What is it like working with Upwork as a freelancer?
Introduction
Upwork is a popular online platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking various services, ranging from web development and design to writing, marketing, administrative support, and much more. The platform was founded in 2015, following the merger of Elance and oDesk, two well-established freelance marketplaces. In this blog, I will address specifically what it is like doing freelance photography and video work on Upwork.
Membership Tiers
Upwork offers various membership tiers tailored to the needs of freelancers and clients. Freelancers can choose between the Basic, Plus, and Pro memberships. The Basic membership is free and provides access to essential features such as submitting proposals and receiving invitations to job opportunities. The Plus membership offers additional benefits, including 70 Connects per month for proposal submissions, visibility into competitor bids, and the ability to see the average bid range for projects. The Pro membership, designed for highly experienced freelancers, provides even more perks such as dedicated account managers, premium customer support, and personalized insights to help freelancers optimize their profiles and win more projects. I personally use the Plus membership, as it helps set me up for success with booking clients.
Job Search
I use Upwork as a way to pick up freelance work, but it is possible to also use it to look for full-time work. There are two main ways to get a freelance job. The first is by searching for jobs that align with your skills and interests. Submit well-crafted proposals that highlight how you can solve the client's problem or fulfill their needs. The second way is to have a client see your page and offer you a proposal for their project. This enables you to submit an offer without using an Connects. It also ensures you are more likely to get the job, since the client searched for you instead of the other way around. The best way to make sure other clients are searching for you is having a good Upwork profile and high ratings.
Reviews
Reviews on Upwork play a crucial role in establishing trust and credibility between freelancers and clients. After completing a project, both the freelancer and the client have the opportunity to leave a review and rating for each other. These reviews are visible on the freelancer's profile, allowing potential clients to assess their reputation and professionalism. Additionally, clients can rate freelancers on a scale of one to five stars, with five being the highest rating. Likewise, freelancers can rate clients based on their responsiveness, clarity of project requirements, and timeliness of payments. Positive reviews are vital to enhance a freelancer's reputation and increase their chances of winning future projects, while negative reviews may deter clients from hiring them. However, Upwork encourages constructive feedback and provides mechanisms for dispute resolution in case of disagreements between freelancers and clients. Once you build up numerous positve reviews, it is easy to be trending and get more offers.
Payment
Upwork offers two main methods of payment for freelancers:
Hourly Contracts: With hourly contracts, freelancers track their work using Upwork's time-tracking software, which takes periodic screenshots to monitor progress. Freelancers log their hours worked and submit them for review by the client. Once the client approves the hours, Upwork automatically bills the client and transfers the funds to the freelancer's Upwork account. Payment for hourly contracts is typically made on a weekly basis.
Fixed-Price Contracts: Fixed-price contracts involve agreeing on a set price for the entire project upfront. Once the freelancer and client reach an agreement on the scope, timeline, and price of the project, the client funds the project milestone or the entire project amount into escrow. As the freelancer completes the agreed-upon milestones or delivers the final project, the client releases the funds from escrow, and the payment is deposited into the freelancer's Upwork account. This payment method provides security for both parties, as the funds are held in escrow until the project is completed satisfactorily.
I personally prefer using fixed price contracts as it ensures both the client and I know how much it will cost before we get started. Upwork also makes sure to hold the payment in escrow, so that there is never an issue with getting paid after my work has been completed.
Conclusion
I would recommend Upwork to freelancers for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the platform offers access to a vast and diverse pool of clients spanning various industries and regions worldwide, presenting freelancers with abundant opportunities to find projects that align with their skills and interests. Additionally, Upwork provides freelancers with unparalleled flexibility, allowing them to set their own rates, work hours, and choose the projects they wish to pursue, thereby enabling them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, Upwork's secure payment system ensures that freelancers receive timely compensation for their work, with hourly contracts being guaranteed through the platform's time-tracking software and fixed-price contracts utilizing an escrow system to protect funds until project completion. Furthermore, freelancers benefit from the platform's transparent feedback system, where client reviews and ratings serve as a testament to their reputation and reliability, helping them attract more clients and build trust within the Upwork community. With additional support and resources available, such as educational materials, community forums, and customer service assistance, Upwork provides freelancers with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in the competitive freelance marketplace.