However, keep in mind that this isn't just about fee reduction — it's about a fundamental change in Upwork's business model.

Well, buckle up! Our weekly newsletter covers Upwork fee system overhauls, tips for tailoring your Upwork proposals, and forced embracing the new-digital era of B2B lead generation!

Ready to seize the news? Let's dive in!

📡 GigNews

👀 What Will the Lead See First?

Did you know that while scrolling through the list of proposals, the Upwork lead only sees the first three sentences of your cover letter? To maximise your impact, make those sentences count! Be accurate and attractive – your cover letter is your chance to stand out from the competition.

The Takeaway:

Skip formal and unnecessary openings in your cover letter; it's not the place for traditional business communication. Be bold and captivating from the start.

🎁 Upwork Freelancer Plus Membership: Grab the New Perks

Upwork has added six new perks to the Freelancer Plus Membership ($14.99/month) for those who subscribe between March 15 and March 31. Key features include 0% service fees when bringing new clients to Upwork and immediate access to Upwork Skills Certification.

The Takeaway:

This offer is particularly useful for those who solely use a freelancer profile. While it may not bring anything new for existing users, it's worth a try for newcomers, as it provides an opportunity to explore Upwork more thoroughly.

🚨 Upwork's New Fee Structure: Say Goodbye to 20% Fees

Upwork is introducing a simplified 10% fee rate for all freelancers and agencies, starting May 3, 2023. The new flat rate will likely increase competition within the marketplace, making it more crucial than ever to leverage your lead generation effectively.

The Takeaway:

This change was somewhat expected from Upwork. On one hand, it lowers the barriers to entry for newcomers, but on the other hand, those working with $10k+ contracts might be affected, potentially leading to slight price increases.

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🗞️ LeadGenNews

🤖 GPT-4 Unleashed: A New AI Frontier

OpenAI has launched GPT-4, a large multimodal model that accepts image and text inputs and emits text outputs. This powerful AI exhibits human-level performance on various professional and academic benchmarks.

🌐 Digital Transformation: B2B Sales Culture Shift

Harvard Business Review highlights the need for B2B sales organizations to adapt their culture, embrace collaboration, harness data-driven decision-making, and invest in employee skill development for a successful digital transformation.

🎯 Inside Upwork's Business Model

Business Model Analyst's recent article offers insights into Upwork's value proposition, fee structure, and competitive advantages in the gig economy, helping you better understand how the platform operates.

The Takeway:

Stay informed and adapt to the ever-evolving world of lead generation. Embrace new technologies and implement digital transformations to stay ahead of the competition. Understanding platforms like Upwork can help you better navigate the gig economy and maximize your opportunities.

Leverage tools like GigRadar, which streamlines lead generation on Upwork and provides advanced analytics, to give you an edge in this rapidly changing landscape.

⭐️ Bonus

A Chart of Countries with Upwork Clients Spending $1M+

Chart illustrates the percentage distribution of clients on Upwork who crossed the $1m total spent threshold within 24 months across the top 10 countries.

Full-resolution images on our Telegram channel.

Don't Miss Out on the Latest Upwork Lead Generation News!

Stay ahead of the game with our regular updates on everything related to Upwork lead generation. By staying informed, you'll be able to leverage our expert insights and tips to maximize your success on Upwork.

Join our growing community today! 🚀

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FAQ

Most Popular
Questions

Get a more consistent and cost-effective lead generator for your Upwork agency.

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What’s the best way to start a cover letter on Upwork?

Start with a strong, personalized first sentence that addresses the client’s pain point directly. Avoid generic intros or repeating information from your profile. The goal is to hook the client and stand out among hundreds of proposals.

Should I mention my title or team in the cover letter?

No. Avoid phrases like “We have the perfect developer” or highlighting titles like CEO or Founder in your intro. Clients want to connect with the person behind the profile, not a company structure. Focus on solving their problem first.

How do I write better follow-up messages?

Never just say “Hello” or “What do you think?”. Instead, revisit the job post, find a new angle or pain point, and ask a relevant question. Each follow-up bumps your message back to the top of their inbox, increasing your chances of a reply.

What’s the difference between free and paid lead generation tools?

Free tools are good for testing but lack scale and automation. Paid tools offer verified contact data, AI scoring, job scanning, and CRM integrations—making them essential for serious freelancers or agencies aiming to grow consistently.

Is manual lead generation still effective in 2025?

Manual outreach still works for testing or hyper-targeted campaigns, but it's slow and hard to scale. Automated tools give faster, more accurate results and free you up to focus on closing deals instead of chasing leads.

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How do I make my cover letter stand out on Upwork?

Start strong by addressing the client’s specific pain point in the first sentence. Avoid generic intros or repeating your profile. Personalization is key—use details from the job post and speak directly to the client’s need.

What are common mistakes to avoid in Upwork proposals?

Avoid using loud titles like “CEO” or “Founder” in your intro, overloading with emojis or bold text, and writing in a generic or AI-generated tone. Clients are looking for clarity, relevance, and a human touch.

How should I handle follow-ups with leads?

Use a structured follow-up approach: send up to 3 messages during initial contact, and 3 more over the next few months. Don’t just say “Hello”—revisit the job post, find new angles, and ask meaningful questions.

Is cold calling still effective in B2B lead generation?

Yes, but mostly in North America. Due to GDPR restrictions in Europe, cold calling is less viable there. US-based agencies often see 30–40% higher lead reply rates when offering cold calling services.

What’s the best way to grow a business development agency on Upwork?

Focus on niche services like appointment setting and lead generation, which have higher conversion rates. Avoid hiring too early—founders should lead initial growth. Later, bring in experienced leaders to scale and standardize operations.

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