How I Got Started on Upwork
By: Elliot Writes
Tags: Upwork, Freelance Writing, Digital Nomads, Fiverr, Freelancers

How I Got Started on Upwork

Photo: Daria Shevtsova — Pexels

I decided to get on Upwork because I do not want to work for anyone else. I do not want a boss, office politics, or debate with customers about whether they are going to wear a mask. I am not just getting on the platform arbitrarily. I am well versed in marketing, copywriting, and capable of writing several thousand words a day. More importantly, I have a strategy and a purpose.

It took me about two weeks to get myself together with a profile. On week three I started to reach out to potential clients. By the end of week four, I had my first active client. You may choose to go slower or faster. I could have picked up the pace, but I am also taking courses to increase my certifications and knowledge base.

You would be surprised how much opportunity there is in freelancing. Just about everyone I know could make a solid income. Every possible job description available is on this platform. The highest paying gigs are math gigs, followed by creative gigs. You will find people teaching, giving therapy, writing songs, building websites, astrology, and on and on. It is not just marketers and programmers.

Go Where the Customers Are

Small businesses from all over the world are looking for someone to do work for them. Big businesses, too. In fact, according to research published in 2019 by Forbes, 59% of U.S. companies are using remote workers in some capacity. That number has probably increased substantially with COVID-19.

It is not just companies. Individuals also seek help. For instance, I just saw a gig for a guy who wanted someone to write a letter to his girlfriend’s mom. (I did not take the job. If you know me at all, you know I am not the one for that job. Oy!) Another job popped up recently where someone was seeking a person with good penmanship. They have an Esty shop selling handcrafted greeting cards.

The most in-demand jobs are data, programming, and marketing. If you know about any of those things you can make money on freelancing platforms. If you do not know about these things, you can learn how to do many of them for free. Google, Facebook, Twitter, and many other sources exist that provide free certification training. If you want some information on that feel free to reach out to me.

The point is the jobs are there. I just went onto Fiverr and typed penmanship into the search bar. Multiple ads popped up for people selling their handwriting. They would not be there if there was not a demand. I also entered jingle writing. Lots of work out there for jingle writers.

How to Get Started

Step 1 — Research the best platform for you.

There is a learning curve to freelancing. Upwork, Fiverr, People Per Hour, and all the other platforms have different strengths and weaknesses. It is a good idea to look at several of them to make the best choice. You want to look at everything from how you get gigs, track time, get paid, and how easy it is to navigate the platform. It is a good idea to read as many articles as you can on the pros and cons of the different freelance sites out there. Once you have made a final choice it is time to create your profile.

Step 2 — A good profile.

Have a good profile picture. Make sure you smile and look professional. Research shows that a professional, inviting profile picture increases your chances of getting hired. When you write your bio make sure you focus on the benefits that you provide. Do you know the difference between a feature and a benefit? A feature is what a product or service is and a benefit is a result for the purchaser. A drill might have come with a cobalt drill bit (feature) but the benefit is that it puts a perfect hole in hard stainless steel. Round out your profile by filling in as much as you can about your credentials, achievements, etc. Most freelance platforms will guide you through this process.

Step 3 — Action

On Upwork action is submitting proposals for jobs. Look for jobs that are recent and that not many people have applied for. There is a lot to think about when submitting proposals, but I’ve found the best way is to describe exactly what you can do for the end-user and how it will benefit them. I get my strongest results in that way. Fiverr is a little different. With Fiverr, you create various job packages and people find you. Have at least three job packages and respond to any direct messages you get. Here’s a pro tip, on both platforms if a prospective client asks you to go off-platform, it is likely a scam. Upwork and Fiverr both have rules and warnings about following links off-platform.

Time takes time

Working on freelance platforms are a great way to make extra money. I am on Upwork to build a portfolio. I am taking my time and getting my bearings. The next stage for me is to upgrade my portfolio and targeting clients that are more closely aligned with what I want to do (strategic consulting.) For me, the best way forward is patience, observation, and doing the best job I know how to do.

I think the best advice I can give anyone who wants to freelance is just getting out there and take action. Go ahead and do as much research as you can. Learn a few tips and techniques. I also recommend expanding your education in your area of expertise. Never stop learning. If you like what you are doing, that should not be a problem. Good luck out there.