It’s been about five weeks on Upwork and I still haven’t landed a single job — what am I messing up?

[Facerens]

Hi, I’ve been trying to get freelance web jobs on Upwork for a few weeks now, but I haven’t had any luck yet. Earlier, I asked people what I should do with my web skills, and many of them suggested using Upwork. Now I want to explain my situation better.

I mostly build the front part of websites using things like React, Next.js, Tailwind, and TypeScript. I also know a little about the back end. I paid for the Pro plan on Upwork and added a couple of good projects to my profile. Even with that, I’m not getting anywhere.

I apply to jobs often and message clients, but I either get turned down or never hear back.

Here’s what I’m wondering:

• How can a web developer get noticed on Upwork?
• What makes a proposal good and worth reading?
• What mistakes do new people often make that I should avoid?
• Do I need to focus on one type of work right now?
• Should I keep sending cold applications, or try something else?
• Any real tips from people who succeeded early would help a lot.
  
  
  
  

 

[RaeLaugh]

To do better on Upwork, try these ideas:

Change each message you send so it matches the job. Show that you understand the work and how you can help.

Keep your messages short and clear, and talk about what the client needs most.

Don’t send the same message to everyone or forget to show what you’re good at.

Pick one main skill to focus on so the right clients can find you more easily.

Apply to jobs, but also try to talk and connect with people to build trust.

Learn from freelancers who are already doing well and use their tips to get better.

 

[Missink]

Hi, I’ve been trying to get freelance web jobs on Upwork for a few weeks now, but I haven’t had any luck yet. Earlier, I asked people what I should do with my web skills, and many of them suggested using Upwork. Now I want to explain my situation better.

I mostly build the front part of websites using things like React, Next.js, Tailwind, and TypeScript. I also know a little about the back end. I paid for the Pro plan on Upwork and added a couple of good projects to my profile. Even with that, I’m not getting anywhere.

I apply to jobs often and message clients, but I either get turned down or never hear back.

Here’s what I’m wondering:

• How can a web developer get noticed on Upwork?
• What makes a proposal good and worth reading?
• What mistakes do new people often make that I should avoid?
• Do I need to focus on one type of work right now?
• Should I keep sending cold applications, or try something else?
• Any real tips from people who succeeded early would help a lot.
  
  
  

I’m worried about this too. I only got a couple of small jobs in about 2 months, and each one paid less than $75. I also spent almost 1,900 connects, which feels like way too much. It makes me think I’m messing something up. Can anyone give advice?

To do better on Upwork, try these ideas:

Change each message you send so it matches the job. Show that you understand the work and how you can help.

Keep your messages short and clear, and talk about what the client needs most.

Don’t send the same message to everyone or forget to show what you’re good at.

Pick one main skill to focus on so the right clients can find you more easily.

Apply to jobs, but also try to talk and connect with people to build trust.

Learn from freelancers who are already doing well and use their tips to get better.

I’m not using copy-paste messages, and I always add my old work. I also answer the questions every time. But even when I feel like I wrote my best proposal, the client doesn’t even open it, which feels really bad. I follow tips from Upwork freelancers on YouTube, and I usually start by saying, “This is not a copy-paste message.” Now I’m wondering if any of this is helping at all, or if I’m still doing something wrong.

 

[Shucket]

I think it’s better to avoid that type of work. Too many people are already doing it on Upwork and Fiverr. It might be smarter to look for clients on places like Reddit or Quora instead.