Understanding Upwork Connects

Introduction

It’s great that you’re taking an active interest in learning more about Upwork! Connects are essentially ‘bids’ or ‘tokens’ that you need to use in order to submit a proposal for jobs on Upwork. In essence, they are virtual currency that allows you to apply for job postings.

How are Connects used?

Every job you apply for on Upwork will cost a certain number of connects. The standard is usually 1-6 connects per job application. However, this can fluctuate depending on the nature and value of the job. Therefore, it is pertinent to wisely manage your connects and apply for jobs that match your skills and experience.

How to get Connects?

• Free Connects: When you sign up, Upwork provides you with a certain number of free connects to get started.
• Purchased Connects: Once you drain your initial free cache, you have the option of buying more connects. Prices can range from $0.15 to $0.90 per connect.
• Monthly Connects: If you opt for a ‘Freelancer Plus’ membership ($14.99/month), you’ll receive 70 connects each month.
• Rollover Connects: With Freelancer Plus, unused connects will be rolled over to the next month. So, if you don’t use all your connects in one month they are not lost.

Important note

Keep in mind that effective from May 2020, freelancers don’t receive free connects upon sign-up anymore. You must either buy them or upgrade to Freelancer Plus membership.

Utilizing connects wisely is crucial for success on Upwork; always consider the quality of the job and the potential long term opportunity before spending your connects.