If you’ve been struggling to get a job on Upwork, you’re not alone. Many beginners—and even experienced freelancers—spend months submitting proposals, burning through their 50 free connects, and waiting endlessly without receiving a single response. The frustration is real.

But here’s the hard truth: you’re doing it wrong.

Upwork is one of the best platforms to kickstart your freelancing career and make money online, but only if you know how to use it the right way. Whether you’re just signing up or have been trying for months with no success, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to turn your luck around.

We’re starting from scratch because success begins with the right foundation. If you’ve read our Starting Guidelines, you already know the importance of following a proven strategy. Now, stick with me as I show you the one crucial step that will transform your Upwork experience.

Are you ready to finally land your first job? Let’s get started.

What You Need to Get Started.

Now, Before you get Started on Upwork, the crucial question we need to Answer is: What do you actually need to get started as a freelancer?

Well, the answer is simple—there’s not much you need, but you must have these key essentials in place:

1. A Professional Profile Picture – A clear, high-quality image of yourself.
2. A Title Reflecting Your Skills – Choose a title based on the service you’ll offer (e.g., Graphic Designer, Virtual Assistant, Content Writer, Web Developer).
3. An Email Address – You need an email to register your account.
4. A Phone Number – This is required for account verification.
5. A Government-Approved ID – Upwork will ask you to verify your identity.

Once you have these ready, you can proceed with setting up your account.

Step 1: Creating Your Upwork Account

1. Go to Upwork.com and click Sign Up.
2. Choose Freelancer (since you are looking for work).
3. Fill in the required details:
   • First and Last Name
   • Email Address
   • Password
   • Country (Make sure to select your actual location to avoid issues with account approval).
4. Verify your email by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Profile

Your Upwork profile is your resume—it determines whether clients will hire you. Follow these steps to optimize it:

1. Choosing a Professional Title

Your title should be clear and directly reflect the service you offer. Examples:

• Data Entry Specialist
• Social Media Manager
• Graphic Designer
• SEO Content Writer
• WordPress Web Developer

2. Work Experience & Educational Background

• Add any previous work experience. If you have none, you can skip this step.
• Include your educational history, but note that most clients care more about your skills than degrees.

3. Selecting Your Skills

Upwork allows you to list up to 15 skills. Choose the ones that are relevant to your field. Example for a WordPress Web Designer:

• WordPress
• Elementor
• Web Design
• HTML & CSS
• UX/UI Design

4. Writing a Strong Overview

Your profile overview should be clear and highlight what you can do for clients. If you’re unsure how to write it, follow these tips:

• Check profiles of successful freelancers in your category for inspiration.
• Use Grammarly or ChatGPT to refine your writing.
• Keep it simple and professional.

Example:
“I am a WordPress Web Designer with over two years of experience creating responsive and visually appealing websites. I specialize in Elementor, WooCommerce, and SEO optimization to help businesses establish their online presence. My goal is to deliver high-quality, user-friendly websites that drive results.”

5. Setting Your Hourly Rate

For beginners, it’s best to start with a competitive rate. A good starting point is $10–$15 per hour, depending on your skill level. Remember, Upwork charges a 10% fee on your earnings.

6. Uploading a Portfolio

A portfolio showcases your work and increases your chances of getting hired. If you’re new and have no past projects, create sample work based on real-world scenarios. Examples:

• A sample logo design (for graphic designers).
• A blog post (for content writers).
• A basic WordPress website (for web developers).

Step 3: Verifying Your Account

To activate your profile, Upwork requires identity verification. You’ll need to:

1. Upload a government-issued ID (e.g., national ID, driver’s license, passport).
2. Complete a video verification if requested.

Step 4: Finding and Applying for Jobs

Now that your profile is ready, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Follow these steps to find the right opportunities:

1. Searching for Jobs

• Click on Find Work on Upwork’s homepage.
• Use keywords related to your skill (e.g., “WordPress Web Design”).
• Apply filters to narrow down your search:
  • Entry Level – Since you’re a beginner, this will show jobs suited for new freelancers.
  • Payment Verified – Ensures that the client has a valid payment method.
  • Less than 10 proposals – Reduces competition, increasing your chances of getting hired.

2. Applying for Jobs (Using Connects)

• Upwork gives you 50 free Connects to apply for jobs.
• Each job application requires 8–16 Connects (more for high-paying jobs).
• Once your free Connects are used, you can buy more or earn them by completing projects.

3. Writing a Winning Proposal

A proposal is what you send to a client when applying for a job. Here’s how to write an effective one:

1. Start with a strong opening – Grab the client’s attention. Example:
   “Hi [Client’s Name], I saw your job posting for a WordPress Website, and I’d love to help you!”
2. Show your understanding of the project – Briefly mention what the client needs.
3. Highlight your relevant skills – Explain why you’re a good fit.
4. Provide examples (if possible) – Include links to past work or attach samples.
5. End with a call to action – Ask them to discuss the project further.

Example:
“I have built several WordPress websites similar to what you need. I’d be happy to discuss how I can help. Let’s schedule a quick chat!”

Step 5: Building Your Reputation on Upwork

• Complete your first job well – Deliver high-quality work to get a positive review.
• Communicate effectively – Respond to clients quickly and professionally.
• Build a strong portfolio – Keep adding work samples.
• Increase your rates gradually – As you gain experience and reviews, raise your rates.

Final Tips for Success on Upwork

✔ Be Patient – Finding your first client can take time. Keep applying and improving your proposals.
✔ Improve Your Skills – Take free courses or practice to stay competitive.
✔ Stay Professional – Always meet deadlines and maintain good client relationships.

By following these steps, you can build a successful freelance career on Upwork and start making money online. Now go ahead, create your profile, and land your first gig!

If this article has helped you in any way, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experience with Upwork and let us know your thoughts about this article in the comments.