Signing Up for Upwork? What SMBs Should Know Before Joining
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) always look for the best ways to get things done. So, if you've wondered if you should sign up for Upwork, you're in the right place for answers.
Active clients on Upwork grew by 5%, up to 851,000 by the end of 2023. According to the company’s press release, this is an all-time high. Its revenue also grew 11% year-over-year to $689.1 million. But what exactly is Upwork, and why should SMBs use it?
What Is Upwork?
Upwork is a website where people who are good at different jobs, like writing, designing, tech stuff, or even simple tasks like data entry, can find work. It’s not just a place to find work but also a potentially more profitable one for skilled professionals. Talent on Upwork tends to make 44% more money than people who work in regular office jobs.
Is Upwork a Scam?
Let's set the record straight: Upwork is a legitimate website where businesses can find talent and vice versa. It's a platform that connects skilled individuals with businesses and clients needing their services.
But, just like navigating any online platform or conducting business transactions in the digital world, it's important to stay sharp and cautious. Upwork does its best to be a helpful and safe space for freelancers and clients alike. But it's not immune to the occasional scammer trying to sneak into the network.
How Does Upwork Operate for Clients?
If you're a client wondering how to navigate Upwork, it's pretty straightforward. Here's the basic rundown: companies or clients, create an account and post job offers. Then, freelancers worldwide look at these offers and say, "Hey, I can do that!" by placing bids. You get to pick who you think fits the job.
One of the best parts? Getting started on Upwork is free. However, there's a small catch. Before you can start posting jobs or hiring, Upwork needs to give your application a thumbs up. This step ensures that everyone using the platform is serious, keeping the quality of work and the community top-notch.
So, for SMBs looking to tap into a global talent pool, Upwork simplifies the process, making it easier to find the right people for your projects.
Why Does Upwork Work Well for SMBs?
Choosing Upwork for your business comes with various benefits that can streamline your operations and open up new opportunities.
Work with great talent from anywhere
There are over 12 million freelancers on Upwork. The platform breaks down geographical barriers, offering SMBs a chance to connect with talent, like web developers and graphic designers, worldwide.
Moreover, the diversity in skill sets and perspectives can be a game-changer for your projects that need specialized knowledge or unique approaches.
Collaborate with experts with in-demand skills in IT like full stack development and web design, as well as other industries like marketing, customer service, and administration support.
Save money with competitive rates
Get quality work without spending too much, which is great if you work strictly on a budget. Upwork has 145.4 thousand core active clients, spending at least $5,000 per year.
But, if you’re looking for something long-term, you may save as much as 83% when you partner with remote staffing companies like MultiplyMii.
Change your team size easily
Adjust your workforce as needed. This is one of the platform's biggest advantages: its inherent flexibility.
So, if you need more help with a project, Upwork lets you quickly add or reduce your team. This way, your business can be flexible and adjust to different needs.
Enjoy easy and safe payment systems
Have peace of mind with Upwork’s secure payment systems. For instance, Upwork uses an escrow service, meaning clients deposit funds into an escrow account before a project begins. The money is held securely until both parties agree that the work is satisfactorily completed.
Upwork makes business collaborations easy and ensures that payments are a hassle-free experience. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
Access to project management tools
Upwork simplifies project management with its user-friendly tools. The platform offers the following features:
- Messaging and communication: Upwork's chat feature lets clients and freelancers communicate in real time, ensuring swift and clear project discussions.
- Project collaboration: Upwork allows clients to manage projects easily. You can set milestones, outline requirements, and share documents, creating a collaborative space.
- File sharing: Upwork provides a secure platform for sharing project-related files, making it simple for clients and freelancers to exchange documents and images.
- Time tracking and invoicing: Freelancers can use Upwork's time-tracking feature for hourly projects, ensuring transparent billing. The platform also offers easy-to-use invoicing tools.
- Milestone payments: Upwork's system enables clients to fund specific project milestones, ensuring freelancers are paid for completed phases and creating a structured payment process.
- Rating and review system: After project completion, clients and freelancers can rate and review each other, providing valuable feedback for a trustworthy community.
Upwork can help you on your journey toward business growth. It provides the tools, talent, and flexibility needed for SMBs to thrive. However, knowing the potential drawbacks before diving in is equally important.
4 Common Drawbacks SMBs Face on Upwork
Upwork, while a popular platform, has its share of criticisms worth discussing. Here are some common issues businesses have pointed out:
Fake profiles and testimonials
Some freelancers have tried to game the system by creating fake client accounts. They post a job, apply for it using their freelancer profile, complete the job, and then leave glowing reviews for themselves. This deceptive practice can mislead you about a freelancer's true capabilities and history.
Weak guidelines for vetting
Upwork allows pretty much anyone to create an account, whether as a freelancer or a client, without stringent checks. This openness can lead to a marketplace flooded with users, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine talent and those less qualified.
Trouble finding the right talent
Keeping in mind the previous two challenges, it makes sense that finding the right talent on Upwork can be difficult. You’ll have to take the time to double-check their past work and reviews.
Can’t be bothered with filtering and screening candidates? Let us help you with our recruitment process. At MultiplyMii, tap skilled remote Filipino professionals without breaking the bank.
Breakdown of agreements
Both freelancers and clients on Upwork have faced issues with agreements breaking down, often manifested as "ghosting," where one party suddenly stops communicating. This disrupts project timelines and leads to frustration on both ends.
While the platform offers a vast network of opportunities, navigating it successfully requires awareness of these challenges.
The Best Alternatives to Upwork
Exploring alternatives to Upwork can help your business find the right platform to meet specific project needs, budget constraints, and talent requirements.
Let's look at some of the best competitors and what they offer:
1. MultiplyMii
Looking for awesome team members without the hassle? MultiplyMii is your go-to alternative to Upwork!
Our easy hiring process has helped more than 250 happy clients find success stories. And guess what? If you're unhappy with your new team member, we've got you covered with a 60-day replacement guarantee – no worries!
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is ideal for projects with clear outcomes and fixed scopes, known as gigs. While it's famous for services starting at $5, expect to pay more for high-rated sellers and Pro-level providers. This platform suits you if you want quick, budget-friendly solutions for specific tasks.
3. Hubstaff Talent
Hubstaff Talent is a free directory that can help you connect with remote workers worldwide. It charges no fees to both freelancers and businesses.
Hubstaff Talent plays a minimal role in the hiring process, offering freedom for direct negotiations and agreements. It integrates well with Hubstaff's time tracking, invoicing, and payroll software, with paid plans starting at $7 per month for a single user.
4. Credo
Credo focuses on connecting businesses with digital marketing experts. So, if you're specifically looking for marketing professionals, Credo’s curated network can help. They can make sure you work with experienced professionals in digital marketing.
5. Freelancer
Freelancer’s pricing model ranges from $3 to 3% of the project cost, offering a competitive alternative to Upwork's fee structure. It also provides contest options, where you can select the best work from multiple submissions, though it requires prize money. And for those who prefer not to manage projects directly, Freelancer offers project management services at varying fees.
6. Toptal
Toptal prides itself on a rigorous screening process, aiming to connect you with top-tier talent. This platform handles the matchmaking process, eliminating the need to browse through profiles and directly present you with candidates that fit your requirements.
Depending on your project's size, scope, and budget, one of these alternatives may offer the perfect solution for your business's freelancing needs.
Tap into the Expertise of Remote Filipino Professionals
Exhausted from the never-ending candidate search?
Find the perfect Filipino talent effortlessly at MultiplyMii.
Let us guide you in connecting with skilled professionals with the precise abilities you need to reach your business milestones – all without straining your budget.
With our decade-long expertise in sourcing and vetting only the best, join our community of satisfied clients and drive your business forward to success.
Ready for a positive change? Schedule a discovery call today and watch your success story unfold with MultiplyMii!
