If you do any type of freelance work online, you’ve probably heard of Upwork. Formally known as Elance and Odesk, Upwork has been around since 2013. The freelancing platform has grown exponentially over the last decade, even earning a spot on the Time’s list of Most Influential Companies of 2022.
While I’ve only completed remote writing jobs on Upwork, the platform isn’t just limited to freelance writing. From accounting and admin support to graphic design and translation, the website connects freelancers with a wide range of remote work opportunities that require unique skills or specializations.
Of course, scoring a well-paying job is not always easy. It takes time and dedication to lock down clients, especially in the age of ChatGPT where freelance writing jobs are becoming more and more scarce. Let’s look at how to get more clients on Upwork and get paid to work online.
Be Active
You can’t expect to grow your client base if you only visit the platform a couple of times a month. If you really want to know how to generate more clients, it’s as easy as being present.
When I say to be active, I mean several things. First, you want to apply for jobs every day. As you only have a limited number of free “connects,” you’ll want to be strategic when choosing jobs to apply to. Only apply to jobs that you feel you would be a great fit for and that you have the skills necessary to stand out among other applicants. Also, avoid jobs that already have dozens of applicants as you’re far less likely to be chosen.
Next, be available to promptly respond to questions that potential clients may send or to accept contracts. If you fail to respond to a potential client in a reasonable amount of time, they may move on to the next candidate.
Build a Strong Profile
You already know that as a freelancer, your writing portfolio can help attract potential clients. Your Upwork profile works in the same way. Your profile should showcase your unique skills, experience in the industry, and past jobs and projects.
Don’t overlook any component of your profile, starting with the headline. This is often the first thing that potential clients see when they click on your page. While some freelancers simply put their job title, such as “Digital Marketing Consultant,” try creating a headline that shows potential clients what they can expect. For example, you may write “Digital Marketing Consultant that Maximizes ROI with Innovative Strategies!”
Get Noticed
While easier said than done, it’s important to take the necessary steps to get noticed. Upwork is currently home to more than 18 million skilled freelancers fighting for jobs posted by just 5 million clients across 180 nations. This means that if you want to get noticed, you need to earn a positive reputation on the platform that makes you stand out from the crowd.
Start by raising your Job Success Score (JSS). To earn a JSS on Upwork, you have to have two outcomes within a 24-month period. This is down from the previous requirement of four outcomes with two unique clients. The JSS reflects your contract history with clients and is calculated every two weeks.
Aim for a JSS score of 90% or higher, which is considered “excellent” and puts you on the right track to earning a Top Rated status. Prevent your score from dropping below 79%, which can make it more difficult to connect with new clients.
Also, work on earning talent badges which lets clients know that you are among the best freelancers on the platform. These tasks can take time but it’s worth the effort in the long-term.
Don’t Overlook Small Projects
It’s natural to want to choose jobs that will provide you with steady employment and the most earnings. However, this isn’t always the best approach. If you’re new to Upwork or only have a project or two under your belt, choose smaller jobs at first.
Completing small jobs and getting positive feedback on your profile can help boost your reputation on the platform and show that you can deliver quality work. Once you have a handful of small projects successfully completed, you can apply for larger projects and long-term work.
Target Your Niche
Some freelancers make the mistake of being a “jack of all trades.” While it’s great to have many skills, doing too much can push potential clients away. Instead, focus on what you do best.
For example, if the bulk of your online work is freelance writing, create a profile that targets your content writing skills. Provide details about what type of writing you do, such as eBooks, marketing materials, advertising content, or in-depth guides.
Often times, clients are looking for specialists rather than generalists and having a tailored profile can make you appear as an expert in your field.
Display Your Best Work
Most clients want to see what you can do before they submit a contract. Fortunately, Upwork makes it easy to show off your best work. On your profile, include samples of your previous work that is high-quality, original, and relevant to your niche. Be sure to upload visuals too, such as photos, videos, audio, or documents.
If you’re new to freelancing and don’t have any past projects to show, create a few from scratch. While it may seem counterproductive to work for no pay, having premium samples can make a big difference when building a strong profile that showcases your best work.
Request Feedback from Clients
After completing a project on Upwork, clients have the option to leave feedback. This feedback appears on the freelancer’s profile where other potential clients can read it. Having a list of reviews from clients that are positive in nature can show other clients that you’re great at your job.
As leaving feedback is optional, your past clients may not always remember to leave you a review. Don’t hesitate to give the client a gentle nudge. While you don’t want to be too pushy, explain that their feedback helps grow your reputation on Upwork.
Reach Out
The bulk of my earnings on Upwork came from long-term clients. While many clients on Upwork will only want a single project completed and you’ll never hear from them again, others are constantly looking for freelancers to complete new projects.
If you complete a project for a client and positive feedback is left on your profile, consider reaching out again to offer your services. Something along the lines of, “I enjoyed working with you on this project! I have some availability in my schedule if you need assistance with any other projects that fit my skill set.”
Get Advice from the Experts
Need even more help on how to get more clients on Upwork? There are several amazing books on the subject that provide step-by-step guidance on how to create a profitable career on the platform.
First, I recommend reading “How to Succeed on Upwork: A Winning 7-Step Formula and Some Hard Truths from a Freelance Pro,” by Diana Marinova. You’ll also want to check out Adam Palmer’s “Upwork Saved My Life: How to Create a Profitable Career on Upwork by Freelancing.”
Do you use Upwork to get freelance jobs? Share your experience on the platform and how you get clients.
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