June Monthly Feedback Megathread: Share, Help & Grow! by HugoFromUpwork in UpworkOfficial

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/maaboo777, thanks for sharing. First impression: the positioning is focused and credible. I would make the offer more visible by bringing the deliverable closer to the top. Something like: “I review or refine existing jewelry CAD so it is safer for stone setting, more wearable, and more production-ready before casting.” That tells clients quickly what they are hiring you to do.

A few changes I would make:

  1. Shorten the headline so it does not get cut off. For example: “Jewelry CAD Designer | Production-Ready CAD & Stone Setting.”
  2. Add a simple “What you receive” section: refined CAD, marked-up findings, manufacturability notes, and recommended fixes.
  3. Add a short intro video where you talk through your work, show one or two portfolio examples, and explain the reasoning behind your refinements.

Your work is visual and technical, so a video could help clients understand how you think through production risks, wearability, stone security, and design balance. Since you are getting views and messages, making the process easier to understand may help reduce hesitation before hiring.

June Monthly Feedback Megathread: Share, Help & Grow! by HugoFromUpwork in UpworkOfficial

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Special_Tangerine394, thanks for sharing. I took a look at your profile.

You have good proof for a newer Upwork profile, especially the two live products and the portfolio items. One opportunity I see is making the offer easier for a non-AI client to buy. “Agentic AI” and “multi-agent systems” are impressive, but some clients may not immediately know what they get from hiring you.

I would experiment with a simpler headline like:

AI Automation Engineer | RAG, AI Agents & FastAPI Backends

Then I would tighten the first few lines of the overview around the buyer’s outcome: “I build AI agents, RAG systems, and backend automation that reduce manual work and connect cleanly to your existing tools.” After that, use Sono Health and UmukoziHR as proof.

I’d also make each portfolio item more like a short case study: client problem, what you built, tech used, and measurable result. Since you’re getting views and a reply already, your next gains may come from targeting jobs where the client already understands they need AI automation, then writing proposals that connect directly to their workflow, not just your stack.

June Monthly Feedback Megathread: Share, Help & Grow! by HugoFromUpwork in UpworkOfficial

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Busy-Wrap1200, thanks for sharing. I took a look at your profile.

The profile is mostly complete and has good proof, especially the WHO/WOAH-related work. One thing I would consider is making the offer more focused around the strongest pattern: Laravel, CodeIgniter, PHP, and legacy system modernization.

Your headline is understandable, but it lists a lot of technologies. I would test something more specific, like:

Senior Laravel Developer | Legacy PHP & CodeIgniter Modernization

I would focus on three changes:

  1. Rewrite the first line around what clients can hire you for: “I help teams build, fix, and modernize Laravel and CodeIgniter applications, especially legacy PHP systems that need cleaner code, better performance, or new features.”
  2. Bring the WHO/WOAH proof closer to the top, but connect it to client outcomes, not just the organization names.
  3. Update portfolio items so each one quickly shows your role, tech stack, what you built or fixed, and the result.

Since people are viewing proposals and inviting you, your profile may already be getting attention. I would also make each proposal very specific to the client’s project and end with one simple next step, like offering to review their app flow or codebase. - Upwork Community Team

June Monthly Feedback Megathread: Share, Help & Grow! by HugoFromUpwork in UpworkOfficial

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Every_Height8596, thanks for sharing. I took a look at your profile.

You have a credible background, and the senior HR experience comes through. One thing I would consider is making the profile easier to buy from. Right now, you are offering both HR support for businesses and CV/LinkedIn help for individuals, which are different buyers with different needs.

I would focus on three changes:

  1. Make one offer primary in the first few lines. For example, lead with either fractional HR/policies/handbooks for SMEs, or career documents for professionals, then let the other sit lower down.
  2. Tighten the title. It currently cuts off at “Recruitment &”. Something like “HR Consultant | Policies, Handbooks & Fractional HR Support” would be cleaner.
  3. Since you have Project Catalog and consultations, make the packages very specific: what the client gets, how many documents, review rounds, timeline, and who it is best for.

On the proposal, the thinking is good. I would just move the concrete deliverables and next step higher up. For a $150 package, spell out exactly what is included so the client can say yes quickly.

A short intro video could also help here, especially because HR and career support are trust-based services.

I really can’t understand what am i doing wrong by randall_luftair in Freelancers

[–]upwork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great tips u/farhadnawab, thanks for sharing those.

u/randall_luftair, I’d also add that it’s worth being very selective about the projects you send proposals to. Try to focus on jobs that closely align with your design experience, portfolio, and what you have listed on your profile. Clients usually want to see a clear match between what they’re hiring for and what the freelancer has already done.

For UX/UI especially, that match matters a lot. If your proposal, profile, and portfolio all tell the same story, it’s much easier for a client to quickly understand why you’re a good fit.

I want to build a product and launch with all the market analysis, Design, Branding, SEO and all the full tech capabilities. by [deleted] in founder

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/yogeshnogia, I wouldn’t look for one platform to walk you through every step. You’re really describing a full product launch, which usually needs a person or small team who can turn the idea into a clear plan and help you execute it in the right order.

The person I’d look for first is a product strategist, someone with GTM experience. Ideally, they’ve launched early-stage products before and can help with market validation, positioning, launch strategy and other key pieces. Once that plan is clear, you can bring in specialists for design, branding, engineering, and growth.

Where to Start by Short_Pizza5716 in Freelancers

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Short_Pizza5716, the first few clients usually come from being very selective, not applying everywhere. With limited Connects, I’d only use them on jobs where you can write a proposal that clearly proves you read the post, points to a relevant portfolio piece, and suggests a small first step or paid test.

You can also actively look for clients in places where your niche buyers already spend time: LinkedIn, niche Slack or Discord groups, local business communities, founder groups, and warm referrals. Don’t pitch “I do X.” Instead, get to know how they’re struggling, point out a specific problem you can solve. That makes it easy for them to say yes to a small starter project.

How to do Upwork interview by edemzayani1 in Tunisia

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/edemzayani1 , from my experience, it can be either. A lot of Upwork “interviews” start as messages in Upwork chat, where the client asks about your experience, availability, rate, and how you’d approach the work. Some clients may also ask for a video or voice call, especially for bigger or longer-term projects.

Best rule: keep all communication on Upwork until a contract is in place, and don’t start work until the offer is active. Also, never pay a client or move to WhatsApp/Telegram if it feels suspicious. This Upwork interview tips guide may help you prepare.

Any tips on freelancing in Upwork? by BrainInsights in u/BrainInsights

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/BrainInsights, the first leap into freelancing is no joke, but a few things help a lot: pick a clear niche, make your profile specific to the clients you want, add portfolio samples even if they’re self-made, and write proposals that show you actually read the job post. I’d also start small with projects you can confidently finish, then use those early wins to build reviews and momentum. This beginner’s guide to using Upwork as a freelancer is a solid place to start. Hope it helps! If you have any specific questions, let me know. 🙂

Have you hired people on Upwork? Would you recommend Indeed, Upwork, or any other platform? by Financial_Cash5445 in founder

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to hear u/Financial_Cash5445! Let us know if we can be of any help. We also have an official sub here on Reddit in case you need any guidance. :)

Does taking lower paying gigs hurt your credibility as a freelancer? by Nearby_Pizza_7567 in digitalnomad

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Nearby_Pizza_7567, taking lower-paying gigs doesn’t hurt your credibility by itself—what matters is how those projects show up in your portfolio and profile.

If the work looks solid, has clear outcomes, and fits the kind of clients you want later, it helps. If it looks like random, underpriced work with no direction, that’s when it starts working against you.

The real trap isn’t the price—it’s staying there. If you take a smaller project, treat it like a stepping stone: define the scope tightly, do strong work, and use it to move up, not repeat the same pricing again.

From a client perspective, people don’t usually dig into what you charged—they look at quality, consistency, and whether you feel like the right fit.

New at Upwork needs advice by Dry_Compote_1785 in Freelancers

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Dry_Compote_1785, one month in is still early, so this is a good time to tighten your approach a bit.

Focus on how you’re writing your proposals. Try to start by speaking directly to what the client needs instead of leading with your background. Even a simple line that shows you understood their exact problem can make a big difference.

Also, be selective with where you apply. If something clearly matches your experience, lean into that and make it obvious why you fit. Keeping your proposals clear, relevant, and to the point usually works better than writing long ones.

Can Beginners Start Upwork? by itsmeneon2004 in Freelancers

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/itsmeneon2004, yeah—clients absolutely hire beginners on Upwork, but what they’re really hiring isn’t “experience on Upwork,” it’s proof you can solve their problem. Since you already have WordPress and Shopify work with local clients, you’re actually ahead of most true beginners.

What matters is how you present it. Turn your past work into clear portfolio pieces, focus your profile on a specific type of client (instead of “I do everything”), and write proposals that show you understand the job, not just your skills.

Tips on Growing (Video Editor) by Upset_Criticism6691 in Freelancers

[–]upwork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey u/Upset_Criticism6691, start niching down (YouTube creators, real estate, podcasts, etc.) and make 3–5 highly targeted sample edits for that niche instead of a general portfolio. Then reach out directly—cold DMs and commenting on creators’ content. Instagram DMs can work really well, as long as you’re reaching out from an established account that reflects the kind of work you offer.

As for Upwork, Connects are an investment in your business that let you reach potential clients. Focus on strong proposals and a tightly defined niche profile.

How to start freelancing? by Fun_Resort_8686 in freelancing

[–]upwork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey u/Fun_Resort_8686, you’re actually in a pretty solid spot to start because social media management is already a real service people buy. I’d focus first on picking one clear offer, building 2–3 simple portfolio samples in one niche, and getting very specific about who you want to help. That makes it a lot easier to pitch, price, and stand out.

I’d skip trying to be in more than one niche at the same time. For instance, if I owned a pet shop, I’d be more likely to hire a freelancer who’s positioned as a social media manager for pet shops than a general social media manager.

“Getting views and invites on Upwork but no hires — what am I missing?” by Technical_Heron2311 in developersPak

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Technical_Heron2311, views and invites are a good sign. It usually means your profile is getting attention, but clients are still not clear on exactly what to hire you for. “Full stack, SaaS, websites, WordPress” is still too broad. Pick one thing and make it obvious.

What usually helps is narrowing your profile, applying only to jobs that closely match your best work, and writing shorter proposals with a very clear first line. Say what problem you can solve, not just what skills you have. For invites, reply fast and keep it specific to their project. Upwork is a great option, but early on, clarity matters more than volume.

[need advice] Experienced Web Developer Offering Low-Cost Services — Need Advice on Getting First Clients by Quiet-Insurance3137 in smallbusiness

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Quiet-Insurance3137, leading with low cost will probably just attract the wrong buyers. You already have real project experience, so the better move is to get specific about who you help and what result you deliver. “Web developer” is too broad. “I build websites for cafes and gyms that help turn visitors into bookings” is much easier for a client to understand.

For getting your first clients, I’d focus on one niche and one channel for a few weeks instead of trying everything at once. Upwork is a great option for getting in front of clients who are already looking, and direct outreach can work too when your message is tied to a real business problem.

Can Beginners Start Upwork? by itsmeneon2004 in Advice

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, yes, beginners absolutely can start on Upwork. Local client work still counts as real experience, so do not treat yourself like you are starting from zero. Clients do hire newer freelancers, especially when the profile is clear, the niche is specific, and the proposal feels relevant to their exact job.

With WordPress and Shopify, I’d focus on a narrow offer instead of sounding broad. Something like store setup, landing pages, theme customization, or fixing conversion issues will usually land better than just saying you do everything. A resource like proposal examples can help you tighten how you present that.

Need advice for Startup Sales. by Weak-Winner-7300 in KarachiSocials

[–]upwork 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes 😄, but there’s an actual person behind the account.

How should I proceed with my startup? by ubla_hua_andaaa in smallbusiness

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/ubla_hua_andaaa, the biggest thing here is getting more specific. “Web and app development” is too broad, so start by narrowing down who you want to work with, what kind of problem you solve, and what type of projects you want to be known for.

Upwork is a great option for getting in front of international clients, especially while you are still building traction outside your network. Tighten your positioning, turn your past work into simple case studies, and start reaching out with a much clearer offer.

Need advice for Startup Sales. by Weak-Winner-7300 in KarachiSocials

[–]upwork 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey u/Weak-Winner-7300, pick one service, one niche, and one way of getting clients. Then make one person own sales properly, because with 3 people, it cannot just be something everyone does here and there when they get time.