Introduction
When you’re confident in your skills, the next step is usually to enter the freelancing market. But once you step in, the reality hits—you face tough competition, and the space is already crowded with freelancers offering the same services. What often happens is that many new freelancers use up their initial bids, and when they don’t land a project right away, they give up and move on to something else.
In this post, we’ll cover the key things you need to focus on early to earn your first reviews on freelance platforms. These reviews not only boost your confidence but also make you a stronger choice for clients when they’re deciding who to hire. So, let’s get started.
What Really Goes Wrong?
When you try something new—whatever it may be—you don’t fully understand it at first. For example, imagine using Google for the very first time. All you know is that it’s a search engine, but it takes some time to actually learn how to use it effectively. That’s how learning works—we grow through experience.
The same thing happens in freelancing. Most platforms give beginners some initial credits to start with. But instead of taking time to set up a proper profile or carefully choosing projects, many new freelancers rush in and submit proposals randomly. As a result, most of their proposals get ignored or rejected by clients.
What Should Be My First Step?
As a freelancer, your very first step on any platform (Upwork, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, etc.) should be to complete your profile before submitting any bids.
Start with your professional title—this is one of the most important elements since it’s bold, highlighted, and usually the first thing clients notice before making a decision. Next, write a compelling bio that clearly explains your skills and the value you bring. Finally, build a strong portfolio with at least three projects that showcase your abilities.
These elements are crucial because clients almost always check them before even considering your proposal. A polished profile plus a well-curated portfolio instantly increases your chances of getting noticed.
Should Your Proposal Be Attractive?
Absolutely. Writing an attractive proposal is one of the most important steps in landing projects. Your proposal should always be tailored to the client’s needs and what they’re specifically asking for. Avoid using the same copy-paste proposal over and over, as this can significantly reduce your chances of getting hired.
Instead, take time to craft each proposal so it speaks directly to the client’s requirements and shows that you understand their project.
And if you’re struggling to write effective proposals, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. You can check out our detailed blog, where we explain step-by-step how to write proposals that actually catch a client’s attention.
When to Expect a Response from Clients?
In the beginning, it’s a smart move to bid on projects with smaller budgets. This way, your competition is usually with freelancers who have profiles similar to yours, rather than top-rated professionals with dozens of reviews.
By focusing on lower-paying jobs in your domain, you increase your chances of getting noticed. If your proposal is well-written and your profile looks professional, you’re more likely to receive responses from clients much faster. Over time, these smaller projects will help you build reviews and credibility, making it easier to land bigger and better opportunities.
How to Identify Scammers Early in Freelancing?
When you’re just starting out, it’s natural to feel eager—even desperate—for projects. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of this mindset.
To protect yourself, always submit bids only on projects where the client’s identity is verified (and ideally, where payment is verified as well). Verified profiles are much safer and more reliable.
Even then, stay alert. If a client—verified or not—asks you to move the conversation off the freelancing platform (for example, to Telegram or WhatsApp), that’s a major red flag. In most cases, it means the probability of them being a scammer is high. Always keep communication and transactions within the platform to stay protected.
Should Your Response Be on Time?
Yes—timing matters a lot. When a client messages you, there’s a good chance they’ve also reached out to several other freelancers. If you respond late, you risk losing the opportunity.
Always reply as quickly as possible. A timely response not only increases your chances of being considered but also builds trust and positions you as a reliable freelancer. Quick replies often put you at the top of the client’s priority list.
Be on Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to just one freelancing platform. Instead, try being active on multiple platforms to increase your chances of success. Each platform has a different audience and client base, so the more places you’re visible, the higher your chances of landing projects.
Popular platforms worth exploring include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. You can also research other niche platforms that fit your skills and industry.
Bonus Tip
If you’re short on time or unsure how to create a professional profile on freelancing platforms, you can use our platform CoverLetter4U. By simply answering a few prompts, you can generate a complete, well-structured profile and craft proposals that truly stand out—helping you attract clients more effectively.