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Lex DeVille

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UPWORK TUTORIAL (1).jpg

Upwork is one of the fastest ways to get your feet wet with online business. You probably won't get rich on Upwork (though it's not impossible), and that isn't the purpose of this guide. This multi-post guide is an Upwork Tutorial for those who:

  • Need to get moving on something...ANYTHING
  • Need a way to bootstrap cash...FOR FREE

It doesn't matter where you're from or what your situation is. If you have semi-stable internet and a computer to work from, then you can make money on Upwork at no cost to you but your time.

In the posts that follow I will share a series of Upwork Tutorials to get you started even if you don't know what the f*ck you're doing, and even if you don't have any skills or experience right now. This step-by-step guide will give you a clear path from $0 to your first $1,000 or more on Upwork.

If you follow my posts and do as I say, you will make money...

Possibly this week.

However, you should know that your success here requires a difficult mindset shift. You will have to change how you do things. Employees do NOT make good freelancers. So here are some things you should know right now:

  • You can take your 20 year work history and light it on fire
  • Tuck your college degrees away on some shelf
  • Tear that entitled victim attitude to shreds because...

Freelance clients don't give a shit about your education and experience unless it backs up your ability to get the job done. Also, nobody owes you anything. In the freelance world, you rise to your own level based on how much you help people, and on how clearly you demonstrate that you can help people.


Also... I'm developing a corresponding tutorial for my YouTube channel, and as such will be posting videos related to each post topic. You can watch them or not. You do not have to watch them to get the information because I will also post it in text here.

Consider this DAY ZERO.

Each day I will walk you through one piece of the Upwork puzzle. Step-by-step I will guide you to get approved on Upwork, get started, and make money. At the end of each post you will find a homework assignment.

Do the homework each day.


I would encourage you to share your progress and results either here, on my channel, or both since it will encourage engagement that will send traffic to the Fastlane Forum (each video links to the forum), and to my channel which is valuable for M.J. and for myself and also promotes future comprehensive tutorials such as this one, which is valuable for you.

SET OFF AT SUNRISE TO GET THERE BY DARK

There's only one way this thread won't become another action-faking, analysis paralysis knowledge feast for you. To make anything useful happen, you will have to take MASSIVE action and get started. You will have to stop telling yourself every silly excuse. Stop being afraid. Don't let phantoms of fantasy futures destroy your dreams.

Action is the only way.

So start today. Right now. Make a commitment. Commit to do this. Commit to act and to get started. You will start this today. You will take your first step now. And that first step is to determine WHY you are doing this. What do you want to come of this? To do that, your first homework is physically to answer all of the following questions:

  1. Why are you doing this?
  2. Describe your endgame in specific detail...
  3. How much money do you need to earn to make this worth it?
  4. Who are you failing if you give up or don't succeed?

It's important to know WHY you are doing this. You can't be vague about it. "I want to be a highly paid freelancer who creates value" is not a good response for your "why."

You are doing this because you need to pay bills or debt. Because you want to quit your shitty job. Because you need money for your ecommerce business. Because you want to travel and earn money from anywhere. Because you want to support your family. Because you want to earn full-time pay with part-time work from home.

You are trying to escape something (bad job, bad boss, debt, poverty, feeling like a loser). You desire some kind of change (travel, money, freedom, skills, to get started). You are selfish and you want things in life and THAT IS OKAY.

But you need to define those things. The things you want. The things you don't want. Because it is those things that will help remind you why you set off down this path in the first place, especially when there's nothing but miles and miles of bumpy road ahead.

That is your homework today.

Do the homework. Post your response. In the next post I will teach you how to give yourself the best possible chance to get approved on Upwork. As of 2019, getting approved on Upwork is probably the single biggest barrier to entry for new freelancers.

Lucky for you, you're not a freelancer. You're an entrepreneur, and you have me as your guide. So follow this Upwork Tutorial and commit to continue even when the long road makes you weary. If you do, you may discover the distance between sunrise and sunset isn't so far apart as it seems.

By the way...

This is the only mindset post.

Get your mind right now. In the days that follow, we've got work to do.
 
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ZF Lee

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Upwork is one of the fastest ways to get your feet wet with online business. You probably won't get rich on Upwork (though it's not impossible), and that isn't the purpose of this guide. This multi-post guide is an Upwork Tutorial for those who:

  • Need to get moving on something...ANYTHING
  • Need a way to bootstrap cash...FOR FREE

It doesn't matter where you're from or what your situation is. If you have semi-stable internet and a computer to work from, then you can make money on Upwork at no cost to you but your time.

In the posts that follow I will share a series of Upwork Tutorials to get you started even if you don't know what the f*ck you're doing, and even if you don't have any skills or experience right now. This step-by-step guide will give you a clear path from $0 to your first $1,000 or more on Upwork.

If you follow my posts and do as I say, you will make money...

Possibly this week.

However, you should know that your success here requires a difficult mindset shift. You will have to change how you do things. Employees do NOT make good freelancers. So here are some things you should know right now:

  • You can take your 20 year work history and light it on fire
  • Tuck your college degrees away on some shelf
  • Tear that entitled victim attitude to shreds because...

Freelance clients don't give a shit about your education and experience unless it backs up your ability to get the job done. Also, nobody owes you anything. In the freelance world, you rise to your own level based on how much you help people, and on how clearly you demonstrate that you can help people.


Also... I'm developing a corresponding tutorial for my YouTube channel, and as such will be posting videos related to each post topic. You can watch them or not. You do not have to watch them to get the information because I will also post it in text here.

Consider this DAY ZERO.

Each day I will walk you through one piece of the Upwork puzzle. Step-by-step I will guide you to get approved on Upwork, get started, and make money. At the end of each post you will find a homework assignment.

Do the homework each day.


I would encourage you to share your progress and results either here, on my channel, or both since it will encourage engagement that will send traffic to the Fastlane Forum (each video links to the forum), and to my channel which is valuable for M.J. and for myself and also promotes future comprehensive tutorials such as this one, which is valuable for you.

SET OFF AT SUNRISE TO GET THERE BY DARK

There's only one way this thread won't become another action-faking, analysis paralysis knowledge feast for you. To make anything useful happen, you will have to take MASSIVE action and get started. You will have to stop telling yourself every silly excuse. Stop being afraid. Don't let phantoms of fantasy futures destroy your dreams.

Action is the only way.

So start today. Right now. Make a commitment. Commit to do this. Commit to act and to get started. You will start this today. You will take your first step now. And that first step is to determine WHY you are doing this. What do you want to come of this? To do that, your first homework is physically to answer all of the following questions:

  1. Why are you doing this?
  2. Describe your endgame in specific detail...
  3. How much money do you need to earn to make this worth it?
  4. Who are you failing if you give up or don't succeed?

It's important to know WHY you are doing this. You can't be vague about it. "I want to be a highly paid freelancer who creates value" is not a good response for your "why."

You are doing this because you need to pay bills or debt. Because you want to quit your shitty job. Because you need money for your ecommerce business. Because you want to travel and earn money from anywhere. Because you want to support your family. Because you want to earn full-time pay with part-time work from home.

You are trying to escape something (bad job, bad boss, debt, poverty, feeling like a loser). You desire some kind of change (travel, money, freedom, skills, to get started). You are selfish and you want things in life and THAT IS OKAY.

But you need to define those things. The things you want. The things you don't want. Because it is those things that will help remind you why you set off down this path in the first place, especially when there's nothing but miles and miles of bumpy road ahead.

That is your homework today.

Do the homework. Post your response. In the next post I will teach you how to give yourself the best possible chance to get approved on Upwork. As of 2019, getting approved on Upwork is probably the single biggest barrier to entry for new freelancers.

Lucky for you, you're not a freelancer. You're an entrepreneur, and you have me as your guide. So follow this Upwork Tutorial and commit to continue even when the long road makes you weary. If you do, you may discover the distance between sunrise and sunset isn't so far apart as it seems.

By the way...

This is the only mindset post.

Get your mind right now. In the days that follow, we've got work to do.
Thanks, Lex!

I'm not starting from Day 0, but perhaps I could learn a new tip or two to make my processes a lot more quicker and effective.

This chronological formatting of things would be a lot more neater than the last two threads, which needed some filtering and copious minutes of reading.

I myself have had quite an interesting brood of clients. Some of which I did at lower prices, but the insights I got from them are simply life-changing! You get to see how they do their jobs, what they know about their industry, and most importantly, what they DO NOT know (and sometimes you help them there).


OK, I see you've got homework. I'll jump in. :)
  1. Why are you doing this?
To get a steady flow of cash that at least covers living expenses, plus some dough for Fastlane prototyping and tests, until the time I can stabilise enough to find an investor

2. Describe your endgame in specific detail...

I wouldn't mine having client invites come regularly to my profile with at most, a modest five-figures assignments, with the lowest, around few hundred.

I foresee that I would of course have developed and mastered a niche, plus, if possible, a niche that is quite close to what I might do for my real Fastlane biz.

3. How much money do you need to earn to make this worth it?

I'm not sure...haven't really thought about that. For now, I just set a target of hitting my monthly expenses, which is around the thousand mark. After I hit it, then we'll see.

Firing up the UNSCRIPTED feedback mechanism loop can expand one's mind and goals.


4.Who are you failing if you give up or don't succeed?
There's a lot of people who will pay the price if I don't succeed, but all I can think of now are my clients on Upwork...

Maybe that's why I didn't really think of a grand goal to aim for, and only set them modestly.

I just finished a gig with a business adviser. Polishing up an article for him.

He didn't know how to tell a story that would push the weariness off his clients. Clients who had lost millions of capital in failed market entries. Clients who probably were wondering how long their business would survive, to pay for their families and children to live well.

If I didn't help him write the article that delivered his message that said, 'Here I am! I can help you!', let's just say the business failure rate will have more victims.

I wrote a short story on Paul Coelho for another client.

He wanted to provide it as a gift to struggling people.

Could it have been a friend? A family member? What happened to them?

If I didn't write the short story, would they hurt themselves in depression? Would they make silly moves in their sadness and dismay?

I think that beyond the money we receive as business folks, there's an invisible currency of value that exists beyond the veil. This surrounds empathy, kindness and growth.
 

Lex DeVille

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Day 1: How to Get Approved on Upwork 2019

The best way to get approved on Upwork is to make it happen on your first try. That isn't to say all hope is lost if you don't get it on your first try. Only that your first try is the best chance you've got. After that your chances drop.

Today's guide is based on it being your first try. The idea is to give you the best possible chance to get approved. Do NOT try to get approved before reading this post or watching the video.

To get approved on Upwork you have to give them what they want.

Here's all the stuff NOT to do:

  • Do NOT list more than one skill in your title
  • Do NOT pick unrelated skill tags
  • Do NOT use a YOU Focused bio
  • Do NOT leave your education and work history blank
  • Do NOT leave any area blank
  • Do NOT price yourself outside of Upwork's suggested ranges
  • Do NOT submit your profile before you spell check it
Those are the main things that I've seen get people rejected.

Now let's talk about what you SHOULD do.

  • Add a clear, smiling, front-facing head shot image
  • Pick ONE skill and build your profile around that skill
  • Pick a NICHE of that skill to show you're a professional
  • Write your bio to support your abilities with that skill
  • Write your education to support your abilities with that skill
  • Write your employment history to support your abilities with that skill

Basically you want to build your entire profile around a single niche skill. It doesn't matter what industry it is in. It could be copywriting, web design, article writing, customer service, whatever.

Your title should reflect that one skill.

Bad Title: Copywriting, blog writer, ebook writer, social media expert

Good Title: Conversion Copywriter

Your overview should back up your ability to do that skill.

Bad Bio:


Hi there! You need a conversion copywriter who can help you get results. You need someone with fast turnaround and quik response. You want to get better goals and get to the next level and that's what I can help you do.

Good Bio:

Hi there!

I'm a conversion copywriter with a B.A. in Psychology and four years experience. I've worked with companies like Eggland's Best, and Circuit City. As a copywriter I've helped clients grow their profits from the thousands into the millions.

I've trained as a copywriter in several courses and online workshops, and I work with clients who need direct-response copywriting that gets results. My goal is to help clients improve conversions by working closely together with them and creating value.

If any of that is what you need, message me!

Kind Regards,
Lex DeVille


OVERVIEW TEMPLATE:

Hi there!

I’m a [what are you] with a [degree or diploma] and [years of experience]. I’ve worked with [who can you name?]. As a [skill you do] I’ve helped [who you have helped] [how you have helped them].

I have [special training you have] and I work with [who you help]. My goal is to help [describe how you will help clients on Upwork].

If any of that is what you need, contact me!

Kind Regards,
[Your Name]

---

Your bio should be ME Focused. DO talk about your skills and education. Do talk about past clients you've worked with and how you've helped. You want to show Upwork that you are a credible freelancer who can get the job done right.

Be sure to spell check your overview. Check it for grammar as well. Spelling mistakes are a quick way to get rejected.

Don't talk about what you want. Don't use a YOU Focused overview either because that isn't what Upwork wants from you. They want you to look like a traditional employee and a hard worker.

---

Education and Work History

Add something to each of these sections, even if it's a high school diploma or even a GED. Add something to your work history even if you worked at McDonalds. First write it in the title, then give yourself a relevant title.

For education, write a description that supports your ability to do the skill you choose. For example:

B.A. Psychology
As a student of Psychology I have learned to craft conversion-optimized copy infused with psychological techniques and tactics. This helps me move people to action and get them to make decisions fast which helps my clients earn money and get results.

McDonalds Customer Communications Specialist
Working at McDonalds taught me the power of clarity in human communications. Over the last four years I've used what I learned while working at McDonalds to transition into the field of conversion copywriting where I applied the same techniques used to sell McGriddles and Apple Turnovers to get my clients results.

---

Rates
The next part is your rates. Set your rates within the guidelines provided by Upwork. They will tell you the range you should be within. For instance, the rates for an Intermediate level freelancer are suggested as between:

$28.00 and $65.50

So pick something within that range. Something like $35.50.

---

Skill Tags
Be sure all of your skill tags support your skill. If I listed "Conversion Copywriter" then I would want to pick 3-5 skill tags such as:

Bad: Copywriter, SEO, Social Media, Customer Service
Good: Copywriter, Conversion Copywriter, Sales Copywriter, Creative Copywriter

---

Other Notes:

Your main goal is to create a WHOLE PERSON concept for Upwork. When Upwork's algorithms or employees see your profile, it should scream I AM A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL IN THIS SPECIFIC SKILL!

Upwork isn't looking for Jacks-of-all-trades.

They want people who will get in, get work, get 'er done, and get paid. Because people who can't get work and don't get paid are just freeloaders taking up space on their platform. Remember, Upwork needs you to make money so they make money.

So your job is to show them that you are the kind of person who can do one specific skill, and to prove you can do that skill well.

Beyond that, just be honest. Don't try to lie or fake your account. Don't use fake information. Upwork may ask you to verify your identity or other info later on.

If you do shady things, you will likely get rejected. So just be honest, do your best to give them what they want, and if you have questions, reach out.

If you get rejected...

Don't immediately try again. Wait a few days. Give it some time. You don't want to appear to be a spammer. So give it one or two days, and then try again with a new profile, a new skill, a new overview etc.

HOMEWORK
Your homework today is to create your Upwork account following the guidance in this post. Create your account and submit it for approval. Then report back and let us know how it went or if you have any trouble. Do this now!
 

BaraQueenbee

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Another upcoming Gold.

Thank you so much for sharing allllll this, I can only imagine how many people you help with this!!!
 
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ZF Lee

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Add a clear, smiling, front-facing head shot image
Haha! I knew I had homework to do.

I guess that's what I need to do!

My present photo depicts me looking a bit stiff. Guess I'll try to take another new shot tomorrow.

Write your employment history to support your abilities with that skill
Now to think of it, I remember writing for my school magazine. Quite some killer fiction stories, although its not copywriting.

I'll edit again later!

Tonight, the lowest jobs I'll be picking will be only intermediate, with the lowest priced jobs at least $100.
Might not seem much, but when converted to my home currency, the transaction result will be crazy, even with the Upwork fees cut. I could immediately start going around local factories and even China, to an extent, getting supplies and samples for Fastlane.

Thank again Lex for some refreshers and tips. Really optimistic about this!
 

Lex DeVille

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Haha! I knew I had homework to do.

I guess that's what I need to do!

My present photo depicts me looking a bit stiff. Guess I'll try to take another new shot tomorrow.


Now to think of it, I remember writing for my school magazine. Quite some killer fiction stories, although its not copywriting.

I'll edit again later!

Tonight, the lowest jobs I'll be picking will be only intermediate, with the lowest priced jobs at least $100.
Might not seem much, but when converted to my home currency, the transaction result will be crazy, even with the Upwork fees cut. I could immediately start going around local factories and even China, to an extent, getting supplies and samples for Fastlane.

Thank again Lex for some refreshers and tips. Really optimistic about this!

Keep in mind these tips are for people getting approved. One of the upcoming lessons will be on how to build your profile to actually get work. This is just for giving Upwork what they want so they don't do an automatic rejection. I don't use a smiling headshot for my profile pic, but it's wise to use one to get approved.
 

kanunay

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This is awesome, I've been thinking about this for a while. Thanks Lex!

Here's what I've come up with:
Why are you doing this?
I need to raise capital to fund a business I'm starting, and eliminate some debt to lower my living expenses.

Describe your endgame:
Use the capital, experience I gain, and work portfolio to start my company.

How much money is needed:
$120,000

Who are you failing if you don't succeed?
Myself, and my family.
 
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rwhyan

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Awesome stuff, Lex.

I'm going to be following along.

Quick question: I submitted my application and my account was created almost immediately saying "Welcome to Upwork." Does that mean it was approved?

Must be some sort of algorithm if they were able to do it so quickly.
 

Lex DeVille

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Awesome stuff, Lex.

I'm going to be following along.

Quick question: I submitted my application and my account was created almost immediately saying "Welcome to Upwork." Does that mean it was approved?

Must be some sort of algorithm if they were able to do it so quickly.

If you can apply to gigs then yes.
 

Lex DeVille

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Things to Avoid that Will Get You
Suspended or Banned
All of the actions below will get your account suspended or banned. Some suspensions are temporary, and there are things you can do to solve the problem. If you get a permanent ban, you are likely done forever. There are more suspension worthy actions than what are listed here, but these are the absolute most common things I see pretty much every day:

Saying the Word "Pay Through PayPal" or "Work outside of Upwork"
*edited because it's okay to say "PayPal" when discussing accounting work. Context is important. Don't ever ask to be paid by PayPal though.
If you say either of these inside Upwork, you are asking for a permanent ban. Do not say it in your bio. Do not say it in your proposals. Don't even think about talking about it in client chat. If your client says either of these, tell them to delete it and not mention it again because Upwork isn't great with discrimination and will likely suspend you both. Asking for payment by PayPal is grounds for permanent suspension instantly.

Sending too Many Proposals
Upwork has realized a problem with people sending tons of proposals per month and not getting hired. They've recognized that the people who do this also tend to suck as freelancers in general. As a result, Upwork is quick to suspend or permanently ban those who send a lot of proposals in a short time period without getting any responses. If you send YOU Focused proposals, then this shouldn't be a problem. Don't send 30 proposals in a month if you're not getting responses.

Having More than One Account
It is okay to have a freelance and a client account. It is NOT okay to have multiple freelance accounts. If Upwork finds out they will quickly suspend you. You may or may not get a chance to let them delete your second account. I got a second chance, and in a minute I'll show you how I got unsuspended...

Not Doing Work in Over a Month
If you don't do any work in a month your profile will be set to private. It's not exactly a suspension, but it might as well be. Once your profile gets set to private, clients can't find you in search results. You can fix this by contacting Upwork or making a post about it in Upwork's community forums. Alternatively, you can also just apply to gigs and pick up a new client, get an old client to give you new work, or pay Upwork $10 for their membership option. All of those will also move you back to public status.


If You Get Suspended or Banned

1. Stay calm.
2. Walk away from your computer.
3. Do not destroy your computer.
4. Contact Upwork's chat support.
5. Be very friendly with them.
6. Explain the problem without attitude or emotion.
7. Because you were nice they will escalate the ticket to advanced support for review.
8. Advanced support will contact you.
9. Be nice to advanced support.
10. Let advanced support know that you want to comply with them and you are sorry if you broke a rule and you only want to make it right and follow Upwork's terms.
11. It also doesn't hurt to mention you want to do what it takes to resolve this so you can get back to delivering your client work and can release the next milestone for your freelancers (if you have them). It's all just a dog and pony show to remind Upwork you are someone who makes them money (only works if it's true though).
12. Comply with whatever Upwork asks you to do.
13. Cross your fingers. Pray. Rub a bald man's head...hope for the best.
Last Resort... Pick up the phone and call Upwork directly.


Things I've Never Seen Someone Get Banned For
(doesn't mean it won't happen at some point)

1. Mentioning Skype
2. Mentioning Zoom
3. Mentioning Your Email
4. Mentioning Your Phone Number
5. Adding a link without https:// in your bio
6. Sending a link to your website through chat
7. Cancelling a contract before delivering work
 
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Last edited:

rogue synthetic

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This is good to see @Lex DeVille I just jumped back on the Upwork train last week after reading one of your posts the other week about using low-tier jobs to grease the skids. I already picked up two new clients yesterday after close to 6 months away and a profile set to private.
 

luniac

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What u accept a job that turns out more difficult than ur skill level and you have to return it.
Would that destroy ur reputation?
 

Lex DeVille

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What u accept a job that turns out more difficult than ur skill level and you have to return it.
Would that destroy ur reputation?

No, there's a million clients out there. That particular client might not work with you again, but they just move on and get someone else. They don't have time to spend ruining your reputation, and it doesn't show up anywhere on your profile as far as I'm aware.

I've done this several times when a client turned out to be too much of a pain in the a$$ to work with. I do believe they have a chance to leave feedback either public or private, so it's worth it to cancel in as nice a way as possible.

If you charge high enough you could always hire out the work to an expert to help out and just pay them less and split the difference.
 
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luniac

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No, there's a million clients out there. That particular client might not work with you again, but they just move on and get someone else. They don't have time to spend ruining your reputation, and it doesn't show up anywhere on your profile as far as I'm aware.

I've done this several times when a client turned out to be too much of a pain in the a$$ to work with. I do believe they have a chance to leave feedback either public or private, so it's worth it to cancel in as nice a way as possible.

If you charge high enough you could always hire out the work to an expert to help out and just pay them less and split the difference.

ok i see, thanks.
 

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What u accept a job that turns out more difficult than ur skill level and you have to return it.
Would that destroy ur reputation?

(edit: not to hijack, looks like Lex already answered but I figured I might as well not delete it)

There is public profile feedback after every job as well as a total, cumulative job satisfaction rating - which you need to hit 90%+ over time to become a top rated freelancer, which can help out quite a bit in visibility and offers sent your way. Which means ideally you are only accepting projects which you have thoroughly discussed with a client if there are any doubts prior to accepting to ensure you can add value.

However, if you can't complete a job you would take the same approach as you would anywhere else. Just talk to your client. Let them know you are in over your head. There might be other solutions, like you completing part of the project, having them adjust the deadline, or them bringing in another freelancer for help. Really, it's not the end of the world if you find yourself in a project you can't complete - as long as you communicate it well and in a timely manner.
 

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Lex, you're a rockstar!
Thank you for taking your FREE TIME to help us!!!

Thanks for the comment Hijena. To be fair, it's not my free time. I'm being paid by indirect growth of my YouTube channel in exchange for *what I believe are* high-value posts.

YouTube of course runs back to my website for discount coupons on my other training programs, so some people may make their way back there too.

Ultimately, I'd like those who consider my other courses to know it's worth their time before they invest that $10 and enroll. But I really do hope the posts here help you too!
 

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Not Doing Work in Over a Month
If you don't do any work in a month your profile will be set to private. It's not exactly a suspension, but it might as well be. Once your profile gets set to private, clients can't find you in search results. You can fix this by contacting Upwork or making a post about it in Upwork's community forums. Alternatively, you can also just apply to gigs and pick up a new client, get an old client to give you new work, or pay Upwork $10 for their membership option. All of those will also move you back to public status.
Yup, I've faced this before, and a call to Upwork was enough to return my account to 'Public' again.

And usually that also means its time to update the profile write-up and portfolio. :)

Always oil your tired engine.

Things I've Never Seen Someone Get Banned For
(doesn't mean it won't happen at some point)


1. Mentioning Skype
2. Mentioning Zoom
3. Mentioning Your Email
4. Mentioning Your Phone Number
5. Adding a link without https:// in your bio
6. Sending a link to your website through chat
7. Cancelling a contract before delivering work
I've tried putting links of relevant work in my UPWORK portfolio directly in my proposal write-ups.

Not just attachments.

I might write:

'Here's some similar work I have done before:
www.upworklink.com'

Thought that my clients would be able to access them directly, instead of spending the extra 2 seconds to scroll down to get the attachments.

Of course the Upwork system would remind me to use their chat for communications, even though the link IS from their very own platform lol!

Besides, some clients may actually like the rest of your profile, when you have sent them there. I have had 1 or 2 clients express that to me, so I guess something works.
 
Last edited:

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Would you suggest using vpn to appear from U.S/U.K? :D

Apparently it's possible to use VPN but I don't know the outcome of that. My guess would be if you're trying to appear to be from somewhere you are not, then it is likely to get you banned at some point. But I don't know anything about VPN. Probably best to ask that question in Upwork's community.
 

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DAY 3 - How to Write Your Profile Title and Tags

Once you get approved on Upwork, one of the first things you want to do is update your title and tags, unless you plan to perform the skill you got approved with. So that's what today is about.

Your Title - Keep It Short and Don't Get Cute...

Do a quick search for most skills and you'll find endless lists of freelancers who either use some cutesy, long-winded title, or who list every skill under the sun because they're afraid to miss any opportunity.

The thing is, your title is your first chance to let people know your area of specialty. While you might get work in a variety of areas with a title that lists 20 skills, you won't get paid highly for any of them, and you won't get found for the highest-paying skills in search results.

When it comes to titles avoid:

- Cute, clever, and creative titles.
- Listing a bunch of skills

Your goal if you want to make high pay for less work is to look like a specialist, an expert. Experts get paid well. But what does an expert look like?

- They do a single skill very well
- They show up when people search for them

How clients search...

Client's don't search for "Web Design Ninja Wordpress Elite Plugin Maester."

They search for, "Web Designer"

Or "Copywriter"

Or "Social Media Manager"

Or "Virtual Assistant"

And when that turns out to be too vague, they search a second time but this time they make it more niche so they find specialized experts. So now they search for:

"Wordpress Web Designer"

"Direct Response Copywriter"

"Instagram Manager"

"Financial Virtual Assistant"

So it starts with the high level industry, then it gets niche because it's hard to decipher who knows there shit in the industry itself. Since we know clients search this way, we can take advantage of it by crafting a title that speaks directly to those search results.

Also, the more niche you go, the less people there are to compete against for search rank.

Look at this screenshot from my latest title update:

Screenshot 2019-03-13 at 5.35.56 AM.png

It took a couple of days, but I'm ranking for NLP Copywriter. I'm not in the first position yet, but it doesn't matter, because based ONLY on my title, clients will skip the other people.

They searched for "NLP Copywriting" and my profile shows "NLP Copywriting."

It's crystal clear I'm the one...

In fact, it's so clear, clients won't even look at the other profiles even though they claim the #1 and #2 spots. It's like how I could tell you to find as many red items as you can in the room. You can easily look around and pick out red items from all the other colors.

Same thing with your profile.

If you have the exact title the client is searching for, then you will stand out, and you will get clicked, and that means you're one step closer to an interview.

By the way, this goes for proposals too. Clients will notice a freelancer's proposal over others when it very closely relates to the skill the client is asking for.

How to Pick Your Upwork Profile Title

  • Keep it 4 words or less
  • Mention the industry (copywriter, web designer, video producer, narrator)
  • Mention the niche (creative copywriter, wordpress web designer, YouTube Video Producer, Audiobook Narrator

Research Your Niche

Niching down will help you rise to the top of search results, but you'll want to do some research on your niche to make sure people are searching for it. What good is being at the top of search results if nobody is searching for the thing you offer?

Two Ways to Research Your Niche


1) Use Google's Keyword tool in Adwords to check out monthly search volume
2) Search for your title and see how many gigs are available (and the time between each gig's posting)

Both of these will help you get a feel for whether or not people want the skill you offer. If you find there's low volume, then consider another title.


Your Tags - Relevant/Related Not Scattered/Deflated

Your tags are under the SKILLS section.

Pick tags that are very closely related to your title. Make sure all of your tags are closely related to one another. This will make them relevant. The more relevant your tags are, the easier it is to rise in search results.

Even if you plan to offer more than one skill, ONLY target your tags to your title. Have a look at the tags I used to help rank my NLP Copywriter bio:

Screenshot 2019-03-13 at 6.02.22 AM.png

At first glance they might look separate, like they target unique skills. But all of the tags except one are related to COPYWRITING and the only one that is different is related to NLP. What this does is help Upwork's algorithms figure out what you do so they can put you in the right place.

So pick tags that are closely related and are relevant to your title.

That's it for today.

Tomorrow I'll show you how to write a basic bio that stands out from everyone else.

HOMEWORK
Your homework today is to determine your high level industry (copywriter, blogger, web designer) and then to research niches within that industry to find one that might be worth pursuing. Once you've done that, set your tags around the title you create and make sure the tags are closely related to one another.

P.S.

The video above talks about the same topic, but I also mentioned some stuff about specialized profiles and how they are affecting my results.
 
Last edited:

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Some great stuff for hustlers needing to make bread and the transition to self-funded income, moved to NOTABLE.
 
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Was rejected on Upwork some time ago.

What is the best way to get approved if i have already tried?
 

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Day 3 - How to Write Your Upwork Overview to
Stand Out and Get Noticed


Yesterday we covered your title and tags and before that we helped you get approved and set the stage for a positive mindset. Today we're digging into your Upwork Overview so you can stand out and get noticed even if you're brand new.

Despite what many people say, your overview is EXTREMELY important. YOU Focused Proposals (which we'll cover in an upcoming lesson) are also important, but you should know that every client who looks at your proposal will also check out your bio.

Beyond that, your bio is one of the first things clients see in Upwork search results. So if it looks like every other freelancer's bio, or if it looks worse, then you'll get skipped for sure.

But before we get into how to write a bio, let's look at how NOT to write a bio.

Avoid the following instant-death mistakes:

  • NEVER start with the word "I" or "me" or "my"
  • NEVER start by talking about your education or degree
  • NEVER start by talking about your years of experience
  • NEVER start by talking about what you want
  • NEVER start by describing your passions...

All of those trigger a hazy glaze over client's eyes and they won't even see you. So avoid those mistakes unless you want to look just like every other boring, lame, self-focused freelancer on the planet!

What is important in your overview?

  • To let clients know they're in the right place
  • To let clients know you have the right skills
  • To show clients you care about them
  • To make it clear you operate as a professional
  • To establish credibility
  • To describe their pains and problems clearly
  • To set ground rules and expectations
  • To give them an action to take
  • To give them a peek at the kind of person you are
  • To answer their questions

All of these will help you stand out and get noticed, and the more of them you add, the better off your overview will be.

Okay, but what do you actually say?

Below we'll work through a sample bio so you can see what goes where. Hopefully this will give you a sense of structure in case you struggle with this. First we'll look at a full example, then I'll break it down to explain each piece.

---

Dental Web Designer

Do you need help with dental web design? Are you a dentist short on time losing clients to competitors with modern, mobile-friendly sites? If so, you're in the right place!

Hi there!

I'm Lex DeVille, a Wordpress Web Designer who helps dental businesses overhaul your website for a modern, mobile-friendly look that helps you attract more customers. I've built websites for more than 10 dental clients and helped them to:

- Instantly rank higher on Google search results
- Earn new clients almost instantly
- Look as professional as the services you offer

When you work with me you'll get clear communications, and fast turnaround. First I'll design a mock-up framework, and once you approve it we'll go forward into full production. In the end you'll come away with a sales-optimized, mobile-friendly website!

If any of that is what you need, contact me!

Respectfully,
Lex DeVille

P.S. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed and I'm happy to make revisions so your website works for you!

F.A.Q.

Q - Can you create a contact form for my website?
A - Yes, contact forms are one of my specialties, and I can even design it so it looks really need and is fun for your customers so they want to get in touch.

Q - Can you add a way to sell merchandise?
A - Yes, for an additional small investment I can build an ecommerce system directly into your website so you can easily sell your products and wares.

---

Alright, now let's break this thing down...

Do you need help with web design? Are you a dentist short on time losing clients to competitors with modern, mobile-friendly sites? If so, you're in the right place!

This is about how much shows up in search results. See the screenshot below for reference:

Screenshot 2019-03-14 at 5.38.50 AM.png

What your first paragraph should do is:

  • Get the client's attention
  • Talk about them before yourself
  • Show you do the exact thing they need
  • Target them directly
  • Touch upon their pain
  • Let them know they're in the right place

When I ask if they need help with dental web design, I'm directly stating that I do the exact thing they searched for. Since I asked a question, the reader is engaged. Since I said "you" I have their attention.

The second sentence gets even more targeted. If they're a dentist, then it's quickly becoming extremely clear that I'm someone who can help them. If you wanted to capture others, you could also state, "Are you a dental professional?" That way your question would also apply to their office staff.

When I mention them being short on time and losing clients to competitors I'm reminding them why they can't do this on their own, and how it's hurting them. After that I describe the outcome they want and let them know that's what this is.

---

Hi there!

I'm Lex DeVille, a Wordpress Web Designer who helps dental businesses overhaul your website for a modern, mobile-friendly look that helps you attract more customers. I've built websites for more than 10 dental clients and helped them to:

- Instantly rank higher on Google search results
- Earn new clients almost instantly
- Look as professional as the services you offer


Once you've targeted your audience, spoke directly to them, addressed their problem, and agitated their pain, NOW it is okay to talk about yourself.

Start with a greeting.

It mentally prepares the client to shift from talking about their problems to describing how you can help. We're creating a bridge for them to cross between the problem they have and the solution you will offer.

Connect yourself to their problem.

After your greeting you want to connect yourself as the solution to their problem. So introduce yourself, and describe yourself as a [whatever service they need]. Then describe how you help people exactly like them to get similar outcomes to what they want.

Add credibility to establish authority.

When I mention helping 10 dental clients I'm throwing out a number that says "I'm credible." You could also name big dental clients you've worked with, or mention how much sales increased for other clients after getting your help. All of this builds you up as an authority and a professional.

Alternatively, you could also mention your degree or experience IF you can show how they back up your ability to solve the client's problem.

Examples of credibility:

  • Increased sales by $1,500 in one day
  • Helped 3 dental clients to rank 1st on Google
  • Worked with Dental Depot, a Fortune 500 Company
  • Bachelor's Degree in Modern Web Design Concepts
  • Built 20 dental websites in the last year
  • Built a website for the dentist who cleans Kim Kardashian's teeth

Use bullet points to describe positive outcomes.

The final part of this section is bullets. These bullets are a chance to describe the outcomes the client wants. You may not know which one is most important to them. By describing several outcomes (3 to 5) you have a chance to say exactly what they need/want to hear before they act.

It's kind of like offering a child a new toy, an ice cream cone, and a video game if they clean their room. You may not know what's most important to them, but one of those 3 will probably get their attention, and getting all 3 is definitely worth the effort to pick up their bedroom!

---

When you work with me you'll get clear communications, and fast turnaround. First I'll design a mock-up framework, and once you approve it we'll go forward into full production. In the end you'll come away with a sales-optimized, mobile-friendly website!

Set expectations and overcome simple objections.

In this part I start with an NLP presupposition which assumes the sale, "when you work with me." More importantly, I set expectations that show I'm a professional and make it clear what will happen once we go forward together.

Clients have a lot of fears about working with freelancers. They've often had bad experiences. So address some of those things. Fast communication. Fast turnaround. A clear picture of next steps and what the client will come away with at the end.

---

If any of that is what you need, contact me!

Respectfully,
Lex DeVille

P.S. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed and I'm happy to make revisions so your website works for you!

Give the client a next action to take and sign off.

Always close out your bio with a call to action. It should be a CTA to contact you in some way shape or form. Nothing else. The next step is to contact you, period.
  • Contact me
  • Message me
  • Reply and let's chat
  • Reach out to me
  • Hit me back
  • Talk with me
  • Speak with me
  • Schedule a quick chat
  • Let's have a quick call
  • Shoot me a message
After that you'll want to sign off with your signature. There is no WRONG way to do this. Only more or less creative ways.

More professional:
  • Sincerely,
  • Kind Regards,
  • Warmly,
  • Respectfully,
  • Warm Regards
More Creative
  • Friendly,
  • Lethal Weapon,
  • Creatively,
  • With Sugar,
  • Stars & Hearts,
  • Hired Gun,
  • From My Couch with Love,
Use something that makes sense for the kind of person you are speaking to. Don't use a creative signature for the sake of being funny or creative unless that's what your audience expects to see.

Add a P.S. statement.

The P.S. section is optional, but I like to use it as a last-ditch effort to grab client attention and say one more thing that might be the weight that tips the scale.

Here are some things you could write there:

  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Keep my info in case you need me later
  • Did I mention I offer fixed-rates?
  • Happy to make revisions until it's right for you

---

F.A.Q.

Q - Can you create a contact form for my website?
A - Yes, contact forms are one of my specialties, and I can even design it so it looks really need and is fun for your customers so they want to get in touch.

Q - Can you add a way to sell merchandise?
A - Yes, for an additional small investment I can build an ecommerce system directly into your website so you can easily sell your products and wares.


Easily extend the length of your bio WHILE adding value with a F.A.Q. section.

This last piece is optional but I really like to have it because:

  1. It's an easy way to make sure your overview is long enough for SEO
  2. It gives you a chance to address OTHER services you can offer
  3. It answers common questions clients might have about working with you
  4. It gives you one more chance to catch their attention
  5. It gives you one more chance to overcome objections

Think about what questions your clients will likely have. What limiting beliefs do they have that would stop them from contacting you? Try to answer those in your FAQ.

Alright...

That pretty much wraps it up for your bio.

There's a free template you can download here if you want something to fill in the blank, or to see another example bio I wrote.

HOMEWORK
Your homework today is to research your audience and then craft your bio using a YOU Focus. Remember to target their problems early on. Bridge them over to your solution. Offer them the outcomes they want, and finally...call them to action. Get on it. Do this now!
 

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Was rejected on Upwork some time ago.

What is the best way to get approved if i have already tried?

It depends on the rejection. If it was permanent, then you might be out of luck. If it was just a rejection that said some bull crap like, "this skill is too saturated" then you still have a chance.

If that is the case, then re-apply using the techniques from the post I made earlier in the thread about getting approved. Others who have been rejected a bunch of times used this approach to get approved within the last year.

It doesn't work every time, but since it works some of the time, that's enough to make it worth another try!
 
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It depends on the rejection. If it was permanent, then you might be out of luck. If it was just a rejection that said some bull crap like, "this skill is too saturated" then you still have a chance.

If that is the case, then re-apply using the techniques from the post I made earlier in the thread about getting approved. Others who have been rejected a bunch of times used this approach to get approved within the last year.

It doesn't work every time, but since it works some of the time, that's enough to make it worth another try!


This is the message i received.


''We’ve reviewed your profile and currently our marketplace doesn’t have opportunities for your area of expertise.

If you have more relevant skills or experience to add, you can update and re-submit your profile. You can find more information regarding our decision here.''


Can i regig the profile to reflect different skills than what was rejected or would that be a red flag for them?

Is it best for me to list the same skills and just set out my profile the way you have suggested above?

Timmy.
 
U

User62861

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So posts like this arent clssified as free forum ad? If I make Youtube video and big post about branding than it will be ok to post?

Anyway...

Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr and any similar websites are waste of time for 90% of people.

Sure, you can make money. I used Fiverr when I was younger and I made $1k......in 1 year. Paying 20% (a bit more or less) to a website and paying tax to your country.

Those sites are race to the bottom. You cant compete with India or Pakistan.

Clients who are looking for a freelancers there, often looking for “everything” for paying almost nothing.

I also tried to hire few people, and the work they delivered was so bad I had to do it all by myself in the end.

I repeat, you can make some money in a looooooong run but its not worth it at all.
 

Timmy C

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So posts like this arent clssified as free forum ad? If I make Youtube video and big post about branding than it will be ok to post?

Anyway...

Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr and any similar websites are waste of time for 90% of people.

Sure, you can make money. I used Fiverr when I was younger and I made $1k......in 1 year. Paying 20% (a bit more or less) to a website and paying tax to your country.

Those sites are race to the bottom. You cant compete with India or Pakistan.

Clients who are looking for a freelancers there, often looking for “everything” for paying almost nothing.

I also tried to hire few people, and the work they delivered was so bad I had to do it all by myself in the end.

I repeat, you can make some money in a looooooong run but its not worth it at all.


Because you believe that you are right.
 
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Lex DeVille

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So posts like this arent clssified as free forum ad? If I make Youtube video and big post about branding than it will be ok to post?

No, it's not a free forum ad. I've paid in approximately 12 hours of value-adding content creation in this thread alone and shared my processes that have helped me grow an ACTUAL freelance business. Additionally, my other GOLD and NOTABLE posts have helped others grow full-time freelance businesses.

I've shared STEP-BY-STEP instructions on how to do this.

Where have you shared anything on this forum that taught people how you built ANY business? Where have you shared ACTUAL steps that grew your own business? Because all I've seen are bullshit vague posts with vague statistics kind of like the one you threw out in your post here.

Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr and any similar websites are waste of time for 90% of people.

Please stop spewing your vague nonsense around the forum. If you can back that 90% up with proven data, do so. Otherwise, get lost.

Those sites are race to the bottom. You cant compete with India or Pakistan.

No. This is the same dumbass statement made by every bottom-dwelling action-faker who doesn't know what they're talking about.

Clients who are looking for a freelancers there, often looking for “everything” for paying almost nothing.

Wrong again. You are repeating the same crap nonsense, but your nonsense has already been disproven many times over on this forum.

For instance, in this GOLD post:
GOLD! - Lex DeVille's: How to Make $1,000 a Week with no Degree, no Feedback, & no Portfolio.

And in this NOTABLE post:
NOTABLE! - Lex DeVille's - I Deleted My Upwork Account...

I also tried to hire few people, and the work they delivered was so bad I had to do it all by myself in the end.

This tells me you not only suck as a freelancer, you also suck as a client.

I repeat, you can make some money in a looooooong run but its not worth it at all.

I closed nearly $3,000 in gigs on Upwork last week so...yeah...

I didn't need to write all of this out though. The forum has already seen the "value" you provide. They've already judged you, and instead of trying to fix it by striving to create value, you think a better idea is to passively attack someone who called you out on your bullshit.

Smart move. Good luck.
 
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Lex DeVille

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This is the message i received.


''We’ve reviewed your profile and currently our marketplace doesn’t have opportunities for your area of expertise.

If you have more relevant skills or experience to add, you can update and re-submit your profile. You can find more information regarding our decision here.''


Can i regig the profile to reflect different skills than what was rejected or would that be a red flag for them?

Is it best for me to list the same skills and just set out my profile the way you have suggested above?

Timmy.

You can reskill, but you don't have to. Just use the advice from the other post. Upwork gives a canned response about not needing an area of expertise. In my experience, it's usually because your profile didn't give Upwork what they wanted, not the skill itself. But try changing the skill and using the info from that post first and see what happens.
 

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