I created my account back in 2021. Did some occasional freelancing here and there, random jobs, some related to SEO as I worked as an SEO manager at an agency. Fast forward I had one client with whom I had a fall out, I refunded the amount but if still affected my JSS. I think it was back in 2024 maybe. It dropped my JSS to 78% or something.

After that I stopped using Upwork altogether.

A month or two back, my JSS disappeared possibly because there was less than two jobs I did in the last 24 months.

I figured it's a great time to start, updated my profile and everything towards AI automation (cause this is what I'm pursuing these days), added the relevant portfolio projects I did (around 10), updated the skills and everything else.

Out of the 68 proposals I sent, I think I've sent around 30 loom videos as well. I start the proposal by something like: "Here's a loom I recorded". Sometimes I even do some of the work that the client needs for example if they need an n8n workflow, I'd make a basic version and show it in loom.

I know I don't have relevant job history related to AI, therefore I don't even negotiate on the budget or the timeline, because I know I need to build my profile at this point.

Out of the 4 interviews I got, three are in discussion, I'd say 20-30% chance they'd convert and 1 who reached out telling me you got shortlisted, sent a rejection message.

Also, 2 interviews I got were the ones where I submitted loom.

Need suggestions? Are the stats good? Or should I change my approach??

Hola Everyone,

It’s my first week in Upwork…so far I’ve used Upwork only as a recruiter but now that I’ve registered as a freelancer…I’m a bit nervous.

So far I’ve applied to only 4-5 jobs (only 1 View, no further actions so far), and been super-scrupulous with my Connect Points.

What are your advices, specially considering that it’s my first week and there’s no job history to establish my credibility?

Thanks in advance!

Im a top rated plus on upwork with 100k plus earnings, with clean records etc. After changing my picture with my eyeglass and cap on it, they wanted me to reverify which I did....
After few days, they permanently ban me with vague reasons, like identity security reasons.

Anyone have encountered the same problem?

I am a client of 7 years, recently my account was suspended, unable to message my freelancers and was asked to go through a photo + video verification process of my account with no explanation. Completed everything but they still tell me they need more time to review. It’s been almost 16 days and still no answer. Has anyone else experienced this?

Gone are the days of 15-20 proposals on a job.

Hey everyone, I just want to share something that’s been on my mind lately.

I’ve worked with different clients as a Virtual Assistant, handling Customer Service, Appointment Setting, and Credit Repair Sales Support. There was a time when I had clients and work to keep me busy, but now, I’m back to zero clients and starting over again.

Honestly, it’s not an easy feeling, especially when you know you have the skills and experience but still struggle to find your next opportunity.

With Christmas getting closer, I’m really hoping to find a new client before the holidays. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to get clients, but sometimes it feels like I’m putting in the effort without getting anywhere.

For those of you who have been in the same situation, how did you find your next client? What actually worked for you when you needed to get clients quickly? Was it Reddit, cold outreach, Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or something else?

I’d genuinely appreciate any advice, tips, or even a little encouragement right now. I know I have something to offer, and I’m ready to work. I just need to find the right opportunity.

I'm a full-stack dev based in Cameroon, 4 years of experience, and I just hit a wall on Upwork: 24 proposals sent, 0 replies, 0 contracts, 0 reviews.

Some context so this isn't just a rant:

• 4 years at a risk & compliance platform used by financial institutions, the last year as Tech Lead of a team of 10
• Two products I built and shipped myself, both live: a multi-tenant SaaS and an events/fintech platform
• Verified ID, fluent English, 20$/h, Intermediate level on my profile
• One published project in the catalog

Here is the part I'm unsure about. I positioned my profile as "Supabase & Next.js Dev | MVP to Production: Auth, RLS, Payments". It's a real strength of mine, but I can do just as much on the backend side (Django, REST APIs, PostgreSQL) and I left all of that out to look more "specialized".

Now I wonder if I shot myself in the foot. Fewer jobs match a narrow title, and I'm competing for the same few Supabase/Next.js listings as everyone else.

What I've done on my proposals:

• Customized each one instead of using a template
• Targeted clients with verified payment and a reasonable number of existing proposals
• Been upfront about what I don't know instead of overselling

What frustrates me most is the silence. No "not a fit", no "too expensive", just nothing. I can't tell if the problem is my niche, my rate, my proposals, my timezone, or simply the lack of reviews.

Questions for people who've been through this:

1. How many proposals did it take you to land your first contract?
2. With zero reviews, is it better to stay niche or go broader (full-stack, backend, etc.) to get that first job?
3. Did you lower your rate to get the first review, or hold your price?
4. Is "Intermediate" with 4 years of experience the right level, or should I be thinking about it differently?
5. Any red flag you'd spot immediately on a profile like mine? Happy to share the link in DMs for a blunt review.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to answer. Brutal honesty is welcome.

I had a suspicion that Upwork used dynamic pricing for their job posts but I just got a confirmation thanks to Claude.

So it seems the quicker you apply the cheaper the connect price you get.