When I started freelancing in 2020 during my honours studies, I was desperate for extra cash. I jumped on Upwork and Fiverr, assuming my academic background was enough to land gigs. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.
I quickly realised that most clients weren’t looking for just another degree holder, they wanted specialised skills that solved their immediate problems. The competition was fierce, and without the right strategy, I was just another freelancer in the crowd. But the question I had, and the question you’re probably asking, is what you need to do to attract clients and earn money today?
Well, in this blog, I am going to share what the highest-paid freelancers on these platforms do to stand out! Want to do the same? Let’s break down the strategies of top freelancers on gig platforms.
Summary:
Struggling to land freelance gigs on Upwork or Fiverr? You’re not alone. With thousands of freelancers competing for the same jobs, standing out requires more than just talent—it demands the right skills and strategy.
That’s where this guide comes in. As a freelancer who has successfully built a steady stream of work since 2020, I’ll share actionable insights on the most in-demand skills, where to learn them, and how to position yourself for success. Then once you've landed all those new projects, check out our invoicing tool to make sure you get paid on time!
How to Stand Out: Strategies Top Freelancers Use to Land Clients
So, you’ve created an account of the freelance platform of your choice, but how do you position yourself as the go-to expert that clients can’t ignore? What skills are they willing to pay top dollar for? How should you price your services? And what level of quality do they expect?
The good news? Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr don’t just connect freelancers with clients—they also offer a goldmine of insights into what makes top-rated professionals successful. By analyzing what leading freelancers are doing right, you can reverse-engineer their success and apply it to your own journey.
Let’s take a look at three standout digital marketers on Upwork who are crushing it, and break down the key takeaways from their profiles.
1. Mondi Lorna S.
Meet Mondi, a highly successful Digital Marketing Specialist from South Africa who has earned over $90,000 on Upwork. Her profile isn’t just impressive because of her earnings, it’s also packed with professional credibility. Mondi holds a master’s degree from Wits Business School, but what really makes her stand out is her commitment to continuous learning. She has stacked multiple certifications from Google, Facebook, and HubSpot, proving her expertise in key marketing platforms.
Action Tip
Don’t just stop with a university degree. Do as many certificates as possible to show customers that you have expert-level knowledge in a specific field. That’s what will separate you from the crowd
2. Max S.
Don’t have a long list of degrees and certifications? No worries—just take a page from Max’s playbook. Despite having only one Google Ads certification and no formal tertiary education, Max is one of Upwork’s Top-Rated freelancers in digital marketing. His secret? A killer portfolio that speaks for itself.
Instead of relying on qualifications, Max showcases real client results—detailed campaign breakdowns, ad performance metrics, and conversion improvements that prove his expertise.
Action Tip
If you’re new to freelancing and lack credentials, build a strong portfolio. Consider offering discounted or free projects to build case studies that highlight your skills. Document your work, track measurable results, and present them in a visually compelling way.
3. Natali P.
If you really want to stand out, why not combine formal education, certifications, and hands-on experience? That’s exactly what Yasmine, a Top Rated Plus freelancer on Upwork, has done.
She holds both a master’s degree and a professional certificate from Meta, proving her deep understanding of social media marketing. But she didn’t stop there—she curated an outstanding portfolio featuring real client projects, ad creatives, and engagement analytics.
Action Tip
Certifications and experience are a powerful duo, but don’t forget to showcase your work! Create an online portfolio on your own website or freelancing platforms. Make sure you get client permission and avoid sharing any confidential data.
Oldie but a goodie: LinkedIn tips for freelancers
If you’re serious about building a freelance career, LinkedIn is more than just a place to post job update, it’s a client-attracting machine (when used right). Many of the best freelancers I’ve seen don’t just wait for work to come through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. They build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn and let clients come to them.
Here’s how to optimise your profile so that it says: “I’m the freelancer you’ve been searching for.”
1. Headline = Your Elevator Pitch
Most people just write “Freelancer” or “Designer” in their headline. Don’t. You’ve got 220 characters—use them!
Do this instead:
“Helping startups grow with high-converting websites | Webflow Expert | 5+ Years in UX Design”
Why it works: It tells people what you do, who you serve, and what value you bring—all in one scroll.
2. Banner Image = Free Billboard
Think of your LinkedIn banner like a mini ad for your services.
✅ Tip: Use Canva to design a banner that includes:
- Your service (“Freelance Graphic Designer”)
- A client testimonial or 5-star rating
- A call to action (like “Let’s work together” or your portfolio link)
3. ‘About’ Section = Your Story, Not a Resume
This is where you get to be you. Don’t just list skills—tell the story of how you help people solve problems.
✅ Structure:
- Start with a hook: “I didn’t plan to freelance, but here we are…
- Highlight results: “I’ve helped 20+ brands double their email open rates.
- Add personality: Mention your style, tools you use, or what makes working with you unique.
4. Pin Your Portfolio in the Featured Section
This one’s huge. LinkedIn’s Featured section lets you showcase work, case studies, or even your Fiverr/Upwork profiles.
✅ Add:
- Portfolio links
- Client testimonials
- Project screenshots
- A PDF rate card or intro guide
5. Use Keywords Clients Actually Search
You want to show up in searches for “SEO freelancer” or “pitch deck designer,” not “creative unicorn.”
✅ Tip: Look at job posts in your field and sprinkle those same phrases throughout your profile—in your headline, About section, and job titles.
6. Ask Happy Clients for LinkedIn Recommendation
A glowing testimonial is proof you can deliver. Ask past clients or collaborators to write you a short review and return the favor.
7. Post Content That Shows Your Expertise
Don’t just like posts—create them. Even 1–2 posts a month about what you’re working on, lessons you’ve learned, or helpful tips can position you as a go-to expert
Post ideas:
- “Here’s how I redesigned a landing page and increased conversions 2x…
- “What I learned from working with a client who changed the brief 5 times 🫠
- “3 tools I use to write better copy (and save hours)”
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve
Freelancing is evolving fast. The most successful freelancers aren’t just skilled - they’re adaptable. If you’re willing to learn and stay ahead of trends, you’ll always have work.
Learning the right skills is just the beginning. Running a successful freelance business requires staying organised and professional. That’s where our Invoicing and Time Tracking tools come in.
🔹 Get Paid Faster 🔹
Our freelancer invoicing tool makes it easy to send professional invoices and track payments, so you never have to chase down clients for money.
🔹 Maximise Your Earnings 🔹
Use our time tracking tool to monitor how much time you spend on projects, ensuring you charge clients fairly and work efficiently.
🔹 Stay Organised Like a Pro 🔹
The best freelancers don’t just have great skills—they also manage their work smartly. With time logs that can be transformed into invoices for billing, you’ll build trust with clients and get paid what you deserve.
