15 actionable Upwork profile tips that will get you clients

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I know you got some of those days when you receive an invitation.

But before you celebrate, it turns out that this job invitation is either fake or low budget one.

So you keep wondering, why doesn’t my Upwork profile attract REAL clients?

I bet you tried some changes on your profile with no result.

Well, your freelance career is about to change.

As I created these 15 Upwork profile tips for you so that you could create a standing out Upwork profile, that attracts real clients.

Let’s start with a short story and then dive into the tips.

Story of the Client’s day

Imagine you’re a client that wants to get some work done through Upwork.

You’ll either post a job and lay on your couch waiting for freelancers to bid on your job posting.

screenshot from the client side giving him the option between posting a job and searching for a freelancer

Or you’ll search for some freelancers and check their Upwork profiles and invite suitable ones to your job.

screenshot from the client side when he sends a freelancer an invitation

Either way, your Upwork profile plays a significant role in getting you clients at the end.

When you apply my tips and build a solid Upwork profile, you’ll be the chosen freelancer for some real clients.

1. How to set your hourly rate

I bet you tried calculating it like that: I get 2000$ a month on my full-time job working 40 hours/week. 160 hours/month.

Dividing 2000$ by 160hrs sets your hourly rate to 12.5$/hr.

I have to STOP you here for a second, did you put in mind that:

  • Most of the time you’ll not be working for 8 hours a day.
  • Neither you will get paid for the time you’re spending on searching and bidding on jobs nor the interview time.
  • You wouldn’t get health insurance as you were getting at your previous full-time job.

keep these in mind, and you’re ready to set an hourly rate then.

2. Who are you?

You are a professional freelancer now. So don’t be shy and put your real name out there. Neither your nickname nor your snapchat’s one.

screenshot of freelancer's name on his upwork profile

That’s necessary for the verification process as using a fake name may get your account banned. Also, you’ll not be able to withdraw your earnings.

So don’t play with fire. Also, don’t forget to capitalize it.

3. Standing out title

Did you ask yourself before how many freelancers out there are having the same title as you?

Well, you should.

Moreover, if you think that it is a common title (Web Designer), believe me, you want to get rid of that right now.

From Your title, the client should be able to know what specifically you are doing.

Try to explain that in a short title like the following examples for writers:

example #1 “writing blog posts that convert visitors into customers.”

example #2 “writing Facebook ads that get traffic.”

Which gives the client a clear message about what are you doing.

So take a look at your competitor’s titles and don’t choose a similar title in order to stand out.

Another important thing most freelancers miss it. Don’t create a long title that appears incomplete in search results!

How could you check that?

I’ll explain.

First, go to the search bar and choose freelancers instead of jobs and search for your name.

search for freelancers instead of jobs

you should see your profile in search results like that (notice the incomplete title)

title appears incomplete in search results because it's too long

as you can see my title requires editing as it was (Full-Stack WordPress Developer with a great eye for UX and UI).

So I got rid of the last part (and UI), so it looks like that in search results.

freelancer's title appears complete in search results

Of course, you have the freedom to change all of it. Just do whatever it takes so it looks nice in search results (should give a clear message also).

4. Clients do judge an Upwork profile by its Profile Picture

It is the sad truth that looking older could attract more clients.

This freelancer tried adding a fake beard on his Upwork profile picture which increased proposal respond from 14% to 32%.

So grow a beard!

the freelancers Upwork profile picture before and after adding a fake beard

Don’t put one of your tagged facebook photos there. Instead, follow these most important 5 upwrok profile picture tips:

tip #1 only your face and shoulders should be in there (no need for your body unless you are a fitness trainer or something)

tip #2 smiling (not dumb smile, but your face should look happy not aggressive)

tip #3 wearing a good looking outfit (not too informal).

tip #4 clean background that has no people in it.

tip #5 good lighting (sunlight will do just fine)

If you do not have one already, get your friend shooting some pictures of you in highest possible quality (you can use a good mobile camera), and remember the above tips.

5. Your Skills

Now it is time for some serious stuff.

This is one of the important things especially if you are just starting out and have no client’s reviews yet.

skills section on upwrok profile

When you choose your essential skills on your Upwork profile, you have the chance to verify them from Upwork.

…It’s easy.

You just take its test (more details on the next tip), which gives proof to clients when they look at your Upwork profile that you are qualified for these skills.

One important thing to put in mind as you would not take tests in every single skill on your first day, so put the most relevant and marked skills at first followed by less relevant and less important ones.

You’ll notice that if you choose more than five skills, it will only display 5 and a more link which shows the rest after clicking on it.

first five skills

So make sure you put your top five skills that’ll grab client’s attention.

6. Verify your skills with tests

As I talked above about that above, taking tests can get you a mark on your skills (not all skills have tests).

an example of a verified skill

it also has a section on its own, showing more details about the score, time to complete and so on.

tests section on upwork profile

The beauty of it is that you can hide and retake any test if you got a low score.

how to hide or retake any test

7. Your overview is NOT actually about YOU

Most important thing to put in mind when you’re writing your overview is to make it useful to the client.

If you’re writing (I)s more than (You)s, you’re doing it wrong.

As any freelancer could say whatever he wants about himself. Why should the client believe you?

So the first thing I suggest doing is getting a couple of testimonials from clients you’ve worked with outside of Upwork or within it if you’re already working there.

client's review at the beginning of my overview

It’ll make your words more trustworthy.

Wether you’ve testimonials or not, follow these 4 tips to create a great overview:

  • Do NOT just list your words like you’re writing an article or a resume.
    Instead, try wrapping it into a story.Make your potential client know what journey you’ll take him through.
  • Do Not ever look for inspiration on other Top Rated Upwork profiles. You are the one who knows what makes you a unique freelancer. So start writing your overview now and you can edit it later on when words pop up into your mind.
  • As I’m sure you don’t want to push clients away, don’t push away clients with some specific type of work (I don’t work with WordPress sites) or something like that.
  • At the end of your overview, put a call to action (Want Bla Bla Bla? Invite me to your job right now!)

8. Do NOT lie about your English fluency level

most common thing freelancers lie about is their English fluency level.

choosing proficiency English level

As of course if you’re fluent you’ll have a much bigger chance than a freelancer with a conversational level of English.

But the thing is, most clients will be able to figure that out, and they might report your account.
Most importantly, you would miss that chance working with them.

On the other hand, if you’re fluent or native in English do not just set the level on your profile, but also mention that in your overview.

This’ll be a big advantage for you as it’ll be easier communicating with you.

If you’re wondering how to verify your English and get that badge on your profile

screenshot of verified english level

here’s how:

  • If you are in a native English-speaking country, you will have to submit a certificate from (Duolingo or Cambridge or IELTS).
  • If not you have the above option, or you can only work and after finishing each contract, the client will be asked to Rate your English proficiency. If 3 or more clients confirm your self-selected level, you’ll get the badge.

For the full list of details check this Upwork community announcement.

You should also list any other language there, whatever you’re level of fluency in this language.

listing more than one language

Some will say, what’s the benefit I’ll get from a basic command of a language?

Guess what? If this language is the mother tong of your potential client, there’s a big chance he could like you as that’s a common thing between you two.

So what do you think if you can talk with him using his mother toung or it’s your mother tong too? bigger chance propebly.

9. Verify your phone number

verified phone number

Simplest step you can do, as it gives you a badge of a verified phone number which adds more trust for clients.

10. Only 2 of freelancers have created introduction videos

I’ve analyzed 100 profile in my main category (Web, Mobile & Software Dev) and I only found 2 freelancers having introduction videos on their profiles.

Of course, this percentage could vary if your category was animation videos or motion graphic but it’s a chance you should catch.

I know you’re wondering how to make a good introduction video that stands out.

Here are my tips:

  • All what I’ve mentioned above in the profile picture section such as (clean face, smiling, wearing a good looking outfit and finally a lighting and calm background).
  • Good quality video camera with its stand and high-quality mic.
  • Be different! There’re no rules here. Do a Video in your own unique way and put in your mind that when any client watches it, he should be able to know what exactly are you doing and are you the right freelancer for his project or not.
  • Watch and remake other videos (I’d suggest not scripting and just speak as you do with a friend) and you have unlimited times of tries till you come with your perfect introduction video.
  • Re-name it to (your name – title ) and upload it to Youtube.

11. Real portfolio items

Clients seek for proof about all you’be written above, so put actual work samples and not a homework ones!

Think of what client wants. Maybe he wants a website to sell his ebook through.

So if he saw a portfolio item about a website you did for a previous client which helped him selling his ebook through, you’re invited right away! As simple as that.

Make sure you describe every piece of your portfolio well, and if you could put some real statics, that’ll be more convinced.

“this website helped my client to sell 132 E-books in 2 weeks” is way better than “this website helped my client to sell his ebook.”

and make sure you attach some screenshots of the data.

remember, whenever you finish a couple of new projects remove the old ones and keep only 3 – 4 of the most valuable projects you did.

12. Employment history

here you’re one of three types:

type #1 who was doing a full-time boring job and now he’s starting a new career on Upwork.

in this case, try to mention any internship you’ve been at that’s relevant to your new career on Upwork.

type #2 The second type who was (or still) doing a full-time job and now he’s working on Upwork in the same field.
And that’s an advantage you must mention.

Also, if you did a remarkable thing at your work, make sure you highlight this part.

type #3 the last type is someone who didn’t work at all before, never took an internship and hated full-time jobs (as I do).

In this case, leave this Employment History section for now.

after you did some big project on Upwork, put it there.

13. Education sucks in the whole world

I don’t know about you but for me (and a lot of freelancers) out there aren’t loving their field of study (that’s why I dropped out).

If you’re one of us, feel free to leave this section empty.
Or, put it if you studied some related subjects to what you’re doing on Upwork and you think most of the clients would be impressed knowing that.

You’ll be lucky if you’re working in the same field as you studied, it’s a kind of advantage for some clients.

So describe in details how these years of studying have affected your work and as all the tips above (how it’ll be helpful for your perspective client).

14. Give your Upwork profile that fancy look by adding some certifications

Just don’t put any certificate you got in your whole life.

The top 2 or 3 again in your working field will do just fine.

Free certificate for completing a Udemy course or something, shouldn’t actually be called a certificate as it doesn’t certificate any of your skills but watching.

Do NOT put these kinds on your profile (Unless you’re really a beginner).

To add any certificate, you’ll need to click on this

Add New Certificates

Then search using your certificate name. In most cases, you won’t see your certificate listed there. So, you’ll need to click on “Suggest this certificate”

Suggest this certificate

Finally, you’ll be presented with this form in which you’ll need to put your certificate’s details.

Add certificate

Once you click “Add certificate”, the Upwork team will review your certificate and once they approve it, you’ll see it on your profile.

15. Set your availability and respond to invitations immediately

avilability and response time that displays on upwork profile

One easy thing to do from Upwork app on through your IOS/Android phone. As your responding time displays on your profile.

If it says you respond within 3 days or a week, you’ll be missing a lot of invitations, especially urgent ones.

Time for the Takeaways

Takeaway #1 Be honest in everything you write about yourself on your Upwork profile.

Takeaway #2 Learn copywriting as it’ll help you a lot when writing anything from what we’ve discussed earlier. start with this free ebook Copywriting 101.

Takeaway #3 Use Grammarly when you write so it checks for typos. you can do better by getting a native English speaker reviewing it too.

Here’s what to do next:

#1 Post a comment below to let me know what you think of these Upwork profile tips.

#2 Improve your profile now by applying what you learned here.

#3 Pat yourself on the back. You just read 2200+ words blog post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. This is just great !
    it helped me a lot and i changed a lot in my profile
    Thank you very much keep the good work.

    • Glad it helped you Omar!

      I’ll keep the good work, so stay tuned for the next posts ๐Ÿ˜‰

  5. Wonderful! I’m a top rated upworker and I have learned so much already.
    Thanks Ahmed.

    • That’s great, Thanks Ahmed!
      between I’m a top rated too, high five ๐Ÿ˜€

  8. Thank you for such knowledge but i have questions
    Iam agraphic designer
    So what to type in cover letters and also about what is preferable about hire/hours

    • Hey Ahmed,
      I’ll cover all of the proposal tips in upcoming posts, so stay tuned ๐Ÿ˜‰

  12. Thanks alot, very clear and simple article, it helped me to understand what exactly upwork is??shapoo ?

  13. Thank You Very Much for those awesome tips.
    I Almost applied them all (except The introduction video ๐Ÿ˜€ ).

    • WOW Kareem!
      You’re the first one to say that, must have a lot of experience huh?
      Keep the good work ๐Ÿ˜‰

  14. Simply WONDERFUL!
    one of the best blogs about upwork ever, I’ve learned a lot bro, thank you

  15. Tahnk you bro. This was very helpful. I am looking forward to make use of these invaluable tips upon crating my Upwork profile.

  16. let me tell you this is one of the best freelancing tips that I have ever read on the internet.
    please never stops giving great articles like this, whether its technical or just tips, IT HELPS

  17. thanks a lot for all the information above it really helpes understanding the whole picture of applying for a freelancer job.

  18. very fantastic article
    That will help me a lot
    its very useful and clear, thanks for you

  21. you said “Do NOT just list your words like youโ€™re writing an article or a resume.
    Instead, try wrapping it into a story.Make your potential client know what journey youโ€™ll take him through.”
    I really don’t understand that could you give me an example?

    PS: The article is amazing.

    • Glad you like it.
      Here is the thing check other freelancer’s profiles, and you’ll see something like that
      “My name is blah blah, I have 10 years of experience.
      My skills are:
      1- bla bla
      2- bla bla
      3- bla bla”

      on the other hand, you should tell the client what journey you will take them to, and how you can help solving their problems as clients usually don’t give a damn about your years of experience if you wouldn’t be able to communicate with them and understand their problems so you can fix them.

      same if you’re going to buy a new smartphone and the first mobile shop just listed this smartphone features but another shop created a video/article about a guy using this smartphone and showed you the experience you’ll have the minute you buy this smartphone, from which shop you’ll buy it even if they actually have same features?

  22. Hi Ahmed,
    I’m a beginer, your words put me on the way
    Very helpful tips.
    But I need the link of any introduction video
    I’ll be more gratefull
    And I hope that we’ll be friends in the future.

  23. WOooooow,Those are really awesome tips which I’ll definitely follow .Thanks a million Ahmed ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. why should i do that ?
    remember, whenever you finish a couple of new projects remove the old ones and keep only 3 โ€“ 4 of the most valuable projects you did.

  34. Thank you for your post, I really appreciate all your tips, i’m new in Upwork and hope to take of by applying them.
    I’ll inform your if i had good news.

    Walid from Tunis.

  40. Wonderful!
    but I have one a question
    when i search for me on upwork, I canot find me self Why???

  42. I hope more people, who are willing to work as a freelancers, will follow and implement these guidelines.
    Very good article !
    Thank you.

  44. I liked the title tip, putting an attractive title helps you stand out from the crowd.
    Keep it up!

  46. You can’t imagine the struggle to keep my eyes open till i finished this article ๐Ÿ˜€
    However i’d like to thank you, it really helped me and answered a lot of my questions.
    Keep up the good work.

  49. Are there any tips about working as translator ?is it wrong to submit proposals for jobs need an expert or an intermediate level as freelancer .However, I’m just entry level freelancer ?

    What are the best sources you use to learn “Voice over ” & ” writing ” & “white board videos “?

    Thanks a lot, God bless you.

  50. very good tips really thank you !
    I need your advice, My account was not approved and I don’t know what the problem is!

  55. Hey Ahmed, great article that really summarizes common mistakes you can find on Upwork.
    I want to add that Edx and Coursera’s courses certificates are not just watching certificates.
    You have to solve quizzes to acquire certificates over there, but I am not sure if clients know about this.

  56. You know i don’t find any word could be enough to thank you.
    At all thank you so much
    I read it for three time, it’s very useful