I’m going to share some useful tips to start freelancing on Upwork, based on my experience at the platform for the last 5 years. Even if you already started, I’m sure you will find some useful information. I’m not only going to write about how to land that first job but also how to achieve 5-star reviews all the time.
1. How to start freelancing on Upwork
Start freelancing is not an easy choice for some people. It takes courage, and sometimes you are unsure of your own abilities. The good news is: if you are reading this post means you are interested. That’s all you need at first.
There are multiple options on how to start freelancing, so I’m going to share how I started. While having a full-time job, I got interested in freelancing on Upwork. Then, I decided to start part-time and see how things play out.
I was freelancing during my free time, at nights, and during weekends. It was hard, but I knew if Upwork didn’t work for me, I still had my regular 9-to-5 job to rely on.
Finally, I reached Top-Rated status, and a client offered me the possibility to work full-time for some months. After some thought, I went for it.
Everyone has responsibilities, and bills to pay, see what works best for you but start somehow. Try it. It’s a whole new world out there, and it’s worth the effort.
In terms of technical skills, you need to know the basics and have done a couple of projects or MVPs of what you offer. You don’t need to be an expert to start freelancing on Upwork.
2. Your rate
What rate you should be charging is probably the first question you will be asking yourself when you start freelancing. It depends on where you are located, what’s your field of expertise, your competition, your portfolio, and so on.
Again, I’m going to share what worked for me to get multiple jobs and achieve 100% job client satisfaction on Upwork.
I started lowering the rate I was charging on my regular 9-to-5 job. Then I lowered it even more. I began charging $14 per hour as a Semi Senior iOS Developer.
The fact is that clients value a freelancer with a track record on the platform and are suspicious of the ones that don’t have one. A low rate will attract a client willing to take the risk and offer you your first job.
Sooner, you will be able to increase the rate because, with just one or two 5-star jobs, you will be swimming in job proposals. In which case, it’s a good idea to increase the rate until you don’t get that many. Always repeat this process.
3. Job applications
Job applications translate into hires, so you can imagine how important they are. When talking about job applications, there are two important factors: quantity and quality.
You want to apply for as many jobs as possible, especially if you just started. However, I wouldn’t recommend buying connects to apply for more jobs at first. Instead, pay attention to the job posting data.
Check how many people already applied, how many people are being interviewed, how recent the posting is, how many people the client has hired, and so on.
Once you selected a job to apply for, write a good application. Copying and pasting applications can seem tempting because it will increase the number of job applications you can do in a certain amount of time. Avoid it. Avoid copying and pasting job applications. It would do more harm than good.
I’m not saying you have to write job applications from scratch every time, it’s a good idea to use a template. Make sure to complete the template with relevant information, about the solution you are bringing to the table.
To write a good application, you should include some key points that will attract the client towards you.
First, explain how you are going to solve his problem. Mention any experiences with the solution you are proposing, and why you are picking it. Write a whole paragraph about how you are going to address his issue, and why you are the right person for the job.
Second, show interest in the project. Ask questions about where the project is heading and how did it begin. Mention anything you consider might be a design concern moving forward and how it can be avoided. Also, suggest any improvements you can think of.
4. Close the deal
Once you get the much-desired invitation to interview, your next objective will be to close the deal.
I have recently shared an article talking about how to approach the interview with the correct mentality.
At the end of the day, with all else being almost the same, the client hires the freelancer they like the most. It’s vital to pay attention to certain details and soft skills.
Here are some quick tips to give you regarding the interview:
- Expand what you showcased on the job application. Clearly, something makes sense to the client about you, so go deeper. Explain your solution, possible problems, and suggest anything you consider relevant.
- Turn on your video during the call, and smile. Create a connection with the client.
- Let the client talk. Clients generally love to talk about their projects, let them. Ask questions, they will help you to discover what’s valuable for the client. Then, address that concern accordingly.
- Finish the interview with a positive thought. Most likely, that’s what the client will remember about you. Express your interest in learning something new, and your desire to work with him.
5. The review
Finally, how to get those sweet 5-star reviews on your profile. The key is to leave no other option to the client but to give you a 5-star review.
In the beginning, during, and at the end of the job, you should tell your client you will be looking for his complete satisfaction.
“If there is anything that will prevent you from giving me a 5-star review at the end of the job, please let me know, and I’ll address the concern.”
That’s something you should repeat every once in a while. Make sure your client is happy with you and your work.
When you start freelancing on Upwork, the reviews are almost as valuable as money.