| Any advice for the getting started part? Currently working on my first Upwork contract, but I got it through a conversation on HN (I requested they pay me through Upwork to start building a reputation). I'm 0/6 for replies to my proposals I sent, each one directly addressing what they were asking for getting (moderately) specific about how I'd solve their problems. In one case what they wanted was so simple and interesting enough I just did the work up front and sent them a screenshot. Edit: Here's an example of how I'm writing bids. Am I doing it wrong? Proposal: > About us: > I manage social media accounts, specifically on Instagram, and I am a seeking a more efficient solution. > What we're looking for: > An experienced web developer to create a simple web application that displays whether or not a particular Instagram account is following you (the account) back without clicking on their profile. (See attachment) [this is an image that shows how they want the UI to display this to look] They proposed $300, I responded to their posting by bidding only $100 with the following cover letter: > I currently study Computer Science at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I have built a variety of applications, including browser extensions that modify web-pages to add functionality, for my personal usage and for my friends. > I am currently attempting to start working as a freelance web developer. Were you to hire me for this project you would be my first client. I understand that as a result you will naturally be hesitant to work with me, and I am therefore bidding below the market rate to account for the risk you are taking. > Do you have any questions about the job description? > My understanding is that you visit instagram.com using Google Chrome, and that you want a Chrome extension you can install on your computer that will add the text “follows you” next to the username of anyone that follows you. Is this correct? > Unfortunately, Instagram has restricted its publicly-available API so that the list of people following you can no longer be queried. As a result, I will have to write a program that queries the undocumented internal API the Instagram applications use. Because it is only intended for internal usage Instagram developers may make changes to the API unexpectedly. Historically it has been relatively stable, but neither I nor anyone else can guarantee to you how long an application that uses Instagram’s internal API will work without needing updates. Is that acceptable to you? > I have the experience necessary to solve every aspect of your task, if I have understood it correctly. I have made applications that query private, internal APIs, and I have made browser extensions that add to existing user interfaces. |
I will also not mention the part about being a student. A it is irrelevant and makes me doubt your focus.
Have you verified buyers history? Have they spent money on the platform, substantial money?