Christopher Reaches Top Rated Plus Status on Upwork

“Your new Top Rated Plus badge tells prospective clients that you are part of the top 3% of talent on Upwork.”

Introduction

Christopher’s journey on Upwork has been a testament to his dedication, skill, and commitment to delivering high-quality work. Reaching the Top Rated Plus status on Upwork is no small feat. It signifies that Christopher has not only met but exceeded the platform’s rigorous standards for excellence in freelancing. This achievement places him among the top freelancers on Upwork, known for their exceptional performance on large contracts and consistent delivery of outstanding results.

What is Top Rated Plus Status?

Top Rated Plus is a prestigious designation on Upwork that highlights freelancers and agencies who have demonstrated superior performance on larger contracts. To achieve this status, a freelancer must maintain Top Rated status, which requires a Job Success Score (JSS) of 90% or higher, among other criteria. However, Top Rated Plus goes a step further by requiring significant earnings and successful completion of large contracts over a twelve-month period.

Criteria for Achieving Top Rated Plus

To achieve Top Rated Plus status, freelancers must meet several stringent criteria:

• Total Earnings: Freelancers must earn over $10,000 in the past 12 months. For agencies, the requirement is $20,000.
• Large Contracts: They must have worked on or currently be working on one or more large contracts without negative outcomes. The definition of a large contract varies by category, but for most, it means significant earnings on a single contract (e.g., $5,000 for design and creative, $15,000 for web development).
• Maintain Top Rated Status: The freelancer must have already achieved and maintained Top Rated status, which includes having a JSS of 90% or higher and fulfilling additional criteria like maintaining a complete profile and positive client feedback.

Benefits of Top Rated Plus Status

Being a Top Rated Plus freelancer on Upwork comes with several benefits that can significantly enhance a freelancer’s career:

• Visibility and Trust: A Top Rated Plus badge prominently displayed on profiles and proposals instills trust in potential clients, often leading to more job invitations and higher-value contracts.
• Priority Support and Faster Payments: Top Rated Plus freelancers enjoy faster payment processing on hourly contracts and priority customer support, ensuring that any issues are resolved swiftly.
• Exclusive Invitations: They receive invitations to submit proposals to jobs that are curated by Upwork’s Talent Specialists, which can save time and increase the chances of securing high-quality projects.
• Consultation Services: The ability to offer paid consultations to clients, allowing freelancers to monetize their expertise beyond traditional project work.

Christopher’s Journey to Top Rated Plus

Christopher’s journey to achieving Top Rated Plus status is a story of consistent effort, strategic project selection, and a commitment to delivering excellent work. Here’s a closer look at how he managed to rise to this prestigious level:

Building a Strong Foundation

Christopher began his freelancing career by focusing on building a strong portfolio. He took on a variety of projects to demonstrate his versatility and skill set. Early on, he prioritized client satisfaction, ensuring he received positive feedback, which is crucial for maintaining a high Job Success Score (JSS).

Strategic Project Selection

Understanding the importance of large contracts in achieving Top Rated Plus status, Christopher strategically selected projects that not only matched his expertise but also had the potential to qualify as large contracts. This approach involved detailed discussions with clients to ensure project scopes were clear and aligned with the criteria for large contracts as defined by Upwork.

Consistent High Performance

Throughout his projects, Christopher maintained a high level of professionalism and communication, ensuring that clients were always informed and satisfied with the progress. This dedication helped him avoid negative outcomes, which is a critical factor in maintaining eligibility for Top Rated Plus status.

The Impact of Top Rated Plus Status on Christopher’s Career

Achieving Top Rated Plus status has had a significant impact on Christopher’s career. Here are a few ways this status has benefited him:

Increased Client Trust and Higher Earnings

The Top Rated Plus badge on his profile has increased client trust, leading to more invitations for high-value projects. This trust has translated into higher earnings, as clients are willing to pay a premium for the assurance of quality and reliability that comes with the Top Rated Plus designation.

Access to Exclusive Opportunities

With his new status, Christopher has access to exclusive job invitations and the ability to offer consultations, opening up new revenue streams and opportunities to showcase his expertise. This access has allowed him to work on more complex and rewarding projects that further enhance his portfolio.

Professional Growth and Recognition

Being recognized as a Top Rated Plus freelancer has not only boosted Christopher’s professional reputation but also his confidence. This recognition has affirmed his skills and hard work, motivating him to continue striving for excellence in all his projects.

Tips for Aspiring Top Rated Plus Freelancers

For freelancers aspiring to achieve Top Rated Plus status, Christopher’s journey offers valuable lessons:

Focus on Client Satisfaction

Maintaining high client satisfaction is paramount. Always deliver high-quality work and ensure clear, professional communication throughout the project. Positive feedback is crucial for maintaining a high JSS.

Select Projects Strategically

Choose projects that align with your expertise and have the potential to qualify as large contracts. This strategic selection will help you meet the earnings and contract requirements for Top Rated Plus status.

Maintain Professionalism and Integrity

Adhering to Upwork’s Terms of Service and maintaining professional integrity in all interactions is essential. This approach not only helps in achieving and maintaining Top Rated status but also protects your reputation on the platform.

Conclusion

Christopher’s achievement of Top Rated Plus status on Upwork is a testament to his dedication, strategic approach, and commitment to excellence. This prestigious designation has opened up new opportunities and significantly enhanced his professional reputation. For aspiring freelancers, Christopher’s journey offers a roadmap to success: focus on client satisfaction, choose projects strategically, and maintain professionalism and integrity. By following these principles, any freelancer can work towards achieving the esteemed Top Rated Plus status on Upwork.

For more details on the benefits and criteria for Top Rated and Top Rated Plus statuses, visit Upwork’s official support and community pages.