Your portfolio is one of the strongest trust signals on your Upwork profile. It shows proof of your work, but many freelancers miss an important detail - they don’t optimize their portfolio titles or thumbnails properly.
A strong portfolio item should do two things:
Include the right keywords so clients can find it.
Be attractive enough that clients want to click on it.
Portfolio Title Recommendations
In the Portfolio Review section, you’ll see your current portfolio items on the left. On the right, you’ll find improved title suggestions.
These recommendations are based on your profile title, overview, and positioning. The goal is to:
Add relevant keywords
Make the title more client-focused
Increase click appeal
Each suggestion includes a short explanation so you understand why the change is recommended.
You can easily copy any suggested title and paste it directly into your Upwork portfolio. You may also see multiple title options to choose from, allowing you to pick the one that fits your style and niche best.
Take time to review your titles carefully. A keyword-optimized and benefit-driven title can significantly improve visibility and engagement.
Why Thumbnails Matter
Your thumbnail is the first visual clients see when browsing your profile. If it looks basic or unclear, clients may skip it - even if the work is strong.
To help with this, we provide a Portfolio Thumbnail Template Tool.
The templates:
Are already sized correctly (4:3 aspect ratio)
Include proper spacing and layout
Are designed to look professional and clean
You can choose a background, add your project title, insert your name or branding, and even include your photo if desired. Simply replace the sample text and images with your own, then download the file as a PNG and upload it to Upwork.
Tip: Always make a copy of the template file before editing it. This ensures you can reuse the original version anytime. |
Best Practice
When optimizing your portfolio, focus on both:
A strong, keyword-rich title
A clean, professional thumbnail
Together, these improvements make your portfolio more searchable, more clickable, and more trustworthy - increasing your chances of turning profile views into client conversations.