How To Make Money On Upwork – For Serious Freelancers

Make Money On Upwork

Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular, many people are exploring how they can make an ongoing career online. Here are some tips on how to make money on Upwork with no experience.

Maybe you are an experienced Freelancer who is new to Upwork or maybe you are fresh to the job market wanting to land your first paid job.

In this post, I’ll share the ins and outs of being a freelancer on Upwork for all types of experience levels. I’ll show you how Upwork can help freelancers find work, as well as offer tips for how to get your first client, plus more.

Why should I have an Upwork account?

If you’re looking to find remote work in 2022, having an Upwork account will give you a big leg up. Upwork is one of the largest and most popular platforms for connecting freelancers with businesses that need their services. And with remote work becoming more and more commonplace, there’s no better time to get started.

Having an Upwork account gives you access to a wide range of potential clients and projects. You can search for projects that match your skillset and also get insights into what clients are looking for. Plus, up-to-date tools and resources on the platform make it easy to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to your freelancing business.

Upwork is a great marketing tool

Upwork can be used as a marketing tool. It’s another platform where potential clients can find you. You can create a profile and upload your portfolio so clients can discover you. Upwork opens doors to new opportunities, even if you don’t apply for specific jobs, you will probably still get invited into a few.

There are freelancing opportunities everywhere on Upwork

With a huge variety of projects within reach and new listings every day, there are freelance opportunities everywhere, from proofreading jobs, design jobs, programming jobs, and many more. I have personally met many clients through Upwork, and have formed numerous business relationships. You can find work fast, you’re on demand.

Choose how and where you work

You can choose whether to work on a fixed-price contract or an hourly contract, depending on your preferences. From my knowledge, no other freelancing platform does this as smoothly as Upwork.

You can also choose where to work every day whether that be a coffee shop or your local co-working space. Some people even work remotely from an exotic country.

Get paid quickly without chasing payments

Upwork does the chasing of payments on your behalf. You get paid fast and quickly. Because Upwork has its own Payment Protection, you always get paid. You don’t have to spend your valuable time chasing invoices.

Upwork Hourly contracts

To reflect the true value of the freelancing service you provide, Upwork’s hourly contracts are great. As a freelancer, you set your own rate when submitting proposals for projects. You can also negotiate this rate during the interview process.

With hourly projects, your time is tracked with 6 screenshots per hour and an activity tracker that counts the number of clicks, scrolling and keystrokes, if your activity is high, payment is guaranteed. Time may also be input manually, however, this option doesn’t guarantee payment.

clients automatically get invoiced on Tuesday and then payments get processed on Thursday.

Upwork Fixed price contracts

With Upwork’s fixed-price contracts, you can list out stages of the job through milestones, with agreed expectations and costs. After each milestone gets finalised you can request the client to release payment and then initiate funding for the next milestone. When jobs turn into something bigger or smaller, milestones can be added and removed.

When will I get paid for the Upwork milestone?
The client will need to approve the milestone before you get paid. If the client does not approve, you have to wait 14–15 days for the payment to be released automatically.

Build your business from Upwork

After freelancing successfully for many years, and having many clients on the books, you may want to start expanding your business. Upwork is a great platform to help you facilitate this. If you set up an agency account, you can manage freelancers to work with specific clients.

So, how do I make cash on Upwork with no experience?

Upwork facilitates many opportunities for all types of people. Many freelancers make a living on Upwork and it can be very sustainable, even if you are a stay at home dad or mum, juggling side work with child care. Here is a selection of jobs that pay well.

Obviously, Money isn’t the only reason why you would look for work on this platform. Upwork is a great way for you to take more control over your life/work balance.

Collaborating with clients, and choosing who to work with, when you want to work with them is what makes Upwork special. If you get invited into a job that you don’t want to do, you can just reject the proposal.

Is attitude on Upwork important?

Clients are drawn to freelancers who are friendly, confident and have a positive attitude, if you can spin negatives into positives, you have a bright future!

Having a great attitude makes you more productive and others will want to work with you.

Working remotely can be tougher than physically working at a place of business, in person. It’s very difficult to get personality across while sending emails. messages can easily come across as rude.

Show attitude with gratitude; even if you are working with a not-so-nice client, or the job you are doing is low pay. Remember you have to start somewhere and you don’t have to work with them again after your contract has finished. Just strive to make them happy clients, and try to give them a great experience with you.

Sometimes clients will want to work with you, even if you tell them you have never done it before. Having a great attitude will result in more work. Just be honest.

I believe that attitude is even more important than skills and experience.

How much do I charge on Upwork?

Many freelancers suffer from occasional imposter syndrome. Which briefly means doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. When freelancing, you are providing a service. It can get emotional.

Forgetting the value you bring to the table, can happen for a number of reasons. For me, this issue makes an appearance when there are communication breakdowns, clients see things differently, and sometimes the chemistry just doesn’t work. Should this start to happen, aim to be objective, and avoid anything subjective.

When imposter syndrome happens, have confidence in your own ability and work. If you have a few successful projects under your belt, remember how well they went and use this feeling to drive you forward and succeed in what you are doing.

How do Upwork beginners make money?

Everyone has to start somewhere, whether you are an expert freelancer or not, there are jobs on Upwork for every level.

Beginners can make money from Upwork the same way more experienced freelancers do: By selling their freelance services to clients who are willing to pay for them. It’s a supply on-demand model of staffing.

The only difference is that it’s harder for new users to become established straight away, and have that authority through the Upwork system in the form of positive feedback, ratings and badges. But these all come in good time after you prove yourself. After all, Upwork wants to retain talent so its platform remains superior to the competition.

To become well established on Upwork, will take time and in the beginning, you may find it challenging. If you are confident, persistent, and determined you will make it…

Can I invite my own clients to Upwork?

The concept of inviting existing clients out of Upwork, into Upwork is relatively new. The benefit of doing this is to utilise a more managed system, so you have less time to deal with the boring paperwork. This can also bring more experienced Freelancers and clients onto the platform, which in turn increases the platform’s professionalism and talent pool.

The problem with inviting existing clients onto Upwork is that they may find a new freelancer, but if you are confident in your skills and relationship with the client, this is not a problem. Currently, Upwork has different zones for clients you bring in.

Is Upwork competitive?

On Upwork, the competition can be fierce. There is a huge database of skilled freelancers that the client can invite into jobs, many are on demand at any given time.

But, everybody is good at something. Once you discover what you are good at, zoom in on it, and make it your core niche and strength. Make sure people are aware of what you are amazing at.

Also, If you are not confident in yourself, no one will be confident in the service you provide.

Here are some popular areas of services you can offer as a freelancer on Upwork, there are also lots of specialities within, which I suggest you aim for. Becoming the best in your certain niche and Specialty will wash the competition out of the water.

  • Accounting & Consulting
  • Admin Support
  • Customer Service
  • Data Science & Analytics
  • Graphic Design
  • Engineering & Architecture
  • IT & Networking
  • Legal
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Translation
  • Web, Mobile & Software Dev
  • Proofreading

Can I learn on Upwork?

Yes. If you think you can do a certain job on Upwork but have never tried it before. Sell yourself, and learn on the job. Just be honest with the client. They may give you an opportunity to impress.

Keep in mind that freelancing is a business, and just like any other business you should act professional and be willing to invest time and effort, in order to succeed.

In today’s market, you can learn nearly anything with a click of a few buttons or the swipe of a finger. There is no reason for this to set you back, from going out and getting your first client. Determination is key for success.

How do I get my Upwork profile set up and approved?

Not every freelancer who sets up an Upwork Profile ends up getting approved, here are some tips to increase your chances;

  • Focus on the quality of your profile, rather than quantity.
  • An Upwork account is a reflection of yourself as a professional. Clients will judge you on what your page looks like ands reads. You don’t need a logo to start with, but Branding is important in business. Presenting yourself with the correct tone of voice is everything. Aim for your profile to give every client that ‘wow’ factor
  • Fill out your entire Upwork Profile and don’t try to skip any steps. Once accepted by Upwork, your profile will help you land clients.
  • Upwork is a popular and trusted website. Lastly, make sure you have a way to receive payments!

How do I get my first client on Upwork?

The hardest part of Upwork is landing your first client. Feedback is so important on Upwork so you have to be very service minded.

  • Don’t focus on being a new freelancer. Remember that every new freelancer on Upwork, started where you are now. Focus on getting one client, then build up your client base from there. If you do a good job, clients will come back to you.
  • Apply to jobs that are obviously a great match for both you and the client. If a potential client feels the same as you do about landing their job, the more likely you’ll get hired.
  • Read job posts and send a personalised Proposal to each client, who’s job you’re interested in. Many freelancers don’t make their proposal relevant to what they are applying for, don’t be one of these people. Remember, you are talking to a real person, and it’s important to get the relationship started on the right foot. Make sure to address what the client needs and tell them how you can help accomplish their goals!
  • Be personal, no one can replace your personality. Because the competition is so high, sometimes it’s the only thing that stands you out from the freelancing crowd.
  • Start with small, simple jobs, that you know you can easily complete.

Can I take my client off Upwork?

It can be tempting to try and take clients off Upwork to avoid paying the fees. Clients may also prefer to be invoiced by the freelancer rather than through a third party. But if you start working out of the platform and start receiving payments through other means, you may be heading towards a permanent Upwork ban.

Rather than risking your profile, If you wish to take a client off Upwork, you should do so the correct way and pay the Conversion Fee which can cost up to $10,000 or wait two years.

Ultimately it’s you’re decission on whether you want to take your client off Upwork, however think about all the benifits that being part of Upwork offers you as a freelancer before you make any decissions.

Is Upwork trustable?

Upwork is trustable, but this is not the same for everybody using the platform. It is unlikely to get scammed on Upwork, as the company is great at detecting scams and suspicious accounts.

At the end of the day, you are a freelancer and a business owner, it’s important to take responsibility and accountability for your business. Upwork does a great job at preventing fraud and scams, but ultimately it’s up to you, to ensure you have a safe experience.

Can I make good money on Upwork in 2022?

Upwork is a great platform for anyone who wants to make some extra money in 2022. While it may seem daunting at first, there are a few simple steps you can follow to start making money on Upwork.

First, create a strong profile that showcases your skills and experience. Be sure to include any relevant certifications or training you have.

Next, take some time to browse the available jobs and apply for those that interest you. When applying, be sure to include a personalized cover letter and connect with the client on a personal level.

Finally, once you land a job, be sure to deliver quality work that meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to making money on Upwork.

Tips on how to make money on Upwork:

  1. Create a complete profile advertising the skills you can provide.
  2. Offer a great service to clients, be nice and cross-sell.
  3. Aim for 5-star reviews, and become a top-rated freelancer to attract even more great clients.
  4. Retain clients for a regular income.
  5. Take on both Hourly and fixed-priced projects.
  6. Expand your reach globally and keep sending and answering proposals for relevant jobs.

While it’s ultimately up to each freelancer to decide for him or herself whether to make money on Upwork. I personally believe that Upwork is an invaluable tool and platform for both new and experienced freelancers alike. As work is becoming increasingly more remote, it’s a great time to start utilising freelancing platforms such as Upwork. Working remotely may even allow you to reduce those childcare expenses.

So if you’re ready to make the jump into remote work in 2022, create an Upwork account today. You’ll be glad you did!