To UpWork, or Not To UpWork | Joining UpWork As A Webflow Developer

UpWork often faces criticism in the Webflow community (and understandably so) for being oversaturated and not the most ideal platform to scale a freelancing business. However, despite its challenges, UpWork can still be an excellent starting point to build your professional network.

What Is An "UpWork"? 

First, let’s revisit the question, “What is UpWork?” (courtesy of ChatGPT):  

UpWork is a leading online freelancing platform that connects businesses and independent professionals worldwide. It provides a flexible space for employers to post jobs and find skilled freelancers across various categories, such as writing, graphic design, web development, marketing, and more. Freelancers can create profiles, showcase their expertise, and bid on projects, while employers can review proposals, communicate directly, and manage projects.  

While it’s true that relying on UpWork for a steady flow of one-off Webflow projects isn’t sustainable due to the seasonal nature of Webflow work, the platform still offers a valuable avenue for forming long-term professional relationships. E.g., connecting with creative or SEO agencies that need a reliable Webflow partner can lead to ongoing collaborations that extend beyond the platform itself.  

Over time, as you build trust and deliver quality work, you’ll naturally become less reliant on UpWork as these partnerships provide a consistent flow of projects. Then, once your portfolio is strong enough, you can even explore in-house opportunities—but that’s a topic for another article.

How To Start On UpWork

Getting started on UpWork can feel like a hassle, but prioritizing quality over "time-to-market" will set you up for long-term success. You want to ensure you hit the ground running with all the essential components in place:

• A professional headshot: First impressions matter, so invest in a clean, high-quality photo.
• Your title and bio: Clearly showcase your expertise and what makes you the right choice for clients.
• Proposal script(s): Have well-crafted templates ready to tailor to job postings quickly and effectively.
• A video introduction: A short, personable video can help build trust and set you apart.
• A portfolio: Highlight your best work to demonstrate your skills and attract potential clients.

By taking the time to refine these elements upfront, you'll position yourself to stand out and start building meaningful client relationships right away.

Your UpWork Professsional Headshot

This can be a challenge for some, but if possible, I highly recommend investing in a professional headshot. It doesn’t need to be overly corporate—in fact, I’d advise against that—but it should be high-quality, well-framed, and visually polished.

Your headshot should also be consistent across all platforms where you present your brand (e.g., LinkedIn, Dribbble, etc.).

The same logic applies to your bio: maintain a consistent, well-crafted narrative across the board. This helps reinforce your professional identity and build trust with clients, no matter where they find you.

Your UpWork Title & Bio

Hi,  

My name is [your name], and I've had the opportunity to [list key accomplishments, e.g., "work with X clients," "launch Y successful projects," or "help businesses grow their online presence"].  

You can check out my work here:  
[link to your portfolio]  

I specialize in [list specialties, e.g., "Webflow development, responsive design, and performance optimization"].  

Outside of development, I [share a few personal hobbies or interests, e.g., "love hiking on weekends, experimenting with coffee brewing, or sketching ideas in my notebook"].  

Now you know a little more about me! 

Crafting Your Proposal Script(s)

This one can be a bit controversial—many will say not to use the same proposal for every job posting. However, I believe there’s value in having a “templated proposal” to save time, avoid rewriting the same details, and apply at scale.

The key is to make the intro of your proposal essentially the first half of your bio:

Hi,  

My name is [your name], and I've had the opportunity to [list key accomplishments, e.g., "work with X clients," "launch Y successful projects," or "help businesses grow their online presence"].  

You can check out my work here:  
[link to your portfolio]  

I specialize in [list specialties, e.g., "Webflow development, responsive design, and performance optimization"].  

From there, you can customize the rest of your proposal to address the specific project—showing that you’ve read the posting, understand the client’s needs, and have relevant experience.

Then, you can drop in your video introduction, and some social links.

Having a solid template means you’re not starting from scratch, but personalization ensures you still stand out.

Creating Your Video Introduction

The goal of your video introduction isn’t to provide new information beyond your bio and proposal script—it’s to show the client that you’re a real person. Hiring remotely and asynchronously on UpWork can feel risky for many clients, so a video of yourself helps break that digital wall and builds trust.

By putting a face and voice to your name, you come across as approachable, professional, and reliable, which can set you apart from other freelancers. This small step can make a big difference in making potential clients feel confident about working with you.

Building A Portfolio With No Clients

This may seem facetious to ask, but how does one build a portfolio with no clients? First, let’s clarify the purpose of a portfolio: is it to showcase past clients or to demonstrate your capabilities?

The latter, of course!

This means you can create a portfolio even without paying clients by focusing on work that highlights your skills. Build sites for free, rebuild existing websites to improve them, or design and develop sites for local businesses near you. Whatever the approach, the goal is to showcase what you’re capable of creating.

I’d recommend having a portfolio with at least three solid projects before aggressively applying for jobs on UpWork. This foundation will give you the confidence to pitch your services and help clients visualize the value you can bring to their projects.

Closing Remarks

UpWork may not be perfect, but it remains a valuable stepping stone for freelancers looking to build their network, showcase their skills, and establish long-term relationships. By investing time in creating a strong profile, crafting a compelling portfolio, and leveraging tools like video introductions and tailored proposals, you can set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace. With persistence and strategic effort, UpWork can serve as a launchpad for not just finding clients, but creating lasting partnerships that extend beyond the platform.