Upwork Feedback:

a trust tool you should learn

to read and write

On Upwork, your rating is a currency of trust. Clients almost always scroll down to see what others have said about you. Even with a strong portfolio, feedback shapes the first impression.

Upwork uses double-blind feedback: the client and the freelancer submit their reviews independently.

Public feedback is visible to everyone (star rating + comment).
Private feedback isn’t shown publicly, but it carries the greatest weight in the JSS formula.

That’s why even five stars don’t always guarantee a high rating—if the private feedback was less favorable.

Real-world examples

A single negative review can drop your rating by dozens of percentage points if you have only a few completed contracts.
No feedback doesn’t hurt JSS: if the client leaves nothing, the system simply ignores it.
Long-term projects help: every three months of active collaboration can count as “+1 successful outcome.”

How clients read reviews about a freelancer

Experienced clients look beyond the average star rating for repeat patterns in comments. If several clients mention “missed deadlines,” that’s a signal.

They pay close attention to notes about communication — response speed, clarity, the freelancer’s habit of asking the right questions.

Reviews that say “exceeded expectations” or “went above and beyond” are especially persuasive.

A short “Good job” rarely impresses. A specific, example-rich comment builds trust.

How freelancers should read reviews about clients

It’s just as important for freelancers to check what other contractors wrote about a potential client. That can save you headaches.

Clarity of requirements. If reviews say the client provided vague or constantly changing scope, expect a demanding collaboration.
Communication style. Was the client polite, responsive, and present? Did they avoid long silent periods without explanation?
Realism. If multiple reviews say the client “wanted too much for too little,” that’s a red flag.

👉 We dig deeper into reading client reviews and using them to qualify projects here: How to Choose the Right Clients on Upwork – Practical Tips

How (and when) to ask for feedback — and what to ask for

Requesting feedback is part of professional communication. Do it ethically and be specific.

When to ask. After a successful milestone or at project completion. On long engagements, a gentle reminder around key milestones is fine.
What to ask for. Not “five stars,” but a substantive written comment—what exactly worked well (communication, speed, quality, initiative).
How to phrase it.
“Thanks for the collaboration! If you have a moment, I’d appreciate a short written review (what felt valuable or well-organized in our work). It helps future clients quickly understand my approach.”
What not to do. Don’t offer incentives for positive reviews and don’t pressure clients—this violates Upwork policy.

🔗 More phrasing ideas and nuances in our guide: Everything You Need to Know: 3 Tips About Upwork Feedback

What to write in reviews about clients

Your review is a contribution to the community. Other freelancers benefit when you’re honest.

Be specific. “The client defined requirements clearly and released payments promptly” beats “All good.”
Be truthful and to the point. If things were tough, note the facts neutrally—without emotion.
Avoid insults. A professional tone always works better: “Communication was challenging; timelines shifted a few times.”

Every review is a mini-story of how you work. Over time, they shape more than your rating—they define your brand: reliability, relationship-building, readiness for complex tasks.

👉 Want more on the technical side of Upwork’s reputation system? Read Updates JSS: A Transparent Reputation System on Upwork.

Feedback on Upwork is a two-way instrument. For clients, it’s a way to choose reliable partners. For freelancers, it’s a way to build trust and reputation. Learn to read between the lines, write reviews intentionally, and they’ll become an asset that outlasts any single job proposal.

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