your best assets in a business partnership, here are a few steps you can take:
The first technical aspect to focus when freelancing on UpWork is your profile. Let's examine the most important sections:
Profile Overview: Ensure your profile is engaging and free of linguistic mistakes. After a self-assessment, select your professional title carefully and align it with your profile overview. My pro tip is to check it with an AI language tool and ask for a second opinion after you write it down. Only go online with a fantastic text.
Portfolio Section: UpWork has a section where you can showcase your experience visually. Even if your work is unrelated to design or illustration, you can still take pictures of books or other materials you've collaborated on. Even a small screenshot from an academic article or an image of a website you developed can work wonders.
Testimonials: You can ask your former employers and clients for endorsements about your work outside the platform. I highly recommend obtaining some testimonials. If you've never worked before, don't panic. The most important reviews are those from within the platform.
Certifications: Here, you can list your academic records, but more importantly, include online certifications in your area of expertise. Since most online professions are constantly evolving, having updated certifications shows you are on top of recent changes. Even free courses on platforms like Google Academy or HubSpot can leave a good impression on your profile.
Profile Picture: Your profile picture is the first thing potential clients will see, so make sure it's professional and friendly. Use a high-quality photo where you're dressed appropriately for your industry. A clear, smiling face can make a positive first impression.
Professional Title: Your professional title should be concise and descriptive. It should convey what you do and what you're good at. For example, instead of just "Writer," use "Experienced Content Writer and Copywriter."
Skills: List your skills in your profile to make it easier for clients to find you. Be specific about your abilities and include both hard and soft skills. As a writer, I had to include skills like SEO, content strategy, and editing.
Employment History: Include your relevant work experience in your profile. Even if you're new to freelancing, you can list previous jobs or projects relevant to your services. Describe your responsibilities and achievements in each role to showcase your expertise.
UpWork is highly focused on user experience (UX), making navigating through the search filters easy. Nevertheless, for your first gig, I suggest the following filters:
Fixed-Price Contracts: For starters, a fixed-price contract is advisable as it allows you to complete the task at your own pace without the pressure of a time-tracker monitoring your laptop window.
Price Range: Set the price filter to less than $100 to broaden your search and find more job opportunities. However, you can also include options for higher pay ranges between $100 and $500, and if you're feeling lucky, set options for even bigger payments.
Entry-Level Positions: Searching for entry-level positions is an obvious choice if you're new to the platform. Even if you are a top senior cybersecurity engineer offline, starting this way is best. Positive reviews from clients will help you progress towards more experienced positions.
Number of Proposals: Select jobs with at most five proposals, as this indicates either a recent posting or a less appealing task to freelancers. It can also mean the job is highly specialized or doesn't match the common freelancer skills, reducing competition.
Verified Payment: Ensure the client has a verified payment method to protect yourself from scams or less organized clients. While an unverified payment doesn't always mean a bad business, only start a contract once the client has verified their payment methods.
The best advice I can give about writing a proposal letter is to carefully read the specifics written by the client about what they want and the skills they expect. Address every point in your proposal letter. You can provide examples of past work that required similar skills. It's also possible to mention academic experiences that gave you the skills needed to perform the task. Highlight personal traits or working methods that distinguish you from other candidates.
When crafting your proposal letter, consider the following tips:
Another crucial element is the price you set for your work. Keep your price reasonable if it's your first gig. Look at the client's expected price for the project. If the project is $100, clients looking for entry-level freelancers might expect some price competition. Setting your price slightly lower, like $95, can increase your chances of winning the first gig.
Looking back to my first gig on UpWork about five years ago, I accepted a job I might not have taken today. At that time, lousy SEO practices were standard, and content writing was a means to an end. However, I quickly realized that more important than imposing my own vision on the task, I had to strictly follow the client's rules and deliver the best work according to their vision. Although it was an entry-level, low-paying job, the most essential aspect was not the money or making a high-skilled debut - the most essential thing was to get a 5-star review from the client. The secret to securing more and better gigs on UpWork in the long term are the fantastic reviews on your profile.
To manage your expectations and focus on quality, consider the following:
