How To Get More Connects On Upwork In 2024 (A Step-By-Step Guide)

Learning how to get more free Connects on Upwork is essential if you want to access unlimited clients and take your freelancing career to the next level.

Upwork Connects can be acquired in many ways, from extra Connects added to active accounts on a monthly basis to earned Connects for great performance.

In this guide, we've broken down all the methods available on Upwork you can use to bring in extra Connects and increase your proposal limit.

What Are Connects On Upwork?

Connects on Upwork allow users to transact with potential clients through proposal bids, proposal boosts, and other mechanisms on the platform.

These Connects are earned by performing certain tasks on Upwork, for instance, successfully completing projects for your clients.

This virtual currency can be boosted by setting a lower hourly rate than the average, enhancing your profile with keywords, and responding to Invites.

If you're happy to spend money, there's also the option to purchase additional Connects via the Upwork platform to add to your collection.

How To Get More Connects On Upwork In 2023

Learning how to get more Connects on Upwork requires understanding the various scenarios offered to users so you can maximize your virtual currency.

We've covered the core processes through which Connects on Upwork is offered so you can increase your collection and submit proposals to clients with regularity.

With our criteria established, here is everything you need to know to get more Connects on Upwork:

Step 1: Complete Your Upwork Profile

A strong and compelling profile is the first port of call for any prospective client, so you should dedicate the time needed to make yours shine.

This means filling out all sections in full, as well as uploading a professional-looking profile picture that encapsulates your personality.

Before you begin compiling your information, take the time to research the best Upwork profile examples, so you have an idea of what works best.

This will give you an idea of how to best present your professional experience and qualifications, as well as your freelance career up to that point.

While you get 40 free Connects simply by creating an account on Upwork, these will soon run out if you're applying for lots of vacancies.

As such, a thorough Upwork profile is the first crucial step necessary to build your collection of Upwork Connects from day one to bring in more clients.

Once you've completed 100% of your profile, you'll be awarded 10 additional Connects as a reward to use as you move forward.

Step 2: Earn The Rising Talent Badge

One of the ways Upwork rewards dedicated and successful new freelancer accounts is through the distribution of the Rising Talent Badge.

There are several factors that come into play that are required before the Rising Talent Badge is awarded and 30 new Connects are added to their account.

Firstly, they should have been active within 90 days or joined in the past 30 days to be eligible.

They should have a 100% complete profile that outlines accurate skills and keeps track of genuine work they've completed.

All projects the user completes up to that point need to have been delivered within the time frame promised to their clients.

They should also submit proposals regularly in line with their skills, with their availability also kept up to date.

Fulfill these criteria, and it's easy to earn free Connects with the Rising Talent Badge and kickstart your freelance career on the right foot.

Step 3: Collect Free Monthly Connects

Upwork Connects can also be accumulated passively, thanks to the platform's regular distribution of extra Connects given to users every month.

These monthly Connects are added by default, so there's no need to perform any action on your part to be eligible.

The free Connect system is linked to the user's billing cycle, with ten free Connects added to the account on the first day of billing.

All new freelancer accounts are automatically enrolled in the Freelancer Basic Program, which means you'll get more free Connects from day one.

It's one of several easy ways to earn free Connects on Upwork without any hassle, and you don't have to use them within a time frame so they can be accumulated.

The more connections you can build up, the more opportunities you'll have to make money on Upwork by reaching out to potential clients.

Step 4: Purchase Connects On Upwork

If you have some disposable income and are happy to spend money on the platform, there's the option to buy Connects and add them to your account.

Paid Connects work like free Connects, and you can purchase Connects by logging onto your account and heading to Settings.

Simply go to Settings, Membership Connects, and Buy More Connects in the menu and select the number of Connects you wish to purchase.

Each Connect costs $0.15 with a minimum purchase of 10 Connects, with charges made to your primary billing payment method.

Upwork Connects can be purchased using all the main credit and debit cards and via a PayPal account, so it's easy to buy Connects when needed.

While there is currently no option to purchase Connects in bulk quantities, the low price and easy payment processing make it easy to increase your Connects balance.

Step 5: Complete An Upwork Skill Certification

Previously, Upwork offered users the ability to earn more Connects through their Upwork Readiness Test, which has since been discontinued.

In its place, the platform now offers the opportunity to earn free Connects with the Upwork Skill Certification, with one-time complimentary bonus Connects.

The Upwork Skill Certification is available in several core categories and can be displayed on your freelancer profile to attract high-value clients.

Some categories you can gain a Skill Certification in include web, mobile, and software development, design and creative skills, and customer service.

The Upwork Skill Certification is available via invitation only, so you'll need to build your clients and establish a reputation first.

This is designed to encourage freelancers to dedicate time and effort to delivering the best quality work possible to secure an invitation.

The ability to learn new skills is one of the many reasons Upwork is widely considered one of the best freelance websites to find work of a high standard.

Step 6: Upgrade To Freelancer Plus

As with the option to purchase Connects, freelancers with disposable funds can earn more free Connects on Upwork by subscribing to the Freelancer Plus program.

This subscription offers many more features unavailable through the Freelancer Basic Program to help collect additional Connects in your account.

Costing $14.99 at the time of writing, Freelancer Plus membership increases the monthly free Connects from 10 per month to 80 Connects.

There are also several impressive additional perks to bear in mind when considering upgrading to the Freelancer Plus subscription model.

These include the option to view any competitor bids on jobs of interest so you can clearly price your work and have a better chance of successful applications.

You can also access extended reports that allow you to dig into your performance and additional functionality features that aren't made available to regular members.

Freelancer Plus also offers enhanced confidentiality through the option to keep your Upwork earnings private from other users, making it easier to compete for jobs with discretion.

Likewise, profile visibility remains open to potential clients even when your account remains inactive over a longer period, giving you peace of mind while on vacation.

While new users may want to stick with the basic program to begin with, dedicated freelancers using Upwork on a regular basis should consider Freelancer Plus.

Step 7: Refer Friends To Upwork

There are many excellent Upwork tips for beginners that will help you climb through the ranks and gain the attention of the highest-quality clients.

Another common way users can earn more free Connects on Upwork is to use the service's friend referral mechanism.

For each friend whom you successfully refer to Upwork and who completes at least one project, the referrer will receive one free Connect.

You can refer up to ten friends on a weekly basis for a total of 10 free Connects on Upwork to use for your own activities.

It's a great way to earn Connects on Upwork without dedicating too much time away from projects, particularly if you know lots of freelancers.

By referring friends, you also strengthen your overall network of industry contacts, with friends likely to reciprocate and return the favor for your good deed.

Step 8: Take Advantage Of Special Offers

Upwork frequently offers its users access to a range of limited promotions, such as surveys and events, where more free Connects can be acquired.

Other free Connects can be acquired through simple actions such as linking your account with PayPal or taking a simple online quiz.

The more eagle-eyed freelancers can take advantage of these regularly to boost their free Connects and pick up more clients.

When Upwork runs a promotional campaign, they typically issue a promo code that members need to redeem in their account settings.

To do this, head to Settings, choose Membership & Connects followed by Buy More Connects, then enter the promo code in the relevant box.

If you want to stay in the loop on upcoming special offers and promotions, checking out the Upwork community blog is worthwhile, where new posts will keep you informed.

Step 9: Complete Projects Successfully

First and foremost, the best way to earn more Connects on Upwork is to work with clients and successfully complete projects on time.

You can begin by applying for and completing easy Upwork jobs for beginners, building credibility with lower-paying clients.

As you do this, your reputation on Upwork will continue to grow and open up new opportunities for better work that pays a higher fee.

A completed project will earn 10 Connects, with positive feedback also helping you to pick up more clients and strengthen your reputation.

Additional Connects can be earned by winning interviews with established clients when a conversation occurs based on your initial proposal.

While the number of Connects you can earn in this manner isn't disclosed and can vary, they previously offered 10 Connects per invite with a 50-per-week cap.

This gives you a good idea of how many free Connects this process can deliver, and the more successful you are, the more free Connects it will produce.

Step 10: Develop A Top-Rated Profile

We've outlined in detail the importance of filling out a complete Upwork profile to gain free Connects on Upwork.

There's also the option to gather more free Connects on Upwork by developing a top-rated profile and gaining the attention of higher-quality clients.

To get a top-rated profile, you'll need to complete lots of jobs to a high standard to maintain a high job success score.

Once your job success score passes a threshold, the platform will automatically assign the Top-Rated ranking to your profile.

Top-rated profiles are eligible for ten free Connects monthly, automatically added to your account and ready to use.

This means consistently engaging with clients and working closely with them on projects to ensure positive feedback.

While newcomers to Upwork won't be able to earn Connects in this way, it pays to dedicate time and effort with clients if you're committed to long-term growth.

Summary

So there you have it, everything you need to know to get more Connects on Upwork so you can reach new clients and earn more money.

With its combination of passive free Connects for continued use and the ability to earn Connects due to great work, there's plenty of scope for users.

They're a great way to expand your client base and transform your freelancing into a well-paid career with consistent quality work.