Upwork is one of the most popular platforms freelancers to use to search for open jobs. Unfortunately, the competition is fierce on the site. Most professionals get frustrated when they must compete against other applicants for a few openings.

Some Upwork users have better luck making their professional skills attractive to clients who invite them to apply for jobs. In this article, you’ll learn eight tips to create a profile that earns you more invitations.

1. Constantly Update Your Upwork Profile

Your profile is your business card on Upwork’s platform. Potential clients scan them to find qualified freelancers to finish their projects. When you consistently update your profile with your latest projects, companies take notice. You’re likely to receive more invites from potential customers who want to work with you.

Your Upwork profile shows that necessary skills to complete their project. It also indicates what professional freelancing services you offer. Most clients invite freelancers to apply for job openings based on their business goals. For instance, an investment company may search for programmers to build a secure financial tech (FinTech) app that provides up-to-date prospectuses for their investors.

Your profile’s overview explains what you can do for your clients. In the first sentence, don’t introduce yourself, instead talk about how your skills can solve your client’s problems. Use relevant keywords so clients can find your profile. You can also list your relevant certifications and training that will help the client reach his or her goal.

2. Create a Video Introduction

On Upwork, clients want to know they’re working with a real person who cares about accomplishing their goals. If possible, take advantage of the platform’s new video feature. Creating a video can help you stand out from your competitors. It’s also a great way to capture your unique personality and introduce yourself to potential clients.

These promotional videos should only last 30 seconds or shorter. Select a professional setting, preferably with a well-lit room with a neutral color. The area should be free of clutter. Next, plan out what you want to say in your video. You can create a script where you introduce yourself to the client. Speak about your experience and career highlights. Practice this script a few times before filming.

Remember to dress professionally for your video. For a full list of tips, visit Upwork’s video profile page.

3. Create Specialized Upwork Profiles that Get You Noticed by Clients

There are two types of profiles you can make on Upwork; general and specialized. The first is the one that users create when they sign up for the platform.

You can tailor your specialized profile for a specific audience. It demonstrates your experience with specific categories on the Upwork. For instance, if you’ve done work as an SEO consultant and a web designer, you can separate your professional experience into separate ones. Freelancers can create two specialized profiles on Upwork’s platform.

Specialized profiles allow clients to decide whether they want to hire you based upon your skillset. In your profile, always address what the client wants first. Very few users focus on the customer’s needs. Always address the client’s goals in your introductory sentence. To learn how to create one, read Upwork’s “Create a Specialized Profile.”

4. Eliminate Inactive Contracts from your Profile

Another thing that can help you get more invites on Upwork’s platform is to drop inactive contracts from your profile. Clients prefer working with freelancers who have enough time to work on their projects.

When searching for potential workers, they look for individuals who can work for them immediately. They will consider whether you have any incomplete projects that may divert attention from their job.

If you have a bunch of inactive and active contracts, they may move onto another freelancer who has the time to complete their job.

Do you have inactive contracts on your profile? If so, ask these clients if they have any additional work. Wait two to four weeks for a response from them. If they don’t respond or provide any more work, you can delete the inactive contract.

Removing inactive contracts will free up space and create an impression that you’re available to work.

5. Provide Relevant Samples on your Profile

Another way to increases your invites on Upwork is to provide relevant professional samples on your profile. When clients see examples of your work, it will show them you have the skills to handle their project. It will also help you get more invites and hired quicker.

Professional samples demonstrate the quality of your work, and it will increase your chances of getting invited. To learn how to add samples, visit the “Enhance Your Profile section on Upwork.“

6. Provide Social Proof on Your Profile

Your clients are your best marketers for your superpowers as a freelancer. Upwork has a feature where you can share your feedback on social media profiles (LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Client endorsements can also encourage other companies to invite you to apply for jobs similar to other past projects.

When you share testimonials on your social profiles, it generates an image that redirects people back to your Upwork profile. If potential clients have similar assignments, they may invite you to apply for their postings. You can also share testimonials from your work history by clicking the share feedback button next to the job.

7. Work on Smaller Jobs to Ensure Your Profile Remains Active

Clients are more likely to invite freelancers for new jobs if they stay active on the platform. It means these professionals are consistently working with clients. Active profiles also show that freelancers are reliable, have a long employment record, and customers trust them. It also shows that you are in-demand on Upwork’s platform.

Finishing minor jobs will boost your profile’s performance since you’re working on jobs similar to others you finished in the past. If a potential client sees you worked on a project similar to theirs, they may hire you. One caveat: when applying for these smaller jobs, charge the same rates you would accept when working for an ideal client. If you charge too low, you may not get the fair rates you deserve.

8. Keep your Profile Set to Visible

You can always take a few days off to rest and recuperate but can take a few days off, but avoid setting your profile to invisible. Doing so will cause you to miss out on essential projects. When you set your profile to active, clients will believe that you’re available for work. They will send out invites because they believe you’ll reply to them. When you’re active, a green dot will appear by your profile name. A gray dot appears when you’re offline.

When you find the freelancer you want to hire, you can award them the project. You can pay safely using Freelancer’s Milestone Payment system. You can release payments according to your benchmark of goals or upon completion to your satisfaction. For details, visit Freelancer.