1. Achieving Success on Upwork
August 20, 2018

2. Resources
PowerPoint slides are on

3. What is Upwork
Upwork is a global freelancing platform where businesses and independent contractors collaborate remotely.
Freelancers browse job postings and place bids on them. If an employer finds a promising match this is followed by an interview.
There are also invitations to interview for a job.
Time can be logged manually through a work diary.
There is also an Upwork application that automatically logs time and takes screenshots
Time logged with the Upwork application has payment protection

4. Branding Branding is the image you project
It is the aspects of your personality, capabilities and performance that set you apart
When defining a brand, stick to what you do best
Clients are looking for experts, not generalists
Branding on Upwork involves a freelancer profile
It is the equivalent of an online resume
There is also the opportunity to present a portfolio of projects
Probably the most important part of Upwork branding are your client ratings and success score

5. Best Branding Practices
Update your profile regularly, every 3 months minimum.
Avoid coping and pasting “boilerplate” proposals. Each proposal must be unique per client.
Do your research before writing your proposal. If a client needs particular expertise, research it to describe how you can satisfy their need.
Sometimes clients are looking for a best way to solve a problem which is where research is important.
But do not tell the client everything about solving their problem or there is no reason for them to hire you.

6. Pricing Your Services
Start small. Take jobs that don’t require too many hours a week and build from there.
Price yourself low at first. As you have more clients and good ratings, you can raise your rates.
There are hourly jobs and fixed rate jobs
There are 3 levels of jobs: Entry, Intermediate and Expert. Price yourself as you apply to these
Upwork provides a Freelancer Plus plan that enables you to see how your competition is bidding
There are US Freelancer only jobs. You can charge more for these than on the global market

7. Managing Projects and Building Long Term Relationships
Typically on Upwork, I will work a number of hour projects. This gives me the flexibility to continue to have some clients when a contract has ended
Others choose to work projects that require a 30+ hour commitment. This usually involves working on a team for a larger client
Upwork offers the ability to work for yourself or as part of an agency
If you prefer not to deal with administrative responsibilities, working for an agency could be right for you
Per client, across all contract, Upwork charges 20% of your earnings for the first $500, 10% between $500 and $10,000 and 5% over $10,000

8. Building Excellent Client Relationships
Manage client expectations. Decide early on if you can perform the work requested and if not, issue a full refund
Account for and adapt to differences in time zones
Communicate with the client frequently. Skype is one tool that can be used
Availability is an important part of achieving good ratings on Upwork
Be clear in your communication. This avoid mistakes and delays.
You will rate your client just as they rate you. This is important for other Upwork freelancers