How to Get Your First Order on Upwork in 2025: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Freelancers on Upwork in 2025 may find the work rewarding but still challenging. With millions of freelancers vying for the same jobs, you have to use strategies, keep working and make sure you are optimized to get your first order accepted.
Here, I will walk you through valuable actions that can help you secure your initial Upwork clients in 2025 such as updating your profile, writing offers, increasing your skills and talking to clients. These tips will help you, regardless of your profession, to start your freelancing journey.
How to create a winning Upwork proposal
Step 1: Create a Professional Upwork Profile
- Since your profile is your CV online, you should make sure it grabs the reader’s attention.
- Make sure you’re using an appropriate profile picture.
- Add a clear and professional picture of yourself
- Greet others with a pleasant and appropriate smile.
Write a Compelling Title
In this case, you might consider changing your profession to:
Expert in SEO Content and Blogging | Assisting businesses with attractive articles”
Craft a Powerful Overview
- Emphasize your skills and experience, as well as your value.
- Use bullet points for readability.
- Use a powerful call-to-action (CTA) such as :
- "Let’s work together! Contact me through a message and I’ll reply in under two hours.
Showcase Your Skills
Add relevant skills (Upwork’s algorithm links jobs to people based on them).
Focus on desirable skills (for example: AI content writing, Python, Shopify development).
Upload a Portfolio
Even if you’re a beginner, add personal projects or free work examples.
Use case studies (for example, “Increased client’s traffic by 50% with SEO optimization”).
Step 2: Optimize Profile for Upwork’s Algorithm
UpWork search engine prefers complete and optimized profiles.
- Take Upwork Skill Tests
- Top three-score ranks are displayed on your profile, increasing credibility.
- Get a 100% Profile Completion Score
- Complete each section (education, previous employment, and certifications).
- Set a Competitive Hourly Rate
- As a beginner, start with
- 10−20$/hour (adjust later).
- Provide fixed rate packages for small tasks.
Step 3: Apply to Jobs Strategically
- Sending generic proposals = immediate rejection. Follow these rules:
- Only Apply for Jobs You are Capable of Delivering.
- Avoid overqualified/underqualified gigs.
- Try small, low-budget jobs for your first order.
- Write Custom Proposals for Every Job
- First Line Hook: Grab attention instantly.
- Hi, [Client’s Name], I’ve supported 10+ eCommerce businesses increase sales through SEO-optimized product descriptions, and I’d like to do the same for you.
- Show Understanding of the Project
- I saw that you need a blog about ‘AI in Digital Marketing’ I’ve written over 20 pieces in this field.
- Add a Quick Win (e.g. “I’ll include a free meta description of your blog”).
- End with a CTA
- “Let’s continue the discussion – I’m here for a quick call!”
Bid Smartly
- New freelancers should never bid solely on price.
- Rather, provide additional value-added (e.g., “I’ll deliver in 24 hours”).
Step 4: Trust is Built Before Your First Order
Clients are reluctant to hire new freelancers – show you’re reliable.
- Start with Smaller Gigs
- Provide low rates for first clients (but never undervalue yourself in the long-term).
- Go to Upwork’s Project Catalog (pre-packaged services) and fill in a Project scope form.
- Request Testimonials Outside Upwork
- Request past employers/clients for LinkedIn recommendations.
- Add these to your proposal: “See what my previous clients say: [Link]”
Be Highly Responsive
- Reply to messages within 2 hours.
- Clients favor fast communicators.
Step 5: Be a Star with a Powerful Personal Brand
1. Create a LinkedIn Profile
Connect with potential clients.
Share industry insights to develop an authority.
2. Start a Portfolio Website
Use Canva, WordPress, or Notion for a free portfolio.
Publish testimonials, case studies, and samples.
3. Network in Upwork Communities
Get on Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and Upwork forums.
Communicate with prospective clients (without spamming).
Step 6: Avoid Common Newbie Mistakes
- Copy-paste proposals → Automatic dismissal.
- Bidding too low – attracts bad clients.
- Failure to follow client directions → Rejection.
- Quitting too early → It takes 10-30 proposals to secure the first order.
Step 7: Get Your First Order Properly Secured & Get a 5-Star Review
Once hired:
Over-deliver (for example, include a free infographic).
Communicate daily (update progress).
Be polite when asking for feedback (If you’re happy, please leave a 5-star review!).
The Final Tips to Succeed on Upwork in 2025
✔ Niche (AI content, Shopify apps, etc.).
✔ Keep up with trends (AI utilities, blockchain, etc.).
✔ Upwork Boost (paid feature to gain ranking).
✔ Be patient & persistent – success doesn’t come overnight!
Conclusion
Obtaining your first order on Upwork in 2025 is an optimization and persistence game that involves smart strategies. By optimizing your profile, writing killer proposals and doing superlative work, you’ll establish a thriving freelancing career.
Start now- your first client is waiting.
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