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Are you a freelancer who relies on Upwork to find work and build your career? If so, you’ve likely heard about Upwork Connects, the virtual currency used to submit proposals on the platform. But did you know that Upwork Connects Refresh is a recent update to the system that could impact the way you use Connects and land new projects?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Upwork Connects Refresh, including what it is, how it works, and how it could affect your freelance career.
1. What is Upwork Connects?
Upwork Connects are virtual tokens that serve as the currency used to submit proposals on Upwork. Freelancers receive a certain number of Connects each month, which they can use to submit proposals for job opportunities posted by clients on the platform.
How do they function?
When a freelancer submits a proposal for a job opportunity on Upwork, they must use a certain number of Connects to do so. The number of Connects required to submit a proposal can vary depending on the type of job and the level of competition.
Each Connect has a value of $0.15, so if a proposal requires five Connects, the freelancer will be charged $0.75 to submit their proposal. If the proposal is accepted, the freelancer will be awarded the job and will receive payment from the client upon completion.
How many Connects does a freelancer receive each month?
The number of Connects a freelancer receives each month depends on several factors, including their membership level and the type of projects they are interested in. Basic members receive 10 Connects per month, while Plus members receive 80 Connects per month.
Top-Rated and Rising Talent members receive additional Connects, with Top-Rated members receiving up to 400 Connects per month.
How are Connects used to submit proposals on Upwork?
When a freelancer finds a job opportunity that interests them, they must use a certain number of Connects to submit a proposal for the job. The number of Connects required can vary, depending on the type of job and the level of competition.
Submitting a proposal requires the freelancer to write a cover letter explaining why they are the best fit for the job, and they must also provide a bid for how much they would charge to complete the project.
The client can then review the proposals they receive and choose the freelancer they believe is the best fit for the job.
2. Upwork Connects Refresh
Upwork Connects Refresh is a recent update to the platform that changes the way Connects are allocated to freelancers each month. Instead of receiving a set number of Connects each month, freelancers now receive a certain number of Connects each billing cycle.
This means that freelancers who do not use all of their Connects in a billing cycle will lose them when the cycle resets.
How often are Upwork Connects refreshed?
Upwork Connects are refreshed at the beginning of each billing cycle, which typically lasts for one month. At the start of each new cycle, freelancers will receive a new set of Connects that they can use to submit proposals for job opportunities on the platform.
Why did Upwork implement the Connects Refresh system?
Upwork implemented the Connects Refresh system to encourage freelancers to use their Connects more strategically and to prevent freelancers from hoarding Connects without using them.
This new system also aims to reduce the number of low-quality proposals submitted by freelancers who do not take the time to carefully consider which jobs they are best suited for.
The Connects Refresh system also helps to level the playing field for freelancers, as it ensures that everyone has the same number of Connects to start each billing cycle.
This means that freelancers who use their Connects wisely and submit high-quality proposals will have a better chance of being awarded jobs, rather than being overshadowed by freelancers who hoard Connects and submit low-quality proposals.
3. How Upwork Connects Refresh Affect Freelancers
The Connects Refresh system has the potential to greatly impact freelancers who use Upwork to find work. With the new system in place, freelancers need to adjust their strategies and optimize their use of Connects to maximize their chances of being awarded jobs.
Optimizing Connects Usage
Under the new system, freelancers must use their Connects more strategically, and focus on submitting high-quality proposals that are tailored to the specific job requirements. This means that freelancers should take the time to carefully review job postings and only submit proposals for jobs that are a good fit for their skills and experience.
Freelancers should also consider the competition for each job and the likelihood of being awarded the job before submitting a proposal. With a limited number of Connects, freelancers must use them wisely and only submit proposals for jobs that they have a good chance of winning.
Acquiring Additional Connects
If a freelancer runs out of Connects before the end of their billing cycle, they have the option of purchasing additional Connects from Upwork. However, this can become expensive over time, especially if a freelancer frequently needs to purchase additional Connects.
To avoid running out of Connects, freelancers can also consider taking steps to improve their chances of being awarded jobs. This can include improving their profiles, building their portfolios, and seeking out jobs that are a good fit for their skills and experience.
Conclusion: Does Upwork Connects Refresh?
In conclusion, Upwork Connects Refresh is a significant change to the platform’s job proposal system that affects all freelancers who use the platform to find work.
While the new system may seem daunting at first, it also presents an opportunity for freelancers to refine their approach and optimize their use of Connects to increase their chances of winning jobs.
By taking the time to review job postings carefully, tailoring proposals to specific requirements, and focusing on jobs that are a good fit for their skills and experience, freelancers can succeed under the new system.
Additionally, by improving their profiles and portfolios, freelancers can make themselves more attractive to potential clients and increase their chances of being awarded jobs.
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