Understanding Upwork Connects

As a freelancer on Upwork, ‘connects’ play a very crucial role in applying for jobs or projects. They enable a freelancer to submit proposals for job listings, and they can be viewed as a form of virtual currency that is used within the platform.

How Do You Get Connects?

The number of connects you have can depend on your membership type:

• Free Membership: As a new freelancer, you start with 20 free connects. But after that, you need to purchase additional connects. However, Upwork sometimes provides promotional offers where they give additional connects for free.
• Plus Membership: It costs $14.99 per month, and you get 70 connects every month.

How Many Connects Do You Need to Bid on a Job?

The number of connects needed to submit a proposal varies and is displayed on each job post. Usually, it can cost around 1 to 6 connects, depending on the size and nature of the job.

Can You Get Connects Back?

It’s important to note that connects are not refunded if a job post is closed without hiring. However, if a client you’ve applied to work with doesn’t hire any freelancer within 30 days and doesn’t review any proposal, your Connects will be returned.

Why Are Connects Important?

Connects act as a filter to ensure freelancers are being more selective in the job proposals they send out, which in turn helps clients receive higher quality proposals.

Remember

Having a strategic approach in the use of your connects is very crucial for the success of your freelancing career on Upwork. Always ensure you invest your connects in projects that are well suited to your skills and experience.