Client Profile
Vlad Aleksandrov is the founder of Sentysoft, a Ukraine-based software development agency specializing in cross-platform mobile applications using React Native. The agency operates as a small team of 10 to 15 part-time members, focused on delivering custom mobile solutions for clients around the world.
Before GigRadar: Manual Bidding and Burnout
When Vlad launched Sentysoft, a custom software development agency with a focus on cross-platform mobile apps using React Native, he chose Upwork as his main channel for attracting new clients. From day one, he knew automation would eventually be necessary — but he started with manual bidding, hoping to build momentum on his own.
I spent like a few weeks trying to bid manually, searching for relevant jobs. But it was very complicated. You need to analyze a lot of criteria. Upwork’s filters are not ideal — they’re not comfortable for sorting jobs, and you end up wasting hours for little result.
Vlad would often find jobs hours after they were posted, when 50+ other freelancers had already applied. The effort required to write unique proposals each time was draining, especially without templates. He also noted the psychological impact:
It was time-consuming and demotivating. You’re putting in the effort, but getting no results. At some point, you start to feel that Upwork might not even work at all. That’s really discouraging.
Without any dedicated lead generation staff, Vlad handled everything himself — job filtering, writing proposals, tracking leads using Trello boards, and trying to maintain momentum. It quickly became clear that this approach was not sustainable.
Why Vlad Chose GigRadar
Vlad discovered GigRadar through Ukraine’s Growth Incubator, a program he participated in shortly after launching Sentysoft. Initially skeptical, he was influenced by peers in the program who were already using the tool. Still, it wasn’t until he tried the free trial that he realized the platform’s full value.
At first, I thought GigRadar would be complicated to configure. But when I finally tried it, I found it surprisingly easy — especially with support from Tamara Levit. That free trial helped me understand how valuable this tool could be.
Vlad had concerns about investing in automation early on. Budget constraints were real, and he didn’t want to overspend before securing consistent clients. But GigRadar’s onboarding process, combined with its trial period and ease of use, eliminated those objections.
After GigRadar: Automation, Focus, and Growth
The difference GigRadar made was immediate. Vlad transitioned to fully automated bidding, configuring multiple scanners to narrow his targeting and reach ideal clients more quickly.
Right now, I don’t even think about hiring a lead generation specialist for Upwork. The robot does this better than a person ever could.
He highlighted several key features that made a big impact:
- Scanner configuration: Custom setups for different niches.
- Detailed analytics: Clear breakdown of which scanners perform best, including view and reply rates.
- Dashboard visualizations: Charts that helped track bidding volume and job trends.
- Team support: Ongoing scanner audits and recommendations from the GigRadar team.
One particularly valuable moment came when the GigRadar team reviewed his scanner performance and sent him a detailed optimization report, highlighting areas of improvement. This allowed Vlad to refine his targeting even further.
For me as a beginner, it was hard to know if I configured something wrong. When you have multiple scanners, you don’t see the full picture at once. That audit helped a lot.
Results That Speak for Themselves
In just two months of using GigRadar, Vlad landed up to five clients, generating approximately $12,000 in revenue. One of these clients, in particular, had long-term potential and was a strong fit for Sentysoft’s capabilities.
Before using GigRadar, the agency's reply rate was nearly 0%. After setup optimization, it increased to 22%, and they covered all GigRadar costs with their very first successful project.
When I configured my scanners right, and understood how a good bid should look, the replies started coming in. Step by step, I improved. I now get contacted directly by clients who are comfortable with my rates.
Beyond numbers, Vlad emphasized the psychological relief of no longer spending hours on frustrating, low-return tasks. Automation allowed him to focus on growing the business and improving internal workflows.
Pro Tips from Vlad: Succeeding on Upwork
Drawing from his own experience, Vlad offered several powerful tips for other agency owners:
Narrow Your Niche
My initial mistake was having too broad a niche. When I specialized in React Native cross-platform apps, things changed. Clients saw my profile and knew I was the right fit.
Optimize Your Upwork Profile
Keep your Upwork profile visually appealing and tailored to your niche. Include a video introduction — building a human connection makes a real difference.
Understand Your Audience
Use your job history and bidding data to pinpoint your ideal clients. Regularly adjust your scanners to stay aligned with the latest trends in your niche.
Don’t Skip the Onboarding
Don’t be afraid to start. Watch the intro videos. Learn how GigRadar works technically — you’ll get results.
Conclusion: A Strategic Move That Paid Off
GigRadar didn’t just automate lead generation for Sentysoft — it helped rebuild Vlad’s confidence, free up time, and generate revenue in a competitive marketplace. From skepticism to success, his journey highlights the importance of using the right tools and focusing your efforts.
GigRadar became a key part of how I run my agency. I can’t imagine doing this manually anymore.
