Freelancing platforms like Upwork promise flexibility, good pay, and opportunities to work with clients all over the world. But is it really worth your time and effort?
Whether you’re considering Upwork as a side hustle or a full-time gig, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Upwork has evolved so much since I signed up in 2015.
What was once a beginner-friendly marketplace is now a premium platform that many find impossible to get started.
So, should you even start? Or, is it better to try other alternatives like Fiverr? Of find freelancing clients on LinkedIn?
How do you decide if Upwork is worth it?
Let me get this off my chest — Upwork is not meant for everyone. Some freelancers might find success at Upwork, while others deem Upwork a scam. Depending on their motivation, Upwork can be a good fit, or a terrible option.
Personally, Upwork is a great place. I leveraged the platform to kickstart my freelance writing business. I started like many newbie Upworkers and have now made $100K+ on the platform.
But whether you will enjoy similar or better outcomes, depends on several factors. So, let’s break down everything you need to consider before deciding if you should start with Upwork.
Time spent growing your profile
Many new freelancers jump into Upwork expecting immediate results, only to be disappointed. On Upwork, getting started requires patience.
At first, you might spend a lot of time creating your Upwork profile, building a portfolio, and applying for jobs. The competition is high, and clients on Upwork usually prefer experienced freelancers with proven track records. This means that your first few weeks—or even months—might be slow.
I don’t mean to discourage you, but it took me 6 months to land my first client. And in between, I spent a couple of hours daily sending one proposal after another.
Learn how to write Upwork proposals here
However, if you’re willing to invest that initial time, Upwork can be quite rewarding. Once you’ve built a strong profile, or in Upwork’s terms, a decent job success score (JSS), you’ll start getting job invites. Eventually, you’ll have a healthy client base that gives you repeat jobs.
But before that, you’ll need to focus on building your portfolio and securing good reviews, even if that means taking on low-paying jobs.
Platform fee Upwork charges
Another factor to consider is the platform fee. Upwork charges freelancers a percentage of their earnings, which can significantly cut into your income. At the moment, Upwork fee stands at 10% flat on all transactions.
This fee is the price you pay for access to Upwork’s marketplace, payment protection, and client pool. If you’re comfortable with these deductions and think the opportunities outweigh the costs, Upwork could be worth it for you. Otherwise, you might question why you should pay the platform a sizeable chunk of your earnings.
On top of that, Upwork is a much more expensive platform for bidding for jobs than it was years ago. For example, you’ll need an average 20 credits called Connects to apply to one job, instead of 4 several years back. Back then, Upwork gives out plenty of free Connects, but not anymore.
If you can’t afford or are not willing to invest in the Connects, Upwork isn’t a good fit.
Skills you need to compete
Some skills are in higher demand than others. For instance, tech-related skills like web development, app development, and data analysis often command higher rates and see more consistent job postings.
Also, Upwork has also positioned itself as a freelancing hub for AI services. If you can build a chatbot, train a language model, and so on, you might find opportunities as Upwork is focusing its marketing effort on clients needing such services.
On the other hand, if your skills are in a more saturated category, like writing or graphic design, competition can be fierce. This doesn’t mean you can’t succeed, but you might find it challenging to find potential clients willing to pay your asking rate. You’ll also need to differentiate yourself as a freelancer —whether it’s through specialized expertise, unique experience, or an impressive portfolio.
These are the most in-demand skills in various industries in 2024, according to Upwork.
- Data Analytics (Data Science & Analytics)
- Full Stack Development (Coding & Web Development)
- Social Media Marketing (Sales & Marketing)
- Accounting (Accounting & Consulting)
- General Virtual Assistance (Customer Service & Admin Support
- Graphic Design (Design & Creative)
Remember, you’re competing against a global pool of talents. Even if you’re in a highly differentiated field, don’t expect competition to be mild.
Goal driving your freelancing business
What are your goals for using Upwork?
If it’s about making a quick buck, don’t even bother signing up for an Upwork account. The time and effort it takes to get established can make it a slow way to earn fast cash. However, if you’re looking for long-term freelance work, want to build a remote business, or need a platform to connect with clients, Upwork can be a great fit.
Many successful freelancers on Upwork used the platform as a launchpad for their careers. They start by building relationships on the platform and eventually transition to long-term contracts or their own independent businesses.
For me, Upwork is a gateway to work with clients worldwide. Also, it has a large pool of clients who want to work with freelancers, which will take me more effort to find via cold pitching or on social media.
Location you’re based
Because Upwork is a global platform, clients often consider the fees a freelancer charges before hiring. If you live in a country with a high cost of living, you’ll find it tough when you compete with Upwork freelancers in a more affordable country.
Still, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find high-paying clients.
Many clients are willing to pay more for quality work, especially if they see value in your offer. It might take a while to get there, but with persistence and the right marketing strategy, you’ll attract clients who choose value over price.
On the flip side, if you live in a region where the cost of living is lower, you might find that the rates offered on Upwork are quite competitive. In this case, Upwork can be an excellent source of income that allows a freelancer to earn more than they might in a traditional local job.
Scams targeting Upworkers
That’s right. You would have thought that platforms like Upwork would be free from scammers. Unfortunately, they’re not. So, on top of the stiff competition you face, you also have to deal with scammers.
Now, getting scammed on Upwork can result in a loss of time, money, or both. But does that make Upwork a bad place to freelance?
Not exactly. Upwork or not, scammers will always target freelancers. On Upwork, it’s easier to spot them if you know what to look for. Plus, scammers are still a comparably small number compared to legit clients.
Tip: To prevent getting scammed, make sure the client has deposited the fund into Upwork’s escrow before you accept a contract.
I explained how to spot and avoid Upwork scams here.
So, is Upwork worth it?
In the end, you’re the best person to decide if you should freelance on Upwork. Depending on what you want to get out of the platform, Upwork might be a good fit, or it may not.
So, consider all the points that I’ve shared. List down what’s your immediate priority and whether Upwork can help you achieve your long term goal.
Then, take the plunge into the world’s largest freelance marketplace.
