So, are you a Nigerian freelancer looking to learn how to get jobs on Upwork? then you have to take advantage of these best tips and enjoy all the benefits of being an Upwork freelancer. Upwork is a popular online freelancing platform connecting freelancers with clients worldwide. Upwork allows businesses to find and hire talent from its platform, with over 20 million freelancers across various fields, such as web development, writing, graphic design, marketing, and many more.
Upwork enables seamless communication and collaboration between clients and freelancers with amazing tools such as a time-tracking tool, a contract management system, and a secure payment system to enable you to get paid at the right time. Freelancers in Nigeria who wants to learn how to get jobs on Upwork can do so by mastering these 9 smart tips on how to get jobs on Upwork.
1. Have Digital Skills
Ensure that you have a collection of skills clients on Upwork seek. So this is where research comes in, lookup up the skills that clients are hiring freelancers for on Upwork and master one or more. For example, if you are a content writer, you may want to master every rudiment of writing the best content.
You can also check on other Upwork writers to see what skills they have on their profiles. According to Upwork, these are the top in-demand marketing, technology, and customer service skills.
Also Read: 5 Best Freelance Jobs That Require Little Professional Skills.
2. Create a Professional Profile.
Clients that want to hire a freelancer will be interested in their profile. Your profile is your virtual storefront on Upwork. Putting your best foot forward and creating a profile showcasing your skills and experience is essential.
You don’t have to lie about your competencies and skills on your profile. An appealing profile will sell you faster.
How to create a professional profile on Upwork
1. Sign up for an account: Go to Upwork website and create a new freelancer account.
2. Write an attractive headline: Your headline should be short, descriptive, and accurately reflect what you do, and also include keywords related to your skills.
3. Fill out your profile information: Include a summary of your skills, experience, and achievements, as well as any relevant education or certifications.
4. Create a portfolio: Your portfolio is a collection of your best work and a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential clients. Upload samples of your work and descriptions of each project and your role.
5. Set job preferences: Upwork allows you to set your hourly rate and the type of project you are looking for. Don’t forget to set your availability status once you are ready to start getting jobs.
3. Build a Strong Portfolio.
Let no one tell you otherwise; if you want to succeed on Upwork, you need a clean portfolio. Your portfolio should include work samples demonstrating your skills and expertise. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of each project and be sure to highlight your achievements and successes.
Your portfolio is what convinces any client to hire you. So, even if you are a beginner, you need to have previous work samples to showcase; otherwise, getting a job on Upwork may take a lot of work. You can use Wix, Behance, Dribble, Medium, and Strikingly platforms to craft an amazing portfolio.
4. Apply for Relevant Jobs.
Apply for jobs relevant to the skills listed on your profile that you can do. Refrain from wasting all your connections and time applying for any job outside your skills. There is no rush; take your time to job search but remember to keep the search relevant to the service you offer. Take the time to read the job description carefully and ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Also Read: 10 Tips To Write The Perfect Freelance Proposal.
5. Make a strong impression in your proposal.
Your proposal is your chance to make a strong impression on potential clients. Be sure to tailor each proposal to the specific job you’re applying for and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Keep it short and professional, and avoid using slang. Read the job description very well, as some clients usually embed some information in the job description they would ask you to include in your proposal.
6. Network and build relationships.
Building relationships with clients is key to finding success on Upwork. Network with other freelancers in your field, participate in online forums and groups and be active on social media. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you will find clients.
7. Be professional and responsive.
Once you start working with clients, it’s important to maintain a professional demeanor and be responsive to their needs. Communicate regularly, deliver work on time, and be open to feedback. At this point, you have learned how to get jobs on Upwork from Nigeria; you need to keep it professional always to retain your long-term client or gain new ones.
Also Read: 5 Ways Customer Testimonials Can Boost Freelancer Business.
8. Keep learning and improving.
Since freelancing is a competitive industry, you must continue improving your skills and knowledge to stand out among other freelancers in your niche. Take online courses, take advantage of the periodic workshops and webinars organized by Upwork, attend them, and stay up with industry trends.
9. You need good reviews.
As much as you need jobs, you also need positive reviews. Once you land the job, wow your clients, and achieve deadlines, you don’t back down. However, if you don’t, your clients will give you negative evaluations, stopping you from gaining further work. For everyone, negative reviews are a turnoff.
So if you want to know how to get a job on Upwork from Nigeria, you need good reviews or testimonials from your past clients. if your work for it, you will earn. Before you end any job with clients, kindly tell them to give you nice reviews and ratings.
Conclusion
Getting started on Upwork as a freelancer in Nigeria can be challenging, but following these tips will give you insights on how to work on Upwork from Nigeria and increase your chances of success. Remember to be professional and responsive, and keep learning and improving, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful freelance career on Upwork.
Once you are up and running and you’ve started getting the jobs, remember to use our online invoicing software for freelancers to create professional invoices, increase efficiency, and keep track of your earnings.