To help you establish strong relationships with freelancers, we let Upwork Enterprise members and other eligible clients reach out to freelancers with Direct Messages.
All clients who meet eligibility requirements can message talent directly. Here’s how to qualify:
- Have a current verified billing method
- Have an Upwork account in good standing (not on hold)
And either: - Spent a total of $1,000 or more in the past 12 months OR
- Made a payment more than 90 days ago
You can make up to 5 new connections via direct message per day.
What are Direct Messages?
Direct Messages allow you to reach out directly to a limited number of freelancers with whom you haven’t yet interacted on previous contracts.
These messages provide a way to learn more about a freelancer’s availability, expertise, or rate details before sending a job invite. It’s also a way to discuss a project that may not have been posted yet.
Send a Direct Message
Reach out to new freelancers in three steps.
Find professionals with the experience or skills your project needs.
You can send a message directly from search or from the freelancer's profile.
Freelancers often request details about how their skills can support your project, or why you think they’d be a good match.
Note:
If you need to contact many freelancers about the same project, it’s faster to post a job and invite freelancers to submit proposals.
Contract proposals in Direct Messages
Freelancers can also propose a new contract for you via Direct Messages. You can learn more about how to review a contract proposal here.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it’s always their choice to respond. Direct message replies or non-replies do not affect their responsiveness ratings or Job Success Score.
Additional client information is included in the first Direct Message notification email that is sent to freelancers when a Direct Message conversation is initiated.
You can send an offer by selecting Hire Now at the top of your conversation in Messages.