How To Get Your First Order On Upwork

Introduction.

If you’re new to Upwork and ready to jump into the world of freelancing, I totally get it—starting can feel intimidating.

You’ve probably heard how big Upwork is, with over 18 million freelancers and 5 million clients (as of 2023), so it’s understandable to wonder, “How do I actually land that first gig?” But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to help you secure your very first order on Upwork, with practical advice that you can apply today.

Getting your first order on Upwork can seem like a huge hurdle. After all, how can you stand out among thousands of talented professionals?

The truth is, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. With the right approach, a little patience, and some smart strategies, you can set yourself up for success and start getting clients in no time.

Why Is Landing Your First Order on Upwork So Important?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly talk about why your first order matters. It’s not just about making money (though that’s a big part). Your first job on Upwork sets the foundation for your entire freelance career. Here’s why:

Building Credibility: Clients on Upwork often look at reviews and past work before deciding who to hire. Getting that first order, even if it’s small, helps build your profile and proves you can deliver quality work.
Getting Momentum: Once you have one job under your belt, the next one becomes easier. You get to showcase your skills, build a portfolio, and gain experience that helps attract more clients.
Learning the Platform: Upwork can be overwhelming at first, but completing a job teaches you the ins and outs of how the platform works—things like communicating with clients, using the tools, and managing payments.

Now, let’s talk about how to get that first order.

How Do I Get My First Order On Upwork?

1. Create a Killer Profile

Your Upwork profile is like your online resume. It’s the first thing potential clients see, so you want to make it stand out. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Profile Picture: Make sure it’s a clear, professional photo of yourself. You don’t need to hire a photographer, but a well-lit, friendly image is key. Clients want to see who they’ll be working with.
Headline: This is your elevator pitch. It should be brief but clear about what you offer. For example, instead of saying “Graphic Designer,” say “Creative Graphic Designer Specializing in Logo Design and Branding.” Be specific about what you do and the value you bring.
Description: This is where you explain who you are and what you can do for your clients. Talk about your experience (even if it’s personal projects or education), your skills, and why you’re passionate about your work. Keep it friendly and approachable.
Skills: Pick the right skills that match the work you’re looking for. The more relevant skills you list, the more likely clients are to find you when searching for talent.

Pro tip: Focus on building a profile that reflects your strengths, even if you don’t have much experience. Highlight your enthusiasm, ability to learn, and readiness to take on challenges.

2. Start Small—But Make It Count

As tempting as it is to go after big, high-paying projects right away, that’s usually not the best approach for beginners. Instead, aim for smaller jobs to get your foot in the door. Here’s why:

Easier to Get: Smaller projects often have less competition and are more likely to go to new freelancers.
Builds Your Portfolio: Completing even a small project lets you show potential clients your work. It’s a step toward building that all-important portfolio.
Higher Acceptance Rates: Starting with smaller, lower-budget jobs increases your chances of getting hired, and once you have a few completed jobs, you can go for bigger projects.

But don’t think that small means “easy” or “low quality.” Always aim to provide excellent work, regardless of the size or budget of the project. Great reviews from these initial gigs will make a huge difference in the long run.

3. Write Tailored Proposals

When applying for jobs on Upwork, the first thing you’ll do is send a proposal. This is your chance to stand out from the competition, so take your time.

Here’s how to craft a winning proposal:

Personalize Each Proposal: Don’t use the same generic message for every job. Read the job description carefully and address the client’s specific needs. Show that you understand their project and can offer a solution.
Highlight Your Skills: Mention your relevant skills, experience, or any similar projects you’ve worked on (even if they’re not on Upwork).
Keep It Brief but Engaging: Clients don’t have time to read long proposals, so keep it short and to the point. But also make sure you sound enthusiastic and confident.
Ask Questions: If there’s anything unclear in the job description, don’t be afraid to ask for more details. This shows that you’re engaged and willing to ensure the job is done right.
Offer a Solution: Instead of just saying “I can do this,” explain how you can solve their problem. Clients want to know how you’ll help them achieve their goals.

4. Be Smart with Your Bidding

Upwork works on a system where you submit proposals for jobs and bid on them. When you’re just starting out, you don’t have a lot of “connects” (credits you use to apply for jobs), so you need to be strategic about where you spend them.

Look for Entry-Level Jobs: These are typically labeled as “entry-level” or “beginner” and often have lower competition. They’re great for someone just starting.
Don’t Underbid: While you might be tempted to lowball your pricing to get hired, this can backfire. Clients often associate low prices with low quality. Instead, offer competitive rates that reflect your skills and the value you bring to the table.

5. Be Patient and Stay Consistent

Getting your first job might not happen overnight, and that’s okay. The key to success on Upwork is persistence. Keep applying, keep improving your profile, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.

Here’s a simple strategy: apply to a few jobs each day. Even if it’s just one or two proposals, doing this consistently will help you stay active and increase your chances of getting noticed.

6. Deliver Excellent Work Every Time

Once you land your first order, it’s time to show your client what you’re capable of. Deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly throughout the project. Doing so will not only ensure that you get great reviews, but it also opens the door for future opportunities with the same client or referrals.

When you complete a job, don’t forget to ask your client for feedback. Reviews are vital for building your reputation on Upwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make my Upwork profile stand out?

To make your profile stand out, focus on a professional profile picture, a clear and specific headline, and a compelling description of your skills and experience. Don’t forget to list relevant skills and certifications.

2. How do I find the right jobs to apply for?

Look for jobs that match your skills and experience, even if they’re small. Entry-level jobs or projects with smaller budgets are often a great way to get started. Tailor each proposal to the specific job to increase your chances of getting hired.

3. How many proposals should I send before getting hired?

There’s no magic number, but the more proposals you send, the higher your chances of landing your first job. Try to apply to at least 5-10 jobs per week and stay consistent.

4. What should I charge as a beginner?

As a beginner, it’s tempting to lowball, but it’s better to set competitive prices that reflect your skill level. You can adjust your rates as you gain experience and build your portfolio.

5. What happens if a client doesn’t leave feedback?

Not all clients leave feedback, but that doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Just focus on doing great work, and over time, more reviews will start to roll in.

Conclusion

Landing your first order on Upwork can feel like a challenge, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable.

Focus on building a strong profile, applying for the right jobs, and delivering high-quality work. Most importantly, stay persistent—success on Upwork takes time.

So, are you ready to start applying and get your first job on Upwork?