Story: Don’t try to choose the best, but the right
I use Upwork both as a freelancer and a client. I’ve hired over 10 freelancers and have had mixed experiences. Some clients complain about freelancers, and I can empathize, but it’s not solely the freelancer’s responsibility. Clients often select freelancers based on portfolios, experience, or budget. With many options available, clients make a choice. Freelancers can’t guarantee 100% satisfaction; there’s always a degree of risk involved. If clients want to minimize that risk, they may need to invest more.
In July 2024, I have a couple of Webflow development projects and am seeking a freelancer who is certified in Webflow. I posted the project in the first week of July. I reviewed the proposals a few days ago and found them to be unsatisfactory. Therefore, I would like to write a blog about my experience to help other clients who may need a Webflow developer.
What is Webflow?
🌎 Webflow: The Web Development Platform Of The Future
Webflow is created for a designer who is not good at programming. Once you master Webflow, you can develop an interactive website yourself.
Job Post on Upwork
As you can see in the image, I posted the project twice. The first time, I wrote the following.
Hi Upworker,
I have a couple of Webflow projects, and I would like to collaborate with you.
When you send me the proposal, please include the following:
– Freelance only (no agency)
– Webflow-certified partner page
– 1 Webflow backend link (view-only)
*API integration experience is welcome.The first sentence of your proposal must be “no-code.” If you do not mention this, you will waste your connects, so please do not forget.
I look forward to working with you.
Thank you,
Many applicants mentioned to be Webflow Experts. However, I have never seen a single person who is a certified Webflow partner. While I did not request portfolios, many applicants sent me multiple portfolios, which is a red flag. I don’t have time to review all portfolios. I am unable to assess applicants’ front-end skills. Being a Webflow-certified partner myself, I understand how to evaluate front-end skills.
When I find a Webflow development project on Upwork, I typically see 20-50 applications. Initially, I wondered about the level of competition. However, in my experience as a client, I’ve come to realize the low quality of candidates applying. I believe that many ordinary clients are unfamiliar with Webflow development. Therefore, I aim to create a checkpoint guide for hiring a Webflow developer on Upwork.
Tips for Job Post on Upwork
– Clear Job Title: Use a concise and descriptive title that clearly states the role or task.
– Detailed Description: Provide a comprehensive overview of the project or job requirements. Include specifics like project scope, deliverables, and any necessary skills.
– Key Requirements: List essential skills, certifications, or experience levels required for the job.
– Project Timeline: Clearly define the project duration and any specific deadlines.
– Budget Range: Indicate a realistic budget range to attract qualified freelancers. This helps in setting expectations.
– Examples or References: If applicable, provide links to similar projects, examples of work, or references to help freelancers understand your expectations.
– Communication Expectations: Specify how often you expect updates, preferred communication channels, and availability for meetings or calls.
– Include Questions: Add specific questions for applicants to answer. This helps gauge their understanding and interest in the project.
– Use Keywords: Use relevant keywords related to the job to improve visibility in search results.
– Review and Revise: Before posting, review for clarity and completeness. Revise as needed to ensure all important details are included.
Extra tips from experience:
– Require a specific keyword at the top of the cover letter: Many applicants do not read your job description carefully and send a copy-and-paste cover letter. To save time, specify a keyword typically mentioned at the very end of the job description.
– Set a minimum success rate requirement: I do not hire freelancers with a success rate below 90%. I automatically reject such applicants. It can be 95%, depending on the number of applicants.
– Do not hire freelancers with $0 earnings on Upwork: I take responsibility for my projects seriously. I cannot hire freelancers who lack experience and reviews. I prefer freelancers who have earned at least $1K on Upwork.
– Verify Webflow certification: Many applicants claim to be Webflow experts, but most are not certified. Portfolios do not always indicate Webflow expertise. Request evidence such as a certification link.
Review applicants on Upwork
It is 1 day after I posted the project, and I received 18 applicants. The first applicant did not mention the keyword or meet the success rate requirement of 90%. Therefore, I did not read their cover letter at this stage. I may review it later, but not in the first round.
When I post the job on Upwork, I receive a lot of cover letters from South Asia, especially India and Pakistan. You can search for the average income in that region.
India
Annual Income: INR 108,000 to INR 620,000 (US$1,330 – US$7,650).
Monthly Income: INR 108,000 / 12 = INR 9,000 (US$111) – INR 620,000 / 12 = INR 51,667 (US$640)
Hourly Rate: INR 133 to INR 775 (US$1.60 – US$9.60).
Pakistan
Annual Income: PKR 108,000 to PKR 620,000 (US$630 – US$3,640)
Monthly Income: PKR 108,000 / 12 = PKR 9,000 (US$52) – PKR 620,000 / 12 = PKR 51,667 (US$302)
Hourly Rate: PKR 400 to PKR 2,500 (US$2.30 – US$14.70).
*This is Google Gemini info and I don’t feel this is accurate.
Choose shortlists on Upwork
I reviewed all the proposals and have a couple of shortlists. What are the criteria? It is very simple.
– How to structure a Webflow website and use CSS.
I can evaluate their skills based on the above criteria. It clearly shows the designer’s personality, whether rough or tidy. I have attached a screenshot of the best freelancer. He appears quite tidy and logical. I don’t know if his estimate aligns with the project requirements, but I have four candidates and will choose one.
Webflow fundamental structure
body
├── navbar
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── brand
│ │ ├── menu
│ │ │ ├── menu-item
│ │ │ ├── menu-item
│ │ │ ├── menu-item
│ │ │ ├── menu-item
│ │ ├── call-to-action
│ │
├── hero-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── subheading
│ │ ├── button
│ │ ├── image
│ │
├── about-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── paragraph
│ │ ├── image
│ │
├── services-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── service
│ │ │ ├── icon
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │ ├── service
│ │ │ ├── icon
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │ ├── service
│ │ │ ├── icon
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │
├── portfolio-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── portfolio-item
│ │ │ ├── image
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │ ├── portfolio-item
│ │ │ ├── image
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │ ├── portfolio-item
│ │ │ ├── image
│ │ │ ├── title
│ │ │ ├── description
│ │
├── testimonials-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── testimonial
│ │ │ ├── quote
│ │ │ ├── author
│ │ ├── testimonial
│ │ │ ├── quote
│ │ │ ├── author
│ │ ├── testimonial
│ │ │ ├── quote
│ │ │ ├── author
│ │
├── contact-section
│ ├── container
│ │ ├── heading
│ │ ├── form
│ │ │ ├── input
│ │ │ ├── input
│ │ │ ├── textarea
│ │ │ ├── button
│ │
├── footer
├── container
│ ├── logo
│ ├── social-media-links
│ │ ├── link
│ │ ├── link
│ │ ├── link
│ ├── footer-nav
│ │ ├── nav-item
│ │ ├── nav-item
│ │ ├── nav-item
│ │ ├── nav-item
Choose freelance based on the skills, not only estimate
I frequently hire freelancers. While the price is important, it isn’t everything. I look for results that exceed expectations, though this is rare. I am responsible for completing the project, so I must choose the right candidate and effectively lead the freelancer. Hiring a freelancer doesn’t reduce my responsibility; it actually requires more care and diligence. Although I can do the work myself, I prefer to collaborate with freelancers who can match my capabilities.
I hope to complete the project soon with the right freelancer.
Reference:
🌎 Webflow: The Web Development Platform Of The Future
🌎 Upwork: How To Choose the Best Freelancer Project Proposals When You’re Short on Time
