How much Should i spend on upwork is it really worth it for beginners on upwork?

I got 2 jobs in the last 1.5 months both were under $70. I’ve used around 2,000 connects, which feels like way too many. I'm starting to think I'm doing something wrong here. Can anyone help?


I’m not copy-pasting my proposals. I always attach samples of my previous work and include thoughtful questions. But whenever I feel like, “Yes, this is my best proposal yet,” the client doesn't even open it and that really hurts. I'm following advice from Upwork freelancers on YouTube, and I always start my proposals by saying, “I’m not copying and pasting this message.” Is all of this even worth it? Am I still doing something wrong?


So far, I’ve completed 4 jobs and received 3 reviews. My earnings are still in the three-figure range. Could that be the reason why I’m not getting clicks on my proposals? Or maybe it’s the baby face in my profile picture who knows


Overall, I’ve spent 5,378 connects and sent 239 proposals, yet only landed 3 jobs in 4 months. Now, I really need some help from the community.


additionally i have 15 project showcase on my profile which were from real clients none are fake work but still this results

change your avatar to a ticking clock and dollar bill. Keep trying, see if that makes a difference. Hopefully people recognise these symbols. and rather than your current intro sentence, keep trying others, and measure what is giving you the best.

Another few might be. "{I don't want to waste your time. | Hard work is my number 1 skill. | You want the best, you got it today. } Here is my original, unique proposal for you to look at. I always deliver. Let me assist you. Thanks"

Panther28 said:

change your avatar to a ticking clock and dollar bill. Keep trying, see if that makes a difference. Hopefully people recognise these symbols. and rather than your current intro sentence, keep trying others, and measure what is giving you the best.

Another few might be. "{I don't want to waste your time. | Hard work is my number 1 skill. | You want the best, you got it today. } Here is my original, unique proposal for you to look at. I always deliver. Let me assist you. Thanks"

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these are way better intros man thanks it should be good but my profile pic is the main keypoint and my first words anything more is need to add on to make sure client clicks on me

Upwork is tough these days. and most worse is the bidding for the top 4. which is a total disgusting. it looks like its more important for them to compete in spending dollars than making proposal to the buyer.

par1tyb1t said:

Upwork is tough these days. and most worse is the bidding for the top 4. which is a total disgusting. it looks like its more important for them to compete in spending dollars than making proposal to the buyer.

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yeah i agree with you but most of the time i place my bids for first and 50% or 30% i loss my bidding but still clients don't even open my proposals

Nekola said:

yeah i agree with you but most of the time i place my bids for first and 50% or 30% i loss my bidding but still clients don't even open my proposals

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So true mate

I would suggest overdelivering to all clients you get. If they pay you $100 give them work worth $120.

They will refer you to everyone because of this.

2,000 connects for two small jobs is way too much spend, so stop saying you aren't copy-pasting because that's literally the first thing clients ignore. You've got the portfolio, now just fix your hook and stop burning cash on low-budget gigs that aren't worth your time