Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive, updated guide on how to get started as a freelancer on Upwork in 2024. It covers everything from creating an account and optimizing your profile to understanding connects, searching for jobs, and writing effective proposals. The video emphasizes the importance of showcasing your skills, creating a strong portfolio, and understanding the platform's fee structure.
- Creating a compelling profile with relevant skills and experience.
- Understanding and utilizing connects to apply for jobs strategically.
- Filtering job searches to find opportunities that match your expertise and increase your chances of success.
- Writing effective cover letters and submitting professional proposals.
Intro
Jennifer Marie introduces an updated tutorial on how to start freelancing on Upwork, acknowledging changes to the platform over the years. She mentions that she uses Upwork to sell her services and encourages viewers to explore her playlist for specific questions about the platform. The video aims to guide new users through the process of getting started on Upwork.
What is Upwork?
Upwork is described as an online freelancing platform that connects clients with freelancers worldwide. Clients post job opportunities, and freelancers apply to these jobs. The platform supports various fields, including writing, design, programming, and marketing. The presenter shares her experience on Upwork, noting her top-rated status, 100% job success rating, and earnings of over $90,000.
How to Sign Up as a Freelancer
To sign up as a freelancer, you need to go to Upwork's website and select the option to join as a freelancer. You'll be prompted to enter your personal information, including your name, email address, password, and country of residence. After agreeing to the terms of service, you can create your account.
Getting Started on Upwork
After verifying your email, you'll be asked a series of questions to start building your profile. These questions cover your freelancing experience, your goals for freelancing, and how you'd like to work. You can indicate your experience level, whether you want to earn your main income or make money on the side, and whether you want to find opportunities yourself or have Upwork act as a recruiter.
How to Create Profile
To create your profile, you can upload your resume, import information from LinkedIn, or fill out the details manually. You'll need to add a title that describes your professional role and the type of job you're interested in. You can also add your work experience, education, and the languages you speak.
How to Write a Bio
Writing a compelling bio is crucial to attract potential clients. The bio should clearly state your skills, experience, and the type of work you excel at. It's recommended to use paragraphs or bullet points to make it easy to read. AI software like ChatGPT can help with editing to ensure correct grammar and punctuation. The presenter provides an example bio for a video editor, highlighting expertise in various software and a strong work ethic.
Set Hourly Rate (Fixed VS Hourly)
When setting your rate on Upwork, you'll need to consider both fixed-rate and hourly jobs. Fixed-rate jobs involve charging a set price for a project, regardless of the time it takes. Hourly rates are based on the number of hours you work, tracked through Upwork's time tracker app. The presenter notes that Upwork's freelancer service fee is now 10%, meaning you keep 90% of your earnings.
How to Add Portfolio Projects
Adding portfolio projects is essential to showcase your work and increase your chances of winning jobs. You can add examples of videos you've produced, graphic designs you've created, or any other relevant work. Upwork offers different templates to display your portfolio items, such as gallery style, case study, or classic. The presenter recommends completing your profile to 100% before applying for jobs, including employment history, portfolio items, education, and a video introduction.
What are Connects?
Connects are used to apply for jobs on Upwork. You don't have an unlimited amount of connects, which helps reduce competition and ensures freelancers are serious about the jobs they apply for. New users start with 50 connects.
Freelancer Plus VS Basic Membership
Upwork offers both basic and Freelancer Plus membership plans. The basic plan is free and includes 10 connects each month. The Freelancer Plus plan costs $14.99 per month and includes 80 connects per month, as well as a custom profile URL.
Applying to Jobs with Connects
Applying to jobs requires spending connects. The number of connects required varies depending on the job. If you don't get hired, you won't get those connects back. However, if someone sends you an interview request, you can apply to the job for free.
How to Search and Filter Jobs
To find relevant jobs, it's important to filter your search. You can filter by experience level (entry, intermediate), job type (hourly, fixed price), and the number of proposals already submitted. You can also choose to work with payment-verified clients and those who have hired people on Upwork before.
Number of Proposals
Filtering by the number of proposals can help you avoid highly competitive jobs. You can also filter by connects needed to find jobs that require a lower amount of connects to apply.
Clients to Avoid
When searching for clients, it's important to check their reviews and ratings. Avoid clients with low ratings or negative feedback, as they may cause problems. Look for clients with high ratings, a history of spending money on Upwork, and verified payment methods.
How to Apply to Job
To apply for a job, click on the job posting and then click "Apply Now." You'll need to submit a proposal, which requires spending connects.
How to Bid for a Job
When submitting a proposal, you'll need to specify how you want to be paid (by milestone or by project) and how much you're willing to do the job for. It's recommended to stay within the client's budget or go slightly lower when you're first starting out.
Write a Cover Letter (Example)
Your cover letter should be short and sweet, highlighting your relevant experience and skills. Include samples of your work, either as links or attachments. The presenter provides an example cover letter for a video editor, emphasizing experience, software proficiency, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently.
Submit Proposal
After writing your cover letter and attaching your work samples, you can submit your proposal. You may or may not hear back from the client.
View Submitted/Active Proposals
You can review your submitted proposals by clicking on "My Proposals" on your main page. Submitted proposals are those that have not yet received a reply, while active proposals are those you are discussing with a client. You'll also receive invitations to interview, which typically involve communicating with the client via messages. Once you've come to an agreement, the client will send you an offer, which you can accept before beginning work. The presenter cautions against scams, advising users never to send money or pay anything to a client before starting work.
