Increasing Transparency in Boosted Proposals

[#1]

Our team recently launched a test to increase transparency around bidding in Boosted Proposals to help you make a more informed decision around spending Connects.

Check out the product update about this test here and let us know your thoughts about this update in the comments below.

[#2]

Upwork says that the boost feature is for reducing the proposals but that's not true actually. 
Too many freelancers submit proposals and the clients don't want to scroll down and down to the bottom. 
They see only a few proposals on the first page. So only boosted proposals(4 guys) and 1 lucky guy has a chance to show their proposals to the clients. 
Whether the boost feature exists or not, still lots of freelancers submit their proposals. So the boost feature is not for reducing proposals, it's Upwork's strategy to take more money from the freelancers. Same for the Availability badge and the Connects based on the job types. 

[#3]

Hello
Please I don't know what to say but I need clarification why I'm unable to get a job on this platform since I joined Upwork. I don't even get an invitation like I used to have. Some will only view my proposal and don't interview. I have spent a lot of money buying connect but getting at least one job is difficult for me

Please, what is the way forward, any advisor for me?

[#4]

Yeah I hear that, I have seen clients who's stats show 100% hire ratings not hiring someone. 

I just want to say that I am taking about the mid week in Feb where I sent proposals to clients with portfolio customized to the job they are looking for but not a peep. 

I have a network off this site so relyying on that, same dtrstergy and getting responses. 

[#5]

In my search for the next wave, I've been looking at articles online.. here is an interesting take on the idea of what is considered fashionable vs profesional. While I saw a stat from UpWork's own admission, that they saw 100% increase in freelancers on the system during COVID.. and maybe made them more fashionable for a second, but I I don't think they are going to remain fashionable nor seen as remotely professional for much longer with this type of low-class, fast-food, bidding-war frenzy of freelancers with zero integrity and self-worth that they think it is dignified to play this very un-professional game.

From, "LA Startups," July 1, 2020

"But there’s another darker side to it, so to speak. Upwork clients are also hesitant about admitting their use of the online platform as an alternative to the traditional recruitment routes because it seems unfashionable."

While UpWork may have got a bit big-headed with their COVID-time popularity, but if they were seen as unfashionable pre-COVID.. when these comments are being made again in the public media, I suspect it will be much more scathing.

It's quite sad. I think even if they get rid of the Boost system now, they may have already sealed their fate. I don't know.. but it just feels so... dirty. 🙄😑

A great promotion for the competitors would be, "We're what UpWork used to be." 🤣

[#6]

I've been reading articles online about UpWork and the freelance market, how it relates to COVID, best services, etc. Here's one to search from Yahoo Finance:

"Upwork CEO on how businesses benefit from putting freelancers to work"
June 23, 2022 with UpWork CEO, Hayden Brown.

Question:
Do you think any UpWork leaders/management will go on major media publications and talk about how they have tuned their freelancers into a frenzy of $50+ bidding wars to be seen by a single client who doesn't know they are actually looking at low talent with big pockets instead of promoting actual talent front and center?

I think not. Anyone with integrity would be embarrased to tout this horrible bug being disguised as a feature.

[#7]

Paid bidding on Upwork has created an unfair advantage for freelancers who have more money, but not necessarily more skill or experience. This undermines the entire concept of a freelancer marketplace, where freelancers are supposed to be evaluated and chosen based on their skills, experience, and portfolio.

In a fair and equitable system, clients should evaluate freelancers based on their ability to perform the job and provide value, rather than their ability to pay more for the chance to bid. This is especially important for new freelancers who are just starting out, as they may not have the financial resources to compete with more established freelancers who have built up their savings over time.

Overall, while paid bidding may generate revenue for Upwork, it undermines the very nature of a freelancer marketplace and could ultimately lead to a decrease in the quality of work produced. 

[#8]

Well said 

[#9]

I understand your concern, but the recent change to increase transparency in boosted proposals can actually save you money by allowing you to make a more informed decision before using your valuable Connects. With more information at your fingertips, you can confidently decide whether a proposal is worth investing in.

[#10]

Boosting system is very bad system Please clean this system 

[#11]

When one as a freelancer comes to a job with 100 connects bid, one feels obligated to bid 120 not to be outbid by those that put 100 connects.

[#12]

Hello,

I do not support boost system in UpWork. I hope upwork will answer my question.

Can upwork stop this Online Casino (Boost System) in future?

If the answer is Yes,

When upwork stop this section?

[#13]

It's so devastating, I do not support the motion. Upwork should hide the bidding system 

[#14]

It's really hard to get jobs for freelancers. Many fake and unprofessional guys boost their proposals and took the top 4 slots.
So the other developers don't have enough chance to show their proposals to the clients.
Vise versa, clients have fewer chances to hire professional developers because many new freelancers(0 earned) boost their proposals to take the top 4 seats. 

Upwork says that the boost feature is for reducing the proposals but that's not true actually. 
Too many freelancers submit proposals and the clients don't want to scroll down and down to the bottom. 
They see only a few proposals on the first page. So only boosted proposals(4 guys) and 1 lucky guy has a chance to show their proposals to the clients. 
Whether the boost feature exists or not, still lots of freelancers submit their proposals. 

The boost option is not a good idea for both clients and freelancers. 

[#15]

When boosting was first launched, I was also worried about clients ignoring my proposal if I don't boost them, but that hasn't been the case, in the last 5 jobs I have gotten, I haven't boosted any of my proposals. Clients want freelancer who match the job listing, they don't care who paid to have to jump the line and had their proposal be displayed first. I actually feel sorry for the desperate freelancer who boost their proposal because it's totally pointless and a waste of connects

[#16]

Hello friend, I fully understand that the demand from customers is for the right people for the job posted! However, the system is leaving your proposal archived until all the boosted proposals are verified, I keep monitoring the last visa of the client, I analyzed that my proposal was sent a week ago! and received no visualization since the client is online a few minutes ago!

[#17]

I'm a freelancer, who's fairly at the top of my field: I'm top-rated, expert vetted, approval rating is 100%. I get a ton of work from referrals and lots of repeat clients.  My projects are significant, most in the thousands of dollars.

I never use boosts on my proposals.
 

I only apply to projects with the minimum connects required (as I used to before the change), because the boosted connect amounts are outrageous - I see people bidding over 60 connects to appear at the top of a project. Since I'm already a paying member, I feel it's too much to pay my monthly member fee, provide 10% of my earnings, and also pay extra to bid on jobs.

However, since the new boosted proposals update, I rarely get interviews anymore - I used to get quite a few more and I used to get almost every job I interviewed for.  The platform was an amazing experience.

I believe this change has produced a fairly poor experience for either top notch freelancers like me (far less visibility and so less work), or for clients (who see potentially poor candidates, just because they pay to be on top).

I'm borderline not seeing enough traction to make sense remaining on the platform - it's pretty bad, after a very good prior run.

Anyone else experiencing this?  

The change I've noticed may also be due to other economic factors, but I do see a timing overlap with this update...

[#18]

Yeah Ever since the bidding freature is introduced many freelancers have mentioned the ssame thing, reduce in client interviews. 

Previously even if the client did not go with me there was a reply of some sort to me. But ever since I have seen te bidding system take off as a main feature, there nothing heard from the cleints. 

I also am a freelancer in the real world so familiar with sending proposals, pitch decks etc and alsways get a reply Yes or no, It was the same with upwork until this bidding. 

[#19]

I'm sorry for this message , but Upwork was a fabulous place for freelancer until "bidding".
Afther 8 MONTHS whitout working I need to message whit other freelancers for this huge problem.
I'm TOP  RATED ,  upwork Skill Certificated freelancer and selected upwork Talent .
I keep my reputation as high as possible (100%) for almost two years, achived Top Rated and later got into Talent Cloud , trying to provide as much as I can and for what? 
If you pay more you can win bidding race . My work quality is totally bypassed.
Upwork, what's happened?
Your community was focused on quality of work, now is set up for money fishing like the others freelancer site, and this is really important point for your company future . 
To raise our voice I ‘ve deleted my Freelancer Plus membership plan and please if you have the same problem , all of you, do the same.
Delete your plan and Upwork will riconsider the “bidding scam”

[#20]

I agree! This bidding scam makes top-rated talent seem worthless. You work so hard for years only for your quality work and skills to be by-passed due to bidding woes. 

It's largely unfair and discouraging. Upwork should reconsider this malfunction.  

[#21]

Thank you so much Vivian, this is not my problem, is the problem of all freelancer, I've found in Upwork a real place to be a better artist.

Now I fell useless to be here.

[#22]

It is well

[#23]

They said their main goal was to decrease the competition, and I feel like they have achieved it. Lots of freelancers who are not part of agencies and can't pay 30-40$ per 1 bid would just leave the platform at some point being unable to land a contract.
Myself included. I was lucky to have a few projects from clients who wanted to work with a Ukrainian dev, but otherwise, I would have probably never landed either of those.

[#24]

Thanks Oleksandr, your experience confirms this problem, there are many users who have been cut off for this reason. Now this problem can no longer be underestimated

[#25]

Yes I 'know.

We need some b....Ls to share this type of issues.

I hope more people wake up and report this

[#26]

Hi Gianluca,

The bidding system is designed to create a fair and competitive marketplace for freelancers and clients alike. While it's true that some projects might go to the highest bidder, the system takes into account much more than just the bid amount.

Upwork's bidding system is designed to help clients find the best match for their projects by considering several factors, including the freelancer's experience, skillset, and work history. This means that your top-rated status, skill certifications, and excellent reputation are still very much relevant when clients evaluate your proposals.

In fact, many clients on Upwork value quality and expertise over cost, and they are willing to pay a premium for freelancers who can deliver exceptional work. The bidding system enables you to showcase your skills and justify your rates to clients, helping you stand out from the competition.

By offering a platform where freelancers can compete based on their skills and expertise, Upwork helps ensure that clients receive the best value for their investment. This, in turn, creates a positive feedback loop that encourages more clients to join the platform, providing even more opportunities for talented freelancers like yourself.

It's important to remember that Upwork is continuously working to improve its platform and services. If you have any suggestions or ideas for how the bidding system could be improved, I encourage you to share them with the Upwork Community. This way, you can contribute to making the platform better for all users.