THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE
20 Actionable Tips To Land Your First Job On Upwork
Some quick steps & Expert advice to get most out of Upwork
I have seen many freelancers who are trying their best to earn a living from Upwork. Most of these freelancers do not have any experience, and they don’t even bother to read guides and helpful videos posted by other professionals.
When I first started Upwork, I thought that I am the only expert guy in the whole platform (I know I was stupid), that is why I never tried to follow anyone.
However, if you have developed the same behavior throughout your career, then you will fail to achieve something in life. There is always room for improvement and learning.
Well, let’s get straight to our point. Today I will be sharing some proven methods that will help you to get your first job on Upwork in no time (but you’ve to be patient).
1. Build A Strong Profile
If you want to be successful on Upwork, then you have to craft a professional and eye-catchy profile because 50% of your success on Upwork depends upon how charming your profile is.
While creating a new profile, you will not get any feedback or any job success score. That is why most of the clients think that you are not professional.
On the other hand, if your profile is new and it is crafted nicely, then it will surely grab the attention of your clients.
Remember these steps while creating your profile on Upwork:
1.1. Your Profile Picture:
Your profile picture will develop your first impression on your client.
Moreover, Upwork recommends freelancers to upload an appropriate profile picture because it is among an essential element of your Upwork Profile.
Your photo should be professional, appropriate, and transparent. It should look friendly. For example, a smiling and confident posture can profoundly influence the client’s perception of you.
1.2. Write An Engaging & Keyword Rich Job Title And Overview
No matter if you are struggling to get your first job or your 100th job on Upwork, you have to make everything clear for your latent clients that they are searching for.
The tip, as mentioned above, means that you have to write an SEO friendly description that highlights most of the keywords that are related to the services you provide.
Add relevant keywords in your profile description and make sure to add your focus keyword as your title.
1.3. Role Of An Introductory Video:
Almost all the jobs posted on Upwork are remote. In simple words, there is no chance to meet your client in person, but you can talk on phone calls.
Your face is anonymous for the clients, just like other people working on the platform. But you have a chance to look unique and stand out as less anonymous.
You can do so by adding an introductory video on your Upwork profile, and it will develop a good impact on your clients.
1.4. Select Skills Related To Your Expertise
While crafting your Upwork profile, you are allowed to add almost ten skills from the database of the available options. So make sure to add the relevant skills.
1.5. Upload Work Samples:
Another vital part of your Upwork profile is your portfolio.
This is where you can display your work samples so that your clients can take a detailed look at them.
Important: There is no need to add multiple items in your portfolio section. Keep it natural; only add four to six elements.
Don’t know how to create your portfolio? Read this.
1.6. Add Your Work Experience And Education:
Your clients always love to see your work experience in previous jobs, so it is a good thing to add one to your Upwork profile.
Moreover, when you add work experience on your Upwork profile, it makes your profile look more legitimate.
The same goes for your education. Not every job needs a freelancer who is a college or degree holder, but adding your degree can help you to compete with other freelancers in the market.
2. Hunt For The Right Sort Of Jobs
When you sign up for Upwork for the first time, you will get 20 connects for free that can be used to apply on various jobs.
But some people don’t use those free connects wisely; they apply on every single job they see on their screen. Well, that’s not a good thing. Here’s what I recommend for newcomers.
2.1. Be Patient & Make A Strategy
When your profile is live on Upwork, you will see some new and old posted jobs. Don’t go banana after seeing them. Only apply on tasks that require a minimum of 2–4 connects.
There are a lot of jobs on Upwork, and new jobs are posted every minute. But when you are struggling to find your first job, be patient, and make a strategy.
You have to save up some connects so that you can hunt for the jobs you think you are eligible for.
In my opinion, building your profile on initial stages is the most tricky part.
2.2. Focus On Small and One-Time Projects
You have to find some quick jobs so that you can build your feedback profile quickly. Search for long term clients who can give you a chance to work with them again.
In my opinion, building your profile on initial stages is the most tricky part. So, be wise.
3. Take Upwork Tests
Add more value to your experience by taking some tests conducted by Upwork. You will find assays within your area of expertise. This is the exact way to show that you are good at your skillset.
4. Send Winning Proposals
Your proposal is your only opportunity to impress your clients. Take the full benefit of that opportunity and showcase your talent in front of your clients.
In this section, I will share a tier 1 strategy to write proposals on Upwork that will surely increase your chances of winning that particular job.
While writing a proposal, you should keep in mind these seven tips by Hisham Sarwar. (Also known as seven rangi formula)
4.1. Greetings:
First of all, add addresses at the start of your proposal. Such as Dear Sir, Hello, etc.
Necessary: Avoid words like Dear because, as per my experience, some clients get offended by these kinds of words.
4.2. Restate The Project:
In the next paragraph, rewrite the project posted by the employer. Explain it in a better way so that the client gets an idea that you are serious about this task.
4.3. Your Introduction:
In the third paragraph, add your brief introduction. Mention your years of experience in the relevant fields.
Add a few details of the brands and companies that you have worked with. In case if you haven’t worked with any brand, then don’t say anything regarding your previous work.
4.4. Explain How You Can Complete The Project
In the fourth paragraph, talk about your skillset, the method you will adopt to solve the task mentioned by the employer.
4.5. Add Frequently Asked Questions
In the FAQ section, you need to add the following questions so that the client gets a reason why he/she should hire you.
Q1. Can you complete my project?
Q2. Why should I choose you?
Q3. Are you a natural person to work with?
Q4. Will you take care of the deadlines?
Also, ask questions regarding the project, such as if it is related to WordPress website development, then you can add:
Example: Do you have domain and hosting?
4.6. Add Your Portfolio:
Showcase your portfolio in your proposal. If you are a fresher in freelancing, then you should build your portfolio by providing free of cost services to your friends or other people.
4.7. Offer Free Samples
You can offer your client a free sample/mockup. This will increase his trust in you.
4.8. Add Ending Remarks
In the end, add statements like Looking forward to your response, thank you.
This seven rangi formula works magically, and as a freelancer, you should try it.
Final Thoughts:
This was the exact formula that I utilized to get hired on Upwork, and it worked as well. I hope the best for you too.
If you enjoyed the post, then make sure to check out other posts on my profile and also add your remarks down below.
