UpWork, a well-known freelancing platform, boasts of having a user base of more than 14 million individuals from roughly 180 countries. This platform is ideal for individuals aiming to earn money online, either as a part-time or full-time freelancer. However, getting a handle on UpWork’s multiple rules can prove to be somewhat perplexing, especially for those who are just starting out on the platform.
Despite its popularity, some people still struggle to make money on UpWork. As an experienced freelancer who has earned over $100,000 on the platform, the author of this guide is in a position to provide valuable insights on how to succeed on UpWork. In this guide, readers will learn everything they need to know about UpWork, from creating a profile to writing effective proposals.
What is UpWork?
UpWork is a publicly-traded online marketplace connecting freelancers with clients worldwide. It offers a diverse range of job categories, such as writing, web development, and graphic design. UpWork serves as a bridge between employers and workers, making it easy for people to find work and make money online.
The platform has both new and experienced users, but competition can be tough, especially in niches like writing and SEO. Despite this, UpWork provides opportunities for everyone, and all of the network’s freelancers combined earned over $1 billion per year on the platform.
What Types of Jobs Can You Find on UpWork?
UpWork offers a wide variety of job opportunities across multiple categories. Users can search for jobs in categories such as Accounting & Consulting, Admin Support, Customer Service, Data Science & Analytics, Design & Creative, Engineering & Architecture, IT & Networking, Legal, Sales & Marketing, Translation, Web, Mobile & Software Dev, and Writing. Each category includes subcategories that help users find more specific job opportunities.
For example, the IT & Networking category includes subcategories such as Database Administration, Information Security, and Network & System Administration. Additionally, almost every category includes an ‘Other’ option where users can find relevant jobs that don’t fit into other sections.
It’s important to note that jobs may not always be posted under the most relevant category, so it’s crucial to search for jobs using relevant keywords.
Making Money on UpWork: 13 Rules to Follow
- Set up a complete profile.
- Be professional in your communication.
- Be proactive in seeking work.
- Be selective in choosing clients and jobs.
- Price yourself competitively.
- Be clear about your skills and deliverables.
- Keep your portfolio updated.
- Be responsive and meet deadlines.
- Be open to feedback and willing to improve.
- Build long-term relationships with clients.
- Use UpWork’s tools and resources.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Be persistent and patient.
Following these rules will increase your chances of success on UpWork. Remember to focus on delivering high-quality work and building strong relationships with clients.
#1 Create a Kickass UpWork Profile
Creating a strong UpWork profile is essential to making money on the platform. UpWork will not approve your membership application if it doesn’t find your profile to be impressive or you to be a good fit. Here are some tips to create a profile that stands out.
Be Honest
Honesty is the most important factor when creating your UpWork profile. Lying about your name, education, or other information can get you into serious trouble. UpWork may ask you to verify your identity from time to time, and lying could result in a permanent ban. Also, do not present someone else’s work on your profile under your name. It’s a serious offense that could get you permanently banned.
Get Inspired But Don’t Steal
It is okay to get inspired by other profiles when creating your UpWork profile, but do not copy and paste someone else’s bio or other details. Read other profiles, especially profiles belonging to top freelancers, and create a similar profile in your own name. Proofread your submission and ensure there are no grammar errors or typos.
Choose a Professional Profile Picture
Your profile picture is the first impression clients will have of you, so it’s important to choose a professional-looking one. UpWork requires all freelancers to have a profile picture depicting their faces. The picture must belong to you, and it should show that you’re serious about work and ready to be the next big thing. You can upload your company logo if you have an Agency account.
Write an Impressive Biography
Your bio is your chance to tell UpWork and your potential clients who you are, what you do, and why they should hire you. It should include things such as your education and experience. Also, work on writing a bio that shows some personality and tells users your achievements. A lot of profiles get rejected because the bio is not good, so take the time to make it stand out.
Enter All Relevant Information
UpWork will ask you to enter information such as your educational background, certificates, and experience, including offline experience. Provide all the information and make sure it is correct. While UpWork doesn’t usually ask to verify educational background or experience, lying could get you into trouble because smart clients can identify discrepancies and may even report you for lying. There’s no limit on how many times you can update your bio so make sure to keep upgrading it every now and then to add new information such as a new degree or experience.
#2 Choose the Right Membership Type
Upwork offers two membership plans for freelancers: Basic and Plus. The Basic plan is free and comes with 10 Connects per month. Connects are used to bid on jobs, with each job costing 1 Connect. You can also purchase additional Connects if needed. The Basic plan also includes 80 Connects per month and the ability to customize your profile.
The Plus plan costs $14.99 per month and comes with 70 Connects per month. It offers additional perks such as the ability to see competitor bids, a higher search ranking, and the ability to hide earnings from your profile. The Plus plan can be very useful if you know how to utilize it. The ability to see competitor bids can help you make the right offer and win more jobs.
If you are new to Upwork, it is recommended that you start with the Basic plan and upgrade later if needed. You can upgrade to the Plus plan at any time. To upgrade, you will need to add a payment method to your profile. The fee for the Plus plan is charged monthly, or it can be deducted from your account balance if you’ve earned enough money.
It is important to choose the right membership type based on your needs and budget. If you are just starting out, the Basic plan may be sufficient. However, if you are an experienced freelancer looking to win more jobs and increase your earnings, the Plus plan may be worth the investment.
#3 Know your worth and your rate
When creating a profile on UpWork, freelancers are asked to choose an hourly rate. It is important to note that the minimum rate is $3 per hour with no limit on the maximum hourly rate. However, it is not necessary to spend too much time thinking about the hourly rate at this stage, as it can always be changed later.
It is important to keep in mind that the hourly rate includes UpWork fees. Additionally, the rate should be chosen according to the freelancer’s niche, skills, and experience. For new freelancers, it is recommended to start with a lower rate, which can be as low as $15 per hour. Intermediate freelancers with a few years of experience usually bid between $20 and $40 per hour, while experts may charge over $100 per hour.
There are differing opinions on whether to set a low or high rate on a freelancer’s profile. Some believe that a low rate can attract more clients, while others believe that a high rate can be more beneficial. However, it ultimately depends on multiple factors.
Setting a low rate may attract clients who are not willing to pay well or may be difficult to work with. Conversely, setting a rate that is too high may discourage clients who are looking for affordable work. Therefore, it is important to understand one’s worth when setting a rate. A rate between $15 and $20 per hour can be a good option for new freelancers.
It is important to note that the hourly rate is not fixed and can be negotiated or reduced when making a proposal. However, it is essential to be clear about the expected number of hours to complete the work, as clients often expect work to be finished within specific hours.
Fixed-rate jobs are another option for freelancers on UpWork. These jobs offer a fixed amount of money for the work, regardless of the number of hours required to complete it. It is important to understand the scope of the project before bidding on it. Freelancers generally agree that the choice between hourly and fixed-rate jobs depends on the niche and type of job.
For example, hourly jobs can be more suitable for consultation jobs, where payment is based on the number of hours worked. In contrast, fixed-rate jobs may be more appropriate for writing gigs, where the number of hours required to complete the work can be easily estimated.
In conclusion, it is essential for freelancers on UpWork to understand their worth and choose a rate that reflects their skills and experience. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, setting a rate between $15 and $20 per hour can be a good starting point for new freelancers. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of job and scope of the project when choosing between hourly and fixed-rate jobs.
#4 Send an Impressive Proposal
To win jobs on Upwork, creating an impressive proposal is crucial. It is recommended to keep the proposal crisp and error-free. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Avoid sending generic proposals. Every job application should have a customized proposal. Clients prefer customized proposals as it shows that the freelancer is serious about the job and will put in the effort required.
- Freelancers should ask questions related to the job to avoid confusion later on. Clients appreciate proposals that contain questions as it shows that the freelancer is interested in the job and wants to clarify any doubts.
- Relevant experience and qualifications should be mentioned in the proposal. Freelancers should talk about their experience in the specific field related to the job, relevant courses, etc. This will show that they are the right fit for the job.
- Freelancers should include samples of their work to showcase their capabilities. They can attach files or send a link to their portfolio.
- It is important to mention the charges in the proposal. Clients may not refer to the budget section, so freelancers should explicitly mention their charges.
- Freelancers should read the job description carefully and answer any questions that the client may have asked. Some clients want freelancers to take specific actions such as filling forms or adding a phrase to show they’ve read the job. Missing out on such details may lead to rejection of the proposal.
- Freelancers should be clear about their policies related to revisions, submission, etc.
Following these guidelines will help freelancers create an impressive proposal that stands out among the crowd. It is important to keep in mind that a well-crafted proposal increases the chances of winning the job.
#5 Don’t forget to add your portfolio
Adding a portfolio to your UpWork profile is crucial to attracting clients. Potential clients want to see your work before they send you a job invite. Without a portfolio, clients may look elsewhere. UpWork allows freelancers to add numerous portfolio samples to their profile with information such as client name, date, etc.
There are two ways to add a portfolio: through your profile or through your proposal. For proposals, UpWork allows clients to attach files including PDFs, .ZIP, and .DOCs, with a maximum file size of 25 MB. For larger files, third-party platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive can be used and links can be added to your proposal.
It is recommended that both files and live sample links are added to your portfolio so clients can choose what they prefer. Some clients want to see live examples as it is easier to click links and access files, while others prefer to download files. It is crucial to ensure that all samples uploaded are relevant and up-to-date.
When adding files to your portfolio, ensure that they are virus-free and that all links are working. Additionally, it is important to include more information on the files that you share, such as your role and the output or result. If a sample is not under your name, explain that it was created for a client and that you have permission to use it as a sample.
In summary, adding a portfolio to your UpWork profile is an essential step in attracting clients. Ensure that your portfolio is relevant, up-to-date, and includes both files and live sample links to cater to client preferences.
#6 Communicate well with your clients
Communication is a crucial aspect of any Upwork project. Clients expect a timely and professional response from freelancers. It is important to be polite, friendly, and show some personality in your communication. A quick response within 24 hours is expected by most clients. When responding to client queries, it is important to read the response carefully and answer all questions they may have.
During the project, it is important to maintain regular communication with the client, especially for long-term projects. Providing regular updates on the project’s progress is essential. If any delays occur, it is important to communicate them to the client as soon as possible.
Remember that the client is always right, but freelancers have the option to make their point. If you do not like an offer, be clear about it and ask questions if necessary. It is important to maintain a professional attitude towards clients, even if a job does not work out.
In summary, effective communication is key to building a successful relationship with clients. By being polite, timely, and professional, freelancers can ensure that their clients are satisfied with the project’s progress and outcome.
#7 Leave and Ask for Good Feedback
Feedback is an essential aspect of UpWork, and it can play a crucial role in determining a freelancer’s success on the platform. Both clients and freelancers have the option to leave feedback, and it tells clients how good a freelancer is. UpWork allows clients to rate freelancers on different aspects, including quality of work, deadline, etc.
While UpWork no longer penalizes feedback-less jobs, it’s still important to seek feedback as it can help freelancers win more clients and prove how reliable they are. Unfortunately, not all clients are willing to leave feedback. Some are new to the platform and don’t know how to provide feedback, some have no idea how important it is, some forget about it, and some don’t care.
The best way to get clients to leave feedback is to ask for it. Once a job ends and it is time to close the contract, freelancers can write a short note to their clients explaining how good the experience was. They can also add that they’ve left feedback and would appreciate it if the client does the same as it could benefit them. Most clients will take the trouble to leave feedback if they realize the freelancer has already done so.
To summarize, asking for feedback is a simple yet effective way to increase the chances of receiving feedback from clients. It’s a win-win situation for both freelancers and clients, as feedback helps freelancers improve their profile rating and helps clients make informed decisions when hiring freelancers in the future.
#8 Set Up Your Projects
UpWork has recently introduced a new feature that allows freelancers to set up projects and make money without bidding for jobs. This feature is similar to Fiverr’s system. To set up a project, freelancers need to provide details such as price, portfolio, and experience. Once submitted, UpWork usually takes 24-48 hours to approve projects, after which they will go live on the freelancer’s profile.
Clients looking for services that the freelancer offers will be able to find their projects and assign them a job right away. It is important for freelancers to write detailed descriptions and answer all questions a client may have about a project. However, UpWork does not give freelancers the option to decline jobs offered through this means. If a freelancer is unable to do the job for any reason, they will have no option but to cancel the job, which could negatively affect their profile score.
Despite this, setting up projects is a good way for freelancers to make money since it removes the need to search for and bid on jobs. Freelancers should ensure that they provide accurate and detailed information in their project descriptions to avoid any misunderstandings with clients.
#9 Don’t be quick to close jobs
It is important to avoid closing a job immediately after completing a milestone. Freelancers should give clients enough time to review their work and provide feedback. By closing a job too quickly, it may give the impression that the freelancer is not interested in more work from the client.
Freelancers should always ask their clients if they are interested in more work and offer their services before closing a contract. Keeping jobs open has several benefits, including showing that the freelancer’s profile is active. This can be especially useful for freelancers who have difficulty winning gigs.
Having a job on a freelancer’s profile indicates that they are active on the platform. UpWork is known to suspend inactive accounts or accounts with no jobs. However, it is important not to have too many open jobs as it may give the impression that the freelancer cannot meet deadlines due to working on too many projects simultaneously.
In summary, it is recommended that freelancers do not rush to close jobs after completing a milestone. Instead, they should communicate with their clients and offer their services before closing a contract. Keeping jobs open demonstrates an active profile, which can lead to more opportunities.
#10 Learn to Identify Good Clients
As an UpWork freelancer, it is crucial to identify reliable clients to save your time and effort. Here are some red flags that can help you identify unreliable clients:
Bad Reviews
It is important to work with clients who have at least a 4-star rating as it indicates professionalism. However, you should not rely solely on star ratings. You should read comments as well, as they can reveal more about the client. Some freelancers leave feedback that can tell you more about a client. But, remember not all reviews are reliable. Don’t trust a single review and look for clients who have worked with a number of freelancers.
Poor Job Descriptions
A poorly written job description is a red flag. It indicates issues such as a lack of understanding of what one wants. You do not want to work with clients who keep sending revisions just because they don’t know what they want. Some clients leave vague statements like ‘need a website’ or ‘looking for a designer.’ They do not provide any other details even during the negotiation phase. Also, some can be fussy and ask for private details such as your phone number.
Unclear Communication
Difficult clients can be a lot of trouble. If you ever feel a client is difficult to work with, then it’s best to maintain distance. You don’t want to work with a client who disrespects your work. Politely excuse yourself if you ever feel you’re not the right fit for a job and look for better options.
UpWork shows client history, including location, total spent, and the number of jobs posted. Since UpWork is a global platform, you will find clients from all around the world. However, Canadian clients are among the most in-demand as they pay well and are professional. To save time, consider working with clients who have a verified payment method. While scams are not very common on UpWork, you still need to protect your interest. Stay away from clients that are only interested in your email or phone number. Also, don’t accept a job request that requires you to communicate outside of the platform or accept payments using a third-party provider. Doing so could even get you suspended.
Remember, identifying good clients is key to your success on UpWork. By following these tips, you can save time, effort, and avoid potential problems.
11. Know the Power of Badges
Upwork’s badge system is designed to help high-quality freelancers stand out. To qualify for these badges, a freelancer must have a 100% complete profile, be up-to-date on availability, have a decent Upwork Readiness Test score, and maintain an active account. There are four badges available: Rising Talent, Top Rated, Top Rated Plus, and Expert-Vetted.
The Rising Talent badge is the easiest to obtain and indicates that a freelancer is popular on the platform and among the best new freelancers in their niche. Expert-Vetted is the hardest to attain, as it is invite-only.
Upwork badges offer more than just the ability to win more jobs. They also provide the option to have feedback removed, access to improved customer support, and a reduced fee for Featured jobs. To qualify for most badges, a freelancer must have a Job Success Score of at least 90 percent, which is based on factors such as contract size and feedback.
Knowing the power of badges is essential for any freelancer looking to stand out on Upwork. By earning and maintaining badges, freelancers can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality work, which can lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings.
#12 Be Quick to Respond to Invites
On UpWork, responding to job invites quickly is essential to increase the chances of winning contracts and making money. The platform uses an algorithm to determine how many job invites a freelancer receives, and it seems to prefer those who respond within 24 hours. UpWork also informs clients about how quick a freelancer is to respond and if they respond to every job invite.
Receiving more invites means more opportunities to win jobs, and clients who send invites are more likely to award contracts. However, if a freelancer is not interested in bidding for a job, they can always decline the invite. In case a freelancer cannot respond to invites due to any reason, such as being on vacation or sick, they should set their profile to inactive to avoid receiving invites. Once they are back to work, they can reactivate their profile to start receiving invites again.
13 Don’t Give Up
UpWork can be a challenging platform to navigate, especially for new users. However, it is essential not to give up, even if you fail to win contracts initially. According to UpWork, the average client takes 48 hours to award jobs, but not all clients award contracts, and many jobs close without success. With tough competition on UpWork, it can take some freelancers more than three months to win their first gig. Freelancers must keep bidding, work on their profile and proposals, and keep their best foot forward to win jobs.
Making Money on UpWork: Frequently Asked Questions
UpWork is a popular platform for freelancers to find work and make money. Here are some frequently asked questions about using UpWork to earn money in Canada.
Is UpWork free to join for Canadians?
Yes, Canadian freelancers can join UpWork for free. However, you will need a paid plan to continue bidding for jobs. Keep in mind that based on your location, you may have to pay taxes on payments made to UpWork.
How much money can Canadian freelancers make on UpWork?
The earning potential on UpWork is substantial, with the average freelancer earning about $20 per hour. However, experienced freelancers can earn up to $60 per hour. Some of the highest-paid professions on the platform include web developers, data analysts, and mobile developers, who can earn up to $60-$65 per hour.
It is important to note that all payments on UpWork are in USD, even for Canadian freelancers. While the exchange rate could benefit you, it is best to discuss with your clients if you wish to be paid in CAD.
What if Canadian freelancers don’t get UpWork jobs?
Canadian freelancers can find good clients and work on their profiles. They can also work on writing effective proposals to win jobs on UpWork. The process can be a little slow, but once you learn the art, you will have no trouble finding good jobs.
Why does UpWork ask to verify profiles?
UpWork wants all freelancers to have a verified profile. Verifying your profile will earn you a blue tick next to your name that indicates you are genuine. Clients feel comfortable working with verified freelancers.
The main purpose of profile verification is to ensure that you are who you claim to be. You will be required to submit government-issued documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, to verify your identity. Moreover, you may even be asked to have a video call with agents.
While freelancers have the option to decline verification, doing so can cause your profile to get suspended. Plus, UpWork may even choose not to release your funds if you decline to verify your profile. So it is in your best interest to verify your profile.
Is UpWork good for Canadian freelancers?
UpWork is an excellent platform for Canadian freelancers. There are many Canada-only jobs on the platform, and you can even search for such jobs by choosing the right filter.
How can Canadian freelancers reduce UpWork fees?
Canadian freelancers have no way to reduce UpWork fees technically. However, UpWork has a tier system of 20 percent to 5 percent based on how much you have earned with a client. The starting fee is 20% of the amount. It goes to 10% after $500 and 5% after you’ve earned at least $10,000 from a single client. Remember that it applies to individual companies or clients. This rule applies to both fixed jobs and hourly contracts.
Is UpWork a scam?
UpWork is a reliable and registered company. However, it doesn’t guarantee earnings, and some clients are known to cheat people. To be on the safe side, only work with clients with a history, don’t accept work until there’s protection, always log hours using the app, and avoid using a third-party tool for communication and payments.
How can Canadian freelancers deal with negative feedback?
UpWork allows freelancers to request clients to change their feedback. Talk to your clients and explain why you think you deserve better feedback. While not always efficient, this technique can work. Another option is to issue a refund. Clients can only leave feedback on contracts that result in ‘earnings’. Issuing a 100% refund will remove the feedback.
Can Canadian freelancers bring their own clients to UpWork?
UpWork has a Bring Your Own Client program. However, it’s only for Rising Talent and Top Rated freelancers. The program offers perks, including a 0% fee. Nonetheless, Canadian freelancers can still invite clients to work with them on the platform by sending their link, but they will have to pay standard fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Jobs are in High Demand on Upwork?
Upwork is a platform that offers a wide range of job categories, but some tend to be more in demand than others. The most popular job categories on Upwork include web development, graphic design, content writing, and virtual assistance. These categories have a high demand due to the current trend of businesses outsourcing these tasks to freelancers.
How Much Can a Freelancer Realistically Earn on Upwork per Month?
The amount a freelancer can earn on Upwork varies based on several factors, such as their skillset, experience, and job category. However, a freelancer can realistically earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000 per month on Upwork. It all depends on their ability to find consistent work and their ability to provide high-quality work that meets the client’s expectations.
What are Some Tips for Beginners to Make Money on Upwork?
For beginners, it can be challenging to start making money on Upwork. However, some tips can help increase their chances of landing jobs and making money. One of the most important tips is to create a complete and professional profile that showcases their skills and experience. They should also apply to jobs that match their skillset and experience, and they should be willing to start with lower-paying jobs to build their reputation and get positive feedback.
What are the Most Effective Ways to Increase My Chances of Getting Hired on Upwork?
To increase their chances of getting hired on Upwork, freelancers should focus on creating a strong profile that showcases their skills and experience. They should also be proactive in applying for jobs that match their skillset and experience, and they should be willing to negotiate their rates to land their first few jobs. Additionally, it’s essential to communicate effectively with clients and deliver high-quality work that meets their expectations.
Which Job Categories Tend to Pay the Most on Upwork?
The job categories that tend to pay the most on Upwork include software development, mobile development, and game development. These categories require specialized skills and experience, and the demand for these skills is high, resulting in higher pay rates.
Are There Any Common Mistakes that Freelancers Make on Upwork that Hinder Their Ability to Make Money?
One of the most common mistakes that freelancers make on Upwork is not taking the time to create a complete and professional profile. Another mistake is not applying to jobs that match their skillset and experience. Freelancers should also avoid overpricing their services and failing to deliver high-quality work that meets the client’s expectations. Communication is also key, and freelancers should be responsive and professional in their interactions with clients.
