When you decide to go freelance, you need to give it your best in order to stand out from the crowd.

What does a perfect freelancer profile look like?

What does it contain?

What would make your freelancer profile a client magnet?

Some may argue that all freelancer profiles are the same.

While the structure may be the same, what goes into it differs from one freelancer profile to another. That’s why, some freelancers will be closing deals every day while other are busy lamenting how freelancing is a scam.

Maybe you’ve already signed up on Upwork. You’ve been submitting proposals and even depleted your free connects but no one seems to hire you. You are receiving zero responses to your proposals.

As much as your proposal has an effect on the conversion rates – we’ll look at how to craft a great proposal in another post – your profile also plays a major role in how successful you’ll be as a freelancer.

I’m using Upwork as an example here as it’s the largest freelance marketplace at the moment. However, this formula can be applied to any other freelancing platform out there. Freelancer, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Guru etc are other good options you can check out.

What does a great Upwork freelancer profile look like?

#1 Use Your Official Name

When creating your social media profiles, it’s always fun to use your pen or nick name. Though you may be tempted to do the same when creating an Upwork freelancer profile, its highly discouraged.

Use your real names. The names that are written on your official documents. Remember this is a business so treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

Using your real identity not only helps you build trust with your clients, if you ever run into issues with the platform, it will be easier to verify you are who you claim to be.

#2 A Professional Profile Picture

Most of us own smartphones that have great cameras. While a selfie might seem like a great option, uploading a professional looking photo will increase your chances of succeeding as a freelancer.

Dress smart. You don’t have to be in a suit just something decent, don’t show too much skin. Your background shouldn’t have too many details. A plain background works best to put the focus on you. And remember to smile.

If you can, head over to your nearest photo studio or call on your freelance photographer friend to take a photo of you.  

#3 Your Title Should Be Specific

Before a client goes through your profile the first thing they see if your title.

Does it say what you do? Does it give a client an idea on whether you are the right fit for their job? Don’t be too broad, niche down and be specific.

Instead of “virtual assistant,” you can niche down to say “Pinterest virtual assistant,” “fiction writer” “eBook writer” instead of just “writer” as a title.

#4 Your Profile Overview

While this part isn’t viewable until the client clicks on your profile to view details, it’s always at the top of the profile.

Use this section to introduce yourself and pitch to your potential clients. Show them how your skills can help solve their problems.

In one or two sentences, share your experiences and qualifications. This is not your chance to brag but rather to share your past professional experiences that are relevant to the freelance career you are pursuing.

#5 List Your Skills

When setting up your Upwork freelancer profile, you are allowed to add a number of skills on your profile. Choose these skills wisely. Before selecting from your skills set, go through a number of job posts, see what clients are looking for in your field. What skills do they list on their job posts when looking for someone with your skill set to work for them?

This will guide on what to include on your profile. Think of your skills as keywords. If a client was searching for a freelancer with a certain skill, do you think your profile is optimized to show up in the search results?

#6 Your Portfolio

Whether you are signing up as a graphic designer or a writer, you need a portfolio.

Your portfolio is your best chance to show that potential client the kind of quality they will receive should they go ahead and hire you.

Include pieces that reflect your best. If you are just starting out and don’t have any previous work to show, work on a piece and upload it. If you are going to use your previous clients’ work, make sure you have their consent to do so.

#7 Upload Your Certifications

Remember those online courses you took during the summer holidays? Well, now is the time to show the world what you achieved.

Apart from uploading your college documents, Upwork allows you to list your certifications in your freelancer profile.

If you have certifications that relate to your work specialization, go ahead and upload them. These will help build your reputation as a freelancer who has specialized in a particular field.

#8 Upload An Introductory Video

If you are not camera shy, create a video introducing yourself and upload it! It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a simple video about yourself, your skills. Even though this is an optional feature, you can take advantage of it as many freelancers tend not to use it.

#9 Check Out Other Freelancer Profiles In Your Niche

No one was born knowing everything. We often find ourselves searching for tips on how to accomplish everyday tasks.

I’m not asking you to plagiarize other people’s profiles. But, if you are stuck and need inspiraton on what to include in your profile, check out top rated freelancers in your niche and see what they have done. Gather ideas and create your own.  

#10 Proofread Your Profile

Imagine uploading a copywriter profile full of grammatical mistakes. Do you think anyone will have the confidence to hire you? Use grammar checker tools such as Grammarly to proofread your profile before allowing other to see it.

Read your profile out aloud.

Does it sound like you?

Does it have the kind of flow you would like it to have?

Another option is to have a friend go through it and give you feedback.

Always remember, your freelancer profile is your online CV. Make it as professional as you can. Whenever you accomplish something, go back and update it to reflect your new achievements.

I hope this helps you wow a few clients and make some money!