Why Upwork clients ignore your proposals & how to get them to respond often

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses a common issue faced by freelancers on Upwork: unresponsive clients. They explain that it's normal for many proposals to go unanswered, especially early on, and emphasize the importance of persistence. Key strategies include applying to jobs quickly (within the first 30 minutes) and targeting the right types of jobs that are more likely to hire beginners. The speaker encourages freelancers to study successful profiles to identify high-potential opportunities and reminds viewers that with consistent effort, success is possible on Upwork, even if it takes time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistency is Key: Expect many proposals to go unanswered—this is a normal part of freelancing on Upwork.
• 😀 Speed Matters: Apply within 30-45 minutes of a job posting to increase your chances of being considered before the client gets overwhelmed with proposals.
• 😀 Don't Get Discouraged: Even if most of your proposals get no response, persistence is essential, as many successful freelancers have faced the same issue.
• 😀 Focus on Job Type Fit: Apply to job postings that are suitable for your skill level, focusing on those types of jobs that successful freelancers began with.
• 😀 Profile Targeting: Analyze successful freelancers' profiles to identify the types of jobs they were hired for early in their careers and target similar ones.
• 😀 Be Active on Upwork: Check the platform regularly and use natural breaks in your day (e.g., between games or episodes) to apply to new jobs.
• 😀 Understand Client Risk Aversion: Many clients are hesitant to hire beginners, so focus on jobs where there's a higher likelihood of getting hired based on past freelancer success.
• 😀 Early Action Leads to Better Results: Propose quickly on new jobs to catch the client when they are still considering applicants actively.
• 😀 Freelancing on Upwork is a Long-Term Game: Expect to face a lot of rejections early on, but with time and effort, Upwork will begin recommending your profile.
• 😀 Keep Your Expectations Realistic: Over 60% of job posts may lead to unresponsive clients or canceled proposals, so expect setbacks but keep applying.
• 😀 No One Is Immune to the Process: All successful freelancers have gone through the phase of sending out many proposals with little response—stick with it and success will come.

Q & A

Why do many job proposals on Upwork go unanswered?

Many job proposals on Upwork go unanswered because clients often cancel jobs after posting or choose not to hire anyone. This is a common occurrence and part of the freelancing process on the platform.

What is the normal rate of unresponsive clients on Upwork?

It is normal to experience unresponsive clients on Upwork, with over 60% of job posts leading to either no response or canceled proposals.

How can I increase my chances of getting a response to my proposal?

One way to increase your chances of a response is to apply quickly after a job post goes live—ideally within 30 minutes. This shows the client you’re proactive and may lead to a higher chance of being hired.

Is it common for clients to cancel their job postings on Upwork?

Yes, it’s common for clients to cancel their job postings. This could happen due to changes in their business, budget constraints, or other factors that make them decide not to hire through Upwork.

How does applying quickly impact your chances of getting hired?

Applying quickly—within 30 to 45 minutes after the job post goes live—can significantly increase your chances of being hired, as clients often want to hire someone immediately and may choose one of the first applicants.

What is a good strategy for monitoring new job postings on Upwork?

A good strategy is to monitor job postings during natural breaks in your day, such as after finishing a game, watching a TV show, or taking a break from work. This allows you to apply quickly without losing focus on your daily activities.

Why is it important to target the right types of jobs on Upwork?

Targeting the right types of jobs is crucial because some jobs are more likely to result in a response, especially if you’re just starting out. Researching successful freelancers’ profiles can help you identify job types that have a higher chance of success for beginners.

How can I identify the types of jobs to target as a beginner on Upwork?

To identify the right jobs, look at the profiles of successful freelancers in your field. Study their first few jobs to identify patterns in the types of work they were hired for early on, and focus on those job types when applying.

Should I focus on jobs that are popular or highly specific to my niche?

It's better to focus on jobs that are common among successful freelancers, especially in your niche. This increases your chances of success and ensures you're applying for jobs that clients are more likely to give a chance to.

How long does it take for Upwork to start recommending your profile to clients?

It can take around 1 to 2 years before Upwork starts recommending your profile to clients. During this time, you’ll need to rely heavily on sending proposals to find work.