Invites decrease since available now badge launch

[kelleymalone]

Have any other freelancers seens a drop off in invitations since the available now badge launched? 

I'm in the graphic design category which I know is overloaded with talent. Before the available now badge was launched I was averaging 10+ invites a week. Right now I'm lucky if I get 2.

I'm a trained professional with 20 years of experience, specializing in brand identity and packaging design. My work has a track record of generating recognition and sales for my clients. I'm priced fairly. My JSS is above 90% and I'm top rated. 

Do I need to start spending more connects you boost the available now badge? Or just chalk this up to a slow season and wait it out?

[nyonomega0]

How many invitations do you get depends upon how often you appear at a top position or on the first page of search results. This is updated every now and then by an algorithm. The reason you're not receiving invitations anymore is that you no longer appear on the first page of search results.

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Kelley K wrote:

Do I need to start spending more connects you boost the available now badge?

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No. If you're not receiving any invitations then having the availability badge on is meaningless. It will not increase the number of invitations you receive. It just shows whether or not you're available to work.

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Kelley K wrote:

Or just chalk this up to a slow season and wait it out?

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Yes. This is the way to go.

Good luck.

[kelleymalone]

Thank you for your insight. I've seen some highs and lows on invite numbers in the time I've been on Upwork, but nothing as dry as this since before I reached Top Rated. Wondering if there is anything I can do to increase my search ranking?

[nyonomega0]

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Kelley K wrote:

Wondering if there is anything I can do to increase my search ranking?

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Not much. You're already a top-rated freelancer with a JSS of 95%+. There really isn't much you can do other than wait.

[ericaandrews]

I have not noticed a difference personally, but I have seen several complaints on the boards that the badge is creating the WRONG impression for clients. Some clients think if they don't see an 'available now' badge for a freelancer, that means the freelancer is 'busy' and not accepting invitations or new clients.  On the other hand,  if a client sees an 'available now' badge some think that means the freelancer is literally sitting at their computer ready to "drop everything" and start working immediately on command, which isn't usually true.

I tried turning the badge on for 1-2 weeks during the 'beta' period months ago and didn't notice an increase in MEANINGFUL invites (the ones that come directly from clients that read your profile likely to lead to a meaningful interview).  However, I experienced a sharp increase in UNWANTED invites from that UW 'Talent Specialist' e-mail bot thing that kept stuffing my inbox with jobs that were so "off base" it wasn't even funny.  Turning the 'badge' on seemed to tell the UW spam bot to spam me more. It was like paying 'connects' for spam.  Personally, I think 'available now' (the wording) looks desperate.  Maybe something  like 'Accepting new clients'  would look a bit more professional. 

Better yet, instead of having to pay for an 'Available Now' badge, the search engine should just show the 'availability' information we already have to fill out on our profiles in the search list (>30 hours, less than 30, as-needed, etc.) and let client search/filter based on that criteria.

[martina_plaschka]

Avout the available now badge - I'm trying to say this in the nicest possible way - I believe it's unbecoming to a professional profile of someone with a good work history and a high hourly rate. IMO it looks cheap and desperate. 

[ericaandrews]

Exactly.  This is why I said badge terminology like "Accepting new clients" may sound be more professional - similar to a doctor or dentist indicating they can handle new patients or a law office indicating they have capacity for additional clients.  "Available now" is for new releases to DVD, video game consoles, and movie theatres, and "flash sales" at big-box store outlets.  It looks  unprofessional, and "fleeting": Like a cheap sale that could simply "vanish" at any minute in the future.  It's literally one step above hanging a sign screaming "Need work" or "Please hire me", and I'm sure the scammers are probably targeting anybody new with the 'available now' badge on.

[kelleymalone]

CJ thanks for weighing in. I agree the wording is off. "Accepting new clients" or something of the like would be more accurate. Luckily I have not seen an increase in scam requests, but that may have more to do with my profile.

[kelleymalone]

Martina, I have to say I agree with you. I'd prefer the badge not be available or be worded as "accepting new clients" as someone else mentioned in this thread. At the same time, I'm trying to maximize my opportunity to be invited to the invite-only projects in my specialty. And if this badge factors into the algorithm, so be it.

[martina_plaschka]

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Kelley K wrote:

Martina, I have to say I agree with you. I'd prefer the badge not be available or be worded as "accepting new clients" as someone else mentioned in this thread. At the same time, I'm trying to maximize my opportunity to be invited to the invite-only projects in my specialty. And if this badge factors into the algorithm, so be it.

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The badge doesn't factor into the algorithm at all. 

[kelleymalone]

Thank you all for your input on both the invite dry spell and opinions on availabile now badge. I did want to share an update. After posting this I spent some time updating my profile. Refining my description, adding a couole new portfolio pieces, and requesting clients to close open projects that were actually finished. These steps have resulted in an increase in project invitations. Hope this helps anyone who happens to be in a similar situation in the future.