🚀 How I Got My First Clients on Upwork (and Made $17K in a Few Months)
A LOT of people have asked how I’ve gotten clients on Upwork so I wanted to share exactly what worked for me (and others I’ve helped). I’ve made over $17,000 in the past few months as a freelancer using just Upwork. I also helped a close friend follow this exact same process, they’re now close to $8,000 earned, just from applying these steps consistently. This post breaks it all down. I’ll also be doing a free video series soon with more depth, but here’s the core gameplan that works 👇 1. Copy what’s already working Look at top freelancers in your niche and model your profile after theirs. Pay attention to how they structure their title, summary, and even what words they use. Don’t leave anything blank. A polished, complete profile builds instant trust. 2. Add strong sample projects Even if you haven’t had paid work yet, build and share mini-projects that show your skills. Think of your portfolio as proof that you can actually do the work. 3. Fill out everything Photo, title, hourly rate, location, education, all of it. Leaving fields empty makes your profile look half-baked and turns clients off. 4. Start with realistic pricing When you’re just starting out, the goal is momentum and not maximum profit. Don’t underprice yourself forever, but start in a range that makes clients feel confident taking a shot on you. 5. Offer a video call (camera ON) As soon as you start chatting with a potential client on Upwork, consider asking if they’d like to jump on a video call to discuss their project in detail. This goes a long way. When you speak to clients, turn on your camera, use a decent mic, and make sure there's no distracting background noise. It instantly boosts trust and sets you apart. 6. Get someone you know to hire you for your first job This, I'd argue, is the most important step. Even if it’s a basic task, doing it well and getting a 5-star review builds the social proof you need. Don’t fake it, but find someone legit who’s willing to work with you and leave great feedback.