For many, becoming a freelancer is a desirable goal due to the ability to work on your terms and without location constraints. While there are numerous freelancer job boards available, one of the top choices is Upwork. In this post, I’ll discuss how you can earn money on Upwork.
I’ve been a part of the Upwork platform since 2017, but it’s only recently, after graduating, that I’ve started to take my work there more seriously.
Working for Upwork is simpler than many initially think. The platform functions as a bridge between potential clients and freelancers, similar to a job board.
Combining my hourly rate with fixed-rate projects, I earn around 70% of my total income each month from Upwork alone.
In this Upwork review, you’ll gain insights into the platform, including what it offers, how to find jobs, hourly rates, pros and cons, and more. Let’s begin. Here’s my guide on making money on Upwork. Ready to get started? Click here to sign up with Upwork.
What is Upwork?
Before diving into how to use Upwork to make money, it’s crucial to understand its purpose. Upwork serves as a job board where freelancers can apply for projects or positions and connect with potential clients.
New jobs are continuously posted, offering opportunities worldwide.
Living in the any country opens up the possibility of being hired by clients from other countries, expanding your client base in ways that may not have been possible otherwise.
Upwork was formerly known as Elance until 2015. Elance, which started in 1998, merged with another job platform called oDesk after 17 years, resulting in the creation of Upwork.
Is Upwork a Good Way to Make Money?
Working as a freelancer on Upwork is an excellent way to earn income. It’s enjoyable because of the diverse range of job opportunities available on the platform. With new jobs constantly being posted, you can continually apply to work with new clients if desired.
One of the perks is the ability to work from anywhere; I can even travel with my laptop. As long as you have access to wifi to complete your tasks, you can consistently earn money on Upwork if you’re dedicated.
Most clients on Upwork are kind and accommodating, willing to work with your schedule. If you need to adjust a deadline and communicate this in advance, most clients understand the situation, recognizing the service you’re providing.
However, there are challenges, such as dealing with clients who try to undervalue your work. I once had a client who repeatedly offered “trial projects,” and after completing several without receiving the promised compensation, I had to end the arrangement. This experience taught me valuable lessons about setting boundaries and valuing my work appropriately.
Despite occasional challenges, working on Upwork is a great way to expand your audience, portfolio, and income. Your earnings are directly related to your effort; the more you apply for jobs, the more you can earn.
Upwork Jobs: What Sort of Gigs are Available?
Upwork offers a wide variety of gigs suitable for individuals with diverse skills and interests. Whether you excel in graphic design, content creation, or digital marketing, Upwork has opportunities that align with your expertise.
- Graphic Design
Hourly: $15 – $150
Fixed Price: $50 – $4,500
Graphic design is a thriving field on Upwork, offering a variety of projects from printed layouts to social media graphics. With over 3,000 jobs listed, it’s a lucrative opportunity for skilled designers.
- Virtual Assistant
Hourly: $10 – $60
Fixed Price: $50 – $700 (usually on retainer)
Virtual assistants are in demand for tasks like email management and social media marketing. It’s ideal for organized individuals comfortable with diverse tasks.
- Social Media Marketing
Hourly: $10 – $250
Fixed Price: $50 – $6,000
With nearly 3,000 jobs available, social media marketing is a lucrative field on Upwork. Those with expertise can find well-paying opportunities.
- Blog Writing or Copywriting
Hourly: $10 – $60
Fixed Price: $50 – $750
While copywriting generally pays more than blog writing, both offer fixed-price positions. Having a freelance writing course can improve your chances of landing jobs in this field.
- Website Design
Hourly: $15 – $175
Fixed Price: $100 – $7,000
Web design offers numerous opportunities, with clients willing to pay for various skills like Elementor or Squarespace. Over 3,000 clients are currently looking to hire web designers.
- Video Editing
Hourly: $15 – $60
Fixed Price: $100 – $12,000
Video editing is in high demand, especially for those who can also assist with shooting. Whether for documentaries or YouTube videos, there are plenty of opportunities on Upwork.
- Proofreading and Editing
Hourly: $10 – $50
Fixed Price: $50 – $500
Proofreaders are highly sought after, particularly for tasks like proofing copywriting and academic papers. Taking a proofreading course can improve your chances of getting hired.
How to Make Money on Upwork for Beginners
- Utilize the “Connects”
Upon creating an account, you’ll have access to around 60 “connects,” essential for applying to jobs. Once these are used up, you’ll need to purchase more for $0.15 per connect. - Create a Great Profile
Ensure your profile is complete with relevant information and a portfolio showcasing your work. Include your employment history and write a compelling introduction. - Utilize Filters in Job Search
Use filters like “Payment Verified,” “Less than 5 Proposals,” “1 to 9 hires,” and “Choose your experience level” to find suitable jobs. This approach can increase your chances of getting hired.
Using these strategies, I’ve secured 18 jobs and earned almost $10k in the past 2.5 months. Following these tips can set you up for success on Upwork.
- Read Upwork Reviews
When searching for jobs, it’s crucial to read the reviews left by past freelancers for each position you’re interested in. Pay close attention to any warning signs, as ignoring them can lead to challenging client relationships.
If you come across a position with only one negative review, use your judgment to decide if you still want to apply. However, if multiple freelancers have rated the client poorly, consider it a red flag and look for other opportunities to avoid potential regrets.
- Set Your Rates
After finding a job you’re interested in, it’s time to set your rates and make a compelling case for why you’re the best fit for the project. While you won’t be able to see the rates proposed by other freelancers unless you’re on a paid Upwork subscription, most clients do indicate a budget they’d like to stay within.
For fixed-price projects, I find it reasonable to stay within $10 to $15 of the client’s budget. For hourly rates, I apply only to projects with budgets that align with my desired rate to ensure fair compensation.
- Create a Cover Letter
Craft a personalized cover letter after setting your proposed rate. Unlike applying for a job at a larger company, it’s beneficial to be more personal in these cover letters. Include three to five paragraphs introducing yourself and explaining why you’re the best candidate. Feel free to include links to relevant projects or additional materials that showcase your skills.
- Submit!
Finally, click submit and send off your application. With consistent effort in applying for jobs, you can expect to hear back from potential clients within a week or two. On average, I secure one job for every five to seven applications. Remember, clients can also reach out to you, so keep your profile updated and appealing to attract great opportunities.
How To Make Money on Upwork: The Hourly Rate
Hourly rates on Upwork can vary widely, often based on your location and what you consider to be a fair wage for your skills.
One important factor to keep in mind with hourly rates is that Upwork deducts 20% of your earnings until you reach $500 with a client, after which it reduces to 10%, which can significantly impact your overall earnings.
When starting, you might begin with a lower rate. For instance, I started with an hourly rate of $20, which equates to approximately $16 per hour after Upwork’s fee. I chose this rate to increase my chances of landing a job and to collect testimonials for my profile, which can enhance my visibility for future opportunities.
While I personally found $20 (effectively $16) per hour to be low, many freelancers on Upwork charge as little as $5 per hour. Despite the apparent disadvantage of competing against such low rates, many clients understand that quality comes at a price.
Upwork now offers a feature that allows freelancers to set different rates for their specialized areas. For example, if you specialize in website design, you can set a higher rate of $50 per hour for projects in that field. Meanwhile, for projects outside your specialization, you can use your general profile with a lower rate, such as $20 per hour.
Pros and Cons
Upwork offers several benefits, but there are also drawbacks to consider:
Pros:
Flexibility to work from anywhere. Upwork positions are entirely remote, allowing you to work from coffee shops, beaches, or your home office, as long as you meet deadlines.
Constantly updated job postings. New jobs are regularly posted on Upwork, providing ample opportunities for freelancers to apply.
Opportunities to expand your portfolio and work with clients globally. Working on Upwork allows you to build a diverse portfolio and collaborate with clients from around the world.
Potential for bonuses. Clients have the option to leave bonuses for exceptional work, providing an opportunity to earn additional income.
Payment security. Upwork ensures that you get paid by requiring clients to fund escrow before starting a project. If a client fails to confirm your work within two weeks, the funds are released to you automatically.
Contracts are managed for you. Upwork generates contracts for each client and project, simplifying the process for freelancers.
Cons:
Potential for scams. Some clients may attempt to scam freelancers, so it’s essential to follow safety protocols and conduct all communication through Upwork’s platform.
High platform fees. Upwork deducts 20% of your earnings, which can be significant, especially for one-time clients who may not reach the $500 threshold to reduce the fee to 10%.
High competition. With numerous freelancers on the platform, it can be challenging to stand out, especially without specialized skills.
Requirements for hourly rate jobs. Hourly rate jobs often require using Upwork’s time-tracking tool to take screenshots of your work, which can be intrusive and sometimes inaccurate.
Applying for Upwork is straightforward. Simply go to Upwork.com and click the “Sign Up” button. Fill out the required information, including your educational background and skills. After submitting your application, wait a few days for a response. If you’re not accepted immediately, consider reapplying in a week or two.
Upwork is a legitimate platform that connects freelancers with companies. Like any job platform, success depends on your approach to job searching, understanding your worth, and setting competitive rates. With dedication, you can make a full-time income on Upwork.
