How I Never Run Out of Upwork Connects (Without Ever Paying for Them)

Running out of connects on Upwork is like showing up to a networking event and realizing you left your business cards at home. It slams the brakes on your job opportunities, limits your visibility, and can stop you from staying competitive. Upwork is the world's work marketplace, connecting millions of professionals and clients globally, offering access to a vast array of opportunities. But here’s the good news: I never run out of connects on Upwork—and I’ve never paid for them.

That’s right. Zero dollars spent.

Instead, I’ve developed a simple, repeatable system that keeps my connect balance happily stocked while reducing my customer acquisition costs and making my profile stand out in Upwork’s bustling job feed. Upwork offers freelancers the freedom to work from anywhere and control their schedules, making it an ideal platform for independent professionals. If you want to freelance on Upwork without constantly buying connects, or worrying about when you’ll run out, keep reading. I’m going to share exactly how I do it.

First, What Are Upwork Connects, Anyway?

Connects are the virtual currency of Upwork. You use them to:

• Submit proposals to projects you want to land (connects are required to bid on jobs or submit proposals)

• Boost your proposal rankings to get noticed faster

• Display your availability to clients

Upwork offers a basic (free) membership plan, which provides a limited monthly allocation of free connects. This basic plan allows freelancers to submit a set number of proposals each month, but additional connects must be purchased if you want to bid on more jobs.

For Upwork, connects are a lucrative profit source. But for freelancers—especially those just starting out—it can feel like you’re stuck paying for access to every single job. That gets expensive fast and can create a lot of stress when you’re still building your client base.

The more connects you can earn for free, the less you have to buy, and the more projects you can apply to. That means more visibility, more proposals sent, and more chances to land the kinds of projects you want.

So how do I keep my connect stash full without paying? Simple.

Finding Freelance Work: The Smart Way to Get More Invites

In the world’s work marketplace, landing consistent freelance work isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. If you want to attract more invites from potential clients, start by zeroing in on your niche. Specializing helps you stand out in a crowded freelance marketplace and makes it easier for clients to see exactly what services you offer.

Next, build a portfolio that does the talking for you. Showcase your best projects, highlight your skills, and make it clear how you can help businesses achieve their goals. A strong portfolio is your ticket to getting noticed by clients who are ready to hire.

But don’t just wait for invites to roll in—be proactive. Submit proposals that are tailored to each project, demonstrating your understanding of the client’s needs and how your experience fits. The more you engage with the gig economy and put yourself out there, the more access you’ll have to a wide range of potential clients and projects.

Communication is key. Respond quickly to inquiries, ask smart questions, and show genuine interest in the client’s business. This not only increases your chances of getting hired but also helps you build relationships that can lead to repeat work and referrals.

By leveraging the power of online platforms and staying active in the marketplace, you can build a steady stream of freelance work, boost your earning potential, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving gig economy. The smarter you are about your approach, the more invites—and free connects—you’ll earn.

My 3-Step System for Unlimited Free Connects on Upwork

Step 1: Set Your Hourly Rate to the Sweet Spot

Your hourly rate is more than just how much you get paid—it’s also a strategic lever to increase your chances of getting invited to projects. More invites = more opportunities to earn free connects.

When setting your rate per hour, remember that the Upwork service fee is an important factor that directly impacts your actual earnings. After Upwork deducts its percentage, your take-home earnings per hour will be less than your listed rate, so factor this in when deciding what to charge. Make sure your rate is fair—base it on your experience, skill level, and market research to ensure it’s reasonable for both you and your clients.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Login to the client side of Upwork. Yes, you can do that.

2. Start creating a job post similar to the type of job you’d want to be hired for.

3. Upwork will show you the average hourly rate range for freelancers in that category, highlighted in a nice, friendly green bar.

4. Set your hourly rate near the high end of that range—this is often where clients perceive value, but it’s still competitive enough to get you noticed.

By doing this, I’ve positioned myself to get invited to multiple projects every single day. On average, I get 4-5 invites daily. That’s 10-20 free connects landing in my account each day, simply by being strategic about my hourly rate.

Remember: you don’t have to accept every project. Sometimes the point of an invite is simply to get the client to respond, so you collect those free connects and keep your profile visible and active.

Step 2: Use Upwork’s Category Keywords in Your Profile

Upwork’s algorithm is like any other search engine—it needs keywords to match clients to freelancers. The better your profile aligns with what clients are searching for, the more likely you are to get invited to projects (and we already know: invites = free connects). Upwork connects clients with top talent across various fields, so making your profile stand out is essential.

When optimizing your profile, always provide accurate and verifiable information to build trust and credibility with prospective clients. Highlight your skill set clearly to match in-demand jobs and demonstrate your expertise.

Here’s how I make sure my profile is keyword-optimized:

1. Go to the client side of Upwork.

2. Start creating a job post in your niche.

3. Look closely at the categories and skills Upwork automatically suggests for the job. These are the keywords Upwork wants to match in freelancers’ profiles.

4. Use those exact categories and skills in your profile headline, overview, and even project descriptions.

5. Max out your character limit—use all 5,000 characters available to you. More relevant text means more chances for your profile to surface in client searches.

The result? A profile that speaks Upwork’s language, attracts more invites, and steadily fills your connect bank without you ever having to swipe your card.

For more on this, check out my guide: “How Do I Write a Great Upwork Profile?” It’ll help you write a profile that not only attracts invites but makes clients want to work with you right away.

Step 3: Respond to Every Single Invite You Get

Here’s the big secret: every time you respond to a project invite and the client responds back, you get 10 free connects.

Yep, 10.

That means even if you’re not interested in the project, simply replying with a thoughtful, polite message gets you closer to your next batch of free connects. Make sure to communicate clearly and promptly with clients—effective communication helps set expectations and increases your chances of success.

Some freelancers think ignoring invites that don’t fit is a time-saver, but I see them as opportunities:

• Opportunity to build rapport with a client.

• Opportunity to increase your profile activity.

• Opportunity to collect more connects for future proposals.

But what if I don’t want the project?

No problem. You’re under no obligation to take it. The important thing is that you respond to the invite with a message that encourages a reply. Once the client responds, you collect your 10 free connects.

Here’s my strategy for getting client responses:

• Keep it short and conversational.

• Ask a question to prompt a reply.

• Be professional but approachable.

For example: “Hi [Client Name], thanks for the invite! This looks like a great project. Can you tell me a bit more about your timeline, the project deadline, and expectations?”

It’s simple, shows interest, and encourages them to respond. Boom—10 connects.

Now multiply that by a few invites per day and… well, you see where this is going. Within a week, you can stack up hundreds of free connects, ready to deploy on the proposals that matter most to you.

Why Free Connects Make All the Difference

Being able to submit more proposals without worrying about costs radically changes your approach to freelancing on Upwork. Instead of stressing about every single connect you spend, you can focus on applying to the projects that excite you most.

And when you consistently respond to invites, something magical happens:

Upwork’s algorithm notices.

It seems to reward freelancers who are responsive and engaged by boosting their profiles in search rankings and suggesting them more frequently to clients. More invites, more connects, more proposals—it’s a virtuous cycle.

Your freelancer account becomes a well-oiled machine: full of free connects, attracting new clients, and positioning you at the top of your niche. Efficiently managing your jobs and client relationships is essential to maximize your success and keep your freelancing business running smoothly.

How I Approach Connects: Like Farming Rare Items in a Game

If you’ve ever played a video game where you had to “farm” for resources or rare items, you already understand this approach.

Earning free connects on Upwork is just like that—it takes a bit of strategy and consistency, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Using the Upwork app can help you track your connects, respond to invites, and manage your freelance work on the go.

I don’t think of connects as a limited resource I need to hoard or pay for. I see them as something I can reliably generate through smart actions.

And guess what?

Once you get this system going, you never have to buy connects again.

Building a Strong Reputation: Your Secret Weapon for More Free Connects

In the freelance marketplace, your reputation is your most valuable asset. It’s what sets you apart from the competition and makes potential clients eager to work with you. When you consistently deliver great work, meet deadlines, and provide top-notch service, you build trust—and trust leads to more invites, more projects, and more free connects.

A strong reputation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built by completing projects to a high standard, collecting positive feedback, and maintaining a professional attitude in every interaction. Each satisfied client is a stepping stone to greater visibility and more opportunities in the marketplace.

Don’t forget to manage your online presence. Keep your website and profiles up to date, showcase your best work, and make sure your branding is consistent across all platforms. This helps potential clients see you as a reliable, skilled professional who’s ready to take on their next project.

By focusing on performance, reliability, and professionalism, you create a reputation that attracts clients and keeps your connect balance healthy. The better your reputation, the more likely you are to be invited to high-quality projects—without ever having to pay for access.

Addressing Some Common Myths

“But what if I lower my hourly rate too much?”

You don’t have to underprice yourself to get invites. Use the client-side job post tool to find the upper end of the rate range and stay competitive within that. You’ll still get invites from serious clients willing to pay what you’re worth.

“Responding to every invite sounds exhausting.”

It doesn’t have to be. Set aside a small block of time each day to review and respond to invites. You’ll get faster at crafting short, engaging replies. The reward? More free connects and more client opportunities.

“Isn’t buying connects easier?”

Maybe, but it’s not smarter. If you can set up a system that earns you dozens of connects for free each week, why not do that? Save your money for better things—like upgrading your equipment, investing in marketing, or, you know, treating yourself to that nice coffee. Plus, you can use your earnings for these purposes and conveniently receive payments via direct deposit, making it a secure and timely way to access your funds.

Staying Organized: The Overlooked Habit That Saves Connects

Organization might not sound glamorous, but it’s a game-changer for freelancers looking to maximize their earning potential and save connects. When you’re organized, you can manage your time, projects, and client communications efficiently—meaning fewer missed deadlines, less stress, and more opportunities to win great jobs.

Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management apps to keep track of your workload. Prioritize tasks, set reminders for important deadlines, and make sure you’re always ready to respond to client messages. This level of organization helps you avoid wasting connects on jobs you can’t complete or proposals you forget to follow up on.

Staying on top of your finances is just as important. Track your hours, manage your budget, and invoice clients promptly to ensure you’re getting paid fairly for your work. Good bookkeeping habits not only keep your business running smoothly but also free up mental space to focus on building your freelance career.

By making organization a daily habit, you’ll find it easier to adapt to changes in demand, develop new skills, and identify areas for growth. The result? A more sustainable business, a better quality of life, and a steady stream of connects to fuel your success in the freelance marketplace.

The Bigger Picture: It’s About More Than Just Connects

This strategy isn’t just about avoiding the cost of buying connects. It’s about building a sustainable freelance business that thrives on activity, responsiveness, and strategic profile optimization.

When you:

• Set your rate strategically

• Optimize your profile with relevant keywords

• Consistently engage with invites

Upwork connects professionals in fields like development, admin, writing, and sales with companies and small businesses seeking specialized skills. Freelancers can collaborate with clients, companies, and employers on a wide range of projects, often evolving their freelance work into a small business. Clear agreements and contracts between all parties—whether a person, employer, or company—are essential for smooth operations and successful collaborations. The roles a person or employer might play include managing project milestones, overseeing business operations, and ensuring that all contractual obligations are met. By working together, professionals and companies can achieve project goals efficiently and build lasting business relationships.

…you’re not just getting free connects—you’re making yourself more visible, reliable, and hirable on Upwork.

Clients want to work with freelancers who are active and professional. Upwork wants to promote freelancers who keep the platform buzzing. And you? You get more control over your freelance career, with less stress and fewer barriers to landing the projects you love.

Ready to Make Upwork a Breeze?

If you’ve been worried about running out of connects or wondering how to make Upwork work better for you, this system is your answer.

It’s simple, effective, and it works whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your freelance business to the next level.

Remember: freelancing isn’t just about your skills—it’s about how you position and present yourself. And with this approach, you can position yourself as a top-tier, highly visible freelancer, all while keeping your connect balance healthy and your costs low.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Upwork or sign the necessary agreements to kick off your freelance journey. Now go out there, optimize that profile, respond to those invites, and watch your connects (and your client base) grow.

How to earn connects on Upwork