How Bidding Works on Upwork

1. Understanding Connects

Connects are what Upwork calls its bidding units. As a freelancer, you need connects to send proposals to clients. As of July 2020, a proposal costs 1 to 6 connects, depending on the size of the project. You’ll have to gauge how much you want a certain project to decide if spending multiple connects on a single proposal is worthwhile.

2. Pricing Your Bid

When you bid on a project, you’ll need to price your services. The key is to price competitively while ensuring you get paid what you’re worth. Understanding market rates for your services will help you bid reasonably.

3. Writing Your Proposal

Your proposal is what the client will see when reviewing your bid. It should be tailored to the job post and show that you’ve carefully read the job description. Detail how you can offer solutions to the client’s needs and why they should choose you over other freelancers.

4. Getting Hired

After you submit your proposal, the client will review it along with any others they’ve received. If they like your bid and proposal, they may invite you to an interview. If all goes well, you may then get hired.

Summary

• Bidding on Upwork: Requires spends ‘connects.’
• Pricing your bid: Should reflect both your value and market rates.
• Writing your proposal: Should communicate your understanding of the project and your capacity to fulfil it.
• Getting hired: If the client is impressed with your bid and proposal, they might interview you. If it goes well and you’re in agreement, you’ll be hired.

Remember, be patient. It often takes time to get your first job. But once you do, things typically start to roll more easily. Good luck!