During the global pandemic, freelance marketplaces like Upwork continue to gain significance as valuable sources of jobs and gigs. But how do you win at Upwork and attract your ideal clients? Today we’re joined by social media manager and educator Silvia Pinho, who’s been on Upwork since 2013. She shares important strategies to help you personalize your proposals and earn clients’ trust even before the initial discovery call!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Silvia Pinho and the topic of finding work on Upwork - Silvia tells her story, how she got started in freelancing and what she’s doing today.  [3:00] Why Upwork is still a great place to find freelance projects and a good opportunity for freelancers - some important features that help you reach out to ideal clients and sell yourself. [4:48] How the COVID-19 pandemic led to more jobs being posted on Upwork and more freelance gigs - examples of how remote work has become mainstream.   Common Reasons Why Freelancers Struggle to Find Clients on Upwork [6:35] #1 Thinking it’s a numbers game - how you shouldn’t copy and paste proposals to a ton of jobs. [6:49] #2 Talking too much about yourself and not about the client - recommendations for what clients want to hear instead. [7:38] #3 Not personalizing your proposal - the importance of using a potential client’s name and researching the industry. [10:00] #4 Having typos in your profile or cover letter - how correct grammar and spelling is important for writers and all freelancers. [10:53] Keys to creating a winning Upwork profile - how to earn clients’ trust by sharing relevant examples of work, testimonials, and video introductions.   Recommendations for Finding Work on Upwork [14:48] #1 Use video to personalize your proposal - important tips for creating an effective video and examples of what to include in it. [15:55] #2 Show quick examples of work - how to demonstrate that you understand the clients’ needs for the project. [16:36] The importance of offering value in your interactions on Upwork - how it sets you apart from other freelancers. [17:17] How video may not be easy for everyone, but it produces results - examples of how video can be effective in attracting clients. [18:24] The importance of quality, not quantity - advice for setting reasonable goals when sending out proposals. [19:02] The Know Like Trust Factor - how personalizing your proposal contributes to this. [19:38] How to get to know Silvia  [21:00] How to learn more about Freelance University   Resources and tools discussed in this episode: Freelance University     Learn more about Silvia Pinho: Website   Freebie: 5-Step Upwork Checklist    Connect with Silvia: Instagram: @thesilviapinho    Resources and Tools:  Upwork  Google  Grammarly  LinkedIn   Loom  iTunes