Since I am a well-established, detailed, and experienced freelancer on Upwork. I thought it is good to dedicate a few hours a day to explain some hidden techniques and complex terminologies for those who are seriously looking for a living and independent career in this fast-growing freelancing platform.
Maybe you are a new or associate but ambitious freelancer with a completely different successful mindset. And you have been looking for another angle to understand some complex questions regarding Upwork opportunities! Proudly you’re very right to do that, and I have managed to pick some crucial concerns which resonate with you…
Some of these questions are- what does connect mean? how does connect work? does Upwork connects expire? are Upwork connects Free? How many connects do they charge per proposal? and many more. The fact that Upwork is a marketplace, and like any marketplace, the customers will always find what they want! The idea is to be what they want.
I am convinced this article will give you a boost to grow your online endeavor…
| Takeaway |
|---|
| Upwork Connects are virtual tokens used for job proposals. |
| Connects are not refundable, whether proposals are accepted or not. |
| You can purchase Connects or get them through Upwork Plus or Agency Plus memberships. |
| Unused Connects do not roll over to the next month. They are replenished monthly. |
| The number of Connects required for each proposal depends on job factors. |
What Is Upwork Connects And How Does It Work?
You might have heard many definitions of Upwork connects before! But this one is the nice touch of all time. Connects are what freelancers use to submit a proposal or project for a matching job listed in the Upwork marketplace at any given time. All proposals require connects to apply.
The Upwork Connect is essentially a sure way to meaningful regulate how many jobs a certain freelancer can genuinely apply. The number of connects can vary from one to five, depending on the size and type of project. Most projects require two connects per proposal, but it typically varies from 1 to 6.
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Types Of Upwork Connects That No Body Tells You
Connects To Get Started
When a new freelancer successfully registers on Upwork, they will receive 80 Connects to start building relationships. They will also be rewarded with more Connects for taking the Upwork Readiness Test and earning a Rising Talent badge.
Connects to Reach Out
Each month, as a freelancer you will get FREE Connects to find their next opportunity or for being active! For freelancer basic accounts is currently receiving 10 free Connects each month, and Freelancer Plus accounts receive 80 free Connects each month.
Connects to Unlock Your Potential
The use of connects is your way to build long-lasting relationships, whether you work as a freelancer or as part of an agency team on Upwork. Now, when you submit a proposal to a client and win an interview, you’ll get a bonus of 10 Connects after you complete your interview.
As I promised earlier, I’m going to show you exactly what it means to be more valuable through Questions. Also how to get the most out of Upwork, because it can change your life, just like it has changed mine. We are in AMAZING times where you can work from home or anywhere in the world. So let’s go to another question:-
How Many Connects One Can Have?
To answer this question, we have to look at three types of freelancing accounts offered by Upwork since the rules for the maximum number of connect is different. For instance;
The Freelancer Basic Account (For Individuals)
Can have only 60 connections each month and unused “connects” expire at the end of each month.
The Freelancer Plus Account (For Individuals)
Starts with 70 connects per month and can roll over unused connections up to 140 connections. Has an option to buy extra connections. Even if you buy extra connections, the maximum number of connections a freelancer plus account can have is 350 which is five times its monthly allotment limit.
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The Agency Membership (For companies)
Membership starts with 80 connects per month and can roll over unused connects up to 160 connects. Has an option to buy extra connects. For the matter of understanding, even if one buys extra connections the maximum number of connects an agency account can have is 400, which is five times its monthly allotment limit.
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Are Upwork Connects Free?
Upwork has recorded significant changes over time on the allotment of connects to catch up and save the best interest of all stakeholders. Meanwhile, you can enjoy both free and paid connects! For Example, Upwork offers free connects from 10 to 80 each month for basic and freelancer-plus accounts respectively.
Also, for each interview or invitation won, the freelancer will be awarded 10 free connects and you will be able to keep more Connects at the end of each month, with a new rollover limit of 200. Once those connects expire or once you have used all of them! Then you will consider purchasing connects to bid on more projects. The question is…
How Do You Buy Upwork Connect?
Upwork introduced Connects buying program to help you get the jobs you really want. And on the same to keep spam from crowding job posts and cut down on a lot of that noise. Now, you can do more with more Connects, so how do you buy Upwork connects?
Here is how; You can simply purchase connects with your Upwork earnings if you have sufficient balance (available earnings). The easy way to do this, you will need to go to Settings > Membership & Connects > select a bundle > add connects. Also, make sure your billing method is connected.
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How Much Does It Cost For A Single Connect?
As you probably know that you have to use connect to bid on a project or send out a proposal. It is true that with paid Connects, Upwork expects freelancers to submit fewer but genuine proposals to make it easier for clients to identify high-quality talent.
The price of one paid to connect differs depending on the number of connects or a bundle at hand, but the minimum price you can enjoy is 0.15$ each.
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Takeaway
Just to recap our discussion! Freelancing is your business like any business owner you will get paid what you’re worth. You indeed have to make investments to sell your skills or services, and connects are an investment or currency toward your freelancing career.
Further Reading
Time Doctor: Upwork Connects Short Description: Explore how Upwork Connects feature enhances the way freelancers and clients connect and collaborate, optimizing productivity and project success.
Morgan Overholt: Upwork Connects Short Description: Learn about the benefits and functionalities of Upwork Connects, streamlining the process of finding and hiring the perfect freelancers for your projects.
Website Builder Insider: What Do Connects Mean on Upwork? Short Description: Find out what Upwork Connects signify and how they play a vital role in freelancers’ bid submissions, helping you make the most of your connections on the platform.
FAQs
What is Upwork Connects?
Upwork Connects are virtual tokens used to submit proposals for jobs on Upwork. Each job proposal requires a certain number of Connects, which are replenished every month.
How do I get Upwork Connects?
As an Upwork freelancer, you can acquire Connects by purchasing them on the platform. Connects can also be earned through Upwork Plus or Agency Plus memberships, with a monthly allocation.
Can I roll over unused Connects to the next month?
No, unused Connects do not roll over to the next month. At the start of each month, your Connects balance is refreshed to the allotted amount based on your membership or purchase.
How many Connects does each job proposal require?
The number of Connects required for each job proposal varies based on factors such as job category, project type, and budget. Typically, job proposals may consume anywhere from 1 to 6 Connects.
Are Connects refundable if a proposal is rejected?
No, Connects are non-refundable. Once used for a job proposal, they cannot be returned to your account, even if the proposal is declined or the job is awarded to another freelancer.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.