More Connects to win more of the work you love

[katbenjamin]

UPDATE: This is already live. You’ll see these free Connects added to your account at the start of your next billing cycle. You can find this date on your Memberships and Connects page under User Settings.

In December, we’re upgrading Connects to provide you free monthly Connects and bonus Connects for interviews you win. You’re doing amazing things on Upwork, and more Connects means more chances to do the work you love. 

We’ve seen a huge surge in client activity, and our work marketplace is full of opportunities for all the incredible talent on our platform. We can’t wait to watch you use these Connects to win your share of these opportunities, form stronger relationships with clients, and grow your career on Upwork.

We introduced paid Connects to keep spam from crowding out your proposals and help you win the jobs you want. But we want to ensure connecting with clients is exciting and affordable, so we’re changing our program to provide you with the Connects you need to build deeper relationships and unlock the best opportunities.

Here’s exactly what you can expect:

Freelancer Basic Plan	Receive 10 free Connects per month (according to billing cycle)
Freelancer Plus Plan	Receive 80 Connects per month (70 + 10 free Connects) (according to billing cycle)
Connects Rollover Limits	The Basic and Plus roll over limit is now 200 Connects
Interview Requests	Freelancers receive free Connects (the number may vary) when they win an interview with an established client on Upwork**

In December, you’ll see these free Connects added to your account at the start of your next billing cycle. You can find this date on your Memberships and Connects page under User Settings. You’ll also receive an email when your Connects are available for use.

These changes will create more opportunities for everyone in our community, and we’re continuing to explore other ways to show our appreciation for everything you do. Your success is our success, and we’re proud to provide a home where you can do the work you love, form lucrative relationships, and build an amazing independent business.

Learn more about how Connects work here. 

* Update 7/23/2021: Note that when Connects are awarded for interview requests this will show up as two transactions in the Connects History. There is no change to how these are awarded, this is simply done for accounting purposes.

** Updated 1/2/2023

[ethelumeh2011]

Thank you the Upwork team.

I find fulfillment working in Upwork thriving marketplace. 

You guys are simply amazing.

Best Regards, 

Ethelbert Umeh

[jorgensons]

Until Upwork can figure out how to fairly and accurately assess the size/value of a job, charging a variable number of connects to apply is ridiculous. For resume jobs requiring a similar level of time/effort, I'll see anywhere from 2 to 6 connects. Why? How does Upwork arrive at these numbers? It's not fair or equitable, and the large number of connects causes me not to submit proposals in many situations where I'm highly qualified. I'm a top-rated freelancer with 100% job success. If other top talent responds the same way (a big "if," I realize), clients are losing out due to the wildly inadequate system of assessing job size/value. Ten free connects/month is not enough to ovecome this issue -- not even close.

I'm not too worried about this on a personal level because I receive so many invitations to interview that I don't use connects very often anymore. However, that is a fairly recent development -- in the last 18 months or so. I got to this point and built my solid reputation by burning through my free connects every month at 2 connects/proposal and losing more jobs than I won. If I'd had to pay for all of the connects I used, and if I would have had to use 6 connects to apply for a $200 job, I probably wouldn't have persevered on Upwork, generated hundreds of outstanding reviews, or built a small but steady client base.

[mydhir]

I really like knowing the dedication Upwork is having for all of us. However, I consider; As a personal opinion, that the waiting time to receive the money or payment (The 5 days) is long, that is, sometimes we need the money as soon as possible, we work for something, but waiting so long for it to be available is a lot , it's 5 days of waiting.

Another thing that I would like to see improved is the possibility of adding a third-party bank account in the United States; If possible, for Freelancers in Venezuela it is a true martyrdom to fight to obtain the maximum possible income.

[banyabasak]

Hi katrina,

How are you in this pandemic situation? I think well. Be safe, be careful. Well I have seen your connect section. I love your connect section. I am a newbie to your marketplace. But I am working another marketplace like fiverr and others in a very good position since 1 year. Your policy is buy to connects. That is very horrible for me as a newbie in your platform. So i will think about it later. If you think that add some free connects to add my profile. Then you can. I will try. Otherwise i will think to buy your connects later.

Thank you

DIPANKAR BASAK

[syedsajid]

Good news ! But 10 free connects are too little. It should be more around 25.

[arusyak_harutyun]

Really awesome! Thanks Upwork Team!

[ozfarooq]

Sounds awesome. Looking forward to free connects to explore more jobs and have more chances at getting hired

[luce-neidert]

Sadly, 10 free connects will enable more people trying to be on Upwork at all costs to make ridiculously low bids. I guess in these troubled times, 10 will have to do.

What I like is the idea of the bonus connects. Nowadays, getting a job is so difficult that getting a prize for such a feat is a nice way to acknowledge the accomplishment.

[shitali]

Finally a good decision reversed from Upwork. However, 10 connects which equats to just 1 job doesn't make any sense.

[AndreaG]

Hi Priyantha Manjula,

Starting in December, you’ll get free Connects every month and bonuses for every interview you win!

Check out this post for more information.

Thanks!