Jun 10, 2024

Start an Agency on Upwork: Should You do it? How?

Thinking About Starting Your Own Agency on Upwork? If you're reading this, chances are you've considered it at least once. I've been there and done that. 🌟 Let's explore the journey together!

Kushnir Marian

Co-Founder | CEO

Should I Do It?

If you're reading this, chances are you've considered start an Agency on Upwork at least once. I've been there and done that. You might already be an experienced Upwork freelancer, or perhaps you've heard success stories from others who have taken the plunge and are now thriving. This thought might pop up in your mind every now and then.

You have that entrepreneurial spark and the desire to test your abilities. However, amidst the multitude of daily tasks and responsibilities, this goal often gets postponed. Let's dive in together and go through my checklist to see if you're ready to take this step.

How to Know You're Ready?

Experience on Upwork: You already have some experience on Upwork and understand how it operates.

Awareness of Business Risks: You are aware that starting a business involves entrepreneurial risks, including the potential loss of time and money.

Psychological Preparedness: You are mentally prepared for initial failures and setbacks with your ideas and attempts.

Target Market Understanding: You know who you want to sell to and what you want to offer. At the very least, you have a hypothesis based on experience or reliable data (e.g., you have successfully sold your service a few times already).

Financial Stability: You have a financial cushion to support yourself while your agency gains traction. This could be savings or another source of income.

Support System: To start an Agency on Upwork, would be a very good idea to have a network of mentors, peers, or advisors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of starting an agency.

Clear Vision and Goals: You have a clear vision for your agency, including short-term and long-term goals. Knowing what you want to achieve can help you stay focused and motivated.

Adaptability: You are flexible and open to adapting your strategies based on feedback. You cannot achieve different, better result by doing same actions you were doing yesterday, if they don't work.

Commitment to Learning: You are committed to continuous learning and development. This could involve staying updated with industry trends, improving your skills, and seeking feedback from clients.

How to Implement It

Starting an agency on Upwork involves several crucial steps:

  1. Define Your Niche: Tp start an agency on Upwork Identify the specific services you will offer. Specializing in a niche can help you survive and grow in the competitive Upwork marketplace.
  2. Build a Team: Assemble a team of freelancers who complement your expertise. Make sure they can provide good quality to cost proportion service.
  3. Build Solid Leadgen, Sales, Delivery processes: this three elements are foundation of service providing on Upwork. You need constantly provide your team with the jobs and you need provide clients with good results.
  4. Set Up Your Upwork Agency Profile: Create a professional and comprehensive profile for your agency. Highlight your team's skills and experience, and showcase your best work through a portfolio.
  5. Market Your Agency: Use social media, content marketing, and networking to promote your agency outside of Upwork. Building a strong online presence will attract clients to your Upwork profile.
  6. Deliver Exceptional Service: Ensure that your team delivers high-quality work consistently. Satisfied clients will lead to repeat business and referrals, which are crucial for your agency's survival.
  7. Unit Economics: Keep track of your earnings and expenses, and learn Unit Economics. Proper financial management is key to sustaining and growing your agency.

By following these steps and maintaining a proactive and resilient mindset, you can successfully establish and grow your agency on Upwork. Remember, every successful business started with a single step – your decision to take action.