Inside the mind of Uzezzi: An expert guide on how to make thousands of Dollars on Upwork

Freelancing offers a world of freedom, but if you’ve ever tried to get into Upwork or any of the freelancing platforms, you know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. From landing gigs and negotiating fair pay to standing out in the vast space of global competition, the hustle can be overwhelming. For many freelancers, the dream of consistent work and good pay is within reach, but the road to get there often feels unclear. That’s why we sat down with Uzezzi, a freelancer who not only thrives on Upwork, but has also crafted a course to help others achieve the same success.

Welcome, Uzezzi, and thanks for joining us on the Geegpay Diaries!

Uzezzi: Thank you for having me!

Can you tell us a bit about your freelancing journey, what inspired you to start, and some of the biggest challenges you faced early on?

Uzezzi: My freelancing journey actually began with a career shift from law. I enjoyed my work in law, but over time, I started to feel the pull toward something more independent and flexible. Balancing a demanding legal career with multiple side businesses left me searching for a better way to achieve financial freedom and personal fulfilment. Around 2019, I took the leap into freelancing, inspired not only by the chance to earn in foreign currency but also by the promise of freedom in my work. 

Starting out on Upwork was not easy, though. I faced a lot of early challenges, from repeated rejections by the platform to a lack of guidance on how to navigate freelancing. There was no community to turn to for support, so I had to learn the ins and outs on my own, often through trial and error. I made my share of mistakes, but my commitment to financial independence and my goal of building a steady income kept me going.

A major turning point came after my account was finally approved after a year of persistence. With each project, I learned more about what clients valued, how to pitch my services effectively, and how to manage my time to deliver quality results. Since then, freelancing has not only provided financial stability but also allowed me to work on projects that align with my skills and interests, and today I’m grateful to be able to help others find the same success through Fluent Freelance.

What made you decide to launch this course, Essential Upwork Strategies: Build, Pitch, and Win? Why is now the right time for freelancers to invest in it?

Uzezzi: I created this course because I saw a gap in practical guidance for freelancers on how to succeed on Upwork. Many freelancers struggle with creating standout profiles, pitching effectively, and navigating the platform’s nuances. Now, with more people turning to freelancing for financial stability or as a primary income source, it’s essential to have a strategic approach to Upwork. The course is designed to help freelancers level up their skills, build a strong brand on the platform, and ultimately land more opportunities and more money.

You've built a strong community around freelancing. What role has community played in your success?

Uzezzi: Community has been invaluable in my journey. Freelancing can feel isolating, and having a community offers support, accountability, and a network of like-minded individuals. Through this community, I’ve gained insights, learned from others’ experiences, and been inspired to keep improving. The community helps us celebrate wins, troubleshoot challenges, and push each other to reach new heights. It’s also a space for knowledge-sharing, which has been incredibly rewarding for me and for the freelancers I connect with.

How do you see platforms like Upwork evolving in the next few years, and what new opportunities do you think will emerge for freelancers?

Uzezzi: Upwork and similar platforms are becoming more specialized and sophisticated, focusing on quality talent and new features that help freelancers connect with clients more effectively. I think we’ll see more industry-specific features and tools that make it easier to showcase specialized skills. As remote work continues to grow, platforms like Upwork may prioritize long-term client-freelancer relationships and support freelancers with resources to help them manage taxes, contracts, and benefits. This opens up new opportunities for freelancers to work with larger companies and more stable projects.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their freelancing career to help set themselves up for success from the beginning?

Uzezzi: Start by focusing on building a strong, credible profile, and don’t be discouraged if it takes time to gain traction. Niche down to a few skills you excel in and showcase them well in your portfolio. Pitching is crucial; learn how to communicate your value effectively in proposals. Lastly, be patient and resilient. Freelancing has ups and downs, but consistent effort and continuous learning will help you grow steadily.

And there you have it, with the right strategy, resilience and consistency, you too can make Upwork work for you. And to give you a head start, Geegpay is hosting a live webinar on X with Uzezzi Edegware this Friday, November 8th, 2024, at 6:00 PM WAT.

She’ll be launching her brand-new course, 'Essential Upwork Strategies: Build, Pitch, and Win,' and we’re giving away 50 free copies to help you get the strategy you need. So, if freelancing has been on your radar or you’re just curious about how to succeed on Upwork, don’t miss this chance to learn from someone who’s been in your shoes and found success.

We’re excited to see you there!

👉 Join Geegpay's X Spaces with Uzezzi

🗓️ Date: Friday, 8th November, 2024.

⏰ Time: 6:00 PM WAT

📅 Set your reminder now: Click here