#272 · stop selling AI agents, sell this instead
Yes, use the beginner Upwork strategy and always include an asset like a Loom or Google Doc to stand out; most applicants don't.
Treat each Upwork application like a mini‑pitch video. Highly customize your outreach and record a Loom video that shows you’ve built something similar for a client. Explain why you’re the perfect fit, walk through the relevant work, and end with a clear call‑to‑action. Offer the system you’re using right now and invite the viewer to message you if they find it valuable, so you can keep delivering value.
I usually create Loom videos the way I’ve always done: I find it more scalable to move fast and break things rather than spending a lot of time mapping out a detailed workflow. I’ll open many tabs, jump straight into the solution, and just start recording, often saying “Let’s do this.” It’s a bit of a “Leeroy Jenkins” approach—just dive in and iterate as you go.
On Upwork definitely use your real face—it's a corporate platform and clients want to work with you not a cartoon avatar. Your profile picture matters less if your presentation is strong but a genuine photo builds trust. Recording custom Loom videos for proposals makes a huge difference; aim to maximize the success chance of each individual proposal. Two reasons: first for newcomers custom Looms let you practice and deliver your value proposition without the cost or stress of live calls or cold outreach effectively giving you free sales‑rep practice. Second personalized outreach maximizes the return on every dollar you spend on Upwork connects—if someone watches your video you want the highest chance they'll convert. In short use a real face and invest in tailored Loom videos to get the most out of your Upwork spending.
Absolutely. I often record a short Loom video when applying to Upwork gigs or reaching out on LinkedIn. I open the job posting, record my screen while I explain how I’d solve the problem, and attach the video to the application. It’s a quick, visual way to demonstrate competence and stand out. I’ll walk through an example: I open Upwork, find a $80K‑budget lead nurture funnel, then record a Loom walkthrough of the flow I’d build, showing the Airtable integration and instant sequences. That’s the kind of multimodal outreach that can boost response rates.