How to start on Upwork
in 2023
Upwork has grown rather complicated over the years. If 5-6 years ago you could just create an account and start sending bids, today you need to understand which actions have what effects. Otherwise, it’s too easy for someone new on Upwork to waste money, time, and accidentally break some rules.
There are 3 ways how to start on Upwork in 2023 and build a successful career:
1. Upwork itself
This is the longest and hardest way. You need to read all the content Upwork has created. You will spend about 3 months, but it’s cheap.
Here is the list:
- Upwork academy
- All 27 sections in Terms of Service
- Blog
- Resource center
- Community
2. Youtube videos about Upwork.
It’s also free and time consuming, but will take you less time because you’ll be learning from someone with experience. You’ll spend about couple of months.
Here are a few links to good channels that we suggest:
3. Online courses
Take courses from Top Rated freelancers where they will take you by the hand and teach you everything you need to know to start in a few weeks.
We’ve made a list of good courses as well if you prefer the third way. (none of those are paid ads, we recommend only what we believe in):
More Articles
Upwork’s Vision for Freelancing in the AI Era
08-07-2025
Upwork is shifting direction: AI is no longer optional. Discover how the platform sees the future of freelancing — and what it means for your role.
Upwork Rates: How Much Do Freelancers Really Earn?
27-06-2025
We analyzed Vollna’s 2024 report on 5M+ Upwork projects to understand real rates, category trends, and where freelancers can grow or start.
Transparency now: Communication that brings clarity
27-06-2025
Remote teams don’t have casual cues like a nod or a glance. That’s why we use the "Transparency now" rule - to stay clear, predictable, and in sync.
5 Absurd Productivity Tricks
22-06-2025
These 5 absurd-sounding tricks are backed by research and proven to boost focus, creativity, and energy
Upwork SMB Report Q1 2025: What Freelancers Should Know
05-06-2025
Key insights from Upwork’s Q1 2025 SMB report: why companies hire freelancers and how to align your profile with their top priorities.
Work Diary on Upwork: How It Works and What You Must Know
31-05-2025
Learn how to use Upwork's Work Diary to stay protected, get paid reliably, and meet all requirements for Hourly Payment Protection.
Outgrown a Client? 4 Signs It’s Time to Move On
30-05-2025
4 clear signs you’ve outgrown a client and a plan to move on without burning bridges.
AI Literacy or Unemployment: Easy Tasks No Longer Exist
25-05-2025
Easy tasks are gone: master AI literacy or risk unemployment. Discover how automation reshapes careers and the 80/20 rule to stay ahead
Trump 2025 Tariffs: How Freelancers’ Daily Costs Are Shifting
19-05-2025
Trump’s 2025 tariffs hike tech-and-SaaS prices and shift client budgets. See five moves freelancers can take to stay profitable.
Upwork YouTube Channels for Freelancers: Top Picks
18-05-2025
Explore top YouTube channels about Upwork to elevate your freelancing journey and acquire new skills.
Upwork Q1 2025 Financial Report: Key Insights and Takeaways
13-05-2025
A deep dive into Upwork’s Q1 2025 earnings: AI growth, enterprise focus, and what freelancers should do next.
Why Clients Stay: Build Lasting Collaboration and Trust
07-05-2025
Learn small but powerful ways to build trust and turn one-time clients into long-term partners.
