Rising Talent Badge

New to upwork? Learn Tips to Maintain the Rising Talent Badge to Secure Jobs Fast

As a freelancer on Upwork, I know that simply submitting a proposal is not always enough to win jobs. You might wonder why clients overlook your profile or why you never make it to their top choices even when applying to jobs with less than 10 proposals. This might be a lack of credibility—specifically a badge. While profiles without badges can still succeed, having one significantly boosts your profile.

Upwork Rising Talent Badge is one of the quickest ways to grab a client’s attention. This badge isn’t just a label on your profile; it’s a symbol of recognition from Upwork to show potential clients that you’re dedicated and on the fast track to success.

So, how do you earn this badge, and more importantly, what does it take to maintain it and move up to the next level? In this post, we’ll share actionable steps to help you secure the Rising Talent badge and how it can boost your freelancing career on Upwork.

What is the Upwork Rising talent badge?

The Upwork team knows how competitive their platform is, especially for new freelancers working to build credibility. This badge is Upwork’s way of encouraging freelancers with a strong track record and showing clients you’re on the right path. Consider it an early ticket to making your big breakthrough on the platform.

Now that we have an understanding of the Rising Talent badge, let’s see why it’s a valuable goal for new freelancers on Upwork.

  1. Increased Visibility: This badge makes you stand out in a crowded marketplace, increasing your chances of getting noticed and hired.
  2. Free Connects: Upwork rewards freelancers who achieve this milestone with 30 free connects, giving you more opportunities to apply for jobs.
  3. Discounts on Featured Jobs: Rising Talent profiles also receive discounts when applying for featured jobs, helping you access premium opportunities more affordably.
  4. Credibility and Client Trust: Freelancing on Upwork is all about growth. With the Rising Talent badge, clients are more likely to trust you, your client base can grow, and your profile gains authority and reputation, regardless of your earnings or job count.
  5. You can also offer consultation services to clients. This feature is only available for freelancers who Upwork has recognized as an authority in their niche. So, in addition to the skills you offer, you can advise clients on various categories or create a custom consultation gallery.

How Do You Get the Rising Talent Badge?

1. Set Up Your Profile to 100%

Everything you do on Upwork begins with your profile; it is the first impression between you and potential clients. An optimized profile is the foundation for success.

 

Here’s what to prioritize:

  • Use a professional headshot, and choose a clear, high-quality headshot with your face in focus. Avoid casual images or selfies. A friendly smile can also make you appear more approachable.
  • Use a catchy headline that clearly expresses your skills. Instead of “Virtual Assistant,” try “Executive Assistant Specializing in Streamlining Workflows for CEOs.”

  • In your profile description/summary, focus on your value proposition. Every other freelancer is hardworking and smart. So what makes you stand out, express these unique skills on your profile.
  • Show clients your past work, upwork has made it so that jobs you have previously completed outside their platform can form part of your portfolio. If you are a novice in your niche, browse for jobs within your industry and create mock projects to compete in the portfolio section.
  • The skill section allows freelancers to highlight not only skills but also tools they are versed with. This helps the upwork algorithm to match you with a relevant job once a client for these skills. Please be precise about it.

2. Pass the Upwork Readiness Test

This straightforward test once informed Upwork that you understand how to navigate their platform. It also shows that you’re familiar with key aspects of their system and services. Though this was discontinued, the Upwork team believed that this test doesn’t capture a freelancer’s readiness because the test process is too simple.

3. Stay Active

Upwork rewards consistent engagement. Profiles that go inactive can be shadow-banned, reducing your chances for the Rising Talent badge. To maintain visibility, log in regularly and spend quality time on Upwork—aim for at least three times a day.

Engage with Clients

When applying for jobs, please avoid generic proposals. Take the time to read the job description thoroughly, highlight the client’s needs, and tailor the proposal to show exactly how you can solve their problem. Skip the copy-and-paste approach; clients can spot it a mile away.

5. Deliver Quality Work

Now, let’s talk about successfully landing a client and you start the gig. Do you ghost your client till the very end of the project, then come back to say “done?” NO.

Always keep your clients updated, frequent check-in keeps the communication line open, this will ensure that you are on track with the client’s expectations. You can easily find adjustments while exchanging feedback rather than waiting till the project ends. These practices will accumulate positive feedback from your client. In situations, where you can’t meet a deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, communicate duly and propose a new deadline

6. Stay Updated on Upwork’s Terms of Service

Upwork takes its rules seriously. Familiarize yourself with their terms of service, and ensure you’re compliant. Violations, even small ones, can lead to profile suspension.

Can You Lose the Rising Talent Badge?

Yes, you can. Falling behind on deadlines, getting poor reviews, or violating Upwork’s terms can cause you to lose the badge. Remember, Upwork grants badges to those who consistently perform at a high standard. While the badge can boost your profile, it won’t protect you from disciplinary action if standards drop.

To maintain it, monitor key profile statistics like Job Success Score, response time, and client feedback. If you do happen to lose the badge, don’t panic. You can regain it by consistently following these best practices.

Conclusion

The Rising Talent badge on Upwork is more than just a profile feature—it’s a medium for better opportunities and increased credibility on the platform. Focus on optimizing your profile, staying active, engaging meaningfully with clients, and delivering top-notch work. These steps help you earn the badge and support long-term success as a freelancer on Upwork.