AB | How To Use Upwork as a Freelancer

Step 2: Take Upwork Skill Tests & Get Certifications

Upwork provides skills tests and certificates to prove your skills. The completion of tests can boost your reputation and increase your visibility on search engine results.

Recommended Tests & Certifications

• The Upwork Readiness test (required for all new freelancers)
• Google Ads Certificate (for marketers)
• HubSpot Certified Content Marketing (for writers)
• Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator Skill Test (for designers)
• JavaScript, Python, or React Skill Test (for developers)

Step 3: Find & Apply for Jobs on Upwork

Finding the perfect job is crucial to be successful on Upwork..

How to Search for Freelance Jobs

• Use The search filters of Upwork to find suitable jobs that are based on:
  • Category (Writing, Development, Marketing, etc.)
  • Experience Level (Entry, Intermediate, Expert)
  • Client Budget (Fixed cost or hourly)
  • Verification of Payment (Choose clients that have been verified with payment methods)

How to Write a Winning Proposal

When you apply for jobs, your application should include:

1. Personalized Address the client by name, if it is possible.
2. Simple The goal is to keep it to less than 200 words, while addressing key aspects.
3. results-oriented - Provide a solution to the client's issue.
4. Include samples - Include relevant examples of work or portfolio URLs.
5. A Call To Action - Inspire the client to reply (e.g., "I'd love to discuss your project further. When is a good time to connect? ").

Tips: Avoid generic proposals. The ability to customize each proposal will increase your chance of being hired.

Step 4: Deliver High-Quality Work & Build a Strong Reputation

After you've secured a job the goal is to meet or exceed the expectations of the client.

Best Practices for Client Satisfaction

• Keep in touch regularly and set specific expectations.
• Complete work in time or earlier than scheduled.
• Request feedback and make the necessary adjustments.
• Request a 5-star review after successful project completion.

Upwork ranks freelancers on the basis of their job-success score (JSS), which impacts your potential for hiring and visibility. A higher JSS (above 90 percent) results in more inquiries from potential clients.

Step 5: Get Paid & Withdraw Earnings

Upwork provides various payment options which include:

• Direct Deposit (U.S. freelancers)
• PayPal
• Payoneer
• Wire Transfer

Upwork Payment Structure

• Hourly Contracts The payments are made every week according to hours that have been tracked.
• Fixed-Price Contracts The payment is released following the milestone has been approved.

Tips: Withdraw earnings once per month to lower transaction fees.

Upwork Fees: What You Need to Know

Upwork provides freelancers with the sliding service cost which is based upon annual earnings earned by clients:

• 20 percent cost per the very first $500 earned by a client
• 10 percent fee for earnings between $5,000 and $500
• 5percent fee on earnings per year greater than $10,000

If, for instance, you finish an $1000 project and Upwork charges $100 (10%)), and you get an amount of $990.