One of the biggest issues online freelancers face is finding and connecting with potential clients. Of course, there are resources like Craigslist and Indeed out there, but these platforms clearly weren’t built specifically for freelancers. What freelancers really need is a platform that connects people looking for services with those who can provide them.
The Answer? Upwork
Upwork is a platform that brings together freelancers with those in need of freelance services. Writers, accountants, graphic designers, data entry clerks, and many others are actively sought after by individuals and businesses looking to hire. If you have a skill, odds are Upwork has someone who will pay for your help.
Beyond being a mere platform for communication, Upwork has tons of interesting, interactive, and valuable tools that support the oftentimes difficult and stressful process of finding work as a freelancer. The folks at Upwork have built a website so that it is streamlined, easy to use, and effective as a tool for landing freelancers jobs and getting them paid.
Getting Started with Your Upwork Profile
On the freelance side, you can get started within minutes of creating a quick and free profile on the website. Upwork’s profile template provides a range of options for entering and showcasing any relevant information potential clients might be looking for when considering you as a potential hire.
First, start with a strong overview of yourself, describing who you are and what you bring to the table for potential clients. This is a client’s first opportunity to really get a feel for your general fitness when they engage with your profile. Talk about your strengths and skills and let those potential clients know who they will be getting the moment they bring you on.
There is a section for a portfolio of your work, which is essential for giving potential clients a taste of the work you are capable of producing and selling those clients on your ability to help them succeed in their business. Upload files that are relevant to the jobs and type of work you wish to perform for clients on Upwork to ensure you attract the right attention.
You can post any college degrees or certifications you’ve earned, signaling to potential clients what types of jobs you’re especially qualified for. Set your desired hours and salary, to further hone in on the particular type of work, amount of work, and pay you wish to receive. This is where you make yourself attractive to the right potential client and market yourself as someone who will add value to a client’s business. Add a profile picture and you’re officially open for business.
How it Works
The fastest way to get in touch with potential clients is to search for posted jobs that match your skills. Upwork’s job search tool allows you to customize your search with filters that can be adjusted as desired, helping narrow the focus to jobs for which you’re the best fit. You can filter by job category, experience level, desired salary, and more!
PRO TIP: Use the RSS Feed function to receive Job Alerts easily!
Once you find a job you want to apply for, you’ll be asked to submit a proposal based on the needs of the client. Oftentimes clients want to gauge your interest level, experience, and potential ability to satisfy the requirements for fulfilling their needs. After your proposal is submitted, the client then has the opportunity to engage further with you via Upwork’s messenger feature or through a formal interview request.
Congratulations, You’ve Been Hired!
If a client accepts your proposal and wishes to work with you, they will make you an official offer and await your response. If the terms are satisfactory, accept your contract, and you are officially hired! At this point, Upwork’s platform really separates itself from simple job boards by supporting communication between freelancers and clients throughout the duration of their employment.
General communication between you and your client is easy with Upwork’s messenger tool, and it also provides a single hub where freelancers can communicate with all of their clients at any given time. You can have Upwork send notifications to your phone, so you never miss an opportunity or a message from clients!
Get Paid
Payment is handled by Upwork on the platform. There is a fee schedule starting at 20% of freelancer earnings for the first $500 billed to your client. Working with one client for longer durations ultimately means you will get to keep more of every earned dollar, as the fee schedule is reduced over time. Provided you remain with the same client, Upwork’s fees are reduced to 10% between $500.01 and $10,000 and 5% for any dollar earned above $10,000 with the same client.
Upwork handles the entire invoice process and pays you via direct deposit, wire transfer, debit card, Paypal, Payoneer, and more. You can set up payment schedules on your own terms and customize the payment process to suit your specific needs.
Free vs. Plus: The Connect Game
Upwork is offered as a free service for freelancers, but there is a scheme followed to limit the number of jobs an individual may apply for. Once your profile is created, you receive an initial supply of “connects” which are the currency freelancers must use to submit proposals for jobs. Jobseekers on the free side receive an initial supply of 80 connects. The amount of connects required to submit a single proposal varies based on contract details.
Typically, jobs that are quick and pay $50 or less require one or two connects. Medium-term jobs with budgets ranging from $50 to $500 necessitate three or four connects. Longer-term jobs will take five or six connects to submit a proposal and generally work with client budgets over $600. Don’t worry, even freelancers with free accounts receive a monthly stipend of 10 connects, and more can be earned as you further engage with clients throughout the hiring process.
Now, you can operate just fine with a free account, provided you are being invited for interviews, landing jobs, and keeping some consistent projects. However, Upwork does offer a premium service they call “Plus.” It is $14.99 per month and provides freelancers greater detailed access to clients and job postings as well as eight times the monthly allotment of connects. You also get your own customized URL, making it easier for clients to differentiate you from the crowd.
Other Opportunities
Project Catalog
Upwork has recently added a project catalog feature where freelancers can create their own projects and upload them to be sold on the platform. This is a great way for you to create something once and potentially continue to earn as clients like what they see and purchase your projects. It also allows freelancers to do what they do best: create!
Talent Scout
Talent Scout is a feature provided by Upwork that assesses your skills, knowledge, and abilities and actively seeks opportunities on your behalf as a freelancer. Essentially, Upwork does the sometimes annoying work freelancers must do in order to land jobs: sifting through endless job postings, looking for the right opportunities, and engaging with potential clients.
If you’d like to know more about Upwork and freelancing in general, Freelance Mojo has you covered. Check out our website and get started on your freelance journey today!