8 Ways to Get More Connects on Upwork
Are you new to Upwork and wondering how to make the most out of the Connects program? Let me explain, Connects are a digital token or virtual currency on Upwork that freelancers can earn by completing specific tasks on the platform. Additionally, freelancers also have the option to acquire extra Connects by purchasing them with real money.
These Connects can be spent on proposal bids, proposal boosts and special availability badges. In this article, I’lll be sharing eight ways to help you increase your Connects, so you can bid on more projects and increase your chances of getting hired. So, let’s dive into the eight ways and see how you can maximize your Upwork Connects!
1. Create an Upwork Account
The first and basic way you get Connects on Upwork is that as a new freelancer on the platform, you'll automatically receive 40 Connects upon registration of your account.
2. Earn the Rising Talent Badge
Earning the Rising Talent badge on Upwork rewards you with an additional 30 Connects.
To qualify for this badge, freelancers must:
- Meet project deadlines as promised to clients
- Regularly submit proposals that align with their skill sets
- Have been active on the platform within the past 90 days or have recently joined within the past 30 days
- Update their availability status regularly
- Abide by the Upwork Terms of Service
- Ensure their profile is 100% complete with accurate skills and authentic work samples
3. Successful Client Interviews
When established clients reply to your initial proposal, it's considered as an "interview". By winning these interviews, freelancers can earn additional Connects. The amount of Connects earned for each interview can vary based on undisclosed factors. Previously, Upwork offered a fixed amount of 10 Connects per invite, with a weekly cap of 50 Connects.
4. Complete an Upwork Skill Certification
Since Upwork has discontinued the Upwork Readiness Test, they now offer a one-time complimentary Connect bonus for completing an Upwork Skill Certification (currently, this is only available by invitation).
5. Free Monthly Connects
By default, new freelancers on Upwork are automatically enrolled in the Freelancer Basic program which provides 10 complimentary Connects per month, distributed on the first day of their billing period.
6. Upgrade to Freelancer Plus
Another option available to freelancers is to subscribe to the Freelancer Plus program (currently $14.99) to receive an additional 70 complimentary Connects per month in addition to their standard 10 Connects, for a total of 80 Connects per month.
Additional benefits of subscribing to Freelancer Plus:
1. The possibility to view competitor’s bids on any job
2. Advanced reporting and functionality features
3. The ability to keep your Upwork earnings private
4. A personalized profile URL
5. The ability to keep your profile visible, even during inactive periods.
To upgrade to the Freelancer Plus program, log in to your Upwork freelancer account, go to the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click on your profile picture, select Settings from the dropdown menu, then click on Membership & Connects, and finally, click on View or Edit Membership. If you decide to upgrade to Freelancer Plus during a billing cycle, your bonus Connects will be adjusted proportionally.
7. Acquire Extra Connects
Acquire extra Connects in bulk:
Freelancers also have the option to buy additional Connects in bulk. To purchase Connects, log in to your account, navigate to Settings > Membership & Connects > Buy More Connects. Upwork Connects can be bought for $0.15 each with a minimum purchase of 10.
The purchase will be billed directly to your primary payment method on file with Upwork. You can pay using most major credit and debit cards as well as PayPal. Currently, there is no bulk discount offer — it's fixed per unit.
8. Claim a Connects Reward
Upwork occasionally provides complimentary Connects as part of a temporary promotion, such as an event or survey.
When such promotions occur, Upwork usually releases a promo code that can be redeemed by navigating to Settings > Membership & Connects > Buy More Connects, and then entering the code in the designated promo code field.
Breaking News: Upwork Revamps Connect Rollover and Expiration Policy
Good news for all Upwork users! Upwork has revamped its Connect rollover and expiration policy. As of January 18, 2023, Connects will now expire one year from the date of issuance, and there is no longer a cap on the maximum amount of Connects you can accumulate.
This is a significant improvement from the previous rollout, under which unused Connects expired monthly and users were restricted in the amount of Connects they could hold at any given time.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Upwork Connects are a valuable tool for freelancers to increase their chances of getting hired on the platform. With this guide and the right strategies, you can increase your Connects and open more doors to new job opportunities on Upwork.
P.S: Are you new to freelancing and you’d love to learn more about how to make additional income as a freelancer? Check out my detailed Upwork and LinkedIn course "The Digital Millionaire."
I hope this helps you. If it did, be sure to clap me a thousand times (joking, a few tens would do), leave me a comment (it will encourage me a lot — smiles), and click the follow button for more of this.
