Post: #1

This is my first post, so...hello everyone, glad to be here!

I started doing a bit of freelancing writing on UpWork about a month ago. Now I understand that I don't want to be stuck writing small PR pieces or generic web articles for $5 a pop.

I know that there are better job boards out there than UpWork, but for now I'm interested in making my marketing deeper (higher pay) rather than wider (just more work).

For bids on better paying gigs, I started sending outline proposals together with the bid, and I'm seeing a much better response rate to those bids.

Next, I'm going to develop a few sample pieces for my portfolio in the niches I want to specialise in, and start send those out together with the bids. I'm seeing that there is a LOT of work right now for anything related to crypto currencies.

For the more experienced folks, how did you move up the ladder with your freelancing work? Did you just develop a big portfolio in the niches you wanted to be in? Did you hit up business and online marketing forums like WarriorForum?

Cheers!

Post: #2

Like you mentioned, starting a portfolio, or better yet a blog in a target niche is a fantastic idea. Having my blog landed me my biggest gigs ever. Since my blog had articles about dating, fitness, skincare etc. I could easily just send those articles in my cover letter on UpWork which really helped me stand out.

I haven't done content writing in years, but there are a lot of great resources out there. I'm on my phone so can't link to them but if you use the search button you'll find several good threads on content writing and copywriting. Beyond Borders is a great resorce!

Good blogs on this subject are 30 days to x and Jamie Mcsloy, the latter of whom has a TON of valuable content.

Post: #3

One of the easiest ways to get higher paid work is to simply raise your prices. Even on upwork you can command a much, much higher price than $5 an article. Please do not work for such ridiculous rates.

The money in writing is fantastic. I don't market myself at all anymore and am focused on writing my own books at the moment, but I've still got work whenever I want it. I wrote an email last night for $200 and it took less than an hour to write it and then outline eight more, which I'll flesh out over the next couple days, for the same price.

These kinds of rates allow me lots of free time to work on my books and do pretty much whatever I want with my time, but if you fill your schedule you can also just get on your grind and make a very decent income.

There's a thread on here called "Freelancing on Elance" somewhere. Read it - the principles for getting paid better on Upwork are pretty much the same. There's another thread called "All Things Freelance," and Cleanslate has one on starting an online writing service as well.

By the way, Cleanslate is deaf and charges prices as high as I do, and it did not take him long to get there either. I mention his deafness because even online a lot of moneyed clients want a phone call, but he hasn't let it hold him back. Now he lives in Asia. He's a very organized and driven man, but that should show you that you're selling yourself short.

Read the threads and buy any books suggested, which will talk about other places to get work and how. Take charge of your education by reading the top books in the field. Go to thefastlaneforum and read the threads on copywriting there - they specifically talk about Upwork.

There are better ways to get work, but that type of platform is a good way to build a portfolio, and many folks won't take you seriously when they see your $5 article examples, so I would focus on at least getting a few higher paid jobs under your belt before pursuing other channels.

Also, keep in mind that you don't have to wait for better clients to create a better portfolio - you're a writer, so simply write one. Do you really think they're going to contact your old clients to ask about the work? Just put in the hours and create two or three showcase pieces.

Seth's advice about blogging is also solid. I too got some of my best jobs this way.

The best thing you can do is learn copywriting. Thefastlaneforum will point you in the right direction for copywriting resources. But before you do that simply raise your prices on the very same platform and argue a better case for why you're worth it. Nothing shows your skills better than a well written profile and proposal.

$5 an article....sheesh, man. Just have a little respect for yourself and people will respect you enough to pay you more.

Stop competing with the third world providers on price. It's depressing to think there are writers out there groveling like that - fortunately, it has been that way as long as I can remember and in over ten years has never forced those with a higher standard to do the same.

Do not lump yourself in with those other writers when setting your price. They are not your competition. The key is branding and positioning.

Post: #4

How'd you even get into Upwork if you're only doing generic articles? The bots rejected my application with more.

I've got some gigs up on Fiverr, but need to learn a bit more about pulling in customers proactively.

Post: #5

I have a writer I pay $50 for about 1-2 hours of writing + research. He likes it because its easy and simple work he can do whenever he wants.

If you form relationships with profitable blog owners they'll likely have a ton of work for you consistently. Best way is to probably find 10-20 popular blogs and try to contact the owners via email. Even better up and coming blogs with aggressive owners who want to pump out a lot of content really fast.

If you're into copywriting working with the financial publishers is probably the highest you can go.