The current situation with COVID19 is forcing a lot of us to stay at home and is even leaving some of us without jobs. Luckily there are a lot of ways to make money online right from your couch. One of these ways is the renowned website Upwork, where freelancers from all over the world can offer their skills to clients that need work done. So if you're a video editor, writer, programmer, graphic designer, or have another skill that people might want to hire you for, Upwork might just be the thing for you.
If you're new to working remotely, be sure to follow these steps to make a smooth transition online.
Upwork is a a website dedicating to connecting freelancers and agencies with businesses. There is a WIDE range of skillsets and jobs people are looking for on this site. I suggest heading to Upwork and browsing to see if the platform is a good fit for you. To get started, you have to make a profile and in most cases be able to upload a portfolio. Most opportunities on UpWork are freelance based but make a good connection with the business who hired you and who knows, it could turn into something more.
It's important to keep in mind though that Upwork is a HUGE platform though so there is a lot of competition.
Requirements to use Upwork:
- NONE! So long as you can create a something that can be delivered digitally.
Even though creating a profile on Upwork is completely free, not every profile is accepted.
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So, you want to make your profile look top-notch. If you're not sure about the amount of work experience you have, don't worry! Especially when you're just getting started, it's good to list as many of your past projects as you can.
Think about everything and anything that you have done that can be used as freelance work. Did you teach a friend how to use Instagram? Great, that counts, learn how to word it professionally. Depending on the type of skill you have, you're going to be able to add work samples to your portfolio.
Once you have your profile set up and submitted for review, it can take Upwork up to 24 hours to get back to you. If you're not accepted right away, don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to make corrections and try your luck again.
Plan to live abroad while working online? Browse our expat guides to find your next home abroad!
As soon as you give you the thumbs up on your profile, you can start applying for jobs. If you don't have any reviews as a freelancer yet, it can be a little tough because a lot of potential clients are not going to get back to you when you propose. But don't be discouraged, there are ways to stand out as a beginner.
As a new freelancer, it's also a good idea to broaden your reach so while you're starting out on Upwork, take a look at these other job platforms that you can create a profile on.
Tips to stand out on Upwork, even without reviews:
Here are some tips to stick out with your job proposal when just starting on Upwork:
1. To gain ratings and reviews, you're going to have to undersell your work at first.
Make sure to have a very low hourly rate compared to other freelancers in your field. When there is a set budget for a project, you may want to make an offer that's a lot lower than that. This is the crappy part as a beginner, but when you gain more experience you can set your rates higher!
2. DO NOT copy and paste your job proposals!
The client has to feel like you read their job offer and that you're honestly interested in working for them. Tell them what you like about their project and maybe think of a question to ask them.
3. Read previous reviews on the client's profile.
If you're lucky, you're going to be able to find out their name so you can address them properly instead of saying something like “Hey there!”
4. Don't make your proposals too long.
Get down to the point and write what they want to hear – most people get a lot of job proposals and won't take the time to read everything to the end.
5. Following these simple tips will increase your chances of getting hired for a job.
While it's important to be confident in your abilities, in the beginning, it is probably best to stick to short term projects that are relatively easy to complete, so you can get some good reviews in.
Once you've gotten your first positive reviews for completed jobs, things are going to get a lot easier. The more you fill up your profile, the more you're going to be able to stick out to potential clients, and the higher you can set your rates.
Just like when dealing with somebody in person, your communication game and reliability must be on point. This is going to increase the chances of that same client hiring you again.
If you're just looking to make some side cash next to your nine to five job or if you're looking to become a full-time freelancer, Upwork offers great opportunities for all types of work fields.
Now don't be shy. Get out there, it's your time to shine!
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