My disdain for Upwork is hardly a secret. Even though I’d prefer people not to use that money-grabbing platform, I know some people still do.
Well, if you’re going to use it, make sure you know the tricks to reduce expenditure.
Today, I’ll share a top tip of mine to help you out. You need to become an Upwork detective.
Check the Client Feedback
The tip is simple. Before bidding, take the time to scour the client’s feedback. More often than not, an unwitting freelancer will have saved you money.
Take this recent Upwork posting, for instance.
The client is looking for an iGaming writer like me, so naturally, it caught my eye. But if you think I’m paying 19 connects, you can funk all the way off.
Instead, I went trawling through the 214 reviews, panning for gold. Which I found pretty quickly:
Thanks Sabbir!
Now What?
All I have to do now is Google “Paradise Media” and look for their website. You’re always likely to find something like an email address or contact form, if not an entire page full of freelance and full-time opportunities.
No joy? Then look for pages that talk about the company’s employees. There’s always something like an “About Us” or “Meet the Team”.
You’re sure to find someone from HR, talent acquisition or the marketing department. Look up them up on LinkedIn and hey presto, a free application opportunity.
You don’t even have to mention that you found the listing on Upwork. Just send a cold, “speculative” pitch that just happens to be tailored to exactly what they asked for in the original post.
Thank me later. And screw Upwork.