Earning Currency Selling Expertise on Upwork: First Client Strategy for the Beginning Freelancer

The basic logic of making money on freelance platforms is not "opening a profile and waiting for customers". First, a salable skill is required, then a reliable portfolio and the right customer targeting.

For a beginner, one can choose from web design, WordPress, video editing, graphic design, content writing, virtual assistant, data analysis, SEO, social media management or AI-powered production services.

Freelancer service fee on Upwork according to the contract Can vary between 0%–15% and the rate to be applied during the offer or employment contract can be seen. Upwork states that the relevant wage rate is fixed after the contract begins.

For example, if there is a 10% freelancer fee for a job worth 100 USD, the amount the freelancer receives after the platform cut, rather than before, will be approximately 90 USD. Thereupon, any taxes, payment transfer or other costs should be evaluated separately.

Instead of working indefinitely with low prices to get the first customer, projects with small scope and clear deliverables can be targeted. For example, “10 social media images”, “one-page landing page” or “5 short video edits”.

Initial cost: It may be low if the computer and necessary software are already available.

Risks: Fake clients, requests for free work, extortionists, and unclear project scopes. Work should not be started without securing payment.

Upwork's current minimums are for hourly contracts $3/hour, for fixed price projects 5 USD; However, these minimums do not mean that it makes economic sense for a freelancer to work at these levels.

Who is it not suitable for? The first stage may be difficult for people who do not want to communicate in English, do not want to deal with customer revisions, or do not have any particular skills.