How to Get Work from Upwork with no Experience

Looking to start freelancing on Upwork with no experience? Our 6 step method will guide you through the process, ensuring success. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to land your first job on Upwork and establish a successful freelancing career.

If you are ready to start freelancing and looking to connect with the global client to get work then Upwork is the perfect place to start your career. Getting work on Upwork for a beginner is easy if you have any expertise on a certain skill. On the other hand, without any experience in Upwork it can become a little difficult to get the right job. This is where we are going to help you with the 6 Step method to get first and right work on Upwork.

After reading this article you will be knowledgeable and confident to kickstart on Upwork. You will be able to get your first Upwork job even if you are new to Upwork. This article will help you to establish a successful career in Upwork. 

What is Upwork

Upwork is the biggest freelance platform with millions of freelancers. Upwork is a website where professionals and employers get connected to do certain projects. Employers hire freelance professionals on a project or hour basis after negotiations. After completing a project freelancers get paid from employers. Upwork helps them to connect and secure their contact and money transaction.

Upwork is one of the most favorite places for employers to hire freelancers to complete their tasks. This platform has the highest number of potential buyers. That’s why freelancers dream to establish their career on this platform to get connected with a decent number of employers.

Get work from Upwork with no experience

Remember, Upwork is a very professional place of work. So, if you are willing to go with it, you have to be a professional and an expert on a certain skill set. From account creation to getting your first job, every step you have to remember that. 

In this process, new professionals often make mistakes. They face so much difficulty getting a job, even approving accounts on Upwork sometimes. We’ve written this article after identifying those difficulties. We’ve created 6 steps of Niche selection, Upwork account creation, getting a first job and more to make it easier for newbies.

Step #1. Identify your niche

Examine your interests and strengths

Spend time thinking about your interests and strengths. Every person has a few unique strengths, you just need to identify them. Identify those strengths and list them down one by one. Think about the questions below and right down answers. It will make it very easier to find your interest and strengths quickly.

• Is there any specialty from your childhood or past that sets you apart from others?
• What do you love to do the most?
• What are your hobbies
• What professions have you been involved in until now?
• What professions do you love to be involved in?
• What do you like most to watch and read?
• Ask your friends and family about your interests, hobbies, and strengths.

After making a list of your niches, make a final list. Consider your experience and niche potential to create a final list of niches.

Analyze the market, competition and choose your niche

Now you have a list of potential niches you’ve experienced. Analyze those niches with the current freelance market. Easier way to analyze them is to go to a freelance platform. You can go to Upwork and research those niches deeply. Consider below questions to find the most perfect niche for you.

• Are you passionate about it?
• Is there a demand for this niche?
• How competitive is the market?
• Is this potential for growth and earnings?
• What is the typical client budget in this niche?
• Do you see yourself working in this niche long-term?

Research your niches according to these questions. Once you will get the answer to these questions you will reach out to the final niche. But remember, a niche is about your interest  and expertise after all. 

Step #2. Optimize Your Upwork Profile

Choose a Quality Profile Image

Quality profile image does not mean a high resolution image, it’s about professional impression. Choose a simple but professional single color background image. You can keep a clean white background or very light background for your image. Face should be recognizable even from far away in the image. 

Add video overview

Adding video overview has become very important in recent years in Upwork profile. Create an amazing video and describe your profession and services you offer. You can hire a scriptwriter to get the highest result. Say only important information and make it engaging and attractive for buyers.

Highlight Your Unique Value and Skill

Write about your skill very clearly and confidently. Include your unique values so that buyers can differentiate you from others. Everyone is providing services in Upwork, why do buyers choose you? Think about it. So, you have to provide something better than others and employers have to understand that after visiting your profile. 

Write a personalized overview

You are able to create multiple profile overviews with different services. Use this feature to get extra benefits. Create one or two personalized profile overviews of different services but under one niche. For example, if you create a main profile overview as a social media manager then create a personalized profile on Facebook manager or LinkedIn manager. It will increase your chance to get a job earlier than usual. 

Set your service rate

Setting service rates is a difficult task for newcomers. There are a few considerable matters to define a perfect rate for new freelancers. If you’re offering something unique and have past experience then set a rate on the current standard price which is offered by an established freelancer in your niche. If you’re an expert but lack experience, set your rate slightly below the current market standard.

Step #3. Show your portfolios on Upwork profile

Showcase your portfolios

Showcasing portfolios is the most important essential step to get a job. Portfolios showcase your expertise to convince clients. Select your best works on Upwork profile. Consider portfolios related to your niche. Include story, experience and clients details with the portfolios if possible. Details of portfolios make portfolios authentic.

To make showcasing portfolios easier for you, we have compiled a Must-Have list. Ensure that your portfolio includes the following:

• Attach samples of your work.
• Include the date of the work.
• Highlight your skills and specializations.
• Write the client’s name.
• Include brand/company names.
• Provide detailed case studies of these projects.
• Include client testimonials.

Display Relevant Certifications and Achievements

Skill related certificates and achievements help Freelance profile to be authentic and standout. Include certifications and achievements in your profile. Just remember that, it should be related to your skill and services. There are a few free certifications you can get if you don’t have anyone. Research on google about certification in your niche. Complete those short courses and get certificates.

Update portfolios regularly

Freelancing is a career. Experience and portfolios will increase continuously. Add those experiences and portfolios on a regular basis in your profile. Especially potential employers who came from big companies and brands to you. Write about experience and how good was this contact between you and company. 

Step #4. Job Selection and sending proposals

Only apply those job which is relevant to your skill

There are a huge range of job categories in Upwork. Search your job based on your niche. Read details of the job. Send an offer if it only matches your skill set. 

How Upwork connects works

Upwork connections are tokens used to submit proposals for jobs. Each job proposal typically costs a certain number of connections. Upwork offers free 10 connections each month for freelancers and 100 connections for Freelancer Plus membership. Also there is an option to buy connections in Upwork.

Apply on small project and avoid big project

Do not apply for big projects. Focus on small projects to increase acceptance of your offer. Buyers who post big projects want very experienced and highly skilled freelancers but you’re a beginner. If you apply for a big project you will only lose your valuable connections most of the time. 

Consider verified buyer to apply job

So many buyers are posting projects to hire freelancers in Upwork. All of them are not authentic. You can get scammed if you are not aware of that. That’s why considering verified buyers is very important on any freelance platform.

Select potential buyer

For a beginner who is a potential buyer for you? Many types of employers came into Upwork. You have to understand those. There are some buyers who hire freelancers on a regular basis. You can see their hiring history on the job page. Consider their hiring record when you select a buyer to send proposals. You can get engaged with some regular hiring buyer and if you can make them happy with your service then an Upwork career will become very easy to establish for you.

Send personalized custom proposals and attach portfolios

Research the client and Select the job carefully after reading the job description. Try to understand client expectations and needs very clearly. Write personalized and custom  proposals for each proposal. Highlight the relevant experience in your proposals. Include questions if you have in your proposals related to the project. After writing, read the full proposals and modify it if there is anything needed to modify. After writing the outstanding proposals attach relevant portfolios. 

Step #5. Prepare for job interview

Be ready for job interview

Review the job description and research clients. Prepare your portfolios to show instantly your clients. List a few common questions for a job interview and practice that. Check your equipment such as microphone, camera or smartphone for an interview. Choose a quiet and simple location in your house. Keep online and be punctual with the clients. Maintain professional appearance for your interview. Be confident and enthusiastic when you are in front of clients.

Focus on the company’s needs

Listen carefully and  try to understand clients’ problems. Take note of problems and write them down instantly. After understanding clients’ needs and problems, provide solutions to them. Explain your journey and how you will complete the project. Describe the reason why they can trust you for their project.

Keep your answers concise and focused

Do not repeat sentences if it’s not necessary. Prepare and note down key matters you want to discuss before the interview to focus on your talk. Answer concisely and focus on the clients questions. Give the valuable reasons for clients to hire you. 

Step #6. Do not focus on money

Be connected with the clients

Maintain regular and clear communication. Respond promptly to queries from the client to demonstrate reliability. Schedule periodic check-in meetings to discuss the project’s progress. Be proactive in addressing any concerns of them. Maintain a professional tone in all communications with the client.

Provide update about project regularly

Provide regular updates on the project’s progress to ensure transparency and trust. Respond promptly to clients messages and queries. Utilize Upwork’s messaging system to keep all communications within the platform. Clarify expectations and project details to avoid misunderstandings. Keep them informed about the project timeline, deliverables and any potential delays. Schedule periodic check-in meetings to discuss the project’s progress.

Continuously provide value by offering insights and suggestions that benefit the project. Ask for feedback from the client periodically to ensure satisfaction and to identify areas for improvement. Follow up with the client after project completion to express gratitude and to inquire about any future projects.

Focus on good feedback then money

Money is a common goal of all professions. But quality is a main way of getting consistent in earning. Clients spent money to get value. So set goals to get the highest value for clients. Create valuable relationships and celebrate positive feedback. Always focus on long term success, values and client satisfaction over the price.

Bonus Tip

Connect with other freelancers in your industry

Attend Industry Events, Workshops  and industry forums to get connected with other freelancers. Also utilizing social media and collaborating on sharing platforms are ways of freelance connections. Connecting with other freelancers in your own industry is beneficial. Specialty exchanging valuable insights, referral opportunities and getting support networks. 

Be consistent on Upwork

Consistency is essential to build a reputation in Upwork. It Increases visibility and establishes trust with clients. Consistency helps gain repeated business, enhance clients satisfaction and demonstrate professionalism.

Consistency on Upwork involves several key steps. Regularly check Upwork, submit proposals daily and keep your profile updated. Maintain prompt communication, meet deadlines, high-quality work and provide regular project updates.

Don’t afraid to say no to client

Learning to say no to a client is an essential skill for maintaining a healthy and sustainable freelance career. By declining certain projects, freelancers can protect their time and energy. It helps in maintaining the quality of your work. You can focus on projects that align with your skills and interests.

First of all consider your interest and values when starting a project with the clients. Evaluate the opportunity and consider your capacity. If the project does not align with your interest or it goes out of your time and capacity do not be afraid to say not to clients. Be professional and provide clear reasons when you are saying no to clients.

Furthermore, saying no when necessary creates opportunities for growth. It helps you to focus on projects that will develop and advance your professional career.

Final thoughts

Remember, Getting a first job on Upwork is not a freelance success. It is just the start of a freelance career. Set a goal and be with it. Remember, every profession, even every success is a journey towards bigger success. Be consistent If you want to grow a successful freelance business and want to make  a decent money on this platform. Provide value and high quality works and get connected with the buyers to keep relevant and get continued success.

We are at the end. Starting freelancing and getting a first job on Upwork is difficult without any experience. By following the right steps and guidance it’s become easier. When you will start freelancing consider these steps as a roadmap of your success on Upwork.