Upwork is one of the largest and most popular platforms for connecting companies with freelance professionals. As demand for remote work increases, Upwork continues to grow at a rapid pace.
Is Upwork worth it for freelancers? Does the size and popularity of the site lead to more clients, or will you end up lost in a crowd?
After taking a thorough look at Upwork, here’s a closer look at what it does well, where it could improve, and everything else you’ll want to know.
Upwork Review: What is Upwork?
Essentially, Upwork acts as a trusted intermediary between clients and freelancers. The platform holds funds in escrow, settles any disputes, tracks billable hours when necessary, and otherwise manages the entire process from hiring to final project completion and payment.
Upwork caters to practically any type of office or creative computer or digital-based work. The Talent Marketplace is organized into six categories:
- Development and IT
- Design and Creative
- Sales and Marketing
- Writing and Translation
- Admin and Customer Support
- Finance and Accounting
As you can see, practically all common types of freelance work are covered.
How Does Upwork Work?
Creating an Upwork account and using the service is straightforward on a technical level. However, some of the platform’s processes can seem a little confusing to new users.
First, you’ll need to create an account. Unlike many other freelancer platforms, not all applicants are accepted for Upwork. In an attempt to balance freelancer and client needs, Upwork limits the number of new freelancers.
- Applicants might not be accepted if the service they offer fits into a category that’s already saturated.
- Current members might lose their active status if they don’t try hard enough to find clients.
Once your account is created, you’re then able to submit proposals and apply for tasks. If the client accepts your proposal, they’ll schedule an interview. If that goes well, they’ll offer you the job.
After accepting the project, it’s time to get to work. If you’re paid an hourly rate, Upwork will track your hours and submit an invoice to the client.
For a fixed payment, you’ll submit a payment request upon job completion, and then Upwork will release the client’s funds from an escrow account.
As you complete work and earn positive feedback, your profile will reflect your experience and client satisfaction rating. Over time, enough positive feedback can result in a Top Rated designation, which helps identify you as an expert in your field.
Features of Upwork
What makes Upwork stand out from other freelancer platforms? Here’s a look at its key features.
Freelancer Vetting
As described above, not everyone who applies to Upwork is accepted. While applying and setting up a profile can take a bit of time, the exclusivity of the site does attract clients looking for quality work.
If you’re an expert in your field, the site helps you connect with people who are likely to appreciate your talents.
Payment Methods
By holding money in an escrow, Upwork helps prevent any lengthy payment disputes. If you’ve completed the work, but the client attempts to file a complaint that doesn’t have merit, Upwork can help ensure you still get paid.
Additionally, they use a time tracker to help monitor hourly work. It automatically creates a work diary with screenshots, which the client can check to ensure everything is invoiced correctly. This time tracker makes Upwork an excellent option for any freelancers who bill by the hour.
Here’s a look at their fee structure:
- They take 20% of the first $500 earned
- They take 10% for lifetime billings between $500.01 and $10,000
- They take 5% for lifetime billings above $10,000
Upwork’s service fees are relatively high compared to similar services, but they do scale as you earn.
Accessible for New and Experienced Freelancers
Is Upwork any good for new freelancers? Yes, in many cases, it’s a solid choice if you’re just starting out. Their system allows you to develop a good reputation even if you don’t initially have much of an established profile.
You might have to take some lower-paying jobs at first, but as you continue to deliver work successfully, you’ll find better opportunities.
It’s also a solid platform for industry veterans. A strong history of success in your industry can help you stand out from the other freelancers, even if you’re new to the site itself.
Peace of Mind
Upwork was originally founded in 2015. It’s the result of a merger between Elance and oDesk, two now-defunct freelance platforms.
They’re a well-established company with a sophisticated payment and dispute resolution system. As a freelancer, you don’t have to worry about any payment issues or ongoing client problems.
Plus, because they’re such a large company, you’ll find a variety of different projects, which is helpful if you have a niche specialty in your field.
Tips for Using Upwork
As addressed above, if you’re new to Upwork, connecting with clients does require a bit of work at the beginning.
First, you’ll probably have to do low-paying, fairly tedious jobs for about the first two to three weeks. You need to build up your reputation on Upwork before better-paying clients consider you.
Even if you’re well-established in your field, you’ll still need to grind out some lower-paying work to increase the appeal of your profile.
Additionally, good communication is key. Some job postings will include additional questions. Time spent providing thorough answers helps increase your likelihood of getting the job. Maintain responsive and thorough communication throughout the project, too. Many freelancers prefer to install the Upwork app, so they can respond to client questions as quickly as possible.
Develop a compelling profile. Clients have lots of options and will scroll through prospects quickly. Photos, videos, and clear messaging with appropriate keywords help you stand out in a positive way. It can help reinforce the idea that you’re a real person with skills that can benefit them.
Best Upwork Alternatives
Is Upwork worth it, or should you use a different platform? Here’s how the site stacks up to some of its best-known competitors.
Freelancer
The biggest direct competitor to Upwork is Freelancer. Both target the same general types of freelancers and businesses. However, they have a few notable differences.
Freelance is a lot more accessible because they don’t reject any applicants. While that’s good news if you’re a freelancer who can’t get into Upwork, it also means the platform has more competition.
Also, Freelancer charges either 10% or $5 for fixed-price projects and takes a 10% fee for hourly projects.
Ultimately, they’re an easier platform to join, but you’ll likely have a harder time developing ongoing relationships with clients.
PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is another significant competitor to Upwork. Like Upwork, PPH also screens their applicants, although the process isn’t quite as extensive.
They have similar talent categories, although with a more limited selection. Also, many people feel that the main dashboard is confusing and difficult to navigate.
PPH has lower fees than Upwork, but they also have less work. Overall, however, they do offer a steady supply of projects across a fairly broad range of categories.
Final Thoughts on Upwork for Freelancers
Is Upwork worth it?
In a word: Yes. After a thorough review of Upwork, we’ve found that it does have a few unique benefits compared to similar platforms.
Their billing and hour track systems are well-organized and easy to use. Plus, the scope of work available is often more varied than the competition.
While the service fees run on the high end, and the application process can feel a tad tedious, Upwork does offer a powerful platform that freelancers of all experience levels will want to consider.
Still unsure? Read our comparison between Upwork and Fiverr (another Upwork alternative).
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