We all know the internet is a huge marketplace. You can buy and sell just about anything you can think of. But what about services? Can you make a living through sites like UpWork?
The answer is… it depends. You could find a great client who is willing to pay you a good hourly rate for on-going work. Or you could find yourself working for very little money with no guarantee of regular work. It really varies a lot.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of using UpWork or similar sites to find work:
1. Your profile is everything
When you sign up to UpWork, you’ll create a profile. This is your chance to sell yourself to potential clients. Fill it out completely and be sure to include links to your previous work, if possible.
The better your profile looks, the more likely you are to get hired.
2. Don’t undercut yourself
It can be tempting, when you’re first starting out, to low-ball your prices in order to get hired. But this is a mistake. If you charge too little, clients will think your work isn’t worth much and they won’t be willing to pay you more in the future. It’s better to start out at a fair price and increase it as you build up a reputation on the site.
3. Be careful who you work for
There are plenty of great clients on UpWork, but there are also some bad ones. Be sure to read the reviews left by other freelancers before taking on a job. If someone has been particularly difficult to work for, it’s probably not worth your time (and sanity).
If a client contacts you with an offer that’s lower than what you wanted to charge, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many clients are willing to pay more than they initially offer, but they expect freelancers to haggle a bit. It’s just part of the process.
doesn’t mean that UpWork is your only option for finding work as a freelancer.
There are plenty of other websites and platforms out there where you can find gigs. Just do a quick Google search for “freelance jobs” and you’ll see what I mean.
So, can you make a living through UpWork? Yes, but it takes time, effort, and perseverance.
If you’re willing to put in the work, there’s no reason why you can’t find success as a freelancer.
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