Freelancers who want to succeed on Upwork often wonder whether they should create a new Upwork account or continue with their existing one. This article will walk you through everything you need to consider before making that decision. From understanding Upwork’s terms to exploring the potential benefits and risks, you’ll get a clear answer to this common question.
Understanding Upwork’s Terms and Conditions
1.1 Upwork’s Account Policies
Upwork has strict rules when it comes to account creation. According to its policies, users are not allowed to create multiple accounts. Having more than one account could result in penalties, such as account suspension. If you are considering creating a new Upwork profile, it’s essential to review these terms to avoid violating any rules.
1.2 Can You Close an Existing Account?
Before you think about creating a new account, you should also know whether it’s possible to close your current account and start fresh. Yes, Upwork allows you to close an account and create a new one, but there are some challenges to consider, especially if you have existing reviews and work history.
Reasons You Might Want a New Upwork Account
2.1 Poor Performance or Negative Feedback
One of the most common reasons freelancers think about creating a new Upwork account is due to poor performance, low ratings, or negative client feedback. If your current profile has a low Job Success Score (JSS) or bad reviews, it might seem tempting to start fresh. However, there are other strategies to improve your profile without creating a new one.
2.2 Changing Niche or Services
Another reason freelancers consider a new account is when they decide to change their niche or services. For example, if you originally started as a web developer but now want to focus on content writing, a fresh profile may seem appealing. However, it’s often better to update your current profile to reflect the new skills and expertise.
2.3 Suspended or Inactive Account
If your Upwork account has been suspended or you’ve been inactive for an extended period, you might think about creating a new account to restart your freelance career. In such cases, contacting Upwork support to resolve the suspension or simply updating your existing profile is usually a better option.
Challenges of Creating a New Upwork Account
3.1 Losing Existing Reviews and Work History
One of the biggest downsides of creating a new Upwork account is losing all your previous work history, reviews, and ratings. Client feedback is essential for attracting new clients, and starting fresh means you’ll have to rebuild your reputation from scratch.
3.2 Time and Effort to Rebuild Your Profile
Building a strong Upwork profile takes time and effort. If you start a new account, you’ll have to go through the entire process again: completing your profile, taking skill tests, and working on small projects to build credibility. This can take months or even longer to achieve.
3.3 Risk of Account Suspension
Upwork’s policies against multiple accounts mean that creating a new one could put your freelance career at risk. If Upwork finds out you’ve created multiple accounts, they may suspend both accounts, cutting off your access to the platform entirely.
Alternative Solutions to Improve Your Existing Profile
4.1 Update Your Profile to Match Your New Niche
If you’re considering a new Upwork account because you’ve changed your niche, a better solution is to update your existing profile. You can add new skills, services, and portfolio pieces that reflect your current expertise. Upwork allows you to edit your profile as often as you need to, so there’s no need to start from scratch.
4.2 Ask for Client Testimonials
If your Job Success Score is low due to a few bad reviews, consider reaching out to clients for testimonials. Positive feedback from recent projects can help improve your profile’s appeal. You can also request private feedback from clients, which can influence your JSS positively.
4.3 Focus on Smaller Gigs to Build Credibility
Another way to improve a struggling profile is by focusing on small, easy-to-complete projects. This allows you to collect positive reviews quickly, boosting your reputation and helping you gain momentum. A steady stream of 5-star reviews can do wonders for your Job Success Score.
When Is It Okay to Create a New Upwork Account?
5.1 After Account Closure
If your account was legitimately closed or deactivated, you may create a new Upwork account. Ensure you have no violations associated with the old account and follow Upwork’s guidelines when setting up a new profile.
5.2 New Business Identity
If you’re transitioning from a solo freelancer to a business or agency, you might need a new Upwork account. In this case, it’s best to follow Upwork’s procedures for setting up an agency profile instead of creating a personal one.
5.3 Major Career Shift
In rare cases, if you’ve completely overhauled your career path and want to avoid confusion with old clients, creating a new account might be a reasonable option. However, always check with Upwork support before proceeding to ensure it won’t violate any rules.
Conclusion
Creating a new Upwork account is rarely the best solution, especially when there are many ways to improve your existing profile. Upwork’s strict policies against multiple accounts make it risky, and starting fresh often means losing valuable reviews and work history. Instead of creating a new account, consider updating your current profile, asking for client testimonials, or focusing on smaller gigs to rebuild your reputation. The path to success on Upwork is not about starting over but continuously improving your skills and portfolio.
FAQs
Can I have more than one Upwork account?
No, Upwork’s policy strictly prohibits creating multiple accounts. Violating this rule can result in account suspension.
What happens if I close my Upwork account?
Once closed, you can create a new Upwork account, but you’ll lose all your reviews, work history, and ratings.
Is it better to create a new account if I have bad reviews?
No, it’s better to improve your existing profile by gaining positive reviews and updating your skills.
Can I change my niche without creating a new account?
Yes, you can update your existing profile to reflect your new services or niche.
What should I do if my Upwork account is suspended?
Contact Upwork support to resolve the issue. Creating a new account after suspension is not allowed and could lead to further penalties.
