As an Upwork freelancer, it’s important to find the right job that matches your skills. Upwork offers a great advanced search function that makes it easy for freelancers to find jobs that are a perfect fit. In this blog post, we’ll explain how freelancers can use advanced job search filters to their advantage and the best keywords to use when searching for projects. Stay tuned, and you’ll be able to find your dream project in no time!
Upwork Search Tips
We’ll dive into the basics of Upwork search below, but I want to start with the two most important tips I have for Upwork search.
First, don’t rely on Upwork keyword search. It isn’t Google. It’s very literal and typos or different misspellings will result in dramatically different results. Don’t use Upwork keyword search.
Most important Upwork search tip
Filter by number of proposals sent – fewer than 5.
This will only show you jobs in the search results that have fewer than 5 proposals. These are either brand new jobs, or (more likely) jobs with odd requirements.
Many freelancers on Upwork will just copy/paste crap in their proposals. So when a job is posted that’s a little different, it receives very few proposals from other freelancers.
Take advantage of these postings! These are how you land more clients on Upwork.
What types of searches are on Upwork?
Upwork’s search has three main types:
- Jobs
- Contracts
- Agencies
How does Upwork search work?
Upwork’s search algorithm works a little differently than what you may be used to with other search engines. The goal of Upwork’s search is not only to provide relevant results, but also to give you the best possible chance of being hired.
This means that when you search for a keyword or phrase, Upwork’s system looks at a variety of factors to determine which jobs, contracts, and agencies to show you. These factors include (but are not limited to):
- The title of the job, contract, or agency.
- The description of the job, contract, or agency.
- The Upwork freelancer’s profile (including skills, employment history, feedback score, etc.)
- The client’s Upwork profile (including their feedback score, job success rate, etc.)
- The Upwork freelancer’s past proposals and applications.
- The number of freelancers who have applied or been invited to the job, contract, or agency.
- The location of the job, contract, or agency.
- The language of the job, contract, or agency.
- The date the job, contract, or agency was posted.
- The Upwork freelancer’s search settings.
How does Upwork advanced search work?
Upwork’s advanced search function allows you to filter your search results by a variety of factors. This is a great way to find jobs, contracts, and agencies that are a perfect match for your skills and experience.
To use Upwork’s advanced search function, simply click the “Advanced Search” link at the top of the Upwork homepage. From there, you’ll be able to select the specific filters that you want to use. For example, you can filter by job type, contract type, client history, and more.
Once you’ve selected the filters that you want to use, simply click the “Search” button. Upwork will then search its database and return a list of results that match your criteria.
Advanced search filters
Upwork’s advanced search function offers a variety of filters to help freelancers find the right job. By using these filters, you can narrow down your search to only jobs that meet your specific criteria. For example, you can filter by:
- Job type (e.g., hourly, fixed-price)
- Project budget
- Client location
- Freelancer level (e.g., entry-level, intermediate, expert)
- Keywords
Upwork’s advanced search function is a great way for freelancers to find jobs that are a perfect match for their skills. By using the advanced search filters, you can narrow down your search to only those jobs that meet your specific criteria. This makes it easy to find the right job and get hired!
What are the best keywords to use when searching for projects on Upwork?
Generally, I would advise you to not use keywords when searching for projects on Upwork. Its keyword search function leaves a lot to be desired.
But since you asked, there are a few different factors to consider when choosing the best keywords to use when searching for projects on Upwork. First, you’ll want to make sure that your keywords are relevant to the type of work that you do. For example, if you’re a web developer, you’ll want to use keywords like “web development,” “PHP,” and “CSS.”
You’ll also want to make sure that your keywords are specific enough. For example, if you’re a web developer who specializes in ecommerce, you may want to use the keyword “Magento” or “Shopify.” This will help you find projects that are a better match for your skills.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that your keywords are popular enough. For example, if you use the keyword “PHP,” you’re likely to get a lot of results. However, if you use the keyword “Laravel,” you’re likely to get fewer results. This is because Laravel is a more specific keyword, and therefore, it’s not as popular as PHP.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing keywords, and you’ll be sure to find the best projects for your skills and experience.
Here are some great keywords that Upwork freelancers can use when searching for projects:
- Remote
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Hourly
- Fixed-price
- Web development
- Graphic design
- Copywriting
- SEO
- Marketing
- Sales
- Customer service
What are ways to get more clients?
Getting more clients on Upwork depends on one thing. Sending proposals to potential clients.
If you send proposals AND you have a strong cover letter, you’ll land clients.
In addition to that, consider the strength of your profile.
- Make sure that your profile is complete and up-to-date, and include relevant keywords that describe your skills and experience.
- Apply for jobs that are a good fit for your skills. Be sure to tailor your proposals to each job, and include relevant samples of your work.
- Reach out to clients directly and let them know that you’re available for work. This is a great way to get started on Upwork and build a strong client base.
How many freelancers are on Upwork?
There are over 20 million freelancers on Upwork. This number is always growing, as more and more people are choosing to work remotely. Upwork is a great platform for freelancers, as it offers a variety of tools and resources to help them be successful.
With so many freelancers on Upwork, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is by using Upwork’s advanced search function to find the right job for your skills and experience. Another way to stand out is by using keywords in your profile that will help you be found by potential clients. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find success on Upwork.
