If you're sitting there thinking "I'd love to try freelancing, but I have ZERO skills that anyone would pay for" then this training is about to completely flip that script for you.

Whether you're a teacher, healthcare worker, retail employee, or stuck in ANY job you hate, I'm about to walk you through 20+ freelance-ready skills that you can start learning TODAY.

No degrees required. No certifications needed. No years of experience necessary.

Just you, a computer, internet access, and the willingness to be resourceful. 💻

(Quick note: If you want to fast-track this entire process, I have a completely FREE course called 10 Days to Paid inside my Skool community at skool.com/freelancewitherica. Students are landing clients, earning Rising Talent badges, and getting 100% job success scores. But more on that later...) 🎯

Who Am I And Why Should You Listen?

I'm Erica, a top 1% freelancer on Upwork out of more than 18 MILLION freelancers. I've retired my husband, and we've spent the last few years traveling the US as digital nomads.

But here's the thing — I started EXACTLY where you are right now.

I worked in healthcare compliance (one of the most boring areas of the medical field though I LOVED it cuz I’m a NERD 🤓). I was a Director of Compliance, Privacy, Quality, and Health Information Management.

Translation: I had approximately ZERO current job-to-freelancing skills to offer. None. Nada. Zilch. 🤷‍♀️

When my chronic illness got worse and my employer's brilliant accommodation was to "close my door on bad days," I knew I had to make a change.

That's when freelancing literally saved my life — giving me the flexibility to be with my family as we navigate my dad's stage four cancer journey.

The point? If I can go from healthcare compliance to a six-figure+ copywriter, you can absolutely figure this out too.

The Framework That Changes EVERYTHING

Here's where most people get freelancing completely wrong. They try to jump straight into specialized, high-paying work without any foundation. It's like trying to perform brain surgery when you haven't even taken Biology 101.

Instead, I teach a four-step framework that lets you build skills WHILE getting paid:

Step 1: Start WIDE ($ - Lowest rates, highest learning)

* Focus on generalist gigs that don't require specialized skills

* These aren't related to your eventual niche

* Goal: Get those first 5-star reviews and build momentum

* Think: surveys, app testing, basic research tasks

Step 2: Go SHALLOW ($$ - Building confidence)

* Dip your toe into your chosen field

* Short, low-risk projects in your area of interest

* Still beginner-friendly but more targeted

* Goal: Learn what you actually enjoy doing

Step 3: SPECIALIZE ($$$ - Money starts stacking here)

* Become known for ONE thing you do really well

* Longer-term contracts with better clients

* You've found your groove and proven your skills

* Goal: Charge premium rates for specialized expertise

Step 4: STACK SKILLS ( - The big leagues)

* Add complementary services around your specialization

* Become the ONE-STOP solution for your ideal clients

* Premium pricing because you solve multiple problems

* Goal: Stand out even among other experts

The beautiful part? Your rates go UP with each step, but your effort goes DOWN. It will NEVER be harder than when you're a beginner. 💪

My Personal Journey Through The Framework

Let me show you exactly how this played out for me:

Step 1 - Starting Wide: ~$15/hour

* Random tasks: website testing, surveys, research

* Focused on rebuilding my terrible job success score

* Just trying to get ANYONE to give me a chance

* Learning copywriting skills on YouTube and with AI

Step 2 - Going Shallow: ~$40/hour

* Exploring ALL writing jobs: blogs, websites, editing, ghostwriting

* Discovering what I actually enjoyed vs. what I thought I'd like

* Building confidence with small copywriting projects

Step 3 - Specializing: ~$75/hour

* Focused specifically on sales copywriting

* Still learning on the job, but clients were happy

* Used AI to fill knowledge gaps as they came up

Step 4 - Stacking Skills: $150+ per hour

* One of my amazing coaching clients challenged me to begin offering operations work WITH my copywriting work

* Combined copywriting with systems building and funnel creation

* Became an "Online Business Architect" (yes, I made that term up)

* Now I don't just write the sales copy, I build the entire backend of people’s coaching businesses

Timeline to get to Step 3? About 3 months. (Though I had the luxury of working on this 20-30 hours per week. For most people with jobs/kids/life, expect more like 6 months — which is still INSANELY fast!)

Why RIGHT NOW Is The Perfect Time

There has NEVER been a better time to learn freelance skills than right now. Here's why:

1. The Internet Is Your University

* Unlimited access to free, high-quality education

* YouTube, blogs, podcasts — everything you need is out there

* Content creators are literally giving away million-dollar knowledge for FREE

2. AI Is Your Personal Coach

* It's like having a $2,000/month business coach sitting in your pocket

* Can teach you any skill step-by-step

* Helps troubleshoot real problems as they come up

* Available 24/7/365 with the world's knowledge base

Pro tip: Tell AI: "I need you to act as a business coach. I'm learning [skill] from ground zero. Create a curriculum for me and start with lesson 1." Then just follow along and ask questions as you go! 🤖

The Skills That DON'T Require Years of Training

Here are 25 in-demand skills you can start learning immediately, organized by category:

Marketing & Advertising 📊

* Ads Manager (Meta, Google, etc.)

* SEO Specialist

* Email Marketer

* Social Media Management

* Public Relations

* Lead Generation/List Building

Content Creation & Design 🎨

* Designer (logos, websites, collateral, Canva-style graphics)

* Writer (blogs, technical, grant writing, sales copy, editing)

* Video Editor

* Podcast Manager

* Live Streaming Specialist

* Community Management

* Course Developer

Business Operations & Management 💼

* Online Business Manager/Architect

* Project Management & Coordination

* Bookkeeping

* Analytics & Data Specialist

* Appointment Setting/Sales Development

* Affiliate Program Management

* Online Reputation Management

Tech & Automation ⚙️

* Funnel & Checkout Builder

* Automation Specialist

* Software Expert (become THE person for specific tools like Notion, Asana, Google Sheets)

* AI Specialist (this field is EXPLODING and pays ridiculous money)

* E-commerce Specialist

(Not sure which service might be right for YOU? I created a free diagnostic quiz that analyzes your personality, preferences, and past experience to suggest your two best-fit niches, PLUS gives you ideas for potential specializations as you grow. It takes about 5 minutes and might just reveal skills you didn't even know you had!)

Real-World Examples: How The Framework Looks In Action

Let me show you how three different skills would progress through my framework:

Ads Manager Journey

Step 1 - Starting Wide:

* Competitor research, app reviews, market research surveys

Step 2 - Going Shallow:

* Ad copy feedback, basic Facebook ad account setup, ad analysis reports

Step 3 - Specializing:

* Facebook ads manager for digital product businesses

Step 4 - Stacking Skills:

* Facebook ads + conversion rate optimization + Google Analytics + custom reporting dashboards

SEO Specialist Journey

Step 1 - Starting Wide:

* Website feedback, competitor research, content proofreading

Step 2 - Going Shallow:

* Keyword research reports, basic SEO audits, meta-description writing

Step 3 - Specializing:

* Local SEO services specifically for restaurants

Step 4 - Stacking Skills:

* Local SEO + Google My Business setup + review management + local content strategy

Video Editor Journey

Step 1 - Starting Wide:

* Video feedback, product reviews, transcription

Step 2 - Going Shallow:

* Basic YouTube cuts, transitions, thumbnail creation

Step 3 - Specializing:

* YouTube video editor for fitness influencers

Step 4 - Stacking Skills:

* Video editing + thumbnail design + YouTube strategy + channel analytics

The Mindset Shifts You NEED To Make

Here's what you need to embrace to succeed at freelancing:

1. Be RESOURCEFUL

This isn't a traditional job where someone holds your hand through training. You'll need to find your own resources, solve your own problems, and have a willingness to figure things out as you go. (The good news? There are more free resources available now than ever before!)

2. Embrace Being a STUDENT

You'll constantly be learning new things, even when you become successful. I'm STILL learning new skills regularly. The difference is now I get paid to learn them! 🎓

3. Challenge Your LIMITING BELIEFS

If your brain is saying "I'm not resourceful" or "I can't learn new things" — that's just programming. These are SKILLS you can develop, not traits you're born with. Start proving yourself wrong in small ways and watch your confidence grow.

You DON'T Need To Have It All Figured Out

Here's the secret that most people miss:

You don't need to know what you want to specialize in before you start.

In fact, it's BETTER if you don't! Why? Because what you think you'll enjoy and what you actually enjoy are often completely different things.

I thought I wanted to do blog writing. Turns out I found it boring. But I LOVED the variety and creativity of sales copywriting, which led me to business systems, which led me to where I am now.

Let the process show you the path, instead of trying to force the path.

Your Next Step (If You're Ready)

If this resonates with you and you're thinking "okay, maybe I COULD do this," your next step is simple:

Join my FREE (for now) Skool community at skool.com/freelancewitherica where you'll get:

🎯 10 Days to Paid — my complete course taking you from zero to first client + 5-star review

📊 Diagnostic tool — helps you find your best-fit niches

🛠️ Templates, swipe files, and resources

👥 Community of beginners supporting each other

📈 Students currently crushing it and sharing their wins

(As of right now, everything is completely FREE. That won't last forever, so if you're interested, now's the time to join!)

The Bottom Line

If you have:

✅ A computer✅ Internet access✅ The ability to type✅ A willingness to learn

You can freelance. PERIOD. 🎯

Your current job, education level, or past experience doesn't disqualify you. The only thing that can stop you is not starting.

The question isn't whether you're qualified. The question is: Are you ready to bet on yourself?

Because there has never been a better time to take control of your income, your schedule, and your life than RIGHT NOW.

Let's do this thing! 💪

P.S. Remember, I went from healthcare compliance (literally the most boring job ever) to top 1% sales copywriter and later online business architect. If I can make THAT transition, you can transition from wherever you are to wherever you want to be. The skills are learnable. The path is proven. You just need to start walking. 👣

Hey there, freelance friends! 👋

If you've ever fantasized about quitting your job (and let's be honest, who hasn't?), today's training is going to give you the REAL tea about what it actually takes to go from "maybe I should try freelancing" all the way to "see ya later, corporate overlords!"

But first, a quick heads up: I'm still recovering from COVID that absolutely DECIMATED me for two weeks (hence the lovely froggy voice you're about to hear in the video). So if I cough in your ear or sound like I gargled gravel, my apologies! This is day two of being upright, so we're working with what we've got. 😅

Quick housekeeping note: If you're new here, I'm Erica—top 1% Upwork freelancer who walked away from her six-figure healthcare job when my employer suggested I "close my office door" as an accommodation for chronic illness. Now I help beginners get started in freelancing on Upwork through my beginner community. These Tuesday trainings include both video and written tutorials that land directly in your inbox once you subscribe!

And if you stick around until the end, I have a very special gift for my founding community members. 🎁

Also, when I record these trainings, I do them all in one shot because I'm not a content creator—I'm just trying to get what's in my brain into yours. So you'll see me glancing at notes, using filler words, and being generally human because I'm not spending hours editing. This is a side passion project, not my full-time gig.

Yet. 😉

Why I'm NOT Selling You the Dream (Even Though I Could) [3:00]

Here's the thing—I could totally lead with the sexy stuff. The "quit your job in 90 days!" promises. The "make six figures while sipping piña coladas!" fantasy.

But I'm not going to.

You know why? Because I've been in the online business world long enough to know that leading with the biggest, boldest dream is how you end up with a bunch of disappointed people who bought into unrealistic expectations.

It's like weight loss ads, right? They don't show you the person who lost 10 pounds. They show you the extreme transformation—the person who lost 100 pounds and now runs marathons. Because that's what gets people to buy.

But we all know statistically, most people won't get that extreme result.

So when I was planning Freelance with Erica, I made a conscious choice to focus on the hardest part—getting beginners through that initial hump where most people quit. Because THAT'S where I can actually help the most people succeed.

But here's what I've discovered since launching: literally everyone wants to know about going full-time. 🙋‍♀️🙋🙋‍♂️

The DMs. The emails. The community questions. It's all:

* "How realistic is it that I could quit my job in 3 months?"

* "I got laid off—can I make freelancing work instead of job hunting?"

* "What does the timeline actually look like?"

So today, I'm giving you the FULL roadmap. From "hmm, maybe I should try freelancing" all the way to "I'm my own boss now, b*****s!" ✨

The Freelancing Funnel: Why Most People Quit Before the Magic Happens [11:45]

Alright, let me show you exactly what this journey looks like. And fair warning—this might be the most important thing you'll ever see about freelancing timelines.

What we're looking at here is what I call The Freelancing Funnel.

Let me walk you through each level:

The Top: "I Hate My Job" Land [17:16]

At the very top, we've got HUNDREDS (let’s be honest - HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS) of people. These are folks sitting there thinking:

* "I hate my job"

* "I wish I could work for myself"

* "Maybe I should try freelancing?"

* "But I have no idea what I'd even offer..."

Sound familiar? This is problem awareness without solution clarity.

Tier 1: 10 Days to Paid [18:00]

From that massive crowd at the top, only a small fraction will take action to solve their problem. We see this play out even here in my free community. Despite having 100 people pass through, only about 25% actually take action and join my 10 Days to Paid course.

Think about that. A course that teaches you exactly how to:

* Figure out what to offer

* Land your first client

* Get your first 5-star review

* Start building momentum

And 75% of interested people still won't take that first step.

This is why I focus on beginners, y'all. This is where we lose the most people.

Tier 2: Road to Top Rated [20:05]

Of those 25 who start 10 Days to Paid, ~10-15 actually complete it and start seeing real results. These are my graduates celebrating wins in the community chat! 🎉

(Side note: I may be stalking your profiles to see your progress. It's not creepy, it's INVESTED. There's a difference.) 😅

These successful students are now ready for the Road to Top Rated—my next course launching in August. This is where we transition from:

* ✅ Quick beginner jobs → Niche-specific work

* ✅ Building basic skills → Specializing your expertise

* ✅ Getting any reviews → Strategic profile building

You'll notice each tier has dollar signs next to it ($, ,$, , $). That's because as you move down the funnel:

* 💰 You compete with FEWER people

* 💰 You charge HIGHER rates

* 💰 You put in LESS effort

* 💰 You make MORE money

But here's the catch—that first tier? It's a GRIND. Most effort, most competition, lowest rates. That's why people quit.

Tier 3: First $10K [26:30]

This is where we start specializing. No more random jobs—you're becoming the go-to person for specific services. This is also where we aggressively walk up your rates.

Spoiler: I'm going to teach you to charge 2-5x what you made at your day job. Yes, really.

Tier 4: Retainers & Projects [27:40]

Now you can accurately estimate time, you've got proven frameworks, and you're ready for flat-fee projects and retainer agreements.

⚠️ WARNING: Do NOT try to skip ahead to retainers when you're a beginner. I don't care if someone offers you $35/hour for ongoing work when you currently make $30/hour. That's how you lock yourself into undercharging and burn out FAST.

Wait until you're charging premium rates (think $75-150/hour) before touching retainers. The clients you attract at premium prices are:

* More established

* More stable

* Better to work with long-term

* Actually profitable for YOU

Tier 5: Full-Time Freedom [33:50]

The promised land. But notice how few people make it here? That's not to discourage you—it's to set realistic expectations.

The Math That'll Blow Your Mind [38:30]

Here's where it gets REALLY interesting. Let me show you how the same 10 billable hours per week transforms as you walk up your rates:

* $10/hour: $400/month extra (feels like a grind)

* $25/hour: $1,000/month extra (getting interesting)

* $50/hour: $2,000/month extra (life-changing)

* $75/hour: $3,000/month extra (holy s**t)

* $100/hour: $4,000/month extra (retirement vibes)

Same time investment. Same 10 hours. The ONLY difference? Following the system and walking up your rates systematically.

Let's do some quick math with a real example: 📊

Current job: $30/hour × 40 hours = $62,400/year = $5,200/month (gross)

Freelancing at $75/hour for 10 hours/week: $3,000/month

Gap to replace your income: $2,200/month

At $75/hour, that's: 29 additional hours per month = 7 hours per week

So you'd need 17 total hours per week (instead of 40) to match your current income. And that's just to match it—most people exceed their day job income pretty quickly.

The Emergency Fund Reality Check [43:15]

Here's where I get REAL with you about going full-time. You need two things that are non-negotiable:

* 6 months of expenses in emergency fund

* Drastically reduced financial footprint

(I did a whole training on this—check it out here)

COVID gave me the PERFECT example of why this matters. I was completely down for two weeks—couldn't work AT ALL. But because:

* ✅ I have that emergency fund

* ✅ Most clients are on retainers with monthly deliverables

* ✅ I have amazing humans as clients

* ✅ My financial footprint is manageable

...it was fine. Annoying, but fine. That's the security you're building toward.

The Mindset Shift Nobody Talks About [52:45]

Here's something I need to be honest about: I can teach you ALL the tactical stuff. The rates, the proposals, the client management, the emergency fund strategy.

But there's something I can't teach you, and it's the difference between people who successfully go full-time and those who don't:

Deep, unshakeable trust in yourself.

I've developed what I call "Resourceful Confidence"—the bone-deep belief that no matter WHAT happens, I can figure it out.

* All three clients give notice on the same day? I'll figure it out.

* Unexpected $140K hospital bill? (Yes, that happened.) I'll figure it out.

* Two weeks of COVID downtime right before a move? I'll figure it out.

That's not something I can give you in a course. It's something you DEVELOP by doing the work, building the foundation, and proving to yourself that you CAN handle whatever comes up.

Your Next Steps (And My Gift to You) [1:00:00]

Alright, here's where things get EXCITING. 🎉

For everyone who's been with me in this free beginner community as I've been building Freelance with Erica from scratch—you're my founding members, and I want to do something special for you.

I'm moving our community to a beautiful platform called Skool where we'll have:

* 🏫 Actual courses neatly organized (not just email sequences)

* 💬 MUCH BETTER chat functionality

* 🎮 Gamification (if you're into that)

* 📱 Mobile app access

* 🔔 Customizable notifications

And here's the gift: Everyone who's here NOW—everyone who found me early and believed in this vision—you're getting FREE ACCESS FOR GOOD.

WARNING: There’s nothing set up inside yet, so keep those expectations low. You’re bringing the party and over the next few weeks I’ll get us loaded up with great content.

Starting in August, I'll be releasing Road to Top Rated trainings inside that community. As I record each training, you'll get immediate access. Then when it's complete, I'll package it up properly in the course section.

Eventually (probably after Road to Top Rated is finished), this Skool community will become a low-cost beginner freelance community.

Why? Because you believed in this when it was just me with a crazy idea and a lot of caffeine. You deserve to be grandfathered in. ☕

The Reality Check You Need

Look, I could promise you'll quit your job in 90 days. Some people do. But for most people, I think 6-12 months is realistic for this entire journey.

And you know what? That's okay.

Even if you "only" make it to Tier 2 or 3 and decide to keep freelancing as a side hustle—earning an extra $500-3,000/month while keeping your day job—that's still life-changing for many people.

You're learning a skill that will ALWAYS be in your back pocket. You're building an asset (your freelance profile and reputation) that gets stronger over time. And you're proving to yourself that you CAN generate income independently.

Some of you will go all the way to full-time freedom. Others will find their sweet spot somewhere in the middle. Both are wins.

Coming Up: Schedule Changes

Quick heads up—I'll be MIA for the next two weeks:

* Next Tuesday: Best friend's 45th birthday in NYC 🎂

* Following Tuesday: Moving week (we are pausing RV life and moving back to Chicago to be near for my Dad’s cancer treatments and these next chapters ahead.) 📦

* Plus still catching up from COVID chaos

But I'll be active in our new community, so definitely join us there!

When I'm back in August, we'll kick off Road to Top Rated and keep building this thing together.

Your Action Items Right Now ✅

* Take the 10 Days to Paid course if you haven't already

* Join our new community (free for founding members!)

* Start that emergency fund (here's how)

* Begin working through the funnel systematically—no skipping ahead!

The path to freedom isn't always pretty, but it's absolutely possible. And I'm here to help you every step of the way.

Thanks for hanging out with my froggy COVID voice, and I'll see you on the inside! 🐸✨

With caffeine and optimism (and probably too much cough syrup),Erica

P.S. If this training was helpful, smash that like button, leave a comment, share it with your "I hate my job" friends, and follow our beginner community. The algorithm needs to know this stuff is valuable so I can keep reaching the people who need it most! 🙏

Welcome to this week's Tuesday Training, where we tackle the uncomfortable truths about freelancing that nobody wants to talk about at parties. (Not that I go to parties. #IntrovertLife.)

Today we need to have a heart-to-heart about something that's happening right now in our community. I'm watching brave souls work through 10 Days to Paid, and I'm seeing a pattern that makes my heart hurt a little:

The 15-Proposal Panic Attack™ 😰

You know the one. You've been diligently following 10 Days to Paid. You've sent out 10... 15... maybe 20 proposals, and your inbox is giving you the silent treatment. NOTHING. Not even a "thanks but no thanks." Just... 🦗🦗🦗

And that little voice in your head starts whispering:

* "Maybe I'm not cut out for this" 😰

* "Everyone else is getting jobs but me" 😭

* "I must be doing something wrong" 🫠

* "I knew this was too good to be true" 💔

* "Time to update my Indeed profile" 🙃

STOP. RIGHT. THERE.

Before you rage-quit and go back to scrolling job boards, let me normalize something for you:

It might take 40-50 proposals to land your first job.

Cue collective gasp and/or laptop being thrown

I KNOW. That sounds like a lot. That *IS* a lot.

But here's what's happening behind the scenes:

As a beginner, you're fighting against:

* ❌ No reviews (yet)

* ❌ No job history (yet)

* ❌ No "Rising Talent" badge (yet)

* ❌ The algorithm not knowing you exist (yet)

* ❌ Clients filtering by experience level

* ❌ 50+ other people applying to the same job

Notice all those "yets"? Because this is TEMPORARY. Once you land that first job and get your first 5-star review? The whole game changes.

It's like dating apps—you might swipe through 100 profiles before finding someone who doesn't think "u up?" is charming conversation starter. But once you find your person? The swiping stops.

(Okay, maybe freelancing is better than dating apps. At least clients PAY you for your time.) 💰

Why Your First 20 Proposals Feel Like Shouting Into the Void 🌌

Remember when River (my guinea pig kiddo) went through this challenge? Even with me literally coaching him through every step, it took 18 DAYS for one client to respond to a proposal he'd sent on Day 1.

EIGHTEEN. DAYS.

That's not because his proposal sucked. It's because:

* Clients are busy (and disorganized) 🏃‍♀️

* They post jobs then forget about them 🤦

* They're comparing 50+ proposals 📚

* They're waiting for budget approval 💰

* They're on vacation 🏖️

* They're just... human 🤷‍♀️

Meanwhile, you're sitting there like:

* "Did I say something wrong?" 😰

* "Is my profile photo giving serial killer vibes?" 📸

* "Should I have used a different emoji?" 🤔

* "Maybe I should just apply for a NEW soul-sucking job..." 😭

Look, I could tell you to "just keep going" and "trust the process" (which is true), but that's about as helpful as telling someone with insomnia to "just sleep."

So instead, I created something ACTUALLY useful: An interactive proposal checklist that ensures every proposal you send out is optimized for beginner success.

Why Your Proposals Might Be Getting Ghosted 👻

Here's the thing: Sending out 5 proposals a day sounds easy. But when you're being intentional—taking time to choose quality jobs, crafting personalized proposals—it's can actually be time-consuming AF. (Another thing that gets easier over time. Eventually you won’t even have to send out proposals anymore.)

On the flip side, if you're doing the "spray and pray" method—clicking random jobs, copying/pasting generic AI slop, hitting send while barely looking—you're basically playing freelance roulette with terrible odds.

Most people fall somewhere in the middle.

They're trying, but they're missing key elements that make proposals actually WORK.

That's why I created this checklist—to help you maximize EVERY proposal you send.

Introducing: The Proposal Checklist That'll Save Your Sanity 📋

I've built an interactive checklist that covers the 8 CRITICAL elements every proposal needs when you’re following my 10 Days to Paid program. This isn't just some PDF you'll download and ignore—it's a actual tool you can use for EVERY proposal.

Access the Interactive Checklist Here

(Yes, it has confetti when you complete it. Yes, I'm extra. No, I'm not sorry.)

Let me walk you through each element and why it matters:

1. Craft a Compelling Proposal Hook 🎣

This is the hill I will die on. Your opening 1-2 sentences are worth more than the rest of your proposal combined.

This is THE MOST IMPORTANT real estate in your entire proposal. Those first sentences determine whether clients keep reading or move on to the next freelancer.

The difference between invisible and irresistible:

❌ INVISIBLE (aka Boring):

"I'd be happy to provide a comprehensive review of your website and deliver actionable feedback through a structured survey format."

I fell asleep just typing that. 😴

✅ IRRESISTIBLE (aka Attention-Grabbing):

"Need this done quickly, clearly, and without a single follow-up? I've got you. 🎯"

See the difference? One sounds like every other proposal. The other sounds like a REAL PERSON who gets what the client actually wants.

Pro tip: Ask AI to generate 20-30 different hooks for each proposal. Then use your gut to pick the one that makes YOU go "Ooh, that's GOOD!"

(I know it sounds woo-woo, but your body knows. When you read the right hook, you'll feel a little spark of "YES!" Trust that feeling. Yes, I'm the same person who creates spreadsheets for fun. We contain multitudes.)

You're feeling for:

* 😂 Humor that lands

* 😰 Pain points that sting

* 🎯 Specificity that shows you GET IT

* 💫 Outcomes they're dreaming about

* 🧐 Curiosity that gets the click-through

* 🫨 Disruption that makes them stop scrolling

Want to dive deeper into hook writing? Check out my previous training on attention-hijacking headlines and hook writing.

2. Offer Strategic Pricing Discount 💸

As a beginner, your pricing is your SECRET WEAPON. But it has to be strategic, not desperate.

If your profile says $25/hour, offer $15/hour and TELL THEM about the discount:

"My standard rate is $25/hour, but I'm offering a special introductory rate of $15/hour as I build my Upwork presence. You get premium work at a beginner price—win-win!"

Pro tip from River's playbook: His profile headline was literally "0 Upwork Reviews. 100% Committed to WOW You." He LEANED INTO being new. In almost every proposal, he talked about being eager to earn his first 5-star review.

Own where you are. Make it work FOR you, not against you. Clients LOVE being someone's first success story—if you position it right.

3. Polish Your Writing with AI 🤖

Look, I'm all about keeping it conversational and real. But typos and grammar mistakes scream "amateur."

Run EVERY proposal through:

* ChatGPT or Claude (ask it to "please clean this up while using as much of the same word choices and phrases as possible")

* Grammarly

Keep your personality. Lose the mistakes.

4. Target Recent Job Posts ⏰

Jobs posted 2+ weeks ago? Skip 'em. The client has either:

* Already hired someone

* Lost interest

* Forgotten they even posted it

Sweet spot: Jobs posted within the last 3 days Acceptable: Up to 1 week old Pushing it: 1-2 weeks

The exception here is when the client has a high “Hire” rate (70%+) or is hiring multiple freelancers for the job and still has openings.

Newer = Less competition + Higher response rates

5. Verify Client Quality 🔍

Not all clients are created equal. Before wasting connects, check:

✅ High Quality Client Signs:

* 4+ star rating (more than 20 reviews)

* Payment verified

* 20+ past hires

* Clear job descriptions with realistic expectations

* Look at their job history to see if they’ve historically left 5 star AND written reviews with previous freelancers they worked with.

6. Confirm Job Availability 👀

Before you spend those precious connects, CHECK:

* Has the client already hired someone?

* If they have, are they hiring multiple people?

* Is the job still marked as open?

Nothing worse than crafting the perfect proposal for a job that was filled 3 days ago. 😤

7. Focus on Beginner-Friendly Jobs 🎯

I know you want to dive into your dream niche, but for your first few gigs, prioritize:

BEGINNER GOLD:

* Surveys & feedback collection

* Website/app testing

* Simple research tasks

* Basic data entry

* Quick admin tasks

* "Review our [thing] and give feedback"

Save for later:

* Complex creative projects

* Long-term commitments

* Anything requiring extensive portfolios

* Jobs with 50+ applicants already

8. Choose Small Scope Projects ⏱️

Your first jobs should be measured in HOURS, not days or weeks.

Perfect starter jobs:

* 1-4 hours of work

* Clear, specific deliverables

* Due within a few days

* Simple requirements

Too big for beginners:

* "Looking for long-term partnership"

* "Need someone 20 hours/week ongoing"

* Complex multi-phase projects

For bigger projects? Use the 2-hour trial method I teach in 10 Days to Paid.

Using the Checklist (And When to Ask for Help) 🚨

Here's how I want you to use this:

First 20 proposals: Follow the 10 Days to Paid system exactly. Don't overthink it. Start using the checklist. Experiment with different hook styles.

Proposals 21+: If you haven't gotten ANY responses, it's time for a proposal review. Drop them in our community chat, and I'll personally help you figure out how we can tighten up your proposals.

Remember: Some clients take a WEEK OR MORE to respond. River got hired for a job he applied to TWO WEEKS earlier. Patience, grasshopper. 🦗

The Reality Check You Need 💊

I'm not going to sugarcoat this: Those first proposals feel like shouting into the void.

It's demoralizing. It's frustrating. It makes you question if you’re cut out for this.

But here's what I know:

* MY first 30+ proposals? Mostly crickets AND a ghosting client.

* Fast forward a couple years? I haven’t sent a proposal in AGES and TURN DOWN new client work every month.

The breakthrough always comes RIGHT after you want to quit.

Your Homework (Yes, There's Homework) 📚

* Download the checklist and bookmark it

* Review your last 5 proposals against these criteria

* Send 5 NEW proposals using the checklist

* Track which hooks get responses in your proposal tracker (data is your friend!)

* Share your wins (and struggles) in our community

And if you haven't started 10 Days to Paid yet? What are you waiting for? It's:

* ✅ 12+ hours of step-by-step training

* ✅ Includes templates, AI prompts, and swipe files

* ✅ Documents an actual success story (follow along as a 22 year old Starbucks barista lands their first jobs following this program)

* ✅ Will transform you from "what do I even offer?" to "I GOT PAID!"

And now it includes this shiny new checklist to make sure every proposal counts.

This checklist won't make much sense without the full strategy. It's like having a map without knowing the destination.

No paywalls. No "upgrade for the REAL secrets." Just the complete system that actually works.

The Bottom Line 🎯

Landing your first freelance job is:

* 20% having the right skills

* 30% sending quality proposals

* 50% not giving up when it gets hard

This checklist handles the quality part. Your persistence handles the rest.

Every "no" gets you closer to "yes." Every ignored proposal teaches you something. Every ghosted message builds your resilience.

And when that first "Hi, I'd love to work with you!" message lands?

Chef's kiss

It makes every ignored proposal worth it. And your first "You're hired!" message is closer than you think. 💪

Now go forth and GET THOSE GIGS! 🎉

P.S. If you're reading this after sending exactly 7 proposals and wondering why you're not rich yet... bb, no. That's like going to the gym once and wondering why you don't have abs already. Give it time. 😅

P.P.S. Seriously though—if you hit 25+ proposals with ZERO responses, tag me in the community chat. We'll fix it together. I've got you. 🤝

P.P.P.S. Yes, the checklist really does have confetti. Because if you're going to track your freelance progress, you might as well CELEBRATE it too! 🎉

Hey there, future freelancer! 👋

If you're sitting there frantically googling "how much should I charge for [insert the freelance service of your choice]" while simultaneously having an existential crisis about whether you're even qualified to charge ANYTHING...

First of all, deep breath. Put down the Diet Coke.

(Just kidding, *never* put down the Diet Coke.)

Second, I'm about to make this SO much simpler than all those "charge what you're worth!" posts or “it’s an energy exchange” advice. (Your “worth” is defined by SO MUCH MORE than what labor you can perform for other people and their businesses, FYI.)

Because here's the thing—as a beginner, you've got exactly ONE goal:

Build momentum and credibility. FAST. 🚀

And the pricing model you choose can either rocket you toward success or leave you stuck in proposal purgatory forever. (Spoiler: I spent too much time in proposal purgatory. It sucked. Learn from my mistakes.)

Quick Announcement Before We Dive In

If you're new here, I just wrapped up creating 10 Days to Paid—my Upwork course for freelance beginners that takes you from "what would I even offer as a freelancer?" to landing your first paying client.

It includes:

🎯 Exactly what service to offer (even if you think you have no skills)📝 Word-for-word proposal templates that actually work💰 My proven pricing strategy (what we're diving into today!)🚀 How to get clients WITHOUT a portfolio

Grab it now if you haven't already. Because today's training is going to make a LOT more sense if you understand the bigger picture of beginner freelancing.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled training on the pricing panic most new freelancers face... 😅

My Embarrassing Pricing Journey (So You Don't Have To Repeat It)

When I first started freelancing, I did what any reasonable completely panicked person would do: I made up random numbers and hoped for the best.

My thought process went something like:

* "Well, I made $50/hour at my corporate job..." 💭

* "But I have no experience..." 😰

* "But I'm really smart!" 🧠

* "But no one knows that..." 😭

* "Maybe I'll charge $75 because…confidence?" 💪

* Sends zero proposals because paralyzed by fear 🫠

Plot twist: NONE of that mattered because I was doing it ALL wrong.

If you're new to freelancing and wondering how the hell to price your work—hourly? flat fee? packages? retainers? blood sacrifice to the freelance gods?—I'm gonna make this REAL simple for you.

The Pricing Strategy That Actually Works for Beginners 💰

1. Start With Hourly Pricing (Yes, Even If It Feels "Beneath" You)

I know, I know. You're thinking:

"But Erica, I have 10 years of experience!" 😤

"But Erica, I have a masters degree!" 🎓

"But Erica, hourly pricing is for BEGINNERS!" 🙄

To which I lovingly respond: YOU ARE A BEGINNER. (At freelancing, anyway.)

Sips her Diet Coke aggressively 🥤

Here's the uncomfortable truth: As a beginner freelancer, your rate is one of the ONLY levers you can pull to compete.

You don't have:

* ⭐ Shiny 5-star reviews

* 📊 Impressive job history

* 💬 Glowing testimonials

* 🏆 That fancy "Top Rated" badge

* 🦄 A magical portfolio that makes clients JUMP to work with you

So your rate becomes one of your MOST POWERFUL TOOL for creating interest and urgency with potential clients.

You're not pricing for your skills right now—you're pricing for your position.

And right now, you're the new kid on the freelance block. 👶

That might mean starting at $15-20/hour.

Now, I know you're having one of two reactions:

Reaction #1: Cue collective gasp from everyone who just calculated that's less than they made at their college job

Reaction #2: "Wait, I could make $20/HOUR?! That's literally DOUBLE what I'm making!" 🤩

Here's the beautiful thing—IT DOESN'T MATTER which camp you're in.

Because whether $20/hour feels like a pay cut or a massive raise, this is just your STARTING POINT.

This is TEMPORARY and STRATEGIC. 🎯

Everyone starts somewhere. The magic is in where you're GOING. 🚀

You're not parking here forever. You're using that lower rate like a BATTERING RAM to:

* ✅ Get quick yeses

* ✅ Build job history FAST

* ✅ Stack up those 5-star reviews

* ✅ Create undeniable momentum

* ✅ Make Upwork's algorithm fall in love with you

Think of it as the freelance equivalent of a loss leader at Target. They're not making money on that $5 rotisserie chicken—they're getting you in the door so you'll spend $200 on stuff you didn't know you needed definitely essential items. (Just me? Cool cool cool.) 🛒

2. The ONLY Time I Recommend Flat-Fee Pricing for Beginners

There's exactly ONE scenario where flat-fee makes sense as a newbie, and it's for what I call "quick win" jobs.

These are the freelance equivalent of those free samples at Costco—small, low-risk, designed to get you in the door:

* "Review our landing page and complete this survey - $20" 📋

* "Test our app functionality - $25" 📱

* "Give feedback on our website user experience - $30" 💻

These jobs are:

* ✅ FAST (usually under an hour)

* ✅ LOW-RISK (hard to mess up)

* ✅ REVIEW-GENERATING MACHINES

* ✅ Outside your main niche (and that's TOTALLY okay!)

After your first 2-3 of these? We're moving on to bigger things. 🚀

Why I don't recommend project pricing for "real" work yet: You have NO IDEA how long things actually take. None. Zero. Zip.

You think you do. YOU'RE WRONG. (Ask me how I know.) 😅

That "simple" blog post that should take 2 hours? Suddenly it's 3am and you're on hour 7 because the client wants "just a few more tweaks" and you're making $2.86/hour.

Not that this has ever happened to me. Multiple times. DEFINITELY not. 😭🥤

3. The Magic of the "2-Hour Trial" Strategy 🪄

Once you've got a couple reviews under your belt, here's the strategy that changed EVERYTHING for me:

Offer a 2-hour, 100% money-back guaranteed trial.

I can hear you panicking already. "But Erica, what if they don't like my work?!"

THAT'S. THE. POINT. 🤯

This strategy is BRILLIANT because:

* 🎯 It removes risk for the client

* 🎯 It gives YOU an escape hatch if they're awful

* 🎯 It protects your profile from bad reviews

* 🎯 It sets clear boundaries from DAY ONE

* 🎯 It makes you stand out from other beginners

* 🎯 It's like a professional "vibe check" for both parties

If the client's not happy? You either don't log the time or refund it.

(Yes, I have the exact word-for-word scripts for this in 10 Days to Paid. No, you don't have to figure it out yourself.)

Out of all the trials I've offered (and I’ve offered a LOT), only THREE people required the money back guarantee to be used. Two of them were because *I* felt it was a bad fit and didn’t want to do continued work with their client. And none of them left bad reviews because I'd set expectations perfectly.

4. Why Hourly Pricing is Your Data-Gathering Superpower 📊

Here's what nobody tells you about freelancing: You don't know what you don't know.

Like how I didn't know that:

* Sales pages take me 3x longer than blog posts

* Funnels are my ZONE OF GENIUS ✨

* I HATE writing technical documentation (never again)

* Client communication can eat up 30% of project time

* "Quick revisions" are RARELY quick

Hourly pricing gives you REAL data about:

* ⏱️ How long tasks ACTUALLY take

* 😍 What you enjoy (and what makes you want to quit take a very long nap)

* 🧛 Which clients are energy vampires

* 💰 Your actual effective hourly rate

* 🎯 What you should specialize in

Let me paint you a picture of how this evolution happens:

Month 1: "I do ALL the writing things!" 🎉

* Random blog posts

* Some emails

* A sales page or website

* Standard operating procedures (shudder)

Month 3: "Actually, I REALLY love writing for coaches..." 💕

* Specifically female coaches

* Especially their email funnels

* Using Flodesk is my jam

Month 6: "I'm the FLODESK FUNNEL QUEEN" 👑

* 5-email welcome sequence? 10 hours flat.

* Including strategy, writing, design, setup

* I have templates for EVERYTHING

* I can quote projects now with scary accuracy

NOW I can confidently charge $1,999 for a 5-email sequence because I KNOW it takes me ~10 hours all-in.

But trying to package that in Month 1? I would have either:

* Undercharged and worked for $3/hour 😭

* Overcharged and never landed the job 💸

You can't package what you can't predict. And you can't predict without data.

PERIOD. 📏

5. The Social Proof Goldmine That Hourly Creates 🏆

Okay, psychology lesson time! (Don't worry, I'll make it fun.)

You know how you check reviews before buying LITERALLY ANYTHING? That $20 face cream has 10,000 five-star reviews so OBVIOUSLY you need it immediately? 💄

Upwork works the EXACT same way.

When clients look at your profile, they see your job history including:

* 💵 What others paid you

* ⏰ How many hours you worked

* ⭐ Your reviews and ratings

* 📈 Most importantly: YOUR RATE PROGRESSION

Flat fee jobs HIDE your value and social proof. A $100 project could be:

* 1 hour of expert work (amazing!) 🌟

* 20 hours of newbie struggle (big yikes) 😱

But hourly jobs? They tell a story:

Top of profile: "Sarah paid Erica $50/hour - 20 hours - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" "Erica is exceptional! Will hire again!"

Next job: "Tom paid Erica $45/hour - 15 hours - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" "Best copywriter I've worked with!"

Next job: "Michele paid Erica $40/hour - 10 hours - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐" "Exceeded all expectations!"

See what's happening? Other people are paying these rates and LOVING IT. That's social proof on STEROIDS. 💪

Know what makes someone comfortable paying you $50/hour? Seeing that other people already are.

Chef's kiss for psychology 👨‍🍳💋

The Rate-Climbing Strategy That Changes Everything 📈

Inside 10 Days to Paid, I teach my exact rate progression strategy. But here's the preview of what this might look like for you:

Starting rate: $15-20/hour After 3 successful jobs: $22-25/hour After 5 successful jobs: $28-35/hour After 10 successful jobs: $40-50/hour After 20 successful jobs: $60-85/hour

We're talking MONTHS, not years.

It took me 20 YEARS to eventually make more than $50/hour in my 8-5 job.

I went from $15 to $85+/hour in less than 6 months.

Two years later? I charge 3-5X what I used to make in my 8-5.

That’s the beauty when YOU are the person in control and YOU get to set your own rates.

Your Action Plan Starting TODAY 🎯

* Stop overthinking your pricing model

* Set an hourly rate between $15-25 (yes, even if it hurts your ego)

* Focus on landing quick wins to build reviews

* Use the 2-hour trial strategy for bigger projects

* Track your actual time religiously

* Raise your rates every 2-3 successful projects

* Consider packaging only after you've specialized

This is just ONE piece of the complete strategy I teach in 10 Days to Paid—my beginner freelance course that shows you exactly how to go from "what's a freelancer?" to "I got the contract!".

No payment plans. No paywalls. No "but wait, upgrade for the REAL secrets!" Just the exact system that works.

Because honestly? I'm tired of watching people struggle with the same stuff I struggled with. The same overthinking. The same paralysis. The same "I could never do that" mindset.

You can. You just need someone to show you how.

Let's get you making money, shall we? 💰

P.S. Still worried about starting at a "low" rate? I started at $15/hour and felt like I was back to my my Taco Bell days. (Yes, I can make you a mean burrito 🌯) These days I charge $250+/hour for certain projects. Your starting point is NOT your destination—it's just where you get on the escalator. 🎢

Hey there, freelance friend! 👋

Today, we’re digging deep into the thing most freelancers don’t think about until it’s too late: your Job Success Score (JSS).

If you’ve been on Upwork for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen this mysterious percentage floating near the top of freelancer profiles. But what IS it, really? And why does it matter more than your actual skills when it comes to landing jobs?

Let’s just say this: one bad contract can tank it. And getting it back up? Brutal. (Ask me how I know...)

So I’m walking you through exactly how Upwork calculates your JSS, why it can be more powerful than your portfolio, and the strategies I used to pull mine up from the 70s to a sparkling 100%—and keep it there ever since.

Quick Intro for the Newbies 🙋‍♀️

I'm Erica Nall, one of the top 1% freelancers on Upwork out of over 18 million. I replaced my six-figure healthcare job by freelancing in a totally unrelated field—sales copywriting.

I've since retired my husband, hit the road as a full-time RVer, and now work on my own schedule while managing chronic illness. Upwork was the foundation that made this possible.

And now, I help beginner freelancers build their own bridge to freedom—faster, easier, and with fewer Oreos stress-eaten in the process. (Although no judgment. Oreos got me through my 73% JSS era.)

Wait, What IS the Job Success Score?

Let's talk Job Success Scores—or as I like to call it, "The Number That Controls Your Freelance Destiny."

Your JSS is Upwork’s way of summarizing your performance into one tidy, powerful percentage. It’s like your freelance GPA or credit score.

High score = high trust. Low score = you’ve got work to do.

Clients do check it. The algorithm does prioritize it. And while it might feel unfair, it’s also one of the most leverageable parts of your freelance career—IF you understand how it works.

The truth? It’s easier to protect your JSS than it is to fix it.

Your Job Success Score is like your GPA. A 4.0 is great—but one "C" can drop you to a 3.5 and take MONTHS to climb back up. Same with JSS.

A good JSS:

* ✅ Boosts your visibility (hello, page one!)

* ✅ Increases likelihood of landing jobs

* ✅ Attracts new clients like moths to a flame

* ✅ Plays a CRUCIAL role in landing those sexy badges (Top Rated, Top Rated Plus, or Expert Vetted—which is the top 1% of freelancers on Upwork)

When I first joined Upwork in 2019, I was winging it. I took random jobs, had no niche, no plan, and treated it like a fun little side hustle.

And my JSS? Fluctuated wildly:

* 97% → 84% → 92% → then... the SEVENTIES. 😱

When I returned to Upwork in 2023, I was serious—but I had a 73% JSS working against me. Clients didn’t want to take a chance. I had to write 3x as many proposals, explain myself in every single one, and prove that I was not the 73% girl anymore.

The only reason I recovered? Strategy. Persistence. And an obsessive focus on protecting my JSS from every angle.

I've since clawed my way back to 100% and maintained it ever since. Getting it back up? BRUTAL.

I don’t want that for you. That's why I teach my students how to protect it from day one.

Your goal: Keep this baby at 90% or above. The closer to 100%, the better. Think of it as your freelance credit score, except instead of determining if you can buy a house, it determines if you can afford a house. 💸

The Secret Sauce: What Actually Goes Into Your JSS 🔍

Upwork used to guard their JSS formula like it was the 11 herbs & spices for Kentucky Fried Chicken. But at the end of 2024, they added a beautiful, nerdy new feature: the Stats and Trends dashboard.

Let me take you behind the scenes using my own account...

Finding Your Stats (AKA Your Freelance Report Card) 📈

From your profile picture in the upper right corner, there's an option called 'Stats and Trends'.

Quick sidebar for the trust-issue folks (I see you, and I am you): I first tried Upwork back in 2019 and quit like a proper quitter. Returned in September 2023, and in less than 6 months, I was moving my business OFF platform because people were throwing referrals at me left and right.

These days? I basically just keep two dreamy copywriting clients on Upwork that I love working with. Almost all my billing these days comes from direct off-platform clients.

BUT—and this is a big but—I still recommend EVERYONE start on Upwork. It's like learning to drive in a parking lot before hitting the highway. You need that foundation before you can scale to the fancy stuff.

(On Day 2 of 10 Days to Paid, I literally show you inside my bank account and client invoices. I probably OVERSHARE, but after being duped by fake-it-til-you-make-it gurus, I'm all about that radical transparency life.)

Inside the Stats Page: Where Dreams Meet Data 📊

Once you're in, you'll see ALL sorts of fun stats:

* Last 12 months of earnings (totally OK if this is a big fat ZERO when starting)

* Proposal history (including how many were opened, messaged, and hired)

* Profile metrics (views, invites, impressions)

Want to see something wild? I’ve barely touched Upwork in the past year—yet I STILL get invited to jobs, show up in search, and hold a $333/hour profile rate.

Here’s what my 2025 Upwork stats look like:

* Sent: 1 proposal

* Hired: 1 job (100% close rate)

* Profile views: 67

* Job invitations: 7

* JSS: 100%

* Top Rated + Expert Vetted badges

* Connects: Nearly 1,000 💀

(If I could gift these Connects to you beginners, I would! You're probably scraping the bottom of your Connect barrel while I'm sitting here like Scrooge McDuck swimming in unused Connects.)

The JSS Factors That Actually Matter 🎯

Here's where it gets juicy. Let's break down what ACTUALLY impacts your score:

1. The Basics (AKA "You Need These to Even Play")

As a beginner, you won't get a JSS until you:

* ✅ Successfully complete 2 jobs

* ✅ Work with 2 unique clients

(No, hiring your mom twice doesn't count. Nice try though.)

2. Client Satisfaction (The Obvious One)

This includes:

* Public feedback (those pretty stars everyone can see)

* Private feedback (the REAL tea they spill to Upwork)

* Contract ending reason (did they close it happy or... not?)

3. Long-Term Relationships (The Secret Weapon) 💪

A relationship qualifies as "long-term" if a client's last payment is made more than 90 days after their first payment.

These are GOLDEN because they count as positive feedback even if the client doesn't leave a review!

(Yes, you read that right. Sometimes silence IS golden.)

4. Higher Earnings (Size Matters... For Your JSS) 💰

Jobs with higher earnings have a bigger impact on your score:

* $1+ = Weighted as 1 job

* $251+ = Weighted as 1.25 jobs

* $1001+ = Weighted as 1.5 jobs

This can either amplify positive impact when you nail it, or amplify negative impact when you don't.

(No pressure or anything.)

5. Contract Length (The Marathon Bonus) 🏃‍♀️

A single contract with a payment every 90 days is considered an extra "job" toward your JSS, up to a maximum of 8 jobs.

Translation: Keep those good clients around, and Upwork will love you for it.

6. Ineligible Jobs (The Ones That Don't Count)

These WON'T help your score:

* Jobs with no earnings

* Jobs with no feedback

* Jobs with feedback removed

(Yes, that "test" job your friend hired you for but you refunded them back the money? Useless. Stop it.)

The Beginner's Focus: Keep It Simple, Stupid 🎯

As a beginner, your PRIMARY focus should be:

* Get those first 2 jobs and 2 clients (activate your JSS)

* Keep client satisfaction HIGH (use those strategies from 10 Days to Paid)

Everything else will naturally happen as you scale. Don't stress about long-term clients when you're still trying to land your first gig!

Want to Protect Your JSS From Day One? 🛡️

Now that you understand why your Job Success Score matters (and how easily it can slip, especially when you're just starting out), the next step is making sure you're set up to protect it from Day One.

That's EXACTLY why I created my 10 Days to Paid Challenge. It's a course that takes you from "never freelanced a day in my life" to landing your first paying clients and 5-star reviews.

And we've already proven it works! We used my kiddo—a 22-year-old Starbucks barista—as our guinea pig. He followed the program while I documented his progress, and he landed his first client just 6 days after sending out his first round of proposals.

There's absolutely NO COST. I give you EVERYTHING:

* ✅ Swipe files

* ✅ AI prompts

* ✅ Tools and resources

* ✅ Checklists

* ✅ My sanity (okay, that last one's debatable)

Your Next Steps 🚀

* Join our support community if you haven't already

* Take the 10 Days to Paid Challenge

* Start tracking your proposals with my free tracker

* Drop your wins in our chat so I can celebrate with you!

REMINDER: I provide coaching in our support community, focusing on what I teach in Find Your Freelance Ready Skills and 10 Days to Paid Upwork Challenge for Beginner Freelancers.

Drop your:

* Questions ❓

* Profiles 👤

* Proposals 📝

* Tracker snapshots 📊

* Reviews/testimonials ⭐

* WINS (especially those first messages and contracts!) 🎉

Links You'll Need:

* Support Community: https://www.skool.com/freelancewitherica

* Find Your Freelance Skills: How to Find Your Freelance Ready Skills

* 10 Days to Paid: Start the Challenge

* Free Proposal Tracker: Get Your Tracker

I'll see you next Tuesday with another free training. Don't forget to drop your wins so I can celebrate with you! 🎉

P.S. Yes, my JSS really did drop to the 70s. Yes, it was painful. Yes, I may have stress-eaten an entire sleeve of Oreos about it. But look at me now! gestures wildly at the recovered 100% JSS There's hope for all of us! 💪

You can be the most talented freelancer on the planet, but it won't matter if no one ever sees your proposals. 🙈

I'm just going to come right out and say it: As a beginner on Upwork, almost EVERYTHING is working against you.

You've got:

* ZERO clients

* ZERO reviews

* ZERO portfolio items

* A profile that basically screams "I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE!"

And to make matters worse, you're competing against established freelancers with page after page of 5-star reviews and impressive stats.

Cue existential crisis for most beginners.

The Proof This Actually Works (Not Just Theory)

I don't just talk a big game – I've got the receipts. 💅 I know firsthand that breaking through is 100% possible. Why? Because I did it myself (going from healthcare administration to sales copywriting with ZERO freelance or copywriting experience).

And right now, I'm in the middle of the 10 Days to Paid Challenge, where I'm helping complete beginners land their first paying gigs and 5-star reviews. And to prove my methods work, I had my 22-year-old kiddo (a Starbucks barista with zero freelance experience) follow the program so we could document his journey.

The results?

* May 10th: Sent his first batch of Upwork proposals

* May 16th: Landed his first client

That's SIX DAYS from complete newbie to paid freelancer.

And here's the kicker: The job he landed had 20-50 other proposals... and he was the ONLY ONE the client messaged and hired.

(Spoiler alert for the handful of you already in the challenge – Day 6 is coming soon with all the exciting behind-the-scenes details of River's first client experience! It's taking forever to edit because Upwork's terms prohibit sharing client info without permission, so I'm basically pretending to be a video editor now. Send help. And caffeine. It's like trying to give birth to a porcupine. 😅)

The Brutal Truth About Job Applications

You craft these beautiful, thoughtful proposals... and then crickets. But what if I told you the problem isn't your experience, your portfolio, or even your rates?

Here's something most freelancers don't know (that will make you feel a LOT better about rejection):

The problem is that NO ONE IS ACTUALLY READING YOUR PROPOSALS.

Yep. Let that sink in for a second.

Here's a little insider secret from my years on Upwork: back when the platform showed us proposal "open rates," I discovered that even as a professional sales copywriter, only about 40-50% of my proposals were ever being OPENED by clients. And I literally write attention-grabbing headlines for a living! 🤦‍♀️

Translation: For every 10 proposals you send, MAYBE 4-5 (if you’re using alllll the tricks) are even getting eyeballs on them. The rest? They die a quiet death, never to be seen by human eyes. 💀 #RIPUpworkConnects

Someone gets excited, sets up an account, sends out 10 carefully crafted proposals... hears nothing back... and concludes:

* "I'm not good enough"

* "Upwork is too competitive"

* "Nobody wants to hire beginners"

But the real problem? Your proposals aren't even being OPENED in the first place.

The 5 Critical Sentences That Determine Your Freelance Fate ✨

So what's the solution? Mastering these three CRITICAL elements:

* The headline in your Upwork profile

* The opening sentences (hook) in your Upwork profile

* The opening sentences (hook) in your job proposal

When you're starting with ZERO reviews, ZERO completed jobs, and ZERO portfolio items, you need every advantage possible.

If you can nail these three elements, you'll instantly increase your open rate on the proposals you send out. And more opens = more chances to land jobs.

Think about it: If a typical job gets 30-50 proposals and you're one of the 15-20 that actually get opened, you've already eliminated more than half your competition without doing anything else.

The Client's View: What They Actually See When You Apply 👀

To understand how to get noticed, you need to SEE what clients see.

Let's peek behind the curtain at the client view when reviewing applications:

You'll notice several elements:

* Your headshot (professional please – I provide AI headshot resources in 10 Days to Paid if you need them)

* Your profile headline (this is prime real estate!)

* A list of your skills (the list of tags they have you select when you first stand up your profile)

* The first couple sentences of your proposal (this is your proposal hook)

* Social proof stats (Job Success Score, jobs completed, hours worked, money earned)

As a beginner, you can't control those social proof stats – they're all zeros.

But you CAN control those precious first sentences that clients see. So the ONLY leverage you have right now is making those headlines and hooks SO COMPELLING that clients click through anyway.

The #1 Mistake Most Freelancers Make 🤦‍♀️

And here's the kicker: Most freelancers (even experienced ones) completely waste this space!

I swear, even PROFESSIONAL COPYWRITERS get this wrong.

The typical profile headline? A boring string of keywords:

* "Experienced Graphic Designer | Logo Design | Branding"

* "Virtual Assistant with 5 Years Experience"

* "SEO Expert | Content Writer | WordPress"

* "Graphic Designer | Logo Specialist | Brand Identity Expert"

The typical profile openings? A snooze-fest:

* "I am a dedicated professional with over X years of experience..."

* "Looking forward to helping businesses achieve their goals..."

And proposal openings? See for yourself:

* "Hello! I'm writing to express interest in your job posting..."

* "Dear hiring manager, Thank you for the opportunity to apply..."

* "I have X years of experience in this field and would love to..."

yaaaaaaawn 🥱

If you want to stand out, you need to be the pattern interrupt. The thumb-stopper. The reason someone pauses their mindless scrolling and thinks "wait, what?"

We need to create a reading speedbump that forces their scanning eyes to STOP on YOUR application.

The Pattern Interruption Strategy That Gets You Noticed 👁️

What we're really doing here is hijacking basic human psychology.

When clients are scanning through 20-50 applications, their brains are looking for mental shortcuts to determine which ones are worth their time. They're using what psychologists call "System 1" thinking - fast, automatic, and largely unconscious.

Our hooks are designed to trigger pattern interruptions that force them to switch to "System 2" thinking - slower, more deliberate, and conscious.

We're also leveraging:

* The curiosity gap - Our brains hate incomplete information and are naturally drawn to resolve curiosity

* Pattern recognition - Humans are wired to notice anything that breaks expected patterns

* Loss aversion - People are more motivated to avoid losses than to acquire gains

* Social proof shorthand - We instinctively value what others have already validated for us

* Specificity bias - Specific claims are seen as more credible than general ones

By understanding and using these psychological principles, you're playing a completely different game than the 90% of freelancers who are there just listing their skills and experience.

To get noticed, you need to create a "pattern interrupt" – something that makes the scrolling eye stop and say "wait, what?"

Think of your headlines and hooks like those social media videos that start with the most exciting clip first. They're not starting with "Hi guys, welcome to day 4 of my barn renovation!" They're showing you the moment they fall off the ladder into a bucket of paint.

We're going to do the same thing with your proposals.

Here are the psychological tactics that create these attention hooks:

Attention-Grabbing Tactics 🧠

* Create curiosity or surprise – Make them think "Wait, what? I need to know more..."

* Use humor – A well-placed joke stands out in a sea of boring business speak

* Deploy numbers/stats – Our brains automatically pause when we see specific numbers

* Ask a thoughtful question – Questions trigger an automatic mental response

* Use a powerful quote – Especially a client testimonial (or when you're starting, a personal quote)

* Make a bold claim – A confident statement that makes them do a double-take

* Use contrast – Present opposing ideas that create cognitive tension

* Tell a mini-story – Humans are wired to pay attention to stories

* Use emotion – Tap into feelings that resonate with their situation

* Create urgency – Suggest time sensitivity or scarcity (but keep it honest)

Let's See This In Action: My Profile Example

Here's an example from my actual profile (which has performed so well I haven't changed it in years):

Headline: "Why I'm Not Scared of AI Stealing My Job" (uses curiosity)

Hook: "I'm not losing sleep over AI coming for my job. 🤖 Yeah, you heard me right. While some folks are quaking in their boots, I'm over here like, 'Bring it on, Skynet!'" (uses humor AND an emoji to draw the eye)

Second paragraph: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Erica is simply the best freelancer I have ever worked with. She is lightning fast, responsive, friendly, and completely understood my vision (maybe even better than I did) with minimal direction.'" (uses a quote AND a visual element)

See how I used different tactics for each element? This maximizes my chances of connecting with different personality types and attention triggers.

The Underlying Psychology: It's Not About YOU 🧠

The secret sauce to standing out? Making your hooks about THEM, not about you.

Most freelancers' profiles and proposals are me-focused:

* "I have X years of experience..."

* "I am skilled in..."

* "I've worked with..."

Flip the script and make it about THEM:

* "Your website could be generating leads while you sleep..."

* "Imagine opening your inbox to find 5 new client inquiries every morning..."

* "What if your logo made competitors wonder who designed it?"

When you make it about their desires, fears, and outcomes, you automatically stand out.

How to Craft Headlines & Hooks That Are Impossible to Ignore

Before I dive into the exact formulas and swipes, let me address the elephant in the room.

You might be thinking: "But Erica, if you teach everyone these techniques, won't they stop working?"

Three reasons why that's not a concern:

* The completion rate for online courses is about 12.6%. My free membership has ~50 people in it as of today, but only 6 have signed up for 10 Days to Paid. Of those, only a fraction will finish. (I say that with love!)

* The point is to be DIFFERENT. If everyone starts using these exact techniques, you'll simply need to pivot and find new ways to stand out. The core principle of pattern interruption remains the same.

* Most people won't actually implement this. Information without action is just entertainment. Those who actually USE these techniques will always be in the minority.

But more importantly: The core of this strategy is about STANDING OUT. If too many people start using the exact same approaches, that's your cue to zig while others zag and find NEW ways to be different.

That's the beauty of this approach. It's not about specific formulas—it's about the mindset of "how can I interrupt the pattern of what the client is seeing and grab attention?"

Now, let's dive into the good stuff!

Profile Headline Makeover: From Boring to BOOM! 💥

First, let's talk about your profile headline. Instead of the typical keyword stuffing most freelancers do, we're going to use your headline to DRAW IN your prospective clients.

The Strategy: Use this space to create curiosity, not list skills. I recommend ONE sentence, in sentence form. This is the complete opposite of what most people do (which is why it works well).

BORING (What Everyone Else Does):

"Copywriter | Email Marketing | Sales Pages | Brand Messaging"

AFTER (Attention-Grabbing Headlines):

* "0 Upwork Reviews. 100% Committed to WOW You." (River's actual headline!)

* "The 8-Second Copywriter (Because That's All the Time You Have)"

* "The Secret to [desired outcome] Isn't What You Think"

* "Tired of [common pain point] in your [project type]?"

* "How I helped clients increase [metric] by 237% in 30 days"

* "8 out of 10 [projects/assets] fail because of this one mistake"

* "Turns out, my 4th grade teacher was wrong about my [skill] abilities"

* "The designer who won't make you explain what a 'more modern' font means"

* "What If Your Design Was The Reason They Finally Clicked 'Buy'?"

See the difference? These headlines trigger curiosity and speak directly to client desires, not just list services.

Profile Hook: The First Impression That Matters 👋

Once you have a killer headline, you need an equally powerful opening hook in your profile description.

This is the first 1-2 sentences of your profile that clients see in search results. It should complement your headline but use a DIFFERENT attention-grabbing tactic. These work together to earn the click-through.

The Strategy: Vary your tactics between headline and hook to increase your chances of connecting.

Tactics that work:

* Curiosity/surprise: "I've written copy for companies I can't name (thanks, NDAs!) and brands you definitely know."

* Humor: "I'm not losing sleep over AI coming for my job. 🤖 Yeah, you heard me right. While some folks are quaking in their boots, I'm over here like, 'Bring it on, Skynet!'"

* Stats/numbers: "In the last 12 months, I've helped 23 SaaS companies increase demo conversions by an average of 37%."

* Questions: "Ever wonder why some websites convert like crazy while others just... don't? It usually comes down to these three design factors."

* Quotes: "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Working with Alex was the best decision we made this quarter. Our conversion rate doubled within weeks.' — Jane Smith, CMO"

* Unexpected statements: "Most designers will tell you they LOVE your brand. I'll tell you what needs work."

BEFORE (Typical Opening):

"I am a passionate virtual assistant with experience in calendar management, email organization, and travel planning."

or

"I am a graphic designer with 5 years of experience creating logos, websites, and brand identities for clients across various industries."

AFTER (Compelling Hooks):

* "I'm not losing sleep over AI coming for my job. 🤖 Yeah, you heard me right. While some folks are quaking in their boots, I'm over here like, 'Bring it on, Skynet!'" (my actual profile hook)

* "Most virtual assistants promise organization. I deliver time - the one resource you can't buy more of (until now)."

* "In the time it took you to read this sentence, your inbox received 3 new emails. By this time tomorrow, I'll have them all handled."

* "⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'She's basically a mind reader. I don't know how she anticipates what I need before I do, but it's like having a business partner, not just an assistant.'" (starting with a testimonial)

* "Ever wished you could clone yourself? Well, science hasn't quite caught up, but I'm the next best thing."

* "Your current website is leaving money on the table. 💰 After reviewing your site, I spotted 3 specific places where you're losing potential customers:"

* "I just tested your checkout process and found exactly why your cart abandonment is so high. The good news? It's a quick fix."

* "Most Facebook ad campaigns fail because they target the wrong metrics. Your job posting suggests you're focusing on [X], but what if we pivoted to [Y] instead?"

* "93% of consumers say visual appearance is the #1 factor in their purchasing decisions. Yet most businesses still treat design as an afterthought."

* "Ever notice how some brands just 'feel right' while others seem... off? That tiny difference is what I obsess over."

* "'Working with Alex was like watching someone translate my jumbled thoughts into visual perfection.' That's what my clients say when they stop hyperventilating over their new designs."

The idea here is we want a STRONG ONE-TWO PUNCH between your profile headline and opening hook that compliment one another while serving double duty.

For A Graphic Designer:

HEADLINE: "I Turn 'Womp Womp' Brands Into 'OMG!' Visual Experiences" (bold claim + humor)

HOOK: "Last week, a client called me crying—actual tears—because the logo I designed made her "finally feel like a real business." That's the difference between paying for design and investing in visual storytelling." (emotional mini-story + quote)

HEADLINE: "What If Your Design Was The Reason They Finally Clicked 'Buy'?" (question)

HOOK: "The average person makes a judgment about your business in 0.05 seconds based solely on visuals. 🎨 I create designs that pass that test with flying colors. Literally." (numbers/stats with visual hook)

For a Virtual Assistant:

HEADLINE: "I'm the assistant who remembers your mom's birthday when you don't"

HOOK: "Organization isn't just a skill for me—it's an obsession. The kind that makes my friends roll their eyes when I color-code their kitchen cupboards 'as a favor.' Their annoyance is your business advantage."

For a Web Developer:

HEADLINE: "The website designer who delivers on time (I know, shocking)"

HOOK: "94% of first-time visitors judge your business credibility based solely on your website design. The other 6% probably never found your site at all because it wasn't mobile-friendly or SEO-optimized. 📱"

See how different these feel compared to the typical "Graphic Designer | Logo Design | Branding" headline?

These speak to desires, outcomes, and differentiation while using attention-grabbing tactics to steal attention.

"But Erica, I'm not a copywriter! I don't know how to write attention-grabbing stuff!"

I hear you! That's why I'm giving you these AI prompts to help.

AI Prompt: Generate Killer Headlines & Hooks

I'm a freelance [YOUR SERVICE] on Upwork with no reviews yet.

Creating Proposal Hooks That Get Clients To Click "Read More" 📝

Finally, let's chat about the opening sentences of your proposal. Your proposal "hook".

This is where the rubber meets the road. The client will see the first couple sentences of your application, so we need to make them COUNT.

No greetings. No pleasantries. No "To Whom It May Concern."

Just straight into a hook that stops their scanning eyes in their tracks.

This is where you convert attention into interest. The same principles apply, but with one critical difference:

Your proposal hook must be PERSONALIZED to the specific job and client.

The Strategy: Personalize to each job while speaking to the client's DEEPER desires—not just what they asked for.

BEFORE (Typical Opening):

"Hello! I'm writing to express my interest in your website design project. I have experience creating WordPress websites and would love to help you with this project."

AFTER (Compelling Hooks):

* "Your website isn't just fighting for attention—it's fighting for survival. 👀 In the 8 seconds you have before visitors bounce, we need to make your brand unforgettable."

* "I've analyzed your current site and found 3 critical conversion issues that are likely costing you thousands in lost sales every month."

* "Most designers will build you a pretty website. 🔥 I build websites that turn visitors into customers while you sleep."

* "Your competitors' websites take 4.2 seconds to load (I checked). ✨ I can build you a site that loads in under 2 seconds—and Google rewards that speed with higher rankings."

This is where the real magic happens. Your proposal hook needs to be:

* Personalized to the specific job

* Focused on the client's DESIRES (not just their stated needs)

* Free of generic greetings and niceties

* Visually disruptive (use an emoji, or strategically use ALL CAPS)

The Surface Level vs. Deep Desire Difference

Understanding what clients REALLY want (vs. what they're asking for) is key to writing hooks that convert.

Let's look at two different approaches:

Surface Level (Boring) Hook:

"I have 4 years of experience writing sales pages for SaaS companies and would love to help with your project."

Deep Desire (Attention-Grabbing) Hook:

"What if your sales page didn't just describe your software, but actually pre-sold prospects so thoroughly that the 'Buy Now' button felt like the next logical step? 👉 That's exactly what I'll create for you."

Surface-Level (Boring) Hook:

"I'm an experienced sales page copywriter with 3 years of experience writing high-converting copy."

Desire-Based (Attention-Grabbing) Hook:

"What if your sales page was still bringing in customers two years from now, long after my invoice is a distant memory? That's the difference between hiring a copywriter and investing in a revenue-generating asset. 💰"

See the difference? The second version isn't talking about the writer's experience – it's painting a picture of what the CLIENT really wants.

Because clients hiring a sales page writer don't actually want "a sales page." They want:

* A page that converts browsers into buyers

* An asset that pays for itself many times over

* Words that make their ideal buyers feel deeply understood

* A frictionless buying experience that doesn't feel salesy

Your hooks should speak to these DEEPER DESIRES, not just the task itself.

* They ask for logo design → What they REALLY want is an identity that makes them feel professional and attracts their dream clients

* They ask for data entry → What they REALLY want is to eliminate tedious work and a frustrating time-suck

* They ask for website → What they REALLY want is a 24/7 salesperson that turns visitors into customers while they sleep

* They ask for a sales page → What they REALLY want is MONEY. They want their page to CONVERT and make sales on autopilot

* They ask for video editing → What they REALLY want is content that keeps viewers watching and drives action

The "Pre-Emptive Strike" Against Objections

Another powerful technique is addressing potential objections BEFORE the client even thinks of them right in your hook:

* What if they spend money and don't like the work?

* What if it takes too long?

* What if your style doesn't match their brand/voice/industry?

* Will it be ChatGPT blah blah generic?

Example Hook Addressing Fears:

"🎯 Tired of designers who make you wait weeks only to deliver something that looks nothing like your vision? I offer a 48-hour turnaround on initial concepts and unlimited revisions until you're doing happy dances around your office. No risk, no frustration, just designs you'll actually use."

"Your sales page will be designed for one thing: 🔥 CONVERSIONS that pay for themselves within weeks, not months. And you'll see a first draft within 48 hours so we can adjust course early if needed."

The Visual Hook Trick Nobody Uses

Want an extra little trick to make your proposal stand out visually?

Use a single, colorful emoji near the beginning of your proposal hook. 🔥

It sounds silly, but it works. Most proposals are a sea of plain text, and that tiny splash of color can literally draw the eye to your proposal first.

AI Prompt: Generate Client-Specific Proposal Hooks

I'm applying for this Upwork job:

Example Results For A Web Developer Job

Curiosity/Surprise: "🚀 What if rebuilding your website actually MADE you money instead of just costing you money? I've helped 3 clients achieve ROI on their website redesigns within 60 days using my conversion-focused development approach."

Direct Challenge to Pain Point: "⏰ Your current website is costing you $XXX in lost sales every day it remains unfixed. I can have your new site live, fully tested, and converting visitors within 14 days—with zero technical headaches on your end."

Contrast: "🔄 Most developers build websites that look pretty but convert poorly; I build websites that look pretty AND turn visitors into customers (with the analytics dashboards to prove it)."

A Before & After Example

Let's see how all this comes together with a real example for a web designer:

BEFORE:

* Profile Headline: "Web Designer | Wordpress Expert | UI/UX Designer"

* Profile Hook: "I am a web designer with 3+ years of experience creating responsive websites for small businesses and entrepreneurs."

* Proposal Hook: "Hello! Thank you for posting this job. I am interested in your website project as I have experience with Wordpress and can deliver a professional site within your timeframe."

AFTER:

* Profile Headline: "I build websites that turn visitors into customers while you sleep"

* Profile Hook: "Did you know that the average visitor decides whether to stay or leave your website in just 3 seconds? That tiny window is where most businesses lose thousands in potential revenue."

* Proposal Hook: "Your competitors' websites are putting customers to sleep. Let's build one that wakes them up and gets them reaching for their credit cards. 💳 I reviewed your current site and immediately spotted three conversion opportunities you're missing..."

Do you see how the "after" version speaks directly to what clients REALLY care about? It's not just about having a website—it's about having a website that makes money.

Your Next Steps: Be the Pattern Interrupt

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

* Audit your current profile headline and hook - Do they use these attention-grabbing techniques or are they just listing skills?

* Use the AI prompts to generate new options - Try at least 2-3 different approaches

* Apply the proposal hook techniques to your next 5 applications - Remember, freelancing is a numbers game, and these techniques dramatically improve your odds

* Track your results - Are you getting more responses with these new approaches? (My bet is YES!)

* Keep experimenting - The more you test different hooks, the better you'll understand what works for YOUR specific services and clients (snag my free proposal tracker here)

Don't overthink this! Look, if you're staring at this thinking "I'll never be able to write like that," STOP IT.

That's literally what AI is for. Use the prompts I gave you, tweak the outputs until they sound like something you'd say, and move on.

The point isn't perfection—it's being DIFFERENT enough to get noticed in the first place.

Freelancing success isn't just about being good at what you do—it's about getting the opportunity to SHOW people you're good at what you do. And that starts with getting them to actually SEE your proposals.

As my kiddo River proved, you don't need years of experience or a fancy portfolio to land clients. You just need to get your foot in the door—and these three critical sentences are the key that unlocks it.

From Getting Seen to Getting Paid

This is just one piece of the puzzle, of course. Once they open your proposal, you need strategies to convert that interest into a contract—which is exactly what I teach in the 10 Days to Paid Challenge.

If there's one thing you remember from this training, let it be this:

Your freelance success as a beginner depends more on being SEEN than being GOOD.

Of course, once you get hired, you need to deliver quality work. But you can't deliver quality work if no one ever hires you because no one ever sees your proposals.

So start with these attention hijackers, and watch your response rate climb.

Remember: you can't control your lack of reviews, earnings history, or portfolio as a beginner. But you CAN control those three critical sentences that determine whether clients even see your application.

Master those, and suddenly the playing field gets a whole lot more level.

The freelancers who succeed aren't always the most talented or experienced - they're the ones who understand the game they're playing and use every advantage available to them.

Because in the end, freelancing success really is a numbers game. And the first number that matters? The percentage of your proposals that actually get opened.

The best part about this approach? It costs you nothing to implement, and you can start using it immediately.

Happy proposal writing! And may the algorithm odds be ever in your favor. ✨

P.S. If this training helped you, I'd love to hear about it! (Seriously, your girl LIVES for a gold star.) Drop a comment and let me know what headline/hook combos you came up with and I'll give you feedback.

Hey there, future freelancer! 👋

Welcome to the 10 Days to Paid Challenge – your step-by-step roadmap to landing your first paying client and that coveted 5-star review on Upwork.

Some links in this training may be affiliate links - consider it a way to tip for teaching you for free! I only use affiliate links for products I've used before and would genuinely recommend. (And no, Upwork isn’t one of them.)

Over the next 10 days, I'm going to walk you through EXACTLY how to set up your profile, find the right jobs, create proposals that get noticed, and turn those first clients into paying clients. No fluff, no theory, just practical action steps that get you PAID.

Before we dive in, let me make sure you're in the right place:

* Haven't figured out what freelance services to offer yet? Start with my Find Your Freelance-Ready Skills training first.

* Curious about my personal freelancing journey or why I'm so obsessed with Upwork as your starting point? Check out my challenge introduction video.

* Ready to fully commit to the 10-day challenge? Amazing! Click here to opt in and get Days 2-10 dripped into your inbox. (Not quite ready? No pressure! This link will be waiting whenever you decide to jump in.)

Remember, this challenge is designed to be DONE, not just consumed. Each day builds on the previous one, and by Day 10, you'll have everything you need to start making actual money as a freelancer.

Let's get those first dollars flowing and that first 5-star review shining on your profile! 💰⭐

Oh, and once you complete today's tasks, I'd LOVE for you to share your Minimum Viable Profile in our group chat so we can celebrate your progress! I'll personally peek at it and let you know if there are any critical tweaks needed. (Remember, we're not going for perfection here, but that headline and hook really do matter!)

Let's Get Started! Day 1: Account Setup 🚀

Alright, enough big-picture talk. Let's get to the actual action step for Day 1:

Your Task: Set Up Your Upwork Account

* Go to Upwork.com and click "Sign Up"

* If you've had an account before: Try to resurrect it instead of creating a new one (Upwork only allows one account per person, EVER)

* Follow their basic signup wizard

* IMPORTANT: When it starts asking about your professional title, skills, education, etc. — just put in the absolute bare minimum for now

* You can literally type "Test" or gibberish if needed

* Don't waste time perfecting anything yet!

* Once you have basic access to the platform, come back here

WHY AM I TELLING YOU TO HALF-ASS THIS? Because most people waste HOURS trying to perfect their profile before they understand what actually works.

We're going to build your Minimum Viable Profile next—just enough to start applying for jobs and getting results. Your profile, proposals, and portfolio will ALL be constantly upgrading as we progress through this challenge.

Remember: A mediocre profile that's actually live will make you more money than a "perfect" profile that never gets finished. ✨

Creating Your Minimum Viable Profile

Alright, let's talk about what actually matters when setting up your Upwork profile. (It's not what most beginners think!) 🔍

The Perfectionism Trap (And Why We're Avoiding It)

Listen up, fellow over-achievers and perfectionists (hello, that's me too!) – we have a tendency to keep ourselves stuck in "busy work" mode. Perfecting. Tweaking. Building samples. Creating portfolio pieces. Rewriting our profile for the MILLIONTH time.

Let's call it what it is: procrastination disguised as productivity. 💅

The hard truth? Many people won't even finish this challenge. So spending 17 hours crafting the "perfect" profile before you've even landed a job is like buying a wedding dress before you've gone on your first date.

The ONLY productivity we care about right now is getting you landing jobs. Everything else is a distraction.

Day 1 Task: Profile Research & Setup

This is a two-parter that will give you both platform familiarity AND intelligence on your future competition.

Part 1: Competitive Intelligence Gathering

* Go to Upwork and click the search bar

* Change from "Jobs" to "Talent"

* Enter keywords related to the service you want to offer

* Add these filters:

* Job Success Score: 90%+

* Earnings: $10K+

* Hours billed: 100+

Think of this as an intel mission. 🕵️‍♀️ These people are your future competition. I want you to study:

* Their profile photos (professional? casual? creative?)

* Headlines (what's grabbing attention?)

* Hooks (the first couple sentences visible in search results)

* Hourly rates (what's the range in your niche?)

* Total earnings (how much volume is possible?)

Your task: Find 5 profiles of people charging rates you'd LOVE to be charging who have billed a substantial amount through Upwork. Copy their:

* Headlines

* Hooks (first few visible sentences in the search results)

* Remaining Profile

* Rate

..into this spreadsheet for your research purposes.

Pro Tip: If you struggle to find 5 solid profiles, that's valuable feedback! It might mean:

* Your search was too specialized (zoom out a level)

* The niche has lower rates than you hoped (try a related category)

* There's not much volume in that specific niche

You should have pages of results even after applying filters. If not, broaden your search.

Part 2: AI-Assisted Profile Creation

ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/Claude (my personal favorite for writing): https://claude.ai/Perplexity (AI search engine that also does pretty good copywriting, math, and formulas): https://www.perplexity.ai/Emojipedia: https://emojipedia.org/

Once you have your 10 examples, head to ChatGPT or Claude with this exact prompt:

I am new to Upwork and I'm standing up my beginner profile. I am interested in offering services in the [YOUR NICHE] space. I don't yet have proven experience on the platform yet. (If you do have relevant experience in your chosen space, share that here. If you don't, just skip) I researched 5 top profiles in my space and here are their headlines, their opening hooks and their full profiles for review. Please review these and create a hypothesis as to why these people are landing jobs with these profiles - what common themes do you see?

After the AI responds, follow up with:

Perfect. My goal is to disrupt someone's attention while scrolling and STAND OUT among profiles like these. So I don't want my headline and hook to mirror theirs but rather stand out in a unique and unexpected way that hijacks attention and earns the click-through in my profile. I want you to create 10 headline/hook combos to choose from using a variety of tactics like humor, curiosity, stats, etc. Remember the idea here is to be different from the examples I showed you while still competitive despite my lack of platform success yet.

Review the outputs, select your favorite, and then tell the AI

Awesome. I love this one:

If the output doesn't feel quite right, give the AI feedback on what's missing. (I’ll get into copywriting with AI a lot more heavy in future trainings, but I want us to keep our eye on the prize right now. Be OK with “good enough” for the moment. Focus more on getting the tone/personality right than having every detail perfect. Just remove anything that feels false or inaccurate, and you'll have a solid starting point.

REMINDER: Your headline and hook are 80% of what lands you jobs. The rest is mostly for the algorithm to help you show up in searches. We'll optimize for keywords later, but for now, "good enough" is perfect.

The best part? You can easily swap headlines and hooks later to test which ones perform better. This isn't tattooed on your forehead forever. 😅

Getting to 100% Profile Completion

Once you have your core profile content, your next goal is reaching 100% profile completion. This isn't just for show – it's one of the requirements for earning the "Rising Talent" badge, which can fast-track your success.

Source: https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/34924882793107-Build-a-100-complete-profile

Required Items (50%):

✅ Profile Photo (Professional Headshot)

* Use a clean, well-lit photo cropped around your face

* Pro Tip: I've created this Canva template where you can drop in your photo with a colored outline – this tiny addition helps you stand out!

* No professional photo? Use AI! I've used:

* Remini (Free trial, just remember to cancel)

* Aragon AI ($35-75 for 40-100 headshots)

* Headshot Pro ($29-59 for 40-200 headshots)

✅ Profile Overview

* This is where you'll paste the content we created above with AI

✅ Hourly Rate

* Set your rate between $15-25/hour (even if you have tons of experience and make way more in your day job)

* This is just your profile rate—we'll be discounting it in proposals

* Strategy: If your profile shows $25/hour, you can apply at $15/hour positioning it as "$10 off my standard rate"

* We will walk this rate up FAST after you get those first few reviews

* Don't overthink this! Your first goal is landing jobs, not maximizing hourly rate right now

✅ Employment History

* Add at least 3 past jobs to max out your points (30%)

* 99% of clients don't actually look at this – it's for the algorithm

* Just need company name, city, country, title, and dates

* Yes, include non-relevant experience! (My healthcare jobs still help me get matched with healthcare clients)

✅ Skill Tags

* Choose at least 3 (the more the better)

* Focus on skills aligned with your desired work

* Include specializations you want to explore

Optional Items (Get to 100%):

✅ Education History

* Even just high school gets you 10%

* College (even incomplete) gets you the full 20%

* Again, clients rarely are looking at this

Choose from these to reach 100%:

* Link a social account (10%)

* Add certifications if you have them (5% each, max 10%)

* Create a profile video (10%)

* Add other experience items (5%)

WHAT TO SKIP (FOR NOW):

❌ Portfolio Section

* Complete distraction at this stage

* We'll add this after you have actual client work

❌ Creating Project Listings

* Just the basics for now

* Save your energy for applications

Why This Matters

The "Rising Talent" badge is freelancer gold for beginners. It signals to clients that Upwork sees potential in you, even without a strong work history yet on the platform. A 100% complete profile is one of the key requirements.

When you start consistently applying, landing contracts, and earning high ratings, you'll be positioned to earn this badge – which can dramatically increase your visibility and chances of landing better jobs.

Source: https://support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063228-Rising-Talent

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS!

If you've completed these steps, you now have a profile that's ready to start applying for your first freelance jobs!

Tomorrow (Day 2), we'll cover some essential housekeeping before you start submitting proposals:

* Legal, Banking, and Tax considerations for freelancers

* Upwork 101: Avoiding common scams and protecting your profile

* Understanding Upwork costs and fees

* Membership options and how Connects work

This might not be the sexiest content, but it'll save you from expensive mistakes and frustration later!

Your Day 1 Checklist:

☐ Sign up for your Upwork account and complete the setup wizard

☐ Complete competitor research on 5 successful profiles

☐ Use AI to analyze findings and create your profile content

☐ Select your headline and hook

☐ Add a professional profile photo

☐ Fill in your employment history (3 jobs if possible)

☐ Add relevant skill tags (at least 3)

☐ Complete education section (2, if possible)

☐ Add 1-2 optional elements to reach 100% completion

☐ Drop your shiny new profile link in our community group chat so we can celebrate with you!

☐ Officially OPT IN to the 10 Days to Paid Challenge to get Day 2 in your inbox tomorrow. (Days 2-10 will NOT be posted here on Substack.)

REMINDER: A "good enough" profile that lets you start applying for jobs TODAY is infinitely better than a "perfect" profile that never sees the light of day. Let's get you making money! 💰

With caffeine and optimism,

P.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed or have questions, drop them in our community chat! Remember, everyone starts as a beginner—even the people currently making six figures on Upwork.

Hey there, future freelancer! 👋If we're just meeting, I'm Erica Nall—a chronically ill healthcare escapee who became a top 1% Upwork copywriting freelancer, retired my husband, and now travels full-time in our RV with an alarming stockpile of Diet Coke.

People are always wide-eyed when I tell them I quit my six-figure healthcare position, built a freelance business that makes more than my corporate salary ever did, and now work from wherever the heck I want. Their immediate question is always:

"But HOW did you actually do it?" 👀

The System Failure That Changed Everything

Let me get real with you about why I'm even here teaching this.

I gave my literal health—almost died—for my employer back in 2020. I wrapped my self-worth and identity around being a killer employee because that's what we've been taught all our lives: that our value is in our jobs, our careers, how we climb the ladder.

And when I needed help despite all I had given? My employer chose themselves.

Then 2023 happened:

* My husband lost his job after 25 YEARS of loyalty to a tech company he helped build from the ground up in the 90s into a half-billion-dollar per year enterprise

* My high school teacher dad was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer just before retirement

* My son was making $15/hour with ZERO chance of affording his own apartment

* My mom was forced into early retirement to care for my aging grandparents and then was left having to choose between her parents and her dying husband

* My grandparents had to sell their family home just to qualify for the nursing care they needed

The systems were failing everyone I loved, all at once.

Something in me just... broke.

I rented our house to my son and his friends (so they could actually have affordable housing), bought an RV with my husband, and headed west to be with my parents. And I returned to freelancing with a completely different level of determination.

We Weren't Meant to Live Like This

We weren't put on this earth to give our lives and health away to other people for the sake of them making money off our hard work. We were meant to be tribes, a community, people who helped one another.

We are here to experience. To learn. To love.

And I've seen enough proof in my lifetime to know that the way our systems work right now—at least here in the US—is NOT how we were meant to be living.

You shouldn't be:

* Living in debt just to maintain a middle-class lifestyle

* Starting GoFundMes to pay for medical bills

* Working full-time for decades only to face retirement insecurity

* Watching your parents and grandparents struggle after lifetimes of hard work

Our systems are failing everywhere you look. People are suffering. People are struggling. People are hateful to one another right now because LIFE IS HARD and they want someone to blame.

But the hard truth? It's the lack and instability of financial resources that is at the ROOT of this breakdown.

Freedom Was Always Your Birthright

Having finally broken through to the other side, I can tell you:

* Being fully self-employed

* Making more than I ever did as an employee

* Being able to tell my husband "just don't go back to work"

* Traveling the US full-time in our RV

* Setting my own schedule

* Choosing my clients

* Setting my rates

* Waking up without an alarm

* Swimming in the middle of the day or taking a hike when I'm not feeling work

* Staying in bed on bad flare-up days...

This freedom was ALWAYS the life we were meant to live.

Feeling secure in your housing, your food supply, your health... it's your birthright.

And while money is a necessary tool to live, the more in control YOU are of gathering that resource for yourself—rather than depending on someone else to give it to you—the better positioned you are to not depend on systems that WILL fail you.

Why I'm Doing This Now

At the end of 2024, I was at a decision point: either start adding staff to continue scaling my business to meet all the work referrals coming in, OR scale BACK and finally recenter my work around something more mission-based and heart-led.

The choice became obvious. My heart is in helping others become more in control of gathering financial resources for themselves than depending on others to provide it.

I don't want to sell you pie-in-the-sky dreams. Will some of you run with this and become full-time freelancers who quit their jobs and travel the world? I bet some will. Is that my wish for every single one of you eventually? Absolutely.

But my focus with this program right now is helping you learn the skills and providing the resources so you can start taking meaningful steps TODAY to get extra money in your account later this month.

For some people, a couple hundred extra dollars a month is the difference between rent being paid on time or being able to afford a full grocery run. And that feels pretty darn meaningful to me.

Why Freelancing? And Why Upwork? 💰

I'm not here to hate on side hustles or passive income dreams. Making planners on Etsy or creating digital courses or doing affiliate marketing can work...

...for about 2% of people who try it.

For the other 98%? Those approaches typically lead to:

* More debt than income

* Thousands spent on courses that collect digital dust

* Years of "figuring it out" with nothing to show for it

* That awkward moment when family asks how your "business" is going 😬

Freelancing is the exact opposite:

* It costs next to nothing to start

* You only pay fees when YOU get paid

* You can start earning in days, not months or years

* You don't need to buy expensive equipment, inventory, or courses

* You get PAID while you learn and improve (unlike passive income ventures)

The goal here is for you to be in control of generating your own income. There are two main ways that happens:

* You already have money to make more money

* Rentals

* Investments

* Real estate

* You become self-employed

* Passive income routes (courses, Etsy, digital products, etc.)

* Freelancing (service-based work)

For most of us without large sums to invest, the service-based route is the fastest path to income.

And why Upwork specifically? Because it's the largest active freelance platform in the world, with the highest volume of jobs and clients.

The HUGE difference between Upwork and platforms like Fiverr is the active vs. passive approach:

🚫 Fiverr: Create pre-packaged offers, then sit and wait—hoping someone stumbles across your offer.

✅ Upwork: Access a MASSIVE job board where businesses are actively looking to hire someone RIGHT NOW (like walking into a job fair where everyone is holding "We're Hiring!" signs)

The business posts what they need, and YOU get to choose which opportunities match your skills. This puts YOU in control, even as a complete beginner. No hunting for clients, no awkward cold calling, no sliding into strangers' DMs—just an endless supply of fresh jobs waiting for your application.

This puts YOU in control. Even as a complete beginner!

It's like business dating, but without the weird small talk about your hobbies. 😅

"But Can't I Just Find My Own Clients Instead of Upwork?" 🤔

Can you start your freelance journey by finding clients on social media or in groups you're already in?

Technically, yes.

Realistically? That's like trying to run before you can crawl.

Here's the progression that actually works:

* Start on Upwork to establish yourself and build credibility

* Collect high-value testimonials and reviews

* Build a portfolio of happy clients

* Let those clients refer you to others

* Eventually transition off-platform if/when it makes sense

Let me share what this looked like with my own journey:My "Um, That Was Messy" Journey to Success 🙈

My path wasn't a straight line. It looked more like a toddler with a crayon. Let me share how my own path played out:

2019: Tried Upwork for a few months. Made a few thousand dollars but had ZERO strategy. I was taking any job that paid, had rock-bottom rates, and couldn't see how the effort would ever replace my income. So I quit. (Mistake #1) 🤦‍♀️

2020-2023: Wasted several years on passive income projects that led to more debt than income. Bought courses. Started blogs. Tried affiliate marketing. Considered dropshipping. You name it, I probably dabbled in it. (Mistakes #2 through #47)

End of 2023: Returned to Upwork with actual STRATEGY and DETERMINATION after:

* Finally admitting that the passive income projects were not going to pay the bills anytime soon

* My husband lost his 25-year career unexpectedly

* My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer

This time everything changed:

* First job back: $20

* First month: $200

* 15 months later: First $20K month in my business (working ~30 hours a week)

Upwork was the LAUNCHING PAD that allowed me to:

* Establish myself with clients

* Collect high-value testimonials

* Prove that I consistently deliver work to client’s expectations through my Job Success Score (100%)

* Build a network of clients and business contacts

* Explore my niche preferences (while getting PAID to experiment)

* Walk up my rates to discover what the market would bear

Once I put in my time in on Upwork, something magical started to unfold. Clients started inviting me to their networks, tagging me on social posts where people were looking for my services and referring others. Taking my business off-platform is what allowed it to explode my rate well beyond $100/hour — but I NEVER would have had that success trying to START there.

My Upwork foundation gave people confidence that I could deliver results and was worth premium rates. I haven't had to "sell" a single client since taking my business off of Upwork. My clients constantly ask to refer more people to me, and just by showing up on social and mentioning I'm a top 1% copywriter, people ASK to work with me:

But I NEVER would have had that success (or credibility) if I'd tried to START there. The foundation I built on Upwork is what made everything else possible.

The other great benefit of STARTING on Upwork is now I have a “business asset” to fall back on whenever I need it. Lose a client unexpectedly and have a $2,500/month gap I need to close quickly? I can hop on Upwork and land a new contract FAST in a pinch because my profile is filled with happy clients singing my praises, my Top Rated/Expert Vetted badges and my 100% Job Success Score. I don’t have to be actively using Upwork to hop back in at any point and begin applying for (and landing) jobs right away.

"But It's Too Competitive!" and Other Myths That Will Keep You Broke 🙄

Here's the tough love: landing your first few jobs IS a grind. That's why so many people give up before they've even given it a real try.

They send 10 applications, hear nothing back, and promptly quit—assuming:

* "It's too competitive"

* "Everyone's undercharging"

* "Clients only want people with experience"

* "The algorithm hates me personally"

ALL. OF. THESE. ARE. WRONG.

I'm here to tell you: landing jobs is purely a numbers game. And it's a game that gets MUCH easier the more jobs you land.

I have a proven system that will help you cut through the noise and start landing clients right away. For some of you, it will be a matter of days. For others, it might take the full 10 days or longer—and that's totally fine. The important thing is to follow this process so we can set your profile up for long-term success.

The important thing is to follow this process. I'm going to help you:

* Set up your profile strategically (not perfectly)

* Target the right kinds of beginner-friendly jobs

* Create proposals that actually get responses

* Turn those first clients into 5-star reviews

* Use those reviews to land better clients at higher rates

"But How Can I Replace My Full-Time Income?" 📈

Great question! The secret isn't trying to match your current income while still working your job.

It's about EXCEEDING your current hourly wage (which can happen much faster than you think).

Here's how:

* Start at a lower rate to get those first few jobs

* Use those jobs to get stellar reviews

* Gradually increase your rate as your profile strengthens

* Track your metrics religiously (proposals sent → responses → contracts)

If you follow this system, you'll eventually know your numbers with freaky accuracy: "If I send X proposals, Y people will respond, and Z will turn into contracts."

Example: Even if you're only making $2,000/month on Upwork but you've:

* Worked your rate up to $75/hour

* Know you land 2 contracts for every 10 proposals you send

Then you KNOW you're capable of replacing your full-time income. It's just simple math on how many proposals you need to send weekly.

A Word of Caution About Going Full-Time 🚨

For those dreaming of quitting your 8-5, I'll have more resources in the coming months. But my biggest advice right now:

Before you quit your job:

* Reduce your financial demands (pay down debt, cut unnecessary expenses)

* Build a 3-6 month income replacement nest egg

* Prepare for the feast-and-famine cycles of freelancing

I've been hospitalized twice unexpectedly over the past 2 years. When you work for yourself, you are your own PTO.

Your nest egg is what keeps you afloat during those times.

Let's Get Started! 🚀

Day 1 of our challenge starts on Tuesday. Keep an eye on your inbox for:

* Step-by-step instructions

* Resources and templates

* Practical action items to complete

By the end of this challenge, you'll have:

* A complete Upwork profile

* Your first proposals submitted

* Your first paying client and 5-star review

* The foundation for scaling your freelance income

If you're ready to join the 10 Days to Paid Challenge, click the link to opt in and you'll be off to the races!

With caffeine and optimism,

P.S. For some of you, this challenge may be the beginning of a complete life transformation. For others, it might just mean an extra few hundred dollars a month to help with bills. Both outcomes are valuable, and I'm here to help you get there, regardless of your goal. ✨P.P.S. If you missed last week’s training, I covered how to find your freelance ready-to-sell skills. You’ll want to snag the matching tool and figure out your area of interest before jumping into the challenge.

Hey there, future freelancer! 👋

Let's address the elephant in the room: figuring out what services you can offer as a freelancer is like trying to write your dating profile—suddenly you forget everything interesting about yourself and panic-type "I like long walks and… um... breathing oxygen?"

As someone who went from healthcare compliance (literally the most boring sentence starter ever) to a top 1% Upwork copywriter working from my RV, I'm living proof that you don't need to have it all figured out to start making money online.

Full disclosure: This post is the written companion to my video training (above), but I've included EVERYTHING here so you can follow along even if you hate watching videos as much as I hate unexpected phone calls. 📱🙅‍♀️

How I Accidentally Became a Six-Figure Freelancer (Despite Having Zero Relevant Skills) [00:45]

Let me paint you a picture: It's 2020. I'm drowning in chronic illness while working in healthcare administration. When I finally ask for accommodations, my employer's brilliant suggestion is to "close my office door" on bad days.

So I quit. Like any rational human would. Like someone having a complete mental breakdown might.

After three years of chasing passive income dreams (aka buying courses that collected digital dust), my husband loses his job after 25 years and my dad gets diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The universe basically looked at my life and said: "You think THAT was challenging? Hold my beer." 🍺

With my back against the wall, I returned to Upwork—a platform I'd tried and quit in 2019 because it felt "too hard."

Plot twist: I decided to market myself as a copywriter.

BIGGER plot twist: I am NOT naturally good at writing. My high school English teachers are probably spitting out their coffee reading this. ☕💦

What I did have going for me:

* Strategic thinking abilities (from fixing broken healthcare departments)

* A past in sales (that I hated because #introvertproblems)

* Early adoption of AI tools (because new tech is my love language)

* Basic marketing knowledge (from all those passive income courses that emptied my wallet)

That hodgepodge of random skills was enough to get me started. Six months later, I had walked my rate from $15/hour to $85+/hour and was making more than my corporate salary ever paid me.

The Specialization Funnel: The Most Important Concept You've Never Heard Of [06:56]

Here's where most people get it completely backward: they try to enter the freelance market as specialists charging premium rates from day one.

That's like showing up to your first-ever boxing match and challenging the heavyweight champion. Good luck with that, champ. 👊

(Spoiler alert: You will get knocked out. Possibly literally.)

The Upside-Down Freelance Strategy That Actually Works

Let me introduce you to what I call the Specialization Funnel:

(Here’s the deeply unsexy mouse-drawing I did on the live training.)

This funnel explains EXACTLY how successful freelancers actually build their careers (versus what they tell you in their fancy courses). Let me walk you through it step by step:

1. The Top of the Funnel: Broad & Beginner-Friendly

When you first start freelancing, you're going to position yourself at the TOP of this funnel:

* What you offer: Very broad services (like "writing" or "design")

* Your rates: Lowest they'll ever be ($15-20/hour was my starting point)

* Competition: You're competing with EVERYONE else at this level

* Effort level: Highest it will ever be (lots of applications, lower conversion rate)

Example: "I'm a writer who can help with blogs, emails, product descriptions, or whatever you need!"

At this stage, you're essentially saying "I'll do almost anything in this broad category." This feels counterintuitive—shouldn't you be more specialized to stand out? NOPE.

Here's why:

* You don't yet have the experience to be credible as a specialist

* You need to explore different types of projects to discover what you enjoy/excel at

* You need to build up reviews and client history

* You need to earn while you learn

Reality check: This stage is a grind. You'll apply to lots of jobs, charge less than you "deserve," and work harder than you'd like. BUT IT'S TEMPORARY.

2. The Middle of the Funnel: Finding Your Focus

After your first few thousand dollars in earnings (which might take a few months), something magical happens:

* What you offer: You narrow down to services you enjoy and are good at

* Your rates: Start increasing significantly ($25-50/hour)

* Competition: You're competing with fewer people

* Effort level: Begins decreasing (more invites, better conversion rates)

Example: "I'm a copywriter specializing in email sequences and sales pages for coaches and consultants."

Let me show how this worked for me in real time:

I started by offering general writing services. After completing about 10-20 jobs, I realized:

* I enjoyed sales copywriting more than blog writing

* I was better at long-form content vs concise (so I favored website, sales page, email copywriting over social or short from ad copy)

* I particularly enjoyed working with coaches and course creators

So I started specializing in that direction, and my income jumped immediately. I was able to increase my rates while actually getting MORE clients because I was positioning myself as a better fit for specific needs.

3. The Bottom of the Funnel: True Specialization

After several months and consistent client success, you'll reach the bottom of the funnel:

* What you offer: Highly specialized services for specific types of clients

* Your rates: Premium ($75-200+ per hour)

* Competition: Very few people can compete with your specific expertise

* Effort level: Minimal (clients come to you, high conversion rates)

Example: "I create high-converting sales page copy specifically for course creators and coaches with mission-based businesses, specializing in launching signature programs to existing audiences."

This is where the magic happens. You've narrowed your focus so much that:

* You become the obvious choice for a specific type of client

* You can work much faster because you've done similar projects many times

* You can charge premium rates because few people offer exactly what you do

* Clients find YOU instead of you hunting for them

The Income vs. Effort Paradox

Look at the sides of the funnel—notice how your effort is highest when your income is lowest? And vice versa?

This is why so many people quit freelancing early on. They get stuck in the top of the funnel, working super hard for not much money, and think "this isn't worth it."

But if you persist through this phase, something incredible happens:

As you specialize and move down the funnel, your income goes UP while your effort goes DOWN. It's literally an inverse relationship.

Looking at my own journey when I returned to Upwork, but this time using this strategy:

* September 2023: Started at $15/hour (despite coming from a six-figure job)

* November 2023: Hit $50/hour (replaced my corporate salary)

* February 2024: Reached $85/hour before moving off-platform

* Today: My profile lists $333/hour, and I STILL get inquiries (though I pretty much exclusively work off-platform these days through referrals)

This progression didn't take years—it took MONTHS. Because I followed the funnel instead of fighting it.

Here's the million-dollar question: Would I have gotten better results by starting at $50/hour out the gate? ABSOLUTELY NOT. I would have *STRUGGLED* to land jobs, I would have locked myself into a specific skill/offering I felt was “worth” $50/hour instead of finding new and exciting work I *enjoyed* doing, and probably would have quit in frustration before I ever got momentum.

Why You Can't Skip Steps

Many beginners want to jump straight to the bottom of the funnel. I get it! The top looks like a lot of work for little reward.

But here's why that strategy fails:

* You don't yet have the proof to back up specialist claims

* You don't have the reviews to overcome client skepticism

* You don't have the experience to actually deliver specialist results

* You don't know which specialization is right for YOU yet

You have to earn your way down the funnel. There are no shortcuts.

Think of it like dating: You can't propose marriage on the first date and expect good results. There's a process, and it can't be rushed.

The "What The Heck Can I Actually Offer?" Diagnostic Tool [12:34]

Before you spiral into an existential crisis about your marketable skills (been there, done that, have the therapy bills to prove it), I've created a diagnostic tool to help you identify your natural freelance fit.

The Freelance Service Profiler Tool ✨

This 12-question assessment will map your:

* Past job experiences (even the ones you hated)

* Natural talents (including stuff you do so easily you don't value it)

* Personality traits (introverts, I've got you)

* Work preferences (because life's too short to build a business you hate)

After completing the assessment, you'll see results like this:

Don't overthink this! This isn't a blood oath to only offer these services for all eternity. It's just your starting point—your "door #1" that you can walk through to start exploring.

(And let's be honest, you can always try door #2 if door #1 turns out to lead to a broom closet instead of your dream career.)

Your Step-By-Step "Figure Out What The Heck To Offer" Action Plan [25:01]

Alright, here's where the rubber meets the road. I'm going to walk you through EXACTLY how to go from "I have no idea what I'm doing" to "I have a specific service I can start offering tomorrow."

Step 1: Create a Basic Upwork Account

Don't worry about crafting the perfect profile yet—we'll cover that in the 10 Days to Paid Challenge. For now:

* Go to Upwork.com and click "Sign Up"

* Enter your email, name, and location

* When it asks for your professional headline, skills, etc., just type "Test" or whatever the minimum character count allows

* Skip uploading a photo for now

* Set any rate (you'll change this later)

The goal is just to get account access so you can browse jobs—we'll perfect your profile later.

Yes, I'm literally telling you to half-ass your profile setup. This might be the only time in your life a professional advises this approach. ENJOY IT. 😂

Step 2: Download the Research Worksheet

Get the Research Worksheet here 📝

This will help you organize your exploration without going down seventeen rabbit holes and forgetting where you started. (Not that I've ever done that. cough)

Step 3: Browse Jobs Like You're on Freelance Tinder [30:15]

Now the FUN part—it's time to figure out what makes your little freelance heart flutter:

* Log into Upwork and click "Find Work" in the top navigation

* In the search bar, type an asterisk (*) to display ALL available jobs

* Look at the "Categories" filter at the top of the results

* Select the primary category from your assessment (e.g., Writing, Design & Creative)

* Scroll through job listings and pay attention to your gut reactions

This is NOT about what you think you "should" do or what might pay the most. This is about what makes you go "Ooh, that sounds interesting" as you scroll.

Pro tip: Your body knows what you enjoy before your brain does. Notice what listings make you lean forward or feel a little spark of curiosity. ✨

Step 4: Document Your "Hmm, That's Interesting" Moments [37:26]

As you find job listings that catch your attention:

* Note the category and specialization in your worksheet

* Type that specialization into the search bar to see more similar jobs

* Look at how many jobs are available (more is generally better for beginners)

* Note the typical pay range (don't get too hung up on this yet)

* List what skills/tools would be required

* Identify your current gaps

Let me walk you through a real example I found during the video:

I noticed several resume writing jobs that caught my interest, so I searched specifically for "resume writing" and found:

* 130+ active jobs (solid demand)

* Pay ranging from $30-150/hour (great potential)

* Required skills: Basic writing, formatting, understanding job markets

* Potential gaps: Resume formatting best practices (easily learnable)

This quick search revealed a solid potential niche that many beginners overlook!And yes, I just saved you from making the "I'll be a general virtual assistant" mistake that 9,372 other beginners are making right now. You're welcome. 💅

Step 5: Explore Multiple Options Without Commitment Issues [42:50]

Spend 30-60 minutes exploring different categories and specializations. Fill out your worksheet with at least 3-5 potential services that spark your interest.

Remember, you're NOT deciding your forever career path. You're just identifying potential starting points.

The "But I Don't Know How To Do Any Of This!" Solution [44:31]

Here comes the part where I save you thousands of dollars in course fees: You don't need to know everything before you start.

I had NO IDEA how to write proper sales copy when I landed my first clients. What I did have was:

* Google (seriously, it's your best friend)

* YouTube (free tutorials on literally everything)

* AI tools (your secret weapon—more on this below)

For any gap you identified, ask yourself: "Can I learn the basics of this in a weekend?" For most freelance skills, the answer is YES. Remember, we aren’t trying to turn you into specialist overnight. You just need to bridge the gap from where you are now, to your first generalist jobs. Then a little bit at a time, you hone your craft and learn the new skills you need to specialize.

Side note: If your inner perfectionist is screaming right now, please give her a Diet Coke and tell her to chill. Perfect is the enemy of paid. 🥤

My Not-So-Secret Weapon: AI As Your Personal Coach [46:15]

I'm going to let you in on something that most freelancers won't openly admit: AI tools have completely transformed what's possible for beginners.

When using AI, you get:

* A 24/7 personal tutor for ANY skill

* Templates and frameworks for ANY deliverable

* Someone to check your work and suggest improvements

* A way to work 3x faster while you're building experience

When I started copywriting, I knew the basic concept of sales pages but struggled with execution. AI helped me bridge that gap while I learned the craft properly. These days, I could write a sales page in my sleep and at a fraction of the time it used to take me.

A practical example: If you want to offer resume writing but have never written one professionally, you could:

* Ask AI to explain the key elements of a modern, effective resume

* Have it analyze a few sample resumes to see what works/doesn't work

* Use it to generate templates you can customize

* Have it review your work and suggest improvements

The real skill becomes knowing how to use AI effectively—which I'll be teaching throughout our future trainings.

And before anyone gets all "but that's cheating!"—clients don't care HOW you deliver great results. They just want great results. Period. 💯 We’ll cover this in future trainings, but I *literally* SHOWCASE the fact that I use AI for my copywriting services and that didn’t stop people from hiring me. The key here is becoming a highly-skilled, super user of AI - and you’re in luck, because that’s part of what I’m going to teach you as we continue this path together.

Your Brain Right Now: "But What If I Pick The Wrong Thing?" [48:30]

I can feel some of you spiraling into analysis paralysis. Let me ease your mind:

The ONLY wrong choice is not starting at all.

Your first freelance service is just that—your first. Not your forever. Not your defining career move. Just your entry point.

I started with copywriting but evolved into an Online Business Architect combining copywriting, systems building, and strategy. I never could have predicted that path when I started.

Your first goal is simply to start making some money and gathering real-world experience. Everything evolves from there.

You can't steer a parked car. Start moving, even if you're not 100% sure of the destination.

What's Next: 10 Days to Paid Challenge [50:53]

Now that you have a better idea of what services you might offer, it's time to actually land clients and start making money.

That's why I'm launching the 10 Days to Paid Challenge next week. In this freelancing challenge, I'll walk you through:

* Setting up your Upwork profile strategically

* Finding and applying to beginner-friendly jobs

* Writing proposals that actually get responses

* Delivering work that earns 5-star reviews

* Building momentum that leads to consistent income

Sign up for the 10 Days to Paid Challenge here 🚀

Each day, you'll get specific, actionable tasks that move you closer to landing your first client and earning your first freelance dollars.

If you're thinking "I don't have time for a challenge"— If you have time to watch Netflix, you have time for this.

For My Fellow Overthinkers: The Deep Dive Option [54:02]

If you're sitting there thinking, "This is nice, Erica, but I need MORE DATA before I can decide anything," I've created an optional deep-dive resource just for you.

The 20 Questions Deep Dive Analysis 🧠

This document walks you through 20 detailed questions about your experience, preferences, strengths, and goals. After answering them thoughtfully (which takes about an hour), you'll use the included AI prompt to generate a comprehensive personalized freelance roadmap.

Is this necessary? No. Will it satisfy those of you who need to feel like you've examined every possible angle before taking action? ABSOLUTELY.

I see you, spreadsheet people. This one's for you.

Remember: From $10 to $30,000 [56:30]

Let me leave you with this perspective: My first paid freelance gig was a $10. My most recent contract? $30,000 ($2,500/month for 12 months working just 5 hours weekly).

We all start somewhere—usually at the bottom of the pile making less than we "should" be making. That's not failure; it's the necessary first step on the path to creating the freedom-filled life you want.

Your freelance career won't be built in a day, but it also won't be built at all if you never start.

So, what freelance-ready skills are you discovering about yourself? Drop your results in our community chat—I'd love to see what pathways you're exploring! 🙌

With caffeine and optimism (but mostly caffeine at this point),Erica

P.S. I'm currently typing this from my RV in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, because freelancing gave me the freedom to travel full-time. As my Dad heads back to Mayo Clinic for treatment in June, we will be wagons West so I can be with family. (UPDATE: We’ve circled the wagons back home to the Chicagoland area. For now, Margie (our RV) is parked while I’ve moved into a stable spot closer to my dad’s treatments at the University of Chicago — and home — for these next chapters ahead.)Whatever YOUR freedom looks like—more time with family, escaping a toxic workplace, paying off debt, or just having a financial cushion that lets you breathe easier—it starts with that first freelance job. Let's go get it. ✨

P.P.S. If nothing else, freelancing will give you enough money to buy the good toilet paper or the 18-pack of eggs. And isn't that what we're all really after? 🧻