How to Get Your First Job on Upwork: Expert Tips from a Top-Rated Plus Freelancer

From my findings, it takes about 30 to 50 proposals to win your first job on Upwork if you are in Nigeria or another non-first world country, and about 10 to 15 proposals should do the magic for freelancers in some favorable countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/9UrynwvFHPc

In this video, I will teach you things to help you get your first client faster, irrespective of where you are.

1. Get a review and written feedback. Some freelancers buy reviews to break the jinx of the first client. You don’t want to risk Upwork suspending your account if they find out. What I advice is that you convert your offline client to Upwork client. For beginners, beg your friend or family to give you a job and hire you through Upwork. It’s best if the person is in USA, UK, and other Upwork-favoured countries. Reach out to people in your network and ask if they know anyone who could benefit from your services.
2. Jazz up your Samples. Have multiple samples. If you are a beginner and don’t have samples, you should have some nice works you did when learning your skill. Your samples can make or mar your chances. Emphasize your strengths. Make you samples visually appealing and show your thought-process where possible. Update it every 3–6 months.
3. Create a strong profile. Create an eye-catching profile that includes a professional photo and a detailed description of your talents and expertise. Optimize your profile and proposals by using relevant keywords that clients are looking for. Fill every single section of your proposals and apply to jobs that matches your profile.
   Get professional headshot. Have a header that specify what you do (and probably a profound result and who you do it for) and be sure you profile is set to Public.
4. Prepare personalized proposals. For each position you apply for, take the time to write individualized proposals. Demonstrate to the client why you are the greatest fit for their project. Address the client’s concerns. Put something in your proposal that would make client respond. Use call to action. Ask client questions and don’t forget to proofread your proposal before sending it. Install Grammarly extension. I have two videos dedicated to Upwork proposal, 1, 2, and 3. Check them out on my Channel here.
5. Change your location. This is a jackpot in freelancing. My friends who travelled to countries like Canada, UK, USA, start getting more invites and proposal response the very week they switched their account’s location. Want to learn how to switch your location, watch this.
6. Offer free trials. Offer to complete a modest job for free in order to demonstrate your abilities and acquire the trust of potential clients. For example, a video editor can edit a reel and watermark it.
7. Be active and responsive. Apply for jobs regularly, say 2–4 jobs daily. Check your Upwork on a regular basis, the Upwork algorithm will reward your being always online with invites or putting your proposal up on prospective client list given that your proposal is very relevant and optimised. When you ultimately get response from a client, be sure to respond as soon as possible.
8. Provide competitive rates. Set a reasonable fee for your services given your experience level and ensure that it is competitive with other freelancers on Upwork. Look at the rates charged by other freelancers who offer similar services. Profile the client, whether budget-conscious or High-end and be flexible.
9. Participate in groups and forums. To boost your visibility, join groups and forums connected to your industry and participate in discussions. Join my Upwork Support WhatsApp. Comment below and link will be sent to you within few hours. To regulate the group, we make the links expire.
10. Hone or switch your skills. If you are offering a service that’s in low demand.

Example are:

◼ Administrative and data entry tasks
◼ Translation services for rare languages
◼ Services for telemarketing or cold calling

Please keep in mind that demand for services on Upwork varies over time and by area; these are just typical samples.

Be exceptional in the services you provide. Alternatively, you can learn how to freelance without skill in this other video. Be very good at the service you offer.