How To Get Reviews on Upwork

Introduction.

Starting on Upwork can feel a little intimidating, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to get those first reviews.

But getting good reviews is crucial if you want to stand out and grow your freelance career on this platform.

After all, Upwork is full of talented freelancers, so your reviews are often the deciding factor in whether you land a project or not.

Clients want to know they’re hiring someone reliable, skilled, and trustworthy. And there’s no better way to show that than through positive reviews from past clients.

So, how do you go about getting those reviews and building a solid reputation on Upwork?

This article will walk you through the most effective ways to get started, as well as share tips that’ll help you keep clients happy, increase your chances of repeat business, and boost your profile’s visibility.

Why Reviews Matter on Upwork

Reviews on Upwork are like gold. When clients are browsing freelancers, they often base their decision on what past clients have said about them.

According to a report by Freelancer’s Union, 80% of freelancers say reviews directly impact the amount of work they get, and 90% of clients say they trust reviews as much as personal recommendations. In simple terms: the more good reviews you have, the easier it will be to get new clients.

Reviews do a lot of heavy lifting for your freelance business. They not only showcase your expertise and reliability but also prove that you can meet deadlines and communicate well with clients.

Getting those reviews isn’t always easy, but it’s a key part of building a successful freelancing career.

How Do I Get Reviews on Upwork?

Now that you know why reviews are so important, let’s dive into how to actually get them. Here are some tips and tricks that’ll help you earn great feedback from your clients.

1. Start Small – Take On the Right Jobs.

When you’re just starting on Upwork, it might feel tempting to go after the big, high-paying projects right away.

But that can work against you if you don’t have any reviews yet. Clients want to see a track record of success, so it’s a good idea to start with smaller, lower-paying jobs that you can easily deliver on.

By taking on jobs that are within your skill set but not too complex, you can ensure that you can impress your first clients, even if they’re a little hesitant to hire someone with no reviews yet.

The goal here is to build momentum. Once you complete a few jobs successfully, you’ll have reviews that help build your credibility.

2. Nail Your Communication.

Clear communication is one of the most common points clients mention in positive reviews. Responding promptly to messages, clarifying any details about the project, and keeping your client in the loop with regular updates shows professionalism.

Remember, most people appreciate when they don’t have to chase you down for information or worry if you’re working on the project.

When you’re friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to, clients are much more likely to leave a positive review. It’s not just about doing the work well – it’s also about how you make the client feel throughout the process.

3. Exceed Expectations.

If you want glowing reviews, aim to go above and beyond what your client expects. That doesn’t mean doing extra work for free, but it does mean delivering quality that surprises them or providing something extra that makes their experience better.

For example, if you’re working on a logo design, you could offer a few extra revisions or provide alternative design options that might resonate with the brand.

By exceeding their expectations in ways that are valuable to the client, you’re more likely to get a positive review.

4. Ask for Feedback – Don’t Be Afraid.

Once you’ve finished a project and the client is happy with your work, don’t be afraid to ask for a review. It can feel awkward at first, but most clients are willing to leave feedback if they’ve had a good experience with you.

Politely ask if they could leave a review to help you build your profile, especially if you feel confident they were satisfied with your work.

You can say something like:
“I’m really glad you’re happy with the work I’ve done! If you have a moment, would you mind leaving a review? It would mean a lot to me as I’m building my profile on Upwork.”

Just make sure you’re not too pushy – timing is key. After completing a job and delivering results, clients are more likely to leave a review without hesitation.

5. Deliver Work on Time, Every Time.

One of the quickest ways to earn a negative review is by missing deadlines. A big part of being a successful freelancer is being reliable.

If you’re constantly late or don’t meet the expectations set out in the contract, clients won’t hesitate to leave critical reviews.

To avoid this, be realistic about how long a project will take, and build in some buffer time for unexpected issues. If something comes up that will delay your work, always communicate it in advance.

6. Follow Up Politely After Project Completion.

Sometimes, clients get busy and forget to leave feedback. A polite follow-up message a few days after completing the job can gently remind them to leave a review. This shows that you care about their feedback and that you’re committed to improving your services.

Here’s an example of how you could phrase a follow-up message:
“I hope everything is going well with the project. If you’re happy with the results, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review. Your feedback helps me grow and do even better in the future!”

7. Work with Repeat Clients.

Once you’ve built a rapport with a client, try to turn them into a repeat customer. Returning clients are often more likely to leave glowing reviews because they’re already familiar with your work and trust you.

This also gives you the chance to build long-term relationships that can lead to more stable income and consistent feedback.

8. Use Upwork’s Feedback Features.

Upwork allows clients to leave public reviews that are visible on your profile, but there’s also the option for private feedback.

While the public reviews are important for building trust with future clients, the private feedback is a great way to gauge your performance and identify areas for improvement. Don’t be discouraged if you receive constructive criticism; use it to get better.

FAQs

Q1: How many reviews do I need to get started?

There’s no magic number, but getting at least a few reviews will help potential clients take you seriously. Start with small projects and work your way up. Even one or two positive reviews can make a huge difference.

Q2: Can I leave reviews for clients on Upwork?

As a freelancer, you can leave feedback for clients once a contract is completed. This helps other freelancers know what to expect when working with them. Keep it respectful and honest.

Q3: What if I don’t get any reviews?

If you’re struggling to get reviews, it could be because you haven’t built enough of a portfolio yet. Don’t worry – keep completing jobs, building relationships with clients, and delivering great work. Reviews will come eventually!

Q4: How do I handle negative reviews?

If you receive a negative review, handle it professionally. Take responsibility if there was a mistake, and politely offer to resolve any issues. A calm, professional response can actually help turn a negative review into a positive experience.

Q5: Can I ask for a review after completing a job on Upwork?

Yes, asking for feedback is perfectly fine, as long as you do it politely and at the right time (after the job is complete and the client is satisfied).

Conclusion

Getting reviews on Upwork is one of the most important things you can do to boost your profile and increase your chances of landing jobs.

By starting small, focusing on communication, exceeding expectations, and asking for feedback, you’ll gradually build a solid reputation on the platform.

Over time, your positive reviews will not only help you attract more clients but also help you charge higher rates for your services.

So, what are you waiting for? Have you started asking for reviews yet?