How a UX/UI Agency Saved 100 Hours & Earned $10K+ on Upwork
Key Insights from a UX/UI Design Agency Owner
Let’s be honest: standing out on Upwork has become increasingly difficult, even for experienced agencies. With algorithm changes and rising competition, many find their proposals go unread, and invitations from clients are few and far between.
However, some agencies have found ways to overcome these challenges. UX/UI design agency called “Unlocal” from South Africa, led by Diego Perez, discovered a solution that saved them over 100 hours per month on manual lead generation and helped them secure 3-4 new clients within just three months. We had the opportunity to speak with Diego to learn how GigRadar transformed their approach to finding clients on Upwork.
Challenges FacedÂ
The agency faced several challenges. One of these challenges was a decline in organic leads due to a significant drop in client invitations. Despite maintaining a top-rated profile, the agency also struggled with high competition and visibility issues. Additionally, the manual outreach process involved writing and sending proposals, which proved to be time-consuming and had limited success.
These factors had a financial impact, forcing the agency to let go of some designers due to a reduced project pipeline. Diego described this shift as frustrating and demotivating:
 “I used to get five invitations per day, and now I barely get any. Even when I take the time to send personalized proposals, I see that clients aren’t even opening them."
Finding a SolutionÂ
Realizing that traditional methods were no longer effective, Diego explored alternative lead generation strategies, including LinkedIn networking and outbound B2B outreach. However, these methods proved too time-consuming and didn’t fit their business model. The turning point came when a colleague mentioned GigRadar on LinkedIn. Intrigued, Diego researched the platform and saw its potential to automate proposals and increase visibility. Although initially skeptical about using an automation tool, Diego decided to give GigRadar a try.
"Would Upwork penalize me for using an automation tool? Would I lose control over the quality of my proposals?" – Diego wondered.Â
However, after a short testing period, the benefits became clear: proposals were sent faster than any manual process, AI-driven filtering improved job targeting, and the tool saved 100 hours per week, allowing the agency to focus on actual project work.
Result Achieved
Once the agency integrated GigRadar into its workflow, the results were immediate. Instead of spending hours writing and submitting proposals, they were able to automate the process while still ensuring high-quality outreach. Key benefits included:
- 100 hours saved: No more manual searching and applying for jobs.
- Higher proposal visibility: Instant submissions after job postings led to higher response rates.
- AI-driven job filtering: More relevant job matches meant fewer irrelevant applications.
Within the first three months, the agency secured 3-4 new clients, with even a single high-value project covering the cost of investing in GigRadar. Although they initially spent time fine-tuning AI filters, they noticed significant efficiency gains. Reflecting on this, Diego noted:
"I saw GigRadar as a possibility to save time, because when I had to actually start reading and sending proposals, it was very time consuming."
Long Term Impact
Looking ahead, Diego anticipates continued improvements as GigRadar's AI features evolve. The agency expects to further increase its success rate on proposals, reduce time spent on lead generation to near zero, and scale its operations without relying on manual outreach.
"I was about to suggest an AI-driven solution for better filtering, and then you launched it at the perfect time! " – Diego mentions.
Final Thoughts
Diego’s experience highlights how automation can help agencies overcome the challenges of today’s competitive Upwork landscape. By leveraging GigRadar, the agency regained control over its lead generation, saved over 100 hours per month, and secured multiple new clients within a short period.
Struggling to get visibility on Upwork? Don’t let outdated strategies hold you back. Book a demo with GigRadar today and take your agency’s growth to the next level!
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