When to Use Profile Boost, Proposal Boost, and Availability Badge Without Wasting Your Connects
Upwork paid features and when to use them?
Recently I read about the organic success case here and decided to tell you more about paid Upwork options.
1. Profile Boost
Profile Boost pushes your profile into 1st, 3rd, or 6th position in Talent Search and shows you during the second step of job posting, where clients are deciding who to hire.
How It Works
You use Connects to boost your profile and move it to prime spots in search results, giving you greater visibility.
Why It Works
- Top Spots: Your profile gets seen in 1st, 3rd, or 6th place, so more clients notice you.
- More Clicks, More Jobs: Being higher up means more chances for clients to click on your profile and hire you.
Recommendation: Use Smart Boost
I recommend using Smart Boost, which lets you spend total Connects upfront instead of daily. This way, Upwork ensures your profile matches with clients who are searching for your exact profile title.
When to Use It
Go for Profile Boost when you’re in a crowded category or chasing high-value projects. This ensures you stand out in a busy market.
2. Boost Proposals: For Newbies or Competitive Jobs
What’s Boost Proposals?
Boost Proposals lets you spend Connects to push your proposal higher in the client’s list. But I recommend this only for newbies or when you’re applying for highly competitive jobs.
How It Works
You can decide how many Connects to spend, and the more you spend, the higher up your proposal goes. However, if you don’t want to be outbid, you’ll need to boost at least 150% of the top bid. Most freelancers add 10% extra, plus 30-50 more Connects to stay ahead.
My Advice
Boost only if you’re new or going for a very competitive job. If your profile is strong and well-optimized, focus on improving your visibility naturally. Don’t waste Connects boosting a proposal just to end up in the 4th paid spot when, by working on your profile organically, you could land in the 5th unpaid spot—which is almost the same in terms of client visibility.
Lead Costs
Keep in mind that boosting proposals increases the cost of your lead. The more Connects you use, the more expensive it becomes to get that client, so only boost when it’s worth it.
3. Availability Badge: Always Keep It On!
What’s the Availability Badge?
The Availability Badge shows clients you’re ready for work right now. It costs Connects to activate, but it gives you a big advantage in search results.
How It Works
Once activated, the badge stays on your profile for a week, showing clients you’re open for business. You can renew it with more Connects to stay visible.
Why You Should Use It
- Higher Search Ranking: With the Availability Badge, you’ll rank higher than freelancers with similar skills who don’t have the badge.
- More Invites: Clients are more likely to invite you to jobs when they see you’re ready to work immediately.
When to Use It
Always keep the badge on. If you’re actively looking for work and your profile is optimized, this badge helps you rank higher and get noticed faster.
Hope, it was helpful!
Thanks to Pavlo for the last coffee! ☕
Hugs,
Tamara
