In the previous lesson, we discussed the importance of a complete Upwork profile. Now, let's examine each section and explore how to optimize it for maximum impact.
Freelancers with complete profiles are 4.5 times more likely to get hired by clients. You can see your progress in your profile, what is completed, and what sections can be updated.
Work history and experience
- Focus on relevance: Don't list every job you've ever had. Highlight your freelance and traditional work experience directly related to the services you offer on Upwork.
- Quantify your achievements: Did you increase website traffic, boost sales, or complete projects under tight deadlines? Use numbers to showcase the impact of your work.
- Action verbs: Use strong action verbs like "developed," "managed," or "increased" to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Education and certifications
- List your educational background: Include your degrees, diplomas, and relevant coursework.
- Highlight industry certifications: Do you have certifications from recognized institutions in your field? Adding them demonstrates your dedication to staying current in your industry.
- Link to credentials (optional): For additional credibility, provide links to online versions of your degrees or certifications.
Adding certifications to your profile is a great way to show clients what you are able to do and find well-matched opportunities. If you have a Credly account, you can now add your certifications from that account to Upwork with the Credly import feature. If you have certifications that are not issued by Credly or don't have a Credly account, you'll still be able to add your certifications through the manual option. Select a verifiable certification from the list and follow the instructions provided. Once you complete the verification process, your profile will feature the official certification logo.
Languages and availability
- Accurate language fluency: Be honest about your language skills. Indicate the languages you can speak fluently, write confidently, and understand well for conversations.
- Set your preferred work hours: Clearly state your preferred work hours per day or week (you can select more or less than 30 hours per week depending on your availability). Clients will appreciate knowing your availability for project communication and collaboration. Upwork also allows you to specify your time zone for further clarity.
We want to help you take more control over your services. With the availability badge, freelancers can use Connects to Add the Blue available Now badge. By turning on your availability badge, you're increasing your chances of receiving 50% more. Invites. You have the option to turn the availability badge on and off as needed. Clients will see your badge in search results and on your profile. Use Connects to activate the availability badge. If the badge costs 14 Connects, two Connects will be deducted from your balance every 24 hours to add up to 14 Connects for the week.
Portfolio and samples
- Showcase your best work: This is your golden opportunity to shine! Upload high-quality samples that showcase the skills and experience you want to highlight.
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Tailor your portfolio: If you offer various services, consider creating multiple portfolios focused on specific skills or industries.
- For detailed tips on building a strong portfolio, explore theBuilding your portfolio course.
- Variety and relevance: Include a mix of project types and samples demonstrating your versatility and expertise relevant to your services.
Why completing all sections is crucial
- Increased visibility: A complete profile increases your ranking in Upwork search results, making you more discoverable to potential clients.
- Credibility and trust: A comprehensive profile with detailed information builds client confidence and trust in your abilities.
- Unlock opportunities: Completing your profile unlocks features like the Connects program, allowing you to submit proposals to clients.
Tips for crafting a compelling bio and highlighting relevant experience
- Focus on your value proposition: In your profile bio, clearly state what you do and the value you bring to clients.
- Keywords and search optimization: Use relevant keywords throughout your profile that clients might search for when looking for freelancers.
- Enthusiastic and engaging tone: Write your profile in a professional but enthusiastic tone to make a positive first impression.
- Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can leave a bad impression. Proofread your profile thoroughly before making it public.
Three questions to ask yourself. What do you enjoy about your work? What skills make you stand out? What could you work on or learn? Make sure you have an outstanding profile. Highlight your value and how you can help the client in your proposal. Share testimonials and portfolio items or catalog projects. Showcase yourself as an expert. Highlight what makes you unique and what value you will bring to the client on your profile. Use your portfolio to show clients what you are capable of. Explain that your price is aligned with the value of the work you will deliver.
Following these tips and completing all profile sections will guide you on your way to creating a strong profile that attracts your ideal clients on Upwork.
