5 People Who Make Between $500 and $10K a Month on Upwork: 5 Tips for Reaching the Same Success

Forget what you see in the movies about unicorn startups with millions in funding from venture capital firms. Many self-employed workers start with a simple side hustle — which can grow into a main gig, and perhaps later to a small business with employees.

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Try out these tips from side hustle entrepreneurs on Upwork, who earn real money on their own terms .

Money mistakes the super wealthy never make - that you might be doing now.

Experiment To Find the Ideal Niche

“I’ve made over $300,000 on Upwork,” said writer Amy Suto . “I charge $750/hour as a freelance writer and memoir ghostwriter on the platform.

“I got started with this work because I wanted to earn money as a side hustle. I had done some blogging in the past, but when I landed my first memoir I was hooked. I started scaling up my ghostwriting offerings across a few niches, but now I also travel to visit my memoir ghostwriting clients in countries like Singapore and Greece.

“Keep an open mind and try out different types of work in different niches. You never know what types of jobs will really spark your interests, and staying excited about your work is important for longevity as a freelancer.”

Learn More: How To Earn $750 a Week in Passive Income

Be Consistent To Build a Portfolio

“In the last 11 months, I’ve earned $129,824 on Upwork,” explained Tracy Lamourie, founder of public relations firm Lamourie Media . “It’s gone from a side hustle to a good 70% of my income. Upwork tells me my lifetime earnings on it have exceeded $400,000.

“I started on it back in the Elance days, and my first client on it was Rosa Parks’s cousin. I did PR for her movie and later for her book.

“Then I promptly ignored it for a decade while using mostly Linkedin and other social platforms to get clients.

“Around 2020 or so, I rediscovered it in the COVID pandemic, and there were a ton of new potential clients on it — major businesses that hadn’t used it before as well as SMEs.

“Upwork provides a great way for skilled professionals to find quick work on the go. It also has a lot of fulfilling professional projects, so don’t just think of it as a way to earn a quick buck.”

Mark Slack, co-founder at SideHustles.com , expanded on this point: “Long-term success depends on favorable evaluations and recurring business. Keep your profile and skills updated to reflect your expanding competence. It’s crucial for others who want to increase their side gig income to be persistent, patient, and always open to learning and adapting.”

Apply and Network Proactively

Slack went on to emphasize proactivity rather than just passively sitting back and waiting for employers to stumble on your profile.

“Join groups that interest you, network within the Upwork community, and think about upgrading your membership to gain greater visibility. You will stand out from the competition if you communicate and deliver your message with professionalism and consistency.

“Essential steps to earning money on Upwork include building a strong profile, highlighting your abilities, and applying to tasks thoughtfully. Start by adding a professional photo, a thorough explanation of your experience, and a work portfolio to your profile.

“Make sure to highlight any relevant experience and include search terms that could be used by prospective clients. After creating your profile, begin applying to jobs that fit your qualifications. Make each proposal unique by outlining how you can address the client’s issue and demonstrating that you understand their needs.

“Focus on producing high-quality work and developing trusting connections with clients if you want to increase your Upwork side gig revenue.”

Build a Brand Based on Relationships

Like many on Upwork, SEO and digital marketing expert Damilola Ademuyiwa of DammyAde.com started small on the platform with little consistent income.

“I earn around $3,000 a month on Upwork, and it all started with a small project that snowballed into steady gigs. My breakthrough came when a client needed an SEO overhaul; my results led to referrals and repeat business.

“My most important tip for others looking to earn consistently: build genuine relationships with your clients. I once sent a personalized thank you note after a project, which led to a long-term contract. Also, specialize in a niche you’re passionate about — my love for digital marketing keeps me motivated and knowledgeable.

“For anyone starting, don’t just chase money. Focus on building your brand and delivering outstanding work. Authentic connections and passion will set you apart.”

Amy Suto echoed this sentiment: “Another key thing that helped me grow my career was a consistent improvement of my skills and personal branding. As a copywriter, I know how important it is to have your ‘brand’ do the selling for you, so I took that to heart and spent hundreds of hours crafting my copy and digital presence so that my clients knew they could trust me.”

Jump on New Jobs

“I make up to $500 per month taking small side jobs on UpWork,” shared Ashly Doran, travel nurse and founder of AshlyJean.com. “After completing a couple of lower-paying gigs, I started going after the more lucrative listings. Within two or three months, I began making a decent side income that I would use for special purchases or put into savings.

“I got started on UpWork after creating my own website for travel nurses. Along with gaining experience in writing blog posts and articles, I had also learned how to do my own SEO. There’s a high demand for jobs centered around these skills on UpWork. One day, after ‘window shopping’ for a few weeks, I decided to apply to a few job listings, and I got hired.

“I recommend leveraging things that you are good at — it could be a skill from your job or a hobby — and start searching for jobs in your niche.

“One secret insider’s tip is to apply for jobs that have just been posted. Job posters usually read the first proposals right away. These jobs also tend to get a high number of applicants quickly, so applying first is key.”

“Finally, ensuring that your profile is 100% complete and verified is vital for getting hired consistently.”

Find your ideal niche, proactively apply for new jobs, network with both other freelancers and potential clients, build a brand and develop relationships with clients for repeat business. It may not always be easy to put in the work, but it is simple.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 5 People Who Make Between $500 and $10K a Month on Upwork: 5 Tips for Reaching the Same Success