How do I get my first client on Upwork

[ManageManga]

Make sure you have a proper real portfolio available on your profile. No client will message you if they don't see any of your past project details you worked on.

Yes I have setup a proper portfolio for my profile

 

[Seo Captain]

First client will be hard to crack on any platform. Thereafter, it will be lot more easier.

 

[ManageManga]

Landed a really nice client on upwork
freelancer is crap

 

[BlackShield]

The rating of your service is more important for your sales.

So get it from your buyers if any outside the platform.

Having some proof of your good work may help to reach people you too.

 

[ManageManga]

The rating of your service is more important for your sales.

So get it from your buyers if any outside the platform.

Having some proof of your good work may help to reach people you too.

Yes sir, for sure

 

[blackbeans]

Depending on the skill set that you bring to the table, getting freelance clients on platforms like Upwork can be an uphill climb.

You have to understand that there are many people competing for a small amount of work.

A lot of these people already have a track record, a lot of these people are at the top of their game.

Well, one thing that can help you stand out is when you send proposals, you have to have some sort of social proof.

This is where testimonials from people you've helped in the past come in handy.

It also helps if you have a lot of these testimonials.

One of the best ways to get some sort of track record going is to do stuff for free.

Also get stuff that is published so this way, there is some sort of independent verification.

The good news is once you get your first client and you do an amazing job on that client project, your path to success pretty much takes care of itself.

You have to understand that the vast majority of people who do freelance work, are going to miss the mark.

This is what separates those agencies and individual freelancers that continue to work over the long term than those who are stuck at the bottom struggling from project to project.

It's all about delivering value.

This is why I would suggest that when you get your first client treat that client like royalty

If they ask for 10 Give them 100.

If they ask for 20 Give them 200.

That's how you rise above from the rest of the competition.

Otherwise, depending on the skill set you bring to the table, you're going to be a commodity.

It's hard to succeed in anything if people think that what you do or what you bring to the table are commodities.

 

[ManageManga]

Depending on the skill set that you bring to the table, getting freelance clients on platforms like Upwork can be an uphill climb.

You have to understand that there are many people competing for a small amount of work.

A lot of these people already have a track record, a lot of these people are at the top of their game.

Well, one thing that can help you stand out is when you send proposals, you have to have some sort of social proof.

This is where testimonials from people you've helped in the past come in handy.

It also helps if you have a lot of these testimonials.

One of the best ways to get some sort of track record going is to do stuff for free.

Also get stuff that is published so this way, there is some sort of independent verification.

The good news is once you get your first client and you do an amazing job on that client project, your path to success pretty much takes care of itself.

You have to understand that the vast majority of people who do freelance work, are going to miss the mark.

This is what separates those agencies and individual freelancers that continue to work over the long term than those who are stuck at the bottom struggling from project to project.

It's all about delivering value.

This is why I would suggest that when you get your first client treat that client like royalty

If they ask for 10 Give them 100.

If they ask for 20 Give them 200.

That's how you rise above from the rest of the competition.

Otherwise, depending on the skill set you bring to the table, you're going to be a commodity.

It's hard to succeed in anything if people think that what you do or what you bring to the table are commodities.

Thanks for the advice, I will keep in mind.
I just got verified on Upwork and got the Rising Talent badge.

 

[Calvin Carmona]

I think I've posted about this numerous times, you just have to dig it up. Write 3,000 on the matter.
To sum it up:

- Refine your cover letter. It needs to rock. Repeat the problem in your cover letter. Tell them in one line how are you planing to solve the issue and what is it you will be doing. Talk about them all the time
- Never submit proposals to jobs opened more than 12-14 hours ago.
- Use proper English, it has to be pristine.
- It's a numbers game. You will always land X jobs from Y proposals. Pick the jobs wisely, don't go for $20 jobs, since you are paying almost $1 in connects. You usually spend 20-25 connects to land a good job.
- When you land a job, save the cover letter and see what you did right.
- Always draw conclusions after 50-100 job proposals. You need to see an average % of conversion rate
- Pick an hour everyday when you will be applying to jobs, even if you have a contract. For EET, the best time for me is around 14:00
- Always keep in mind what the client expects to hear. Nobody wants to read "i MIGHT be able, i THINk i can do it", that's not what they are paying for. They need to hear determination "hey John, I see what your problem is. I can solve it for you real quick, I've done this before. Lets get on an interview chat and talk details". Always draw them to your chat, as you get connects back for interviews and you at least save money.
- 40% of the clients will post a job, but the plan is to hire 1-2 months from now. Keep this in mind and always maintain open communication with them.
- when the client is undecided on the price, always start with your asking price and then tell them what value they are going to get for that amount of money. It goes against what the common advice is, but I found this to work perfectly in my case.
- If you work jobs by the hour, ALWAYS give them a ballpark of how many hours you are going to spend on the project.
- talk to them like you would help out a friend, now some CEO. Will make a huge difference.
- if the client wants a loom or google meet call, always say yes. If you get that far, 99% of the job is yours. Always be presentable, remember the first impression the client makes is based on your presence, not skill. Always sound confident.

Great tips, It will help me also, thanks

 

[googlebhads]

first get some reviews and then you will get job

 

[ManageManga]

first get some reviews and then you will get job

How much reviews cost?

 

[SEO Creature]

Buy reviews first then automatically you will get some client conversation.

 

[charles133]

I dont have many experience but i think you can choose to make some projects for free and ask people to give you positive reviews
When you grow in popularity people will contact you automoticaly

 

[MediaCircus56]

buy subscriptions to send more proposals.

 

[ManageManga]

Just an update:
1. It is going super great on Upwork
2. I am a Rising talent
3. I have hourly job, fixed price job, monthly Jon and repeat client
4. I have spent $10 at max so far to buy BIDS (but before spending a penny I got paid from a client from the free bids)
5. Getting bonuses from a repeat client

Overall Upwork is way better than fiveer or freelancer(.)com

10/10

 

[SEO Devil]

A few ideas:

A LOT of clients never even look at your propsals. They'll look over a few, find someone that stands out, and ignore the rest. Even if they DO read yours, do not expect to hear back from all of them. It would be nice if clients reached out to everyone and said "hey, we're going in a different direction but thanks for applying" but it's just not going to happen so don't expect it.

You SHOULD expect that you'll be turned down more often then you're accepted. That's just the way it is. It's a numbers game.

What is it you're best at? Logo design? Business cards? You've got a lot of things listed in your profile and that's good. Focus on those and look for those jobs. Don't just apply for anyone looking for graphic design. Do a few of those jobs to get familiar and then you can branch out to other areas. But start small and focused.

Write a good cover letter when you apply. This may take some time before you find one that works best for you. Keep them short and to the point. Avoid takling about a lot of personal things. Focus on why you want this job, what you can do, and why they should choose you.

Remember, your connects run out so don't blow them all in the first couple of days. Look through job listings and focus on the ones that seem promising. Take some extra time to read the listing, make sure you understand it, and apply.

It's tough getting started, but just keep at it and eventually good things will happen.

Good luck!

 

[ManageManga]

A few ideas:

A LOT of clients never even look at your propsals. They'll look over a few, find someone that stands out, and ignore the rest. Even if they DO read yours, do not expect to hear back from all of them. It would be nice if clients reached out to everyone and said "hey, we're going in a different direction but thanks for applying" but it's just not going to happen so don't expect it.

You SHOULD expect that you'll be turned down more often then you're accepted. That's just the way it is. It's a numbers game.

What is it you're best at? Logo design? Business cards? You've got a lot of things listed in your profile and that's good. Focus on those and look for those jobs. Don't just apply for anyone looking for graphic design. Do a few of those jobs to get familiar and then you can branch out to other areas. But start small and focused.

Write a good cover letter when you apply. This may take some time before you find one that works best for you. Keep them short and to the point. Avoid takling about a lot of personal things. Focus on why you want this job, what you can do, and why they should choose you.

Remember, your connects run out so don't blow them all in the first couple of days. Look through job listings and focus on the ones that seem promising. Take some extra time to read the listing, make sure you understand it, and apply.

It's tough getting started, but just keep at it and eventually good things will happen.

Good luck!

Thank You

 

[aeman]

Hello there,
I signed up on Upwork and Freelacner.com just a few days ago, I submitted proposals on a few posts however didn't even receive a chat invite from any of the posters.

Do you guys have any tips on how can I land my first few clients? Also, Upwork seems better than freelancer.com because freelancer is filled with bots and scammers.

make sure you have better portfolio so you can engaged more and longterm clients

 

[ManageManga]

make sure you have better portfolio so you can engaged more and longterm clients

Sure thing, thank you