Upwork is a fantastic platform that helps professionals launch their freelance careers. This popular site offers remote work in a wide variety of areas, including web design, SEO optimization, and other areas.

Unfortunately, many first-time Upwork users make significant mistakes that cost them time and money. In this article, we’ll discuss the top seven rookie mistakes that new freelancers make on this platform and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Mismanaging your time when completing a project

Some Upwork freelancers forget to schedule enough time to complete their work. If they don’t, these professionals can miss their deadlines. As a result, clients become angry and leave critical reviews on their accounts.

To avoid this, plan to complete your projects 24 to 48 hours before the actual deadline. It ensures that you can finish your assignments in case an emergency happens.

Additionally, freelancers can also set reminders on their calendar apps. These notifications will remind themselves to complete their projects on time.

Mistake 2: Submitting identical cover letters and proposals to potential clients

Upwork limits the connections for each account. This rule means that users can only submit a few proposals to every client. To beat potential rivals, some freelancers paste identical proposals to multiple jobs to get customers.

Although it increases the number of applications, it can backfire. Since the proposal doesn’t meet the clients’ needs, it can cause lost work.

Instead of copying and pasting proposals, freelancers can use RSS to submit a proposal. This step speeds up the application submission process. Professionals also can move to smaller niches or their specialization areas. It ensures they have enough time to craft an engaging proposal that wins clients.

Another tip: when writing proposals, freelancers should include benefits they can provide clients. A person who says they create SEO optimized sites doesn’t tell clients how this skill can help them. Provide tangible results in your proposal.

For instance, don’t say: “I write SEO optimized articles.”

Instead, say: “I write articles that get increased leads and higher rankings in from search engine results pages.”

Mistake 3: Not Charging Enough for Freelance Jobs

When starting on Upwork, some freelancers charge lower rates because they don’t have enough reviews or ratings? Although this may seem like an intelligent strategy, when you’re starting on the platform, it isn’t.

Freelancers shouldn’t offer to do jobs for free as a trial period to prove to clients they’re capable. Delivering value to clients doesn’t mean working for free. When freelancers offer to do this, it shows the ultimate value of their work. This free work doesn’t communicate a good message to clients.

Instead, freelancers should become their client’s trusted advisers. When workers adopt a strategy of preeminence, it raises their professional, monetary, and long-term value.

Always set a goal of charging higher rates for your clients, no matter where you’re getting them from. After your first three to five jobs, charge higher rates.

Some freelancers propose a price within the client’s budget, which may not allow you to provide the quality you need. Instead of seeing their budget as a set price, view it as a ballpark figure. Explain how things may not be possible to get completed at the price point they’ve suggested and convince them to extend their budget.

Mistake 4: Not Getting Enough Clarity About the Job Requirements

Great communication is essential when freelancers work for remote customers. Before starting any job, freelancers should get clarity about their clientele’s requirements. Professionals shouldn’t assume their customers want jobs completed a specific way, only to discover they had a different idea in mind.

Always ask questions about consult with them to find out how clients want each job completed. These consultations allow freelancers to make any changes or clarify things they didn’t understand the first time. Make sure to add this to the contract to avoid any potential legal concerns. 

Mistake 4: Choosing the Wrong Clients

Selecting the wrong clients is another mistake that new Upwork freelancers make after joining the platform. Professionals can complete thousands of dollars in work and not get paid if they select shady, unfamiliar clients.

When choosing customers, make sure they have a legitimate method of payment. Next, confirm that they have positive feedback on their profile from other freelancers. Third, verify the business and representative for the job. One last thing, have a contract that outlines everything, including how and when you’ll get paid. Don’t work with clients who can’t provide this information to you.

Mistake 5: Applying to Jobs that Already Have Too Many Proposals

Upwork keeps statistics about how many freelancers have submitted proposals for a job. Professionals should skip jobs where there are hundreds of applicants. Instead, select ones with fewer submitted proposals to give yourself a better chance. Professionals shouldn’t apply to jobs with 50 or more proposals. When freelancers submit to ones with fewer applicants, they’ll have a better chance of getting hired.

Mistake 6: Taking on Work You Cannot Complete

Don’t promote a skill that you can’t do on Upwork. For instance, don’t claim you know how to design websites or create apps when you can’t. Most clients can spot fakes, so don’t apply for jobs when you don’t have the skills to complete the job.

Instead, only complete jobs you know how to finish, and you’ll be able to find work and keep your clients.

Mistake 7: Assuming that Jobs Are Only for Experienced Upwork Freelancers

A final mistake that freelancers make is that they don’t apply for some positions because they don’t believe they have enough experience. This myth persists because of horror stories that unsuccessful freelancers tell on forums like Reddit or Quora. Instead of listening to others, take a chance, and submit a proposal to these jobs. New freelancers get hired by customers every day on this platform.