How to get clients from Upwork? A to Z guide
Secrets That Will Help You Get More Clients on Upwork
I know, many of you must be struggling to get clients from Upwork.
It’s not as easy as it looks, is it?
But don’t worry, I’m here to help you out!
In this concise guide, I will take you through the entire process of getting clients from Upwork — from finding quality leads to sealing the deal. So without further ado, let’s get started:
1) Your Profile Should Be Complete
Clients don’t like incompleteness.
They want to see all the information they need in your profile, right?
Hence it’s very important that you keep your profile 100% complete at all times.
Your chances of getting more clients are much higher when you take care of this point from day one itself.
2) Make Sure You’ve a Verified Badge
Verified badge means that you are the real owner of this Upwork account and not an imposter.
It’s very important because clients can easily lose trust in freelancers who don’t have a verified badge on their profiles.
You must fill out all sections related to yourself completely, especially education/qualification section.
Not doing so will result in a bad client experience.
You can easily get your verified badge by uploading the documents that Upwork asks you to upload.
This is one of the most important points for getting clients from Upwork.
3) Write a Catchy Description
Don’t write a long drawn-out description.
Your clients don’t have the time or patience to read long descriptions.
Instead, try and keep it brief but catchy.
The most important part here is to include your USP (Unique Selling Proposition). Look at the picture. I’ve written a concise description.
The key is to finding a right balance. Neither write it too short nor too long.
4) Your Profile Picture Matters A Lot
This is especially important if you’re looking to work as a freelancer on Upwork.
You can check out profiles of successful freelancers and see how they’ve used their profile pictures wisely.
It’s definitely one of the most overlooked yet effective ways that clients make their decision.
5) Check-Mark Your Experience Level
When you check your experience level on Upwork, it gives you a lot of opportunities to choose from.
If you’re just starting your journey, check mark “Entry Level” jobs only. If you are a pro, check mark all 3 options there.
6) Always Work With Clients That Fall Under the Umbrella Of Verified
I’ve paid for this! Yes, I made a mistake of working with non-verified clients in the past.
It’s a big no-no!
You must only work with verified clients on Upwork as it builds trust and credibility.
Always check mark this filter while looking for jobs on Upwork.
7) Go Through the Complete Job Details
Before applying, It’s very important that you read the complete job details before applying for a job.
You don’t want to waste your time and the client’s time by applying for a job that you’re not qualified for, do you?
Make sure you have all the requirements mentioned in the job post before applying.
Golden advice: Sometimes, they ask you to write down a specific word in your cover letter just to see if you’ve read the complete instructions. So please don’t miss reading the whole thing.
I got a client who asked to mention the word “Chocolate.”
Later on, the client appreciated me for reading the description properly.
Don’t make the mistake of applying for a job without reading it completely.
Be honest with your experience level and previous work history
It’s very important that you tell them the exact number of years’ industry experience you have under your belt.
Nothing can be more frustrating than dealing with an unqualified freelancer on Upwork who lacks the experience required for the job.
How to Write a Winning Cover Letter?
This is a question that I get asked all the time by freelancers.
The answer is, it depends!
Yes, you read that right. It completely depends on the client and what they’re looking for in a cover letter.
Some clients prefer to see a more personal introduction while others want to see how well you can market yourself.
The best way to find out is by reading the complete job post and understanding what the client is looking for.
I usually send a custom cover letter for each and every job that I apply to. It’s more time-consuming but it definitely pays off in the end.
What’s the Winning Method Then?
- Be sure to read the job description carefully.
- Don’t try and reinvent the wheel!
- Do things that will set you apart from other freelancers who are applying for the same role as you are.
- The key is relevancy, relevance, and specialization in your cover letter while using simple words which can connect with clients easily
Formatting Your Cover Letter
1) Start with “Hey {name}” Try to find the name of your client — head to the review section. Maybe you find the name there
2) Address the problem — provide the solution in first two lines.
3) Don’t say how good you are — tell them the solution to their problem
4) Share your portfolio link
5) Do share your LinkedIn profile as well
6) End your letter with a polite sentence
7) Make sure to thank them for their time and mention that you’re looking forward to hearing from them soon.
Don’t forget to follow these instructions while sending a cover letter. It will take you closer towards the desired outcome every single time!
Last but not the least…
Please Don’t Quit!
I know it’s discouraging when you don’t hear from a potential client for days.
But don’t give up!
Never let rejection get to you. Be resilient, keep trying and maybe the client didn’t like your cover letter or portfolio? You’ll never know unless you try again with a different approach.
So, to win, be consistent.
If you need any additional help, feel free to comment.
