As a freelancer on Upwork, you know that finding high-quality clients is a lot like searching for a needle in a haystack. They’re there but it can take time away from earning real money to filter through all the noise.

Instead of spending your hours searching and coming up empty, the better strategy would be to have those clients come to you.

Oh, Leah! If only it were that simple!

Well, it is. And I’m going to tell you how.

In order to attract the best clients, you need to focus on skills that are in high demand. Even if it means taking a course to learn something new. In the end, your bottom line will thank you for investing in your career.

Before you go off and start applying for all the programs, let’s take a quick look at what skills you should be focusing on:

• Virtual Assistant
• Copywriter, Editor
• Videographer, Photographer
• Social Media Manager
• Webs Designer
• Accountant
• Web developer, Programmer

View the complete list of the 15 Highest Paying Freelancing Jobs here.

Of course, these may not be in your skill set right now. But think about what skills you already have and how you can upgrade them. If you’re already a writer, it’s plausible that you could start offering services as an Editor and even a Copywriter. There are tons of books on the subject of Copywriting that can get you started in the right direction.

The same could be said for becoming a Social Media Manager. If you’re already creating graphics for clients to use, then a quick course in social media strategy would put you in the sweet spot and possibly land your first client.

If you want to increase your earnings in the quickest way possible, upgrading your skills is your best bet. Don’t be afraid to make a bold leap in the direction of something that has the potential to change your life. Believe in yourself and your ability to grow.