What is Upwork Boosting and how it works

Upwork Boosting is a feature introduced by Upwork to help freelancers increase their proposal visibility by displaying their bids at the top of the list. Boosting can be done by spending additional connects. This can lead to more client engagement and better chances of winning projects. However, it's essential to spend your connects wisely to ensure you're getting the best return on investment.

What is GigRadar Score and how it works (short version)

GigRadar Score is a unique scoring system developed by GigRadar to evaluate the quality of job opportunities found by the GigRadar app. It assigns a percentage score to each opportunity, with a higher score indicating a "juicier" lead. GigRadar Score takes into account factors such as the project's budget, the client's average hourly rate, and client feedback. The score is roughly normally distributed around the 50% mark, with scores above 50% indicating better-than-average leads.

How GigRadar uses GigRadar Score to boost proposals

GigRadar's Smart Boost feature uses the GigRadar Score to determine the value of a job opportunity and adjusts the connects spending accordingly. This means that higher-scoring opportunities will be boosted more, ensuring that your proposals are more visible for projects with better potential outcomes. The Smart Boost algorithm is designed to evaluate the actual relative value of a job and spend a fair amount of connects on it, based on the user's budget.

How to optimize your Upwork expense using Score, Smart Boost, and CPR analytics to win more jobs on Upwork

  1. Understand your GigRadar Score: Learn how the GigRadar Score is calculated and use it as a guide to identify better-than-average leads. Focus on opportunities with higher scores, as they are more likely to result in successful outcomes.
  2. Configure your Boosting Factor: Set your Auto Bidder to Boost Proposals using GigRadar Score. Adjust the Boosting Factor to optimize the Cost Per Reply (CPR), which is the amount you spend on connects for each reply received.
  3. Analyze your CPR: Monitor your CPR metric to evaluate the effectiveness of your additional connects spending. This metric varies across industries and deal sizes, so it's important to find the right balance between spending on boosting and receiving replies.
  4. Utilize Smart Boost: Allow GigRadar's Smart Boost feature to automatically adjust your connects spending based on the GigRadar Score. This helps ensure that you're investing more in proposals with higher potential returns.

Summary

By understanding and leveraging GigRadar's Smart Boost feature, you can optimize your Upwork connects spending and increase your chances of winning more jobs. By focusing on higher-scoring opportunities and utilizing the Smart Boost algorithm, you can strike the right balance between proposal visibility and cost-effectiveness. Make the most of your Upwork experience with GigRadar's innovative features and watch your success grow.

Learn more

Read more about the Smart Boost feature in our support center.

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FAQ

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What’s the best way to start a cover letter on Upwork?

Start with a strong, personalized first sentence that addresses the client’s pain point directly. Avoid generic intros or repeating information from your profile. The goal is to hook the client and stand out among hundreds of proposals.

Should I mention my title or team in the cover letter?

No. Avoid phrases like “We have the perfect developer” or highlighting titles like CEO or Founder in your intro. Clients want to connect with the person behind the profile, not a company structure. Focus on solving their problem first.

How do I write better follow-up messages?

Never just say “Hello” or “What do you think?”. Instead, revisit the job post, find a new angle or pain point, and ask a relevant question. Each follow-up bumps your message back to the top of their inbox, increasing your chances of a reply.

What’s the difference between free and paid lead generation tools?

Free tools are good for testing but lack scale and automation. Paid tools offer verified contact data, AI scoring, job scanning, and CRM integrations—making them essential for serious freelancers or agencies aiming to grow consistently.

Is manual lead generation still effective in 2025?

Manual outreach still works for testing or hyper-targeted campaigns, but it's slow and hard to scale. Automated tools give faster, more accurate results and free you up to focus on closing deals instead of chasing leads.

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How do I make my cover letter stand out on Upwork?

Start strong by addressing the client’s specific pain point in the first sentence. Avoid generic intros or repeating your profile. Personalization is key—use details from the job post and speak directly to the client’s need.

What are common mistakes to avoid in Upwork proposals?

Avoid using loud titles like “CEO” or “Founder” in your intro, overloading with emojis or bold text, and writing in a generic or AI-generated tone. Clients are looking for clarity, relevance, and a human touch.

How should I handle follow-ups with leads?

Use a structured follow-up approach: send up to 3 messages during initial contact, and 3 more over the next few months. Don’t just say “Hello”—revisit the job post, find new angles, and ask meaningful questions.

Is cold calling still effective in B2B lead generation?

Yes, but mostly in North America. Due to GDPR restrictions in Europe, cold calling is less viable there. US-based agencies often see 30–40% higher lead reply rates when offering cold calling services.

What’s the best way to grow a business development agency on Upwork?

Focus on niche services like appointment setting and lead generation, which have higher conversion rates. Avoid hiring too early—founders should lead initial growth. Later, bring in experienced leaders to scale and standardize operations.

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