Upwork Update:
Improved Freelancer Search
Experience for Clients
Here is another recent update from Upwork that is causing controversy in the freelance community. They are testing ‘simplified’ search view that is supposed to improve the experience for clients when they choose freelancers for their job.
What changed in Freelancer Search Experience for Clients?
In the past, clients could see the first 230 characters of the freelancer’s response to their job post question and the beginning of the cover letter. Now they only see the hourly rate, number of completed jobs, and Job Success Score. This means that the clients will often chose those, who have lower rates, paying no attention at the professionalism or personalisation of the proposal.
What we think
Together with many freelancers, based on the community thread for this update, we feel that Upwork is moving in the wrong direction with this update. While it may streamline the search process for clients, it may also limit opportunities for freelancers who have much more to offer than just a good profile image or low hourly rate.
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