How to boost your profile

What is a Boosted Profile on Upwork?

A boosted profile is a way for you to promote your profile so it shows up higher in search results when clients are browsing for freelancers. It's kind of like skipping the line in a really busy place—you're paying to be more visible, which increases your chances of getting noticed and invited to jobs.

This is different from boosting a proposal, which applies to a specific job post. A boosted profile works across Upwork search results, not just one listing.
 

How do Boosted Profiles work?

Use Connects to boost your profile and get seen by clients looking for your skills. Boosted profiles show up in targeted search spots, and you only use Connects when a client interacts. Here's how it works:
 

1. Strategize: Set up your Boosted Profile — choose the work categories you want to target, the max number of Connects you’re willing to spend per click, and, if eligible, whether to add a video.  It works a lot like other pay-per-click ads: you'll only pay when a client clicks on your profile.
2. Engage: Once you’re set up, we'll take it from there. When a client views a relevant search page, our ad server runs an auction behind the scenes to determine which freelancers to show based on bid price and relevance. If your profile wins, it shows in the promoted section — and you’re only charged if someone clicks through.
3. Analyze: You can track how your Boosted Profile is performing in My Stats. It’s a great place to see what’s working and where you might want to adjust your strategy.
    

When will I be charged for boosting my profile?

Your Connects balance is charged when a client interacts with your Boosted Profile. You’ll be charged if:
 

• A client clicks on your profile when it is being promoted as a Boosted Profile on a client’s page
• A client selects the heart button to save your Boosted Profile
• A client selects the Invite to job button from your Boosted Profile
• A client selects the Hire button from your Boosted Profile
• A client views your Boosted Profile video
   

Clients may engage with your Boosted Profile several times before making a decision. You'll only be charged once per job post if the same client clicks on your Boosted Profile multiple times.

You can set limits and end dates for your Boosted Profile, and you can also end the boost at any time.
 

How do I boost my profile?

1. Go to Find work and choose the pencil icon next to Boost your profile
2. Specify the audience you want for your Boosted Profile by choosing a work category and a specialty
3. If eligible, choose whether to add a video. Record a new one or upload one you already have 
4. Enter the number of Connects you want to pay per click
5. Specify the total limit you want to place on your spending
6. Use the toggle to choose whether you want that limit to be per day or in total
7. If you’d like, set an end date to your boost
8. Select Boost now

Tips on bidding when you boost your profile

• Category and specialty: These are important because they help you connect with clients who are looking for the type of work you want to do
• Video option: If eligible, highlight your skills and experience and describe your work with a video. If you add video, your profile won’t boost until it’s approved, which typically happens within 30 minutes
• Bid per click: Choose the maximum amount that you’d like to spend for a profile click. The higher bid you choose, the more likely you are to be boosted
• Budget: We turn off your boost when it hits the budget limit
• Daily limit: We'll turn your boost off if your spend hits that amount of Connects that day. It will turn on again the next day
• Total limit: We'll turn your boost off when your spend hits that amount of Connects, if it's before the optional end date you request
• End date (optional): You can choose to automatically end the boost at a specific date. This can be helpful if you choose a daily limit, but still want to control your spend of Connects over a time period or if you only have limited availability
   

How do I edit or stop my Boosted Profile?

You can edit, pause, or turn off your profile boost at any time.
 

1. Go to Find work
2. Choose the pencil icon next to Boost your profile  

• Edit allows you to change Connect bids, limits, maximums, as well as your boost end date
• Pause puts your Boosted Profile on hold, maintaining the settings
• Turn off stops your Boosted Profile and resets the settings