Upwork, the global freelancing platform, gets mixed reactions.
But I’ve hired dozens of freelancers via Upwork – here are the guidelines I use to hire VAs.
In this post, I will tackle why I still use Upwork to find most of my freelance jobs.
So, is Upwork Legit?
Yes, Upwork is one of the top job outsourcing platforms on the planet that has been growing for more than two decades.
Let’s get going.
What is Upwork anyway?
Upwork is an online freelancing marketplace where clients can connect with freelancers.
Clients post listings for jobs and estimate their budgets.
Freelancers can then send proposals and make bids on the job.
[I also hire freelancers via Fiverr].
It’s entirely up to the client who they want to work with. This platform is super helpful for those working at home because you can look for jobs, get hired, chat with clients, share files, and get paid all in one place.
After you verify your email, you will have to create your profile.
Filling out your profile will make it easier for you to find relevant jobs in your field.
It used to be that clients would get swamped with freelancers. But now, you have to spend credits to apply to positions.
Related Reading: How to make an Extra 1000 a month – Check Them out Here
Is Upwork Legit?
Yep, Upwork is completely legit.
I have used Upwork to hire close to a dozen contractors for all types of work — websites, graphic design, customer service, bookkeeping, and more.
It’s definitely legit in that regard.
But below I’m going to mainly discuss the platform from a contractor’s point of view.
So why do some contractors like freelance writers warn others to stay away from Upwork as much as possible?
Why do they bash Upwork?
I’ll be candid and say that there is some level of truth to people’s complaints about Upwork.
Below, I’ve listed down these common complaints and my corresponding responses.
5 Reasons Why Some People Don’t Like Upwork
1. Upwork charges hefty fees.
I’m sad to say that this is true, and maybe the thing I don’t like the most about Upwork.
When you make your first $500 from a client, Upwork charges you a 10% fee. When you make the next $500, the fee drops to 10%.
Read more about Upwork’s fees here.
Freelancers complain about these fees, but I think it’s completely fair.
I mean, Upwork is the reason you got the business in the first place.
If you hate the fees, what would it cost you to create your own platform to create the business that Upwork can give you?
2. You can get kicked out of Upwork any time.
Yup, this is 100% true.
According to Upwork’s Terms of Service, your account can be suspended or terminated any time if you don’t comply with their rules.
This happens on other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn too.
I wouldn’t use this reason to stay away from Upwork, though.
Read and follow Upwork’s guidelines.
Add your clients on LinkedIn, so you have all their contact information.
If your account gets suspended for something unreasonable, you can still get a hold of them.
3. Jobs at Upwork don’t pay well.
Well, that’s true of some jobs.
For example, I had a contractor friend get tell me about a job on Upwork and said he needed five 1000-word blog posts done in 48 hours.
I thought, okay, this should cost a lot because this is a lot of writing in a limited time frame.
It turns out that his entire budget for the project was $50. I knew that wouldn’t do, so I declined the offer and moved on.
If you wait for projects that you think are worth your time and skill, it will do you a world of good.
Why? One, you get paid more. Two, your track record will attract more high-paying clients.
Should You Join Upwork?
Maybe.
I didn’t write this post to convince people to get on the platform.
The point is to shed light on Upwork’s advantages.
The point I’m trying to make is that it’s possible to gain financial success on Upwork.
Yes, it’s going to take time and effort, but it’s doable.
So is Upwork Legit? For sure.
If you decide to give Upwork a try, here are my tips that can help you get to your goal faster:
1. Get your client’s contact information as a back-up
Since Upwork can suspend or terminate your account without warning you, it’s always best to have your client’s contact information on hand.
2. Don’t make Upwork your only source of income.
I understand that to set up multiple streams of income you have to focus on them one at a time.
When you start working on Upwork, it will require focus, so don’t worry about doing anything else.
3. Ignore the negativity surrounding Upwork.
Many freelancers are trying to convince everybody that Upwork isn’t worth your time.
The funny thing is that most of these people didn’t give Upwork a fair shot.
Maybe Upwork isn’t going to work out for you, but you’ll never know unless you provide it your best.
