Freelancing has always been a great option for making extra income. During these changing times, having another source of cash flow can be especially helpful for you. Even if you’ve never thought of freelancing, Upwork makes it easy to get started. Here are the top 5 tips that can help you become a successful freelancer on Upwork:
1. Think like the client
When starting your initial search on Upwork, it can be challenging to figure out what will make you special. With thousands of freelancers for clients to choose from, making your profile unique could be between you getting a project or not. One simple way to do this is by tailoring your bid to exactly what the client wants. By thoroughly analyzing a client’s specific desires for a project, you can strategize on your own how you can best address said client’s desires. By doing this, you can match the client’s goals and make yourself appeal to them – ousting the competition!
2. Bid your project accordingly
Bidding on your project is one of the trickiest problems freelancers face. Many freelancers struggle with bidding properly – valuing your work high enough, or accidentally making the bid too high. More often than not, freelancers tend to undervalue their work when submitting a bid. Our advice? Know your value! The best way to bid is by looking at a client’s budget, and show your value with an appropriate – but fair! – price.
3. Make your work high quality
Now that you’ve got the bid, how can you make your work stand out? Of course, you are going to do your work to the best of your ability – but by going the extra mile and making your work high quality, you can make sure your clients will be satisfied! Do this by developing extra skills that will make you execute your work better: time management skills, editing your work thoroughly, or even learning a new skill to throw in as an extra for your client! Anything to make yourself stand out, and show your best freelance qualities.
4. Communication is key
While you are working for your client, questions might arise about your project. Keeping active communication between you and your client is essential in making sure you meet your deliverables. It also demonstrates a level of care to your client that is invaluable – that is, by showing that you want to do things right, and checking in to make sure you’re staying on track, your client can see how much you care for the project and want to please them. This level of consideration will go far when it comes to future projects and potential feedback.
5. Ensure good feedback
Ask and you shall receive! After completing your projects, ask for reviews from your clients. Reviews are essential in determining your credibility for your future clients. By doing good quality work, communicating often, and a reasonable bid, you will have a higher probability of a client giving you good ratings on Upwork.
Starting out on Upwork can seem tricky. But once you’ve got the right projects, the right clients, and a good set of reviews, you’re ready to get your freelance work off the ground. Good luck!
