One of the most rewarding aspects of freelancing is landing a client who consistently returns. Not only does it provide a steady income, but it also relieves you from constantly chasing new projects. However, many freelancers worry about how to encourage repeat business without seeming pushy or “salesy.” The […]
Read MoreArticles by: Patty Thompson
Scripts That Work: How to Respond to “Can You Do That for Less?”
If you’ve been freelancing for a while, chances are you’ve heard it: “Can you do that for less?” It’s one of the most common (and sometimes most uncomfortable) questions clients ask. And while it may seem like they’re undervaluing your work, it’s often just part of how people negotiate. […]
Read MoreFrom Hobby to Hustle: Turning Your Passion into Income
Do you have a hobby you absolutely love? Perhaps it’s painting, gardening, baking, writing, or tinkering with technology. Whatever it is, chances are you’ve had someone say, “You’re so good at that—you could totally sell it!” Here’s the truth: they’re right. We live in a world where passion […]
Read MoreWork Smarter, Not Harder: Building a Freelance Routine That Works
Freelancing on platforms like Upwork can feel liberating—and overwhelming all at the same time. You set your hours, choose your clients, and manage your projects. The freedom is exciting, but without a structured routine, it’s easy to get off track, miss deadlines, or burn out. The good news? […]
Read MoreStop Waiting for Reviews: How to Confidently Ask Clients on Upwork
If you’ve been freelancing on Upwork for a while, you already understand how crucial client reviews are. They’re more than just kind words—they represent your reputation, your credibility, and often determine whether a potential client will pick you over another freelancer. But here’s the tricky part: while most clients […]
Read MoreWhat to Do When You’re Not Getting Hired on Upwork
If you’ve been applying for jobs on Upwork and hearing nothing but crickets, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences for new — and even seasoned — freelancers. But here’s the good news: in most cases, not getting hired isn’t a sign that you’re not good […]
Read MoreUsing ChatGPT to Improve Your Upwork Proposals
If you’ve been freelancing on Upwork for a while—or even just starting out—you know the proposal is everything. It’s your first impression. Your digital handshake. And often, it’s the crucial moment that determines whether you land the job or get passed over. The challenge? Writing a compelling proposal requires […]
Read MoreFreelance Burnout: Signs, Solutions, and Preventions By Patty Thompson
Freelancing provides many benefits—freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to do meaningful work on your own terms. However, those advantages come with a common challenge that’s often ignored: burnout. As freelancers, we wear all the hats. We’re the marketing team, the billing department, the customer service rep, and the talent. […]
Read MoreWhen to Say No: Turning Down Job Offers
Gracefully on Upwork by: Patty Thompson Certified Independent Barefoot Consultant® Owner RPT Virtual Services, LLC As freelancers, especially those new to platforms like Upwork, we often feel we need to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes our way. After all, isn’t that how we build momentum, land more clients, […]
Read MoreHow to Make Upwork’s Job Feed Work for You: Filters, Keywords, and Insider Tricks
If you’ve ever felt like you’re digging through a haystack hoping to find the right Upwork job, you’re not alone. We hear this all the time from freelancers we coach—especially those new to the platform. You log in, check your job feed, and feel overwhelmed by posts that don’t […]
Read More