Upwork Review 2023: Finding Freelancing Jobs That Pay Better

Upwork is an online freelance marketplace that connects independent professionals with companies seeking their expertise.

It’s one of the oldest online freelance platforms, starting out under a different name in 2013. And Upwork has lasted so long and has so many users because it keeps up with the best remote jobs and popular industries.

With millions of jobs posted monthly, it can be a great place to find freelance work for new and experienced freelancers. But is Upwork worth the hype?

Our Upwork Review will look at what Upwork offers, how it works, and how it compares to other online marketplaces.

Upwork Review

If you’re a freelancer, you may have heard of Upwork and wondered if it’s worth your time.

After all, there are a lot of other websites that also offer freelance job opportunities.

So is Upwork the right site for you? Check out our Upwork review to learn more:

What is Upwork?

Upwork is a freelancing site that allows businesses and freelancers to connect and collaborate remotely.

Businesses can find and hire Upwork freelancers for various projects and tasks, from short-term assignments to long-term projects.

Projects on Upwork can range from web and graphic design to data entry to virtual assistant work. There are even jobs on the freelance platform for people with specialized skills, such as coding and app development.

How Upwork Works

Upwork works as any job posting site does – clients post jobs and invite freelancers to apply.

Businesses can also search through the profiles of individual freelancers and contact them directly with job offers.

For freelancers, this means they can apply to a wide variety of jobs without having to go out and search for them on their own. 

The platform also provides freelancers with various tools to help them manage their projects, such as time tracking and invoicing software.

It makes Upwork easy for both parties to keep track of progress on a project and the entire process, as well as payments due or received.

Upwork also provides access to its secure payment system, ensuring that all transactions are safe and secure. 

Key Features

Before you jump into the platform, it’s essential to understand its key features. Let’s take a look at what Upwork has to offer freelancers:

Project Postings 

Upwork is home to thousands of project postings from businesses around the world. As a freelancer, these postings are where you can find new gigs and clients.

You can narrow your search using job type, location, budget, and more filters. This makes it easy to find the jobs that best fit your skillset and experience level.

Connects

Connects is a feature on Upwork that allows freelancers to show their interest in a job and submit proposals to potential clients.

Here’s how it works: To connect with clients on the platform, freelancers use “connects.” A Connect is an “Upwork currency” used to bid on and apply for job postings on Upwork.

Each job post typically requires one Connect to apply, and freelancers are limited in the number of Connects they receive each month based on their membership plan.

Freelancers can purchase additional Connects if they need more than the monthly allotment provided by their plan.

The cost of additional Connects varies depending on the number purchased and the freelancer’s account status.

Upgrading Your Membership Plan: As freelancers gain experience and a strong track record on Upwork, they may be eligible to upgrade to a paid plan, which typically includes more Connects to bid on hourly and fixed-price freelance work and other benefits.

Other Ways To Earn More Connects: There are also some other ways that freelancers can get more Connects:

If you earn a Rising Talent badge, you will get 30 free Connects.
If you win an interview with an established client on Upwork, you will get a certain number of free Connects. (They don’t share all the details of what they consider “established” to prevent people from trying to game the system.)
You will get a one-time bonus if you finish an Upwork Skill Certification.

Hiring Process 

Once you find a project posting that interests you, it’s time to submit an application or bid on the job. When clients accept your bid, they invite you to join their team on Upwork.

Once accepted into the team, you’ll have access to all their private messages and files related to the project.

After completing the project successfully, both parties can leave feedback for each other that will help build up your reputation on Upwork even further. 

Get Paid On Time 

UpWork ensures that freelancers get paid on time via its payment protection system, which securely holds payments until both parties are satisfied with the delivered work and release funds accordingly.

This protects freelancers from malicious activity by ensuring timely payments for completed work.

Furthermore, invoices can be sent directly from the platform, ensuring that clients pay without any hassles or delays.  

Payment Terms 

Freelancers can also choose from multiple payment options, including deposits made directly into their bank accounts, via Instant Pay, or PayPal accounts with no added fees or commissions taken out by Upwork itself.  

Membership Plans

Basic Plan

The Basic membership plan is perfect for freelancers looking for an introductory level of service from Upwork.

The Basic plan includes 10 free Connects each month. Once you use the 10 free connects, you can purchase a bundle of 10, 20, 40, 60, or 80 Connects for only $0.15 each.

The Basic Plan does not include access to any of the advanced features available with the Freelancer Plus Plan. It mainly allows users to browse job postings.

Freelancer Plus plan

Several key benefits come with opting for the Plus Plan.

The most notable benefit is an increase in Connects from 10 per month (Basic Plan) to 80 per month. This means you can apply for more jobs monthly without worrying about running out of Connects too quickly!

Another great benefit is seeing what price competitors have bid for a job posting- a great way to stay competitive without undercutting yourself or going over budget.

You also have the flexibility to keep your earnings confidential if desired and customize your profile URL- great for building your own personal online brand!

And with this plan, your profile will never be hidden if you become inactive, so you can take a break whenever needed without worrying about losing visibility on search results pages.

Joining Upwork

So now that you’ve gotten the rundown from our Upwork Review, are you thinking about joining?

Joining Upwork is easy. All you need to do is go to the Upwork website and click “Sign Up. Then create an Upwork account using your email address.

Once your account is created, you must fill out your profile with information about yourself and your skill set.

Here are more details on getting your account set up and applying for jobs:

1. Create A Detailed Profile

To become a freelancer on the Upwork platform, you must have a well-crafted Upwork profile. Potential clients will see your Upwork profile when looking for independent contractors with the needed skills.

The first step when creating your profile on Upwork is to fill out all the required information. This includes your contact details, education, work history, and other professional details such as skills and certifications.

Make sure each section is complete and up-to-date so prospective employers can easily find all the information they need about you.  

Your portfolio should be filled with examples of work demonstrating what you can do. Showcase projects where you succeeded in meeting objectives or working under tight deadlines.

Include any awards or certifications relevant to the job so potential employers know they’re getting someone with proven experience and expertise in their field.  

Also, a great profile photo goes a long way to making a good impression on potential employers. Make sure that your photo is professional and straightforward.

2. Pick A Membership

As one of the most popular freelance websites, Upwork offers an easy way to find jobs and connect with companies all over the world.

But before you can start, you must first pick the right membership plan, the Basic and Plus plans we listed above.

For freelancers who want to apply for more jobs and connect with more clients, the Plus Plan is the best bet to do as much as possible.

The Basic Plan would work best for someone who is freelancing as a side hustle and won’t take on as many projects.

3. Connect With Others

Once your profile is complete, it’s time to connect with potential employers on Upwork and land your first job!

Upwork makes it easy to connect without having to pitch clients cold. Browse job title postings by category or search for specific keywords related to your work type (e.g., web design).

Once you find a job that interests you, read all the details carefully before submitting Upwork proposals. This will ensure that there aren’t any surprises down the line and also help ensure that your proposal is tailored specifically to the client’s needs. 

Once you have done your research, it is also essential to check the job success score of potential employers on Upwork itself.

Ratings will indicate how previous freelancers felt about their valuable experience working with that particular client or company. 

4. Add Your Offerings & Prices

When listing your services, be sure to provide detailed descriptions of each service, so potential clients know exactly what they are getting for their money.

Before setting your rates (fixed or an hourly rate), take some time to research what others in similar roles are charging for similar project deliverables- this will help ensure that you’re competitively priced and don’t undercharge for the quality of work you provide.

Once you have set up your hourly rate and fixed-price projects/packages, make sure they’re clearly outlined so potential clients know exactly how much your services cost.

5. Get Clients & Get Paid

Now it’s time for the fun part- finishing the work and getting paid!

Invoicing is easy on Upwork; submit an invoice detailing how much time was spent on each task and how much money is owed.

Payments are made directly through Upwork, so there’s no need for awkward conversations with clients about payment methods or due dates.

One of the drawbacks of using Upwork is that Upwork takes a cut of your earnings – whether you’re paid hourly or for fixed-price projects.

If you land a job through their platform, Upwork will take 20% of your income up to $500. After that, the percentage drops to 10% for a client between $500.01 and $10,000.

But if you can land jobs that pay more than $10,000, the percentage goes down to 5%.

Upwork Pros & Cons

Pros

Upwork’s desktop app is easy to use and navigate
Freelancers can set their own rates for hourly projects or apply for fixed-price projects
Payment protection – Payments go through an Escrow account and are secure and reliable
Wide variety of job opportunities available for hourly projects or fixed-price jobs
Upwork reviews of businesses and freelancers provide helpful feedback on projects completed with a job success score
An Upwork account manager will help you during the hiring process
Chances of an Upwork scam listing are very low- freelancers will find legit jobs posted here
4.2 Rating on Trust Pilot with almost 9,000 reviews

Cons

Connects are required to submit proposals on Upwork; you must purchase them if you run out so you can bid more
Basic membership plan- doesn’t include many features
Bidding can make it harder to land projects, though it’s similar to application processes
Upwork takes a percentage of your Upwork pay, 10 – 20% per payment
The customer service team isn’t as proactive; many Upwork freelancers have feedback on them

Upwork Alternatives

Upwork is a great freelancing platform connecting freelancers with businesses needing their services. But Upwork isn’t the only site out there; plenty of other options are available.

No Upwork review would be complete without telling you the alternatives. Let’s explore some of the alternatives to Upwork so that you can determine which one is best for you.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs has a wide variety of remote and freelance gigs available in many different industries. Whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time work, there is something for everyone here.

Here is just a small sample of some of the job posts available on FlexJobs: 

Web design/development 
Data entry/virtual assistant 
Writing/editing/proofreading 
Customer service  

Fiverr

One of Upwork’s biggest competitors is Fiverr – a platform designed for freelancers starting their careers.

While Fiverr does offer more experienced freelancers access to higher-paying jobs, it’s generally used by those who are just starting and want to gain experience with smaller projects.

Plus, Fiverr also offers users access to an array of tools that make it easier to market themselves and build a portfolio. For a more in-depth comparison check out our Upwork Vs. Fiverr review.

Steady

Steady works by creating a marketplace where freelancers and companies can connect, collaborate, and get projects done quickly and efficiently.

As a freelancer on the platform, you’ll be able to showcase your skills and experience to companies that are looking for your services.

You’ll also have access to a wide range of job opportunities, like graphic design or web development, from various industries around the world.

Freelancer

Freelancer offers users access to short-term projects and full-time jobs with larger companies, making it ideal for those seeking a more permanent position within the freelance world.

The platform also features an extensive list of skill sets ranging from web design and coding to copywriting and creative design so users can easily find jobs suited to their specific skillset.  

Freelancing Jobs

The beauty of freelancing is that you can make a living doing what you love—and the possibilities are endless.

From graphic designers to freelance developers to copywriting, there’s something for everyone on these freelance platforms.

Here’s a look at some of the different freelance jobs that you can do from home. 

Proofreader

Proofreading is an essential step in the publishing process. A proofreader is responsible for catching any errors or inconsistencies in written documents before they are published.

This could include books, magazines, websites, legal documents, or other written material.

As a proofreader, your job is to ensure that all text is accurate and free of errors, typos, misspellings, and other mistakes. 

With an excellent knowledge of the English language and strong organizational skills, anyone can become an effective freelancer in this field.

Proofread Anywhere’s free workshop gives you information about proofreading and how to start a proofreading business.

Freelance Writer

Writing jobs are one of the most popular types of freelance work available. You can find writing gigs ranging from copywriting to blogging to editing.

Freelance writing involves creating content for websites, blogs, or other marketing materials. Content writers are expected to write engaging content optimized with target keywords while still providing readers with valuable information, whether for one client or multiple clients.

This job requires strong writing skills and the ability to research topics to create accurate and informative content. 

Earn More Writing offers a FREE workshop to help you learn more about freelance writing!

Virtual Assistants

Working as a virtual assistant offers many advantages, including flexibility, variety, and accessibility- making it an ideal job opportunity if you want to make money while still having freedom!

VA services help businesses with administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, running errands, filing paperwork, preparing presentations, and much more. 

$10K VA’s FREE workshop that tells you five steps you need to know to get started as a virtual assistant.

Bookkeeper

Becoming a freelance bookkeeper is an excellent way to earn money while working from home on your own terms.

With some training, organization skills, and dedication, anyone can learn how to become an efficient freelancer who provides valuable services for clients all around the world!

As a freelance bookkeeper, you can help small businesses manage their finances by taking care of accounting tasks like creating invoices, reconciling bank statements, and tracking expenses.

It’s an in-demand profession that can offer financial stability and the flexibility to set your own hours and schedule. 

Bookkeeper Launch offers three FREE classes to help you decide whether you want to start a bookkeeping business.

FAQS

Why should I start freelancing?

Freelancing is a great way to make some extra money on the side, explore new career paths, or gain more experience in an area of expertise.

With freelancing, you can work remotely from any part of the world and often have more flexibility with your working hours than you would in a traditional job.

Is Upwork safe for freelancers?  

Yes, Upwork is safe for freelancers. It offers a variety of protection measures to help ensure both freelancers and clients are safe and secure.

These include:

A payment protection program that guarantees freelancers will be paid for their work
A dispute resolution process that helps resolve any disagreements between the freelancer and the client
The ability to review and rate clients and freelancers after every project
24/7 customer support from Upwork’s team of experts

Are job sites the best way to find clients?

Many freelancers find that using job sites is the best way to connect with potential clients, while others find that networking and word-of-mouth are more effective methods.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide which job site or method works best for them to find a freelancing.

Are there free sites to find clients?

Yes! There are many free sites available to help you find a freelancing client. You can use job boards, social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter, or even classifieds websites to connect with potential clients.

Key Takeaways

We hope our Upwork Review has helped you learn more about Upwork and whether it is right for your freelancing career.

Is Upwork legit, or is Upwork worth it? We think it is!

Upwork is one of the most popular project management platforms for freelancers today, and people have successfully used it for their freelancing careers.

With its easy-to-use interface and array of features designed specifically for freelancers, it’s no wonder why so many people choose this platform over others when looking for better ways to manage their work!

Whether you’re just starting as a freelancer or are looking for ways to optimize your current workflow- consider giving Upwork a try. You won’t regret it!