Upwork

The world's largest freelance platform for well-paid professional projects

$12–$120estimated earnings per hour

Upwork connects freelancers with businesses and individual clients around the world looking for talent on real projects. You can work by the hour or per project in virtually any digital discipline: coding, design, writing, marketing, translation, accounting, technical support, and much more. It is one of the highest-earning platforms in the industry, though building a reputation from scratch takes time and strategy.

How to get started step by step

1
Build your profile in detail and honestly. Your Upwork profile is your online CV. Fill in every section: professional summary, skills, experience, portfolio, and rates. A well-crafted profile with a professional photo and a clear description multiplies your chances of being hired. Be specific about what you offer rather than trying to cover everything.
2
Define your speciality and rate clearly. Generalist profiles face more competition and convert less. The more specific your speciality, the easier it is to stand out. Start with a conservative rate to land the first contracts and reviews, then raise it gradually.
3
Write personalised proposals. Every job posting a client receives comes with dozens of generic proposals. The ones that stand out are those that show you read the project, understand the problem, and can solve it. Spend five minutes on each proposal instead of sending the same one to everyone.
4
Get your first five-star reviews. Upwork's system places a lot of weight on reviews. The first contracts are the hardest to get and the most important: if you deliver excellent work and earn a five-star review, the next contract becomes noticeably easier to land.
5
Get paid by the hour or per project. Upwork deducts a commission that decreases as you accumulate billing with each client. Payments are handled through the platform via PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer.

Pros

✓The largest client base in the world on a single platform
✓Projects of every type and budget, from small tasks to long-term contracts
✓Integrated payment protection system built into the platform
✓Commission decreases the more you bill each client
✓Flexibility to work by the hour or per project as suits each job

Cons

✗High competition when starting out, especially in popular categories
✗Upwork's initial commission is 20% on the first $500 with each client
✗Landing the first contracts without prior reviews is the biggest hurdle
✗Connects (credits to submit proposals) have a cost

Tip to maximize earnings

When starting on Upwork the goal is not to earn money immediately but to get your first five-star reviews. With three or four successfully completed contracts your profile takes on a completely different dynamic. Focus on one specific category, write personalised proposals, and do not race to the bottom on price — clients looking for the cheapest option are rarely the best ones to work with.

Create a profile on Upwork