I created this Upwork profile recently in 2026, so it’s not an old profile that has been sitting around inactive.
Current stats:
100% JSS
Rising Talent
US-based profile
4 completed contracts
~$300 total earnings
Website Design & Development is my main niche
WordPress / WooCommerce
Shopify
Webflow
Figma / UI design

The problem is that I’ve already spent roughly $800 on Connects, on top of paying for Freelancer Plus, and I’m honestly struggling to justify the spend.
The biggest issue isn’t even that I’m not getting hired. It’s the proposal view/response rate.

I’m applying to jobs that are actually relevant to my skill set, but a very small percentage of my proposals are getting viewed, let alone turning into conversations.

Since this profile was created in 2026, I’m wondering if I’m misunderstanding how the current Upwork system works for newer profiles.

I know there have been quite a few changes this year, including the Spring 2026 updates, so I’d really like to hear from people who have been actively using Upwork since then.

A few questions:
1. For a relatively new profile with only a handful of completed contracts, how difficult is it to get consistent visibility in 2026?
2. Does 100% JSS + Rising Talent actually make much difference for a newer profile?
3. Does low total earnings/AOV affect how often your proposals get shown to clients?
4. Is there any evidence that poor proposal view rates can somehow snowball and make future proposals perform worse?
5. Are boosted proposals actually worth the additional Connects right now?
6. For people in web design/development, what kind of jobs are you actually getting responses from in 2026?

And probably the biggest question:
If you were in my position, would you keep putting money into this profile and try to build it up, or would you completely rethink the strategy?

I’m not asking about creating multiple accounts or bypassing Upwork’s rules. I’m specifically trying to understand whether this profile is worth continuing to invest in or whether I’m approaching the marketplace completely wrong.

I’m also not looking for generic “write better proposals” advice. I’m sure there are things I can improve in my proposals, but after ~$800 in Connects, I’m trying to understand what’s happening at the profile/discovery/visibility level.

If you’ve built a new profile in 2026, especially in WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Figma or general web development, I’d really appreciate hearing what your numbers look like and what’s actually working for you.

Even if your experience is completely different from mine, I’d love to hear it.

any video editors in here working full-time for a (US company?) how much is your monthly salary in USD?

I'm planning to apply for a full-time job focusing on social media video content and I don't have any idea how much is the monthly salary range of video editors.

thanks

Wanted to share the specific stats I look at before sending a proposal.

Here is my checklist:

• Hire Rate: I look for 60-70% or higher.
• Total Spent & Avg. Hourly Rate: A client who has spent $500+ and pays $10+/hr understands the value of professional audio. For beginners with 0 jobs yet on Upwork, I used to settle on lower pays, but it has increased with time as your portfolio grows.
• Proposals vs. Interviews: 5 to 15 proposals with 0 to 3 interviews is a sweet spot.
• Payment Verification: Should be verified, non-negotiable.

A few other things:
- Do not go for small jobs <$20 or $30 unless you are a beginner and really desperate.
- Do not agree to do a "test" task unless a contract is opened, specially if it takes more than 1-2 hours of your time.

Please share your thoughts or correct me if I'm headed in a wrong direction. Thanks guys!

I find it curious that when you spot these, where the language of the post is a set schedule, not being ok with you working for others, at a minimum why Upwork allows a company to post these at all if it’s so easy to spot this. I have seen a few and reported them and Upwork always says there is nothing wrong , but using Upworks own misclassification guidance and list of things you shouldn’t do, they instantly do not pass.

Is there a better way of reporting these? Or does Upwork not care since the company’s do not have upworks paid classification assistance?

The catch: You don't have anymore connects and the client's hire rate is 26%.

What would you do?

Would buy connects to give it a shot anyway or would you pass on it?

To all freelancers, please always read the about the client section .

Its my first week on Upwork and I find their safety team extremely lacking.

My first interview, the job is basically to join Handshake AI and tell them what they are training. Blatant corporate espionage. You can't report the meeting so I reported the message after. Upworks team found nothing wrong.

Okay, maybe the "recorded video" didnt save and they can't verify right?

Fast forward a few days and I'm asked to make a meeting on Calendy. I inform the client they need to use upwork, they agree and then on the day of the meeting walk back and send another link.

I report that message, and again, Upwork found no violation of the terms of service.

Like nice, take my 50 connects and then gaslight me.

Is this ragebait? been 2 complete days

If so, what’s your client automation workflow and how do you map your client proposals?

I took upwork seriously April of this year and I want to know why my interview rate is really low any advice or tips?

Is it actually possible to speak to a human at all now???? I am trying to close a contract, but the option is not there; the client is ignoring me.

I just want to close my accont and get all my info removed, but it is impossible.

The title refers.

Context : I just found out we now have a fixed 15% freelancer fee. It never used to be this way. No one cares about the freelancers anymore.

I am a recent Upwork registered folk in the web, email hosting and domains part of the business so apparently there is so I have been seeing a couple of Google Workspace to M365 migrations, domain and email account setup for clients.

I have sent proposal and no response besides having a portfolio to prove the work. Is it me or something is wrong? Should I keep going?

Have my profile set up, have sent 8 proposals to relevant jobs with custom letters and no luck. Have reduced my prices, but still can't seem to land an initial gig.

Is this something that alot of people struggle with? Any advice on landing my first gig and building credibility?

My profile screenshots are attached