What is UpWork?
1. Introduction
1.1. What is UpWork?
1.2. Benefits of using UpWork
2. Getting Started
2.1. Creating an account
2.2. Setting up your profile
2.3. Browsing job postings
3. Applying for Jobs
3.1. Writing a winning proposal
3.2. Communicating with clients
4. Building Your Career
4.1. Getting positive feedback
4.2. Growing your client base
1. Introduction
My name is Anna and I am an independent freelance software programmer and a computer artist. My major freelancing platform that I use now is UpWork. And I'm interested in a way upwork functions, so I am going to write about it a lot.
Besides it's an excellent writing practice for me and currently the only thing that pays. At the same time I try to share the information that is not freely available in the documentation, to produce the useful posts that's not only self-exalting, because most of the time I tend to write code documentation and updates.
I hope the blog will be helpful for the people who just want to start freelancing. To make it easier for you to find the interesting topics I decided to add tabs - "For clients", "For freelancers" and so on.
More likely you'll appreciate only one of these lines and that gives us a niche and sphere of interests and similars are good.
This will be a blog about UpWork. Eight years ago freelancer.com disabled my account and all these years I couldn't get myself to be truly interested in a freelance platform.
A couple of months ago out of curiosity I've visited the UpWork and here I am dedicating all my time to it. Whether you're interested in freelance or you're going to work with freelancers or you're just looking for a ways to make money online today, I hope you will find my blog useful and interesting. I chose the name because this blog will be about works on UpWork.
1.1. What is UpWork?
In Upwork anybody can work to create their free account. First, you create your free account. They will ask for your main category which you wanted to work. Like content writer, web developer etc.
They will create your profile in that category and then they will ask for some documents. Usually after entering your legal name they will ask for your bank document and any National ID like a passport.
After submitting all your documents you need to wait for almost 1 week to complete your profile creation. Then they will send you an email whether you are accepted for creating a profile or not. Once you are accepted you will see your current dashboard.
It is a place where clients offer different projects according to their requirement and freelancers apply to it to do the work. There are fixed projects in which the price is already defined like $100 or $20.
And the time spent projects like, clients may offer that they will pay for $4/hour. In this the client will install a screen tracker so it can keep a record that how much time actually you have worked for and based on that you can get paid.
On Upwork there are multiple categories present for the freelancer to offer their services. For example, Content Writing, graphic designing, Web Developments, Mobile app development, Networkings, Admin Supports, customer services, Accounting, Photography, Videography, legal services etc.
1.2. Benefits of using UpWork
You may want to head to Google and look up their secrets. In the process, you are sure to see that they couldn't have reached the heights of success had it not been for Upwork. After all, Upwork at the time of this story was the third-largest freelancing company in the United States.
The journey of Upwork has been quite incredible. Today, when you Google Upwork, the many tales of Successes on the platform are quite evident. So why should you not sign up and begin writing?
Upwork comes with a wide array of benefits for the freelancers who choose to work through it, the first one being cost-effectiveness. Upwork gives you the chance to work for clients worldwide without the worries of money transfer in-between banks.
The safe payment system allows clients to complete a payment milestone process, where they must make at least 10% of the agreed payment. The payment will be prepaid and funded through the payment method of the client's choice. Once the client approves your delivered work, the milestone funds will be released.
Exploring UpWork: A Comprehensive Guide. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a writer for your latest project, or you are a writer who has recently started their business, Upwork is a great platform for finding job opportunities.
This is the biggest platform of its kind and offers a teenager array of jobs, which means that you can find something that suits your skills. In this guide, we are going to explore the opportunities available on Upwork in more details.
We are going to have a look at what kind of jobs you can find here. Who knows, you might get inspired and learn how to be successful by emulating the best. Therefore Googling Upwork and their Success is definitely a smart move.
Upwork isn't only freelancers who benefit from the platform; businesses also can save a significant amount of money by outsourcing some of the work to professionals from all over the world. That's why many of them Google Upwork and start looking to employ someone.
2. Getting Started
Our goal of this tutorial is to give you the best possible advice on how to succeed on Upwork. That very much depends on what you want to achieve and how much you want to achieve that. Do you want to become a top-earning provider? I am in little doubt that, regardless of your goals, you will succeed better by considering the opinions of your peers.
In my struggle to build or extend a career using Upwork, I have from time to time found it helpful to seek out the advice of others in the same position. Some advise prayer. I cannot question that, but I think they could get a quicker response here. Many providers will answer your questions, so feel free to ask what you need to know.
Upwork provides an ideal environment from which to build or extend a career. I have enjoyed some success as a provider. As of the final edit of this tutorial, I have been on Upwork for two years, have a 93% job satisfaction rating, and have been paid for over 200 hours of contract work.
To progress, I set myself both qualitative and quantitative performance targets every month. I monitor and change my strategies if necessary. I am also an active patron of Upwork. I believe that I have something unique to offer those who work with me, and I think that what I offer has value.
Not all providers have a similar level of conviction. Some see casual work on Upwork as a way to make a fast buck, and they do not take it that seriously. Only a small percentage will achieve significant success.
2.1. Creating an account
To create your account on Upwork, just access the link. There, we must fill in our data following the instructions on the screen. After filling in all of your personal data, click "Next" to move on to the next step.
On the next screen, you will have to fill in even more information about yourself, including telephone and other personal information. Do it like a taker and click "Next". Then, you must select your modality, which in our case would be the Freelancer.
You will then be informed that Upwork is evaluating our account creation to determine whether or not your account can move to the next step. This occurs because they seek to improve and refine the quality of their community. After successful completion of the tissue evaluation and registration, we must access our registered e-mail and arrive the User, as well as the password that is defined by Upwork.
Your e-mail may contain the information that you must confirm some of your data, so that your registration is ultimately effective.
To succeed on Upwork, the first step is to create an account. Upwork offers us two types of accounts, a Freelancer and a Client. A Freelancer is someone who offers their products or services, in this case, we are talking about experts who can choose their careers from various segments already available on the platform, such as Programming,
Writing, design, Creativity, pharmaceutical Sciences, etc. This means, to Freelancers, you can choose a modality in which you have experience to perform work. The Freelancer account, which is most likely your interest at the moment, is free and registration, easy to do.
Previously we had to pay a monthly fee to Upwork in order to increase our visibility and that of our work, but now this is free.
2.2. Setting up your profile
After the verification process, the freelancers can complete their profiles by providing specified information. Upwork profiles can be in three stages: Starter, Intermediate and Expert. In these stages, six kinds of services about profiles are defined by Upwork.
These are translation, software development, writing, photo and video editing, website building and project organization. To be seen in the searches, the freelancers have to highlight their profile within this six kind of services.
For highlighting, the related tests about the kind of service should be taken by the freelancers. Each test consists of 40 questions in multiple-choice format. There are certain weights of the tests and the freelancers who will take these tests should get 60% correct answers in any test.
It is confirmed that the measurement result is stable with a reliability coefficient of 0.81. Forty-eight minutes are allowed for each test. Rather than these highlighted subjects, the importance of the free text fields should not be underestimated.
While performing the full-text search in the profiles, the employers concentrate more on some concepts in the freelancers' profiles. The freelancers can focus on these concepts throughout the building process of their profiles.
Upwork provides two types of profiles to the freelancers: Individual and Agency accounts. An Individual account is used by those freelancers who want to work alone and get the benefits for their personal works.
On the other hand, if the freelancers want to come together and take jobs as teams (firms, consortium, etc.) can create an Agency account level too. In our current analysis, we focus on individual account. We discuss the items to be filled as a freelancer in individual account.
So, to create an account, the freelancers can start with entering their first name, the last name, an email address and a password. After the submission of the form, the system sends a confirmation email to the address provided.
By clicking on the link in this email, the account comes to life. After this step, the system may support the user to make some settings related to emails, networks, preferences, etc. but these are not compulsory steps. To complete the account setting, the users can easily give relevant information about their abilities, location, etc.
2.3. Browsing job postings
Exploring job postings include filtering through different projects by choosing from various search criteria. These criteria include Upwork categories, duration, and job type. The categories are defined in detail and make it easier for a freelancer to work only in the niche field he is experienced.
Project type filters the job postings based on available or awarded jobs. Searching for available projects is an option since you can apply by sending proposals to these project owners. The experience level also sorts the job postings.
If you are a beginner, you should look for entry-level job postings whereas more experienced freelancers can search for intermediate, expert or expert 6+.
The sign up button is placed on the upper right side of the page. Once you click it, fill in all the necessary details and follow the verification process. Use a valid confirmation email and enter all the correct information about yourself and the work you do.
This improves your visibility on the Upwork platform. Have in mind that every new sign up must apply for Freelancer or Client type. After your account is set up, the dashboard menu allows easy access to job postings, proposals, and your profile.
Upwork is a marketplace developed to bring talented freelancers in touch with those who require assistance in their projects.
3. Applying for Jobs
When applying for a job you should take your time writing a custom, thoughtful, and compelling cover letter that queues the client for building an ongoing working relationship. Don't use a standard template when applying for the jobs.
You should watch what you speak and write in the cover letter. Keep a normal and professional tone. If what you say is humorous language, then the client might think you are not serious about the project. Don't use professional language and terminology if the job posting doesn't ask for that.
Not every client might know those words, and it makes them feel that they are not understood. Address the client by their name, and if it is not shown on the job posting then address to "Respected Sir or Madam".
Do not use Dear Hiring Manager. Because when the client is genuinely looking for the people in Upwork, they use a filter to select freelancers by mentioning a specific skill level and experience that the freelancer should have.
In that case, the cover letter's first line will start with "Dear Hiring Manager" and the client might think that you have not read the job posting.
- Will you be a good fit for the job that the client is offering
- You have a good understanding of the client and the job offered
- Your skills are a perfect fit for the client's job
- You are interested to work, and worked similar works in the past, and can provide portfolio or past works links
- What is the next step
Client posts a job on Upwork. You know you are the person for that job, but how do you get the job? You have to apply for that job. Applying for a job is quite easy if you know how to approach and what things are needed. Let's see how it is done in this post.
What things to consider when applying for a job The most important part of your application is the cover letter. It is optional to include other things like your portfolios, links to social media or website, etc.
When a job is successfully posted on Upwork, it will be seen by applicants, hence the job post is not just for you, It is for everyone searching for jobs in the same category that you have chosen. Your application is the only chance you will get to impress the client and get the job.
In that perspective missing a good and convincing cover will be a sad thing. A cover letter is the important part of your application. The cover letter should convey:
Applying for jobs on Upwork
3.1. Writing a winning proposal
In your proposal, include answers to questions asked in the job post. This is because some clients use questions to pre-screen, and your chances of being hired are considerably high if you respond to all the questions in detail.
Furthermore, when answering these questions demonstrate that you are an expert in your field of work. It is important to make clear to the client that you’ve read the entire job posting. Give specific, detailed, and clear information about how you can provide value, and how you’ve done so in the past. Keep the proposal simple and straightforward and avoid making it longer than necessary.
The main goal with the proposal is to give the client a better understanding of what it is you do, and to persuade them that you are the right professional to hire. With both respects in mind, a unique and customized proposal is best.
However good you are at copy and paste, if you use a generic approach the client may assume that you will use the same approach in your work with them. The clients on Upwork have different reasons for hiring freelancers.
Some may be interested in saving time and want to outsource everything involved in a project. Others are looking for someone to handle specific aspects before they complete the project themselves and feel the need to micromanage.
Be proactive and think of ways you can provide help. If you are a designer and a new client asks you to provide feedback on a website, you could also run a review of social media channels.
Use your understanding of what the client needs from you to propose an approach that suits the client, remembering to be helpful and respectful.
When writing a proposal, remember that clients are seeking a professional who is reliable, so give an impression of assurance and competence. To help clients understand what you can do for them, offer relevant answers and ask the right questions.
3.2. Communicating with clients
When communicating with clients, it is necessary to pay attention to punctuation and spelling rules, and a language style that does not offend the client and takes into account international interactions will be recommended at the beginning of your career.
For example, starting with the phrase "Hello Dear Client" is a good idea. It should be a priority to shorten the client's communication as much as possible as long as an ongoing miscommunication does not restrict your dedication to the work or reflects a misunderstanding of its content.
Otherwise, you will waste time on this and will hinder communication by dealing with hundreds of unnecessary emails.
Another issue related to communication is that direct communication should be minimized as much as possible, and it should be kept open for purposes such as understanding the customer's expectations well, ensuring that there is a common understanding, and checking whether your solutions are valid.
The method you use to communicate with clients is largely based on the tasks expected of you. For data entry, you may need little or no specific communication, while consultancy tasks require full conversation.
However, some suggestions are made for direct communication in written form. Carefully read the job descriptions before applying for a task as the way clients want you to communicate may be explained there, and it will definitely help you decide how you can present your expertise on Upwork before even your first job.
When you get a request, you need to understand the tasks that the client expects from you, as it is quite inappropriate to refuse the offer because you are only supposed to be a data entry personnel and the tasks are not suitable for you afterwards.
4. Building Your Career
Always look for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, making sure to begin browsing the Upwork job feed at or before 9 o'clock Pacific Time (noon Eastern). Between 9 and noon, people in the Eastern and Central time zones are active on the job feed (this is where I got almost most of my interviews).
Submitting early not only puts you in the first few people who applied but also shows that you're go-getter this goes a long way in standing out amongst the crowd. This might not apply for everyone, especially if you're in a different time zone, but if you can, always try to be early.
Once you're comfortable with your profile, begin to bid on a few projects you're comfortable in (again, early on, you'll need a few contracts under your belt to bolster your profile). Some people find it a tranche, like I did early on, to be a good strategy.
Try bidding on one or two contracts a week while also browsing your feed for long-term contracts that you're comfortable in.
Set up your profile to the best of your ability, choosing a niche that both interests you personally and is in high demand. This might be something you just enjoy, such as creating social media marketing campaigns for small businesses, or something strategically practical.
You can reach out to a few clients or put out a few requests to take competence tests (see the section on making yourself stand out for more on that).
A common analogy for building a career on Upwork is to treat it like starting in a new town where nobody knows you. You have to put your best foot forward and hustle a bit before luck starts to naturally roll in.
Here's a good route to take to get a few decent contracts so that you can start establishing yourself and gaining feedback and experience:
### Picking up early work
A career on Upwork can look very different depending on where you're starting out. Here are some tips based on which stage you're in.
4.1. Getting positive feedback
Reasons Upwork freelancers don’t get hired: So, let’s try and learn from their mistakes. 1. Lack of activity: If you regularly send out applications but still don’t get hired, you may need to increase your activity or change the way you apply for jobs.
Check out the sales letter examples in the next subchapter for tips. If you hardly send out any applications or have applied multiple times to the same client without success—and by now, you’re not looking to work with just about anyone—simply move on to the next job.
Otherwise, you’d come across as desperate. Due to this, clients will think you’re after a quick fix and that you probably won’t be committed to their job. Hence, you’re less likely to get hired even before you’ve had a chance to make your case.
How to get your first job? If you don't have a portfolio yet, don't worry; you can take the first job for a small payment or even for free (for a small or medium project), if it is interesting for you and if you understand that it is definitely useful for you.
It is most important to receive a good review and build a reputation. Then try to do a few small jobs, get positive feedback, and increase prices with each next task. In these cases, it's good to provide your customers with the source code of the work done, as well as the executable file. This will make your customers value your work.
4.2. Growing your client base
The idea is that it is better to have more irons in the fire than entirely rely on only one, and to spread proposals across several platforms at once to mitigate the risks and unknowns of freelancing.
Also, we don’t recommend planting yourself too numerous platforms at the same time, because this will make you feel spread too thin and you won’t be able to manage them effectively. Chore, igniting a firestorm of job hunting activities.
Keep it manageable and even, but remember that the more different client profiles you send information to, the more clients you’re likely to end up with—even if you’re only a member of five or six different platforms. So set up those profiles and port the information.
Any good consultant will tell you that you should never rely solely on only one platform to sustain or grow your business.
Even if the platform generated an endless stream of clients, that would not bode well for the platform, as it would suggest the bazillions of freelancers using it aren’t doing well. In addition, with a degree of revenue might come scorn from those who don’t share. Inhuman as it may seem, not everyone is overjoyed when a freelancer does well.
The scorn may result in abuse, whether that abuse comes in the form of negative reviews and ratings or in the form of the reduction of work offered. This in turn makes a freelancer look less-than-appealing to new prospects, who might see a freelancer with a low success rate as someone who isn’t any good.
July 20, 2024, 05:26 am