From Struggling Copywriter to Top-Rated Freelancer: My Upwork Journey

When I first began my career as a copywriter 14 years ago, I didn’t envision working with clients from all around the world while sitting comfortably in my home office. Back then, I was just a young professional from Ukraine, passionate about the English language and determined to carve out a niche for myself.

Over time, I built a solid portfolio with articles published under my pen name, Nancy Young, on reputable sites like Web Design Ledger, Hogkiat, and Digital Photography School. Yet, despite this impressive body of work, my career didn’t unfold as smoothly as I had hoped.

Juggling Short-Term Gigs: A Frustrating Reality

Eight years ago, I was at a crossroads. I had a growing collection of content, but finding reliable clients was still a challenge. Sure, my inbox would occasionally light up with offers from companies impressed by my portfolio.

They would approach me, ask if I could take on a project, and I would gladly accept. But these were short-term engagements—one-off gigs that barely lasted a few weeks.

I remember constantly juggling multiple small projects, stressing over where my next job would come from.

It felt like I was forever chasing work, but never really finding it.

Discovering Upwork: A Game Changer

That’s when I stumbled upon Upwork.

The platform seemed intimidating at first. I’d heard stories of endless competition, bidding wars, and freelancers struggling to stand out. But I was determined to break out of the vicious cycle of unstable work.

I spent days fine-tuning my profile, uploading my best work samples, and crafting a proposal strategy.

To my surprise, within a few weeks, I landed my first Upwork client! And unlike the short-term gigs I’d been juggling, this project had potential.

The client appreciated my work so much that they left a glowing review. That single feedback gave my profile the boost it needed. Soon after, more and more clients began reaching out, and I found myself with a steady stream of projects.

Growing Into a Versatile Freelancer

Today, I am proud to be a Top Rated freelancer on Upwork. I’ve collaborated with clients from various industries, helped brands find their voice, and even coached fellow freelancers on how to succeed on the platform.

Along the way, I expanded my services to include SEO consulting, helping businesses optimise their content, rank higher on search engines, and ultimately grow their online presence.

My expertise in SEO has opened doors to even more diverse projects, allowing me to provide comprehensive solutions for my clients.

From Ukraine to the World: Living the Digital Nomad Dream

More importantly, Upwork didn’t just help me find clients—it allowed me to reshape my entire lifestyle.

Thanks to the freedom that freelancing offers, I’ve had the chance to become a digital nomad and visit over 20 countries.

From sipping coffee in a quaint Italian café to working on a sunlit terrace overlooking the beaches of Thailand, or enjoying tapas in vibrant Spain, I’ve experienced the world in ways I never thought possible. Every country I visit adds a new chapter to my journey, fueling my creativity and expanding my horizons.

Building a Thriving Freelance Business

But it’s not just about finding clients or traveling. The experience has transformed me professionally. I’ve become more selective, confident in my abilities, and able to set my own terms. My days of scrambling for short-term gigs are long behind me.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

If you’re looking to start earning on Upwork and want to avoid the trial-and-error phase I went through, I’ve put together a detailed guide that outlines everything from setting up your profile to nailing your first client.

Feel free to reach out to me at nancy.youngg(@)gmail.com, and for a small fee, I’ll share my step-by-step blueprint to help you kickstart your freelancing career.

In addition to freelancing, I’m also a webmaster and run my own site called Onedesblog, where I share resources and tips for web design enthusiasts and creatives. Managing Onedesblog has allowed me to expand my digital expertise and connect with a broader audience of designers and entrepreneurs.

It’s been a long road from Ukraine to here, but if I could turn a struggling portfolio into a thriving business while exploring the world and building a solid SEO consulting career, so can you.

P.S. All images are mine and please, don't use them without my permission.