Proven Tips to get first review on upwork and Earn 5 Stars Faster

Want to get first review on Upwork but have no experience to show for it? How do you win a client’s trust when your profile has zero feedback? Is there a proven method to earn that coveted 5-star rating from the start?

Getting your first review on Upwork can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the truth: every successful freelancer on Upwork started at zero—no reviews, no earnings, and no reputation. The only difference between them and you? Strategy.

Your first 5-star rating is more than just a badge. It’s your foot in the door to Upwork’s competitive ecosystem. It boosts your visibility, builds trust instantly, and sets the tone for every opportunity that follows. But how do you build credibility when you don’t have any yet?

Start with this: understand what drives clients to leave stellar feedback. From crafting a profile that resonates to delivering high-quality work that genuinely delights, this guide will walk you through each step. We’ll also highlight the common scams that trap new freelancers by linking to this vital guide to Upwork scams to help you avoid common traps.

Let’s break it all down—no fluff, just a roadmap that works.

Understanding the Upwork Ecosystem

How Upwork Ranks Freelancers

Upwork’s search and ranking system favors activity, success rates, and client satisfaction. Reviews play a critical role here, even more than skills in some cases.

Newbie Challenges and Opportunities

While competition is fierce, clients often post jobs perfect for beginners—low-risk tasks where they’re willing to give newcomers a chance if they present themselves professionally.

Crafting a Standout Upwork Profile

Writing a Headline That Attracts

Your headline should reflect the value you bring, not your inexperience. For instance: “Detail-Oriented Virtual Assistant Specializing in Time Management.”

Using Proven Templates That Get Hired

Real-world examples can inspire your own profile. Check out these Upwork profile templates that have helped freelancers land their first gigs.

How to Get Your First Review on Upwork

The Psychology Behind a 5-Star Rating

Clients value ease, results, and clear communication. A flawless outcome delivered without micromanagement almost guarantees a 5-star review.

Winning Jobs With No Portfolio

• Target jobs with less than 10 proposals.

• Offer a competitive rate (not necessarily the lowest).

• Include a customized proposal that reflects you’ve read their brief.

Choosing the Right First Job

Prioritize Simplicity Over Pay

Pick jobs with clearly defined scopes like data entry, transcription, or virtual assistance. These are easier to manage and provide faster wins.

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid vague descriptions or offers that seem too good to be true. These often lead to disputes—or worse, scams.

The Power of Communication With Clients

Messaging That Builds Trust

Be prompt, polite, and professional. Address questions clearly and confirm understanding of tasks to show reliability.

Setting the Right Tone From Day One

Kick off every project with a clear message: “Excited to get started—let me confirm the steps and timeline so we’re 100% aligned.”

Delivering High-Quality Work That Exceeds Expectations

Overdelivering With Intention

Include an extra small task, deliver before the deadline, or format the final output more professionally than expected.

Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes

• Missing deadlines

• Misinterpreting client instructions

• Poor communication

These are the top reasons for negative reviews—fix these, and your chance at a 5-star review skyrockets.

Managing Expectations Before and During the Project

Clarify Scope and Deadlines

Be upfront about your availability, delivery format, and expected timelines.

Frequent Check-ins as a Success Habit

Send quick updates every 24–48 hours, especially for multi-day projects. It keeps clients informed and reassured.

Asking for Feedback: The Right Way to Do It

When to Ask and How

Once a job is approved and payment is released, ask for feedback respectfully. Say something like:

“If you’re happy with the result, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review. Your feedback helps me grow.”

Scripts You Can Use Confidently

Include review requests in your project wrap-up message. Keep it friendly and pressure-free.

How to Handle Negative or No Feedback

Turning It Into a Learning Experience

If you don’t receive a 5-star review, review the feedback objectively. What can you improve?

Steps to Prevent It Next Time

• Use a client briefing checklist

• Clarify ambiguous tasks early

• Confirm final expectations before submission

Common Pitfalls That Sabotage Early Reviews

Avoid scams, fake jobs, and clients with poor histories. This guide to avoiding Upwork scams covers everything you need to know.

How to Set Rates That Encourage 5-Star Reviews

Use an intelligent pricing strategy. This guide to Upwork pricing tactics explains how smart pricing can attract reviews and repeat clients.

Tracking Your Progress: Reviews, Job Success Score & More

Upwork tracks job success scores based on client satisfaction, on-time delivery, and positive outcomes. Monitor it monthly.

Bonus: Case Study of a First-Time Freelancer Who Nailed It

Emma, a first-time freelance writer, won a 2-hour gig for $15. She delivered the content in 4 hours, included a bonus paragraph, and earned her first glowing 5-star review.

Tools & Resources to Accelerate Success

• Grammarly for clean writing

• Trello for task management

• Google Calendar for deadline tracking

• Client-approved templates to save time

How to Build Credibility Through Your Online Presence (Outside of Upwork)

Establishing a professional footprint online is a powerful way to get your first review on Upwork, especially when you’re starting with no client history. Clients often look beyond your profile, and a credible presence outside the platform can make a strong first impression.

1. Quick Setup Checklist for Online Credibility

To increase trust before landing any jobs, follow these simple steps:

• Create a LinkedIn profile that clearly showcases your skills, features a relevant headline, and includes a polished profile photo.

• Write a 500-word article in your niche and publish it on Medium or LinkedIn. This reinforces your knowledge and professionalism.

• Add a clean email signature with your Upwork profile link to subtly direct contacts toward your freelancing services.

This foundation helps in managing expectations even before a client interacts with you, showing initiative and preparation.

2. The Role of Social Proof and Endorsements

Another powerful way to build trust and get your first review on Upwork is by using external testimonials. Ask previous colleagues, mentors, or peers for brief, relevant endorsements—even if they aren’t from Upwork itself.

These can be added to your Upwork overview (while respecting platform rules), and they speak volumes about your ability to deliver high-quality work and communicate effectively with teams.

“I’ve worked with Jane on multiple internal content projects. She’s deadline-driven and creative.” — Michael L., Content Lead

This kind of communication with clients, even indirectly, helps to build your reputation faster.

3. Using Work Samples Strategically Without Prior Experience

If you’re starting from scratch, create 1–2 mock projects. These act as expectation-managing tools for clients and demonstrate what kind of quality they can expect.

Examples might include:

• A mock blog post for a dentist’s website

• A product description tailored for an online store

• A well-organized invoice designed for a virtual assistant role

Clear labeling as “sample work” helps prevent confusion and sets a transparent, professional tone.

4. Leverage Forums and Freelance Communities

Joining and engaging in spaces like Upwork’s official forums or Reddit’s r/Upwork not only expands your knowledge but also opens up doors to unexpected referrals and insights. Being visible in the community highlights your seriousness and gives you a deeper understanding of what clients are looking for when they leave feedback.

Final Encouragement

Your journey to earning your first 5-star review on Upwork doesn’t start with luck—it starts with clarity, effort, and positioning. Every small task, every sample, every bit of feedback matters.

Focus on delivering high-quality work, maintaining consistent communication with clients, and learning from every opportunity. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. And every step forward brings you closer to success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to get your first review on Upwork?

A: It varies, but many freelancers land their first job within 2–3 weeks using smart strategies.

Q2: Can I ask a client for a 5-star review directly?

A: You should ask for honest feedback professionally, but never demand a 5-star rating.

Q3: What if the client forgets to leave feedback?

A: Send a polite reminder through Upwork messages thanking them and requesting feedback.

Q4: Does price affect the chance of getting reviews?

A: Yes, clients often leave better reviews when they feel they got excellent value for their money.

Q5: What is the most important factor in getting good reviews?

A: Clear communication and exceeding expectations are the top contributors.

Conclusion

Starting with no experience on Upwork isn’t a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity to learn the ropes and build a reputation the right way. From selecting beginner-friendly jobs to delivering exceptional results and communicating like a pro, you now have a roadmap to get your first review on Upwork with confidence.

Your journey to freelance success begins with one job. One review. One moment of courage.

Explore your options today and take the first step.