AI tools are, in theory, meant to help us, not hurt us. But some career types are likely to be negatively impacted by the advent of such powerful programs. Take, for instance, freelance writers like me! I do alright on Upwork, and have earned over $145,000 on the platform so far. But clients are asking…what’s the deal with AI like Bard and ChatGPT? They know, as I do, that these programs can write articles in seconds that are grammatically correct, practical, and more-or-less accurate about many (and often most) details. So, I decided to put Bard to work and test it out. I asked for its tips on how I can make more money on Upwork. Then I took those tips, and feed them back to it, to get more specifics. Here’s what it came up with, and I have to say I’m impressed! (You can compare Bard’s tips to mine, posted here).
Bard’s tips on how to make money on Upwork:
Set competitive rates.
Upwork is a competitive marketplace, so it’s important to set rates that are competitive with other freelancers in your field. You can use the Upwork Fee Calculator to get an idea of what other freelancers are charging for similar projects.
There are a few things you can do to set a competitive rate on Upwork:
- Research the market. Look at what other freelancers in your field are charging for similar projects. This will give you a good idea of what the going rate is.
- Consider your skills and experience. The more experienced you are, the more you can charge. If you have specialized skills, you can also charge more.
- Think about the value you can provide. What makes you different from other freelancers? Why should clients choose you? If you can provide more value, you can charge more.
- Be willing to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with clients. If you’re not happy with the rate, see if they’re willing to go up.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to charge the same rate for every project. If you’re working on a project that you’re really excited about, you might be willing to charge a lower rate. Or, if you’re working on a project for a client that you’ve worked with before, you might be able to charge a higher rate.
The most important thing is to find a rate that you’re comfortable with and that you think is fair. If you’re not happy with the rate, you’re less likely to be motivated to do your best work.
Create a strong profile.
Your Upwork profile is your first impression to potential clients, so make sure it’s strong and well-written. Include a clear description of your skills and experience, as well as samples of your work.
To make a strong profile on Upwork, you need to:
- Create a professional profile picture. Your profile picture is the first thing potential clients will see, so make sure it’s professional and represents you well.
- Write a clear and concise description of your skills and experience. Your profile should highlight your strengths and why you’re the best person for the job.
- Include samples of your work. This will give potential clients a better idea of what you can do.
- Get positive reviews. Positive reviews will help you attract more clients and earn more money on Upwork.
- Keep your profile up-to-date. Make sure your profile is accurate and reflects your latest skills and experience.
Here are some additional tips for making a strong profile:
- Use keywords throughout your profile. This will help you get found by potential clients when they’re searching for freelancers.
- Be specific about your skills and experience. Don’t just say that you’re a “freelancer” – tell potential clients what kind of work you do and what makes you stand out from the competition.
- Proofread your profile carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
- Be professional. Your profile should be free of slang or informal language.
By following these tips, you can make a strong profile that will help you attract more clients and earn more money on Upwork.
Apply for relevant jobs.
When you’re applying for jobs on Upwork, make sure you’re applying for jobs that are relevant to your skills and experience. Don’t just apply for anything and everything – you’ll be more likely to get hired if you’re applying for jobs that you’re qualified for.
Here are some tips on how to determine the most relevant job for you on Upwork:
- Consider your skills and experience. What are you good at? What kind of work have you done in the past?
- Think about your interests. What kind of work would you enjoy doing?
- Look at the job boards. What kind of jobs are available on Upwork?
- Read the job descriptions carefully. Make sure you understand the requirements of each job.
- Apply for jobs that you’re interested in and qualified for.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one type of job. If you’re interested in multiple types of work, you can apply for multiple types of jobs. You can also create multiple profiles on Upwork, so you can have a separate profile for each type of work you’re interested in.
The most important thing is to find a job that you’re interested in and that you think you’re qualified for. If you’re not happy with the job, you’re less likely to be motivated to do your best work.
Write strong proposals.
When you’re applying for jobs on Upwork, you’ll need to submit a proposal to the client. Your proposal should explain why you’re the best person for the job and what you can do for the client. Be sure to proofread your proposals carefully before submitting them.
Here are some tips on how to write a strong proposal on Upwork:
- Start with a strong introduction. Your introduction should grab the client’s attention and explain why you’re the best person for the job.
- Explain your skills and experience. Your proposal should highlight your strengths and why you’re the best person for the job.
- Describe your process. Tell the client how you will approach the project and what steps you will take to complete it.
- Include samples of your work. This will give the client a better idea of what you can do.
- Be professional. Proofread your proposal carefully and make sure it is free of errors.
- Be specific. Don’t just say that you can do the job – tell the client exactly what you can do and how you will do it.
- Be realistic. Don’t over-promise or under-deliver. Be honest with the client about what you can and cannot do.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be willing to adapt your plans as needed.
- Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get the job right away. Keep applying for jobs and eventually you will find one that you are a good fit for.
By following these tips, you can write strong proposals that will help you get more jobs on Upwork.
Be professional.
Once you’re hired for a job, it’s important to be professional and reliable. Communicate with the client regularly and keep them updated on the progress of your work. Deliver your work on time and meet the client’s expectations.
Here are some tips on how to behave more professionally on Upwork:
- Be responsive. Respond to clients promptly and professionally. If you can’t respond right away, let them know when you will be able to get back to them.
- Be respectful. Treat clients with respect, even if you disagree with them.
- Be honest. Don’t lie to clients or make promises you can’t keep.
- Be reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do and meet deadlines.
- Be professional. Dress and act professionally, even if you’re working from home.
By following these tips, you can build a reputation as a professional freelancer and attract more clients.
Get positive reviews.
Positive reviews will help you attract more clients and earn more money on Upwork. When you’re finished with a job, be sure to ask the client to leave you a review.
Here are some tips on how to get positive reviews on Upwork:
- Do a good job. The best way to get positive reviews is to do a good job for your clients. Make sure you meet their expectations and deliver quality work on time.
- Communicate with your clients. Keep your clients updated on the progress of your work and let them know if there are any problems.
- Be polite and professional. Treat your clients with respect and be willing to go the extra mile.
- Ask your clients for feedback. After you’ve completed a project, ask your clients to leave you a review.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting positive reviews on Upwork.
Positive reviews will help you attract more clients and earn more money on Upwork.
Stay active.
The more active you are on Upwork, the more likely you are to find work. Make sure to check the job boards regularly and apply for jobs that interest you. You can also connect with other freelancers on Upwork and collaborate on projects.
Here are some tips on how to stay active on Upwork:
- Apply for jobs regularly. The more jobs you apply for, the more likely you are to get hired.
- Submit proposals that are tailored to each job. Don’t just send the same proposal to every job you apply for. Take the time to read each job description carefully and tailor your proposal to the specific needs of the client.
- Keep your profile up-to-date. Make sure your profile is accurate and reflects your latest skills and experience.
- Network with other freelancers. Attend online and offline events, join online forums, and connect with other freelancers on social media.
- Get involved in the Upwork community. Answer questions on the Upwork forum, participate in Upwork challenges, and share your knowledge and experience with other freelancers.
By following these tips, you can stay active on Upwork and attract more clients.
Following these tips will help you make money on Upwork. Just remember to be patient and persistent – it takes time to build a successful freelancing career.