How to Refresh Your PeoplePerHour Profile for 2026 and Win More Freelance Work
As we approach the start of 2026, there’s one powerful (and often overlooked) way to boost your freelance success on PeoplePerHour: update your profile.
Your profile is your shop window. It’s where buyers get their first impression of you, your skills, your professionalism and your personality. A strong profile can dramatically increase your chances of winning projects, especially as thousands of new businesses turn to freelancers in the new year.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to refreshing your PeoplePerHour profile so you can start 2026 with confidence, clarity and maximum visibility.
1. Update Your Profile Picture (Make Sure It’s Recent)
Your profile picture is the first thing buyers see when they look at your profile or when they receive a proposal from you, and human connection starts with a face.
Make sure your photo is:
- Recent: not from five years ago.
- Professional but friendly: a clear, well-lit headshot works best.
- Authentic: not overly edited or filtered.
Buyers want to hire real people, and a welcoming, up-to-date photo instantly increases trust.
2. Refresh Your Cover Image
Your cover image is valuable real estate. It should support your brand and give buyers a visual sense of what you offer. You can choose either:
- Another photo of you: ideally in a work-related setting (e.g. at a desk, creating, designing, filming)
- A clean, simple infographic that highlights your services, specialisms or achievements.
Aim for something eye-catching, professional and genuinely representative of your freelance identity.
3. Rework Your Job Title
Your job title might technically be the same, but the way you describe it might need a refresh.
Instead of: “Graphic Designer” Try: “Brand Identity Designer specialising in modern, minimal styles”
Instead of: “Copywriter” Try: “Conversion-focused Copywriter for Websites, Ads & Email Campaigns”
Your job title should be:
- Specific
- Search-friendly
- Benefit-driven
Small tweaks can make a big difference to how often you appear in search results.
4. Update Your Skills (Including New AI Skills)
You can select up to 15 skills on your profile, and it’s vital you choose them wisely.
Over the last year, we have added many AI-related skills, which are increasingly in demand across industries. So if you:
- use AI tools in your workflow,
- understand AI prompting,
- offer AI-assisted services, or
- regularly work with automation tools,
…then make sure to add these skills to your profile.
Clients are searching for freelancers who can blend human creativity with AI-powered efficiency. Don’t miss out on appearing in those searches. Also remove any old skills you no longer offer. Relevance is key.
5. Rewrite Your “About You” Section
When was the last time you updated this? Most freelancers write their About section once… then forget about it. But your experience grows, your services evolve, and your strengths shift.
Use this space to show buyers:
- Who you are
- What you specialise in
- How you work
- What makes you different
- Why they can trust you
Keep it warm, clear and human. Personality is a major selling point in a world full of automated, generic content.
6. Refresh Your Portfolio Items
Your portfolio is proof of your talent, so make sure it’s working for you, not against you.
For each portfolio piece, include:
- Your best and most recent work
- A short explanation of the project
- The client’s goals
- Your process
- The results
- What tools (including AI, if relevant) you used
- How you communicated and kept the client updated
Buyers want an insight into what it’s like to work with you, not just the final outcome. A portfolio filled with detailed, high-quality work sets you apart immediately.
Why Updating Your Profile Matters So Much in 2026
New year = new clients. Every January, we see a surge of businesses posting new projects, launching new ideas and looking for freelance support. A refreshed, optimised profile helps you:
- Appear in more searches
- Look more professional
- Stand out from competitors
- Build trust faster
- Increase your chances of being hired
- Start 2026 strong
Your profile is your personal brand. Treat it as an evolving asset, not a one-off task.
Ready to Start 2026 With Your Best Profile Ever?
A few thoughtful updates now can shape your entire year on PeoplePerHour. Make your profile a true reflection of your skills, your experience and your personality, and buyers will take notice. Your next great project begins with a profile that shows exactly who you are and what you can do.
