How to Become a Successful Freelancer on Upwork

Upwork is one of the most reliable freelancing sites that you can bank on for a successful career. However, there are quite a number of things that you must factor in before you actually test success. While there are many opportunities on this platform, you can end up not getting any if you do things the wrong way. This guide is meant to help you understand the do’s and don’ts of freelancing on Upwork, and how best you can have consistent high-paying clients doing business with you for long term.

7 things you must do to become a successful freelancer

If you have been freelancing on Upwork and success seems elusive, then definitely these points are for you. On the other hand, if you are a new freelancer and Upwork is your ideal platform, you stand a high chance of kick-starting your career on a higher note. This said, here are the key elements that you must have in mind:

Think the way clients think

This is the first and most important thing you must do while applying for any job. Look at the client’s job descriptions and tell him/her directly how you are going to help. Do not just shoot a proposal without relevant sample related to the job posting. In most cases, clients are looking for someone they can trust and add value. As a matter of fact, avoid previous samples that are not in any way related to the job.

Constant communication

As a freelancer, you need to know how to communicate in succinct manner. In as much as winning a contract is a good thing, how you are going to communicate through the entire project period is pivotal. As a word of advice, you can do one or two pieces of the work and tell the client to give his/her assessment. In this case, you will be able to know whether you are on the right track or not. This is better than doing lots of work only to be reminded that revisions are needed.

Rating and feedback

It is suicidal if you're consistently getting bad ratings on this platform, as some clients tend to look at what others say about you. The first few clients you get during your freelancing career determine your progress. In order to avoid any setbacks, ensure that you get high ratings and positive feedback with all clients you work with. After completion of entire projects, ask for reviews because they are central in determining your dependability. In this way, you will be able to succeed with many returning clients on your end.

Project bidding

Bidding on projects is one thing that you must understand in regard to being a successful freelancer on Upwork. At the end of the day, your bid has a direct impact on your pay rate. In most cases, there are people who believe that clients will hire you because you bid lower than your competitors. Actually, this is a fallacy that needs to be disposed off. Clients need value and if you can offer that, then you are on your way to success. You can bid your accepted rate based on client budget, and if you are good, then you will get return business.

Top quality reigns

It is highly advisable to consistently deliver high quality work all the time while you are working on any freelancing sites. If you so, then you will be well-placed to get the best possible results. Upwork is no exception to this rule. There are literally thousands of clients out there looking for freelancers who are committed and dedicated to their craft. And so, if you happen to be serious about jobs offered, you can make it big on this platform. Additionally, learn to develop other equally important skills like time management, of which come in handy for freelancers.

Beating the deadlines

Deadlines are the heart beat of freelancing business and cuts across board. It is the best thing you can do for clients irrespective of your craft, and it is a sure recipe for success. If you can beat deadlines without compromising the quality of work, and add value to the client, you are in for success. Success is not an overnight thing but takes several weeks, months and years to establish as an expert. Nevertheless, you can kick-start your freelancing career and within a short period, you will be reaping the fruits of your dedication and focus.

There are some common traits that most successful freelancers tend to exhibit on this platform. These include a completed profile with their photos, what they offer, what they charge, and what value they can add to a client’s business. It is for this reason that you should fill everything on your profile and provide samples that showcase your skills.

If you consider all important points in this guide, you will be able to succeed on Upwork without any issues.