How I made my first 1000$ on Upwork (realistic)

My profile: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~013bc98a8ea1b5c3bb?viewMode=1

If you’re looking for an overnight success story, I’m sorry to disappoint, but like my other articles, I believe in sharing the reality of how things are to genuinely help you — not that clickbaity stuff.

A quick intro on why I started consulting on Upwork

(skip this part if you’re not interested)

I was working for a 9–5 job in Dubai that left me incredibly unhappy and a side business. I wanted to make an impact and leave my 9–5 because what I desired wasn’t aligning with my current life.

So, one thing led to another, and I started consulting. It was SLOW… as slow as a snail for months! After applying strategies, networking, and hustling, I finally surpassed the snail stage.

Now, I’m here to give you advice on how you can make your first $1,000 on Upwork.

We’re not going to discuss the obvious ones, such as completing your profile and such.

So, brace yourself and apply everything I say.

Let your initial clients be the ones that give you the best REVIEWS. There are multiple ways you can go about this:

a. Get feedback on work you’ve done for relatives and friends.

b. Work for free in exchange for reviews, either on the platform or with friends and family.

c. PRO TIP: Look for the cheapest job posts with no proposals or less than 5 — this increases your chances of getting hired. My first gig was $10–20; the job post had less than 5 proposals.

Give your 150%, no matter the price or quality of the GIG.

Whether you’re working for $10, $1,000, or $10,000, I don’t care, and here’s why you shouldn’t either

a. Slacking creates an energy of slacking off within you, which can become a habit even when/if that $1,000 client comes along.

b. Giving your 150% often results in bonuses (true for me), amazing reviews (also true), and repeat clients (multiple occasions). When they come back, you save time on proposals and stress.

Make this a mantra: ‘MUST GIVE 500%.’

Have your camera on at least 90% of the time.

I don’t say 100% so you can relax and have downtime as well. This tip is necessary because:

We’re emotional beings and not switching on the camera hinders building an emotional rapport with the client. Don’t risk losing the client to another freelancer just because they can’t connect with you.

Hop on a lot of potential calls — minimum 2x a week.

The more calls you attend, the more you can convince, learn, and eventually upsell.

Apply strategy in the proposals you send

Buy connects if needed, but ensure your proposals have a chance:

Look at location, job industry, expertise, number of proposals, client spend, and see what leverage you bring.

In a nutshell, know your USP and target clients looking for the same.

So, here are my TOP 5 rules broken down.

Save this post, apply these principles, and let me know in the comments below.

PS: If you’d like me to create an e-book on Upwork basics or Upwork top-rated, let me know in the comments below.

Good luck!!!