What is Upwork?
Upwork is an American freelancing platform, operating worldwide, it was once called Elance-oDesk. The Elance-oDesk merger was rebranded as Upwork, in 2015 and currently, the company’s full name is Upwork Global Inc. The company is currently based in Santa Clara and San Francisco, California.
This company creates an online platform for people to offer digital skills and get paid from the comfort of their homes. A lot of people have taken advantage of this and are currently doing well.
For new freelancers, it can be a little difficult to find your footing on the site. Like many other things, in the beginning, it will surely require you to use a little extra time and effort.
From the registration to the approval process, to building your reputation on the platform you will need to be patient.
On the other hand, experienced freelancers would also need to be approved but they can add their already existing portfolios and credentials giving them an added advantage.
But whether you’re a newbie or an oldie, you will need to make certain that you are completing jobs and getting awesome reviews for you to thrive on Upwork.
Is Upwork legit?
So sorry to burst the bubble of those already saying in their minds, “It is so not legit”, but YES, this company is legit. I know, even from experience, that there have been and still are sites, that is just clickbait. All most of them want is engagement on their page and some are just plain scams, but I promise you that the Upwork platform is very real.
It began in 2015 when the two biggest freelancing sites Elance and oDesk decided to merge their respective companies and rebrand them into one mega freelancing company, Upwork, as we know it today.
There is always a possibility of running into scams though, that’s just online work for you, the risk is always there.
Thankfully though Upwork is swift to remove clients who go against their terms of service, for example, those who try to manipulate freelancers into doing jobs for them for free.
Before accepting or agreeing to do work with clients, I advise checking out reviews left by other freelancers on the site about those clients.
Also because of the many scams, Upwork provides a secure means to send and receive payments for clients and freelancers alike.
They also offer payment protection to ensure one gets paid for a job done.
Is it worth the Hassel and How much can I earn?
As with most sites, there are pros and cons involved in Upwork, some of which are listed below
Pros
Easy payments
Among many things Upwork has a built-in payment system that allows you to receive payments directly into your bank account in your local currency, making it easier to receive payments.
Fast Jobs
Whenever you apply for jobs on the site the hiring process is usually fast. Most potential clients want you to start immediately. If they like your work samples and believe you’re able to do the job, they will create a contract so you can start as soon as possible.
Higher Paying Jobs
This company, Upwork, offers higher-paying jobs compared to many other freelance sites. Due to its exclusivity, many high-end clients are willing to pay much more for better services. They expect a lot and if you can reach their expectations, they’re willing to pay you more.
Cons
High Percentages
Though we know nothing good comes for free, the percentage the company takes out of a job done is high. The company takes about 5 to 20 percent out of every freelancer. 20% in the beginning and then 10% after earning about $500 from that freelancer’s job.
First Job Difficulties
Due to the amount of competition on the site, it is quite difficult to get a job on the site. To guarantee to get a job you need to make sure you’re one of the first applicants.
Are skills Required for Upwork?
Sadly, yes. Unlike some sites that don’t require any skill, Upwork is one of those platforms that require you to harness a skill in other to be able to get a job. Some of those skills are found in technology, marketing, and customer service.
Concerning this one must first acquire a skill that is valuable to most businesses.
Upwork’s most demanded skills lists uncover the necessary roles that highly skilled freelancers will play in filling talent gaps and solving businesses’ most pressing needs.
Upwork Top 10 Most in-demand Technical Skills:
- Web design.
- WordPress.
- Web programming.
- JavaScript.
- CSS.
- HTML.
- PHP.
- Shopify.
- API.
- Graphics design.
Upwork’s top 10 most in-demand Marketing Skills:
- Social Media Marketing.
- Lead generation.
- Facebook.
- SEO.
- 5.B2B marketing.
- Instagram.
- Marketing strategy.
- Social Media Management.
- Email marketing.
- Marketing research.
Upwork’s top 10 most in-demand Customer Service Skills:
- Customer Service.
- Customer support.
- Email communication.
- Phone support.
- Email support.
- Communication Etiquette.
- Online Chat Support.
- Answering Product questions.
- Data Entry.
- Administrative Support.
How does Upwork Work for Freelancers and Clients?
1. Visit the platform.
First, go to Upwork.com or use the mobile app and click on the sign-up button. It is located in the top right corner of the site.
2. Sign up.
You can make use of your work email address, Apple, or your google account.
3. Add your personal information.
This includes your first and last name, password, and your location.
4. What do you want to do on Upwork?
Indicate if you want to “work as a freelancer” or be hired for a project.
5. Terms and Policy.
Read the Upwork Terms of Service, the User Agreement, and the Privacy Policy.
6. Create an Account.
You will be automatically logged in to your account. But you can as well log in to your Upwork account anytime you want using your email address and password.
7. Start your Upwork Profile by Stating the Work you do.
Upload a photo of yourself, your title, your overview, your work history, and at least one skill tag. you’ll probably need to refine your profile repeatedly. Enhancing it to give clients what they want.
8. Highlight your Educational Background.
Include your degree earned even if you haven’t completed it yet, your area of study, and additional details for example awards or recognition received, or extracurricular activities you were involved in like clubs, etc.
9. State your Past Work Experience.
If any state the companies you’ve worked in in the past or projects you’ve worked on in the past.
10. Add your Language Proficiency.
Upwork is English but work comes from all over the world so be sure to add other languages if you can speak them fluently.
11. Set your Hourly Rate.
How much do you want to get paid per hour? Include it. You can change your rate at any point in time.
12. Indicate your Title and Overview.
This is what will attract clients to your profile. Keep your title short and specific. Try to make your first sentence count. Remember, it’s what they see first.
13. Add your Profile Photo.
You can’t leave it blank. It must be your face. Do not use a cartoon character or a logo or anything but your face.
14. Add your Contact Details.
Your location is not enough. Now you must include your address and phone number to help them verify your identity. If you’re not in your home for some reason use the address you use for tax purposes
15. Preview your Profile Before Submission.
Make sure that everything is in order and that there are no mistakes. Before you can apply to any projects, you’ll need to verify your identity using:
* Valid government-issued ID card.
* An online visual verification.
16. Become a Freelancer on Upwork.
And you’re done. All set to start receiving jobs. I wish you good luck on your job hunt in Upwork.