Do you need help writing a winning proposal for Upwork? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will provide you with an Upwork proposal example that landed a job bid. We will go over each section of the proposal and explain why it is important. Keep in mind that every client and project is different, so you may need to tweak your proposals depending on the specific requirements. But overall, following these tips should help you create a proposal that stands out from the competition and increases your chances of being selected for the project!
Upwork’s work marketplace provides an excellent way to find upcoming projects. It offers thousands of new jobs daily to various job types and backgrounds. If you think you might land a job, remember that there are a lot of Upwork freelancers who use this platform. Propositions are an important component of completing a project through Upwork’s global job market. This first step in connecting with a potential client is necessary to develop an attractive offer that grabs a client’s attention. Crafting a detailed Upwork proposal can be a key way to attract potential customers.
Read about how to become a freelancer online!
You’re on the right track if you know that a great Upwork proposal needs to accomplish two things: stand out from the rest, and show that you’re the best person for the job. But how do you do that?
Here are some key steps:
First, make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date. Your profile is your first opportunity to make a good impression, so take advantage of it! Make sure your photo is professional and that your bio accurately reflects your skills and experience.
Next, take some time to read through the job posting carefully. Make note of any specific requirements or qualifications that are mentioned. This will give you a better idea of what the client is looking for, and you can tailor your proposal accordingly.
Now that you know what the client is looking for, you need to make sure your proposal speaks to them directly. This is where creating a client persona comes in handy. A client persona is a fictional character that represents your ideal client. When you create one, you can think about what kind of person they are, what their needs are, and how you can best address those needs.
When you’re ready to start writing, begin with a strong opening line that will grab the client’s attention. Then, highlight your relevant skills and experience in the next few sentences. Be sure to mention any specific qualifications that make you a good fit for the job.
Finally, close by briefly summarizing why you’re the best person for the job and how you can help the client achieve their goals. Remember to focus on the client’s project rather than your own qualifications!
The most ignored part of proposal writing is the lack of ”proofreading” after finishing the write-up. You don’t want to risk your potential job by being lazy! So, it’s important to proofread your proposal after you’ve crafted it. You can also benefit from Grammarly to improve the grammar and coherence of your content.
Here is an outline for crafting a killer Upwork proposal:
Your headline is the first thing that clients will see when they come across your proposal. It should be attention-grabbing and give a brief overview of what you can do for the client. For example, “I can help you increase your website’s conversion rate by XX%”.
Think of your headline as your elevator pitch – it should be able to sell your services in just a few words. If you’re having trouble coming up with a good headline, try looking at the job posting itself and see if there are any keywords that you can use.
Once you have a solid headline, make sure that the rest of your proposal lives up to the hype!
The way you greet your client makes a big impression. Be professional and courteous – after all, you are applying for a job! You can start with a simple “Hello [Client’s Name]” or “Good day”. You can find the client’s name from his/her previous work history.
If you have worked with the client before, make sure to mention it in your greetings. This will show that you’re already familiar with their work and that you’re keen on working with them again.
After the greeting, it’s time to get down to business. Start by addressing the client’s needs directly. For example, if they’re looking for someone to help them increase their website’s conversion rate, you can write something like:
“I saw that you’re looking for a freelancer to help you increase your website’s conversion rate. I would be perfect for the job because…”
Address the client’s needs directly and let them know why you’re the best person for the job. This will show that you’ve taken the time to read through their job posting carefully and that you understand what they’re looking for.
After addressing the client’s needs, it’s time to give a brief introduction of who you are and what you do. Keep it short and sweet – remember, you want to focus on your relevant experience and skills later on in the proposal (You can share your entire portfolio by inserting the link of your personal website!).
A good way to end your introduction is by mentioning your rates. This will give the prospective clients an idea of how much you’ll be charging for your services, and it shows that you’re confident in your abilities.
This is where you get to show off your relevant experience and skills. Make sure to include specific examples and figures to back up your claims. For example, if you’re a web developer, you can talk about the different websites that you’ve built and how many visitors they get every month.
If you don’t have any relevant experience, that’s okay! You can still showcase other projects that you’ve worked on that are similar to what the client is looking for.
The important thing is to show that you have the skills and experience to get the job done for your new clients.
In addition to talking about your relevant experience, it’s also a good idea to provide links to work samples. This could be a link to your portfolio or website or even just screenshots of previous projects that you’ve worked on.
Providing work samples is a great way to show off your skills and give the client an idea of what you’re capable of. It also shows that you’re willing to put in the extra effort to make sure that they’re happy with the final product. Many clients discard proposals that do not have proof of previous projects!
If you have any testimonials or reviews from previous clients, make sure to include them in your proposal. This is a great way to show off your work and give the client an idea of what others think of your work.
If you don’t have any testimonials or reviews, that’s okay! You can still mention your Upwork profile rating. This will show the client that you’re a top-rated freelancer on the site, and it will give them an idea of the quality of your work.
A great proposal contains an irresistible offer for the potential client. This could be a discount on your services or a freebie that you’re willing to provide.
For example, if you’re a web developer, you could offer to create a custom website for the client at a discounted rate. Or if you’re a graphic designer, you could offer to create three custom designs for the client instead of just one.
The important thing is to make sure that your offer is something that the client can’t resist.
Last but not least, it’s time to close your proposal with a strong call to action. This could be something like, “I’ll be waiting for your reply so we can get started on your project,” or “I’m confident that I can exceed your expectations, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Whatever you choose to say, make sure that it’s something that will leave a lasting impression on the client. You want them to remember you and your work, so they’ll be more likely to hire you for their next project.
There you have it! These are just a few tips (critical points!) to help you write an effective proposal. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to stand out from the competition and land the job that you’re after.
Here’s an example of a great Upwork cover letter:
”Kindle Writer to Create Bestselling Books for You [Headline]
Hello Simon, [Salutations]
I understand that you need a high-quality writer with extensive experience and expertise in book writing (especially kindle books!). [Rephrase Client’s Needs] I also understand that you don’t want to take risks with an inexperienced writer because your project means a lot to you. [Trigger emotions of fear] Don’t worry! I got you covered. With over 5 years of book-writing experience, I can help you create best-selling books with a guaranteed return on investment. [Provide Solution] Here is why I think I can be a perfect match for you!
With over 100 books under my belt, I have written books in multiple niches including health, biology, physics, nanotechnology, mental wellness, etc. [Introduction with facts and figures] While doing what I love, I leave no detail spared in the quest for perfection because my client’s GOALS are my GOALS. [Instill Trust] Having earned the Top Rated Plus badge, my profile here on Upwork speaks volumes about my services and commitment to my clients. [Testimonials]
You can visit my portfolio to get an idea about my work: [Proof of your work/Insert Link]
https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01d1892cdfa18eb6ac
I have also attached an excerpt from one of my projects
P.S. I’ll offer multiple revisions till you are 100% satisfied. [Irresistible Offer]
Let’s have a chat to build Your business together! [Call to Action]
Sincerely,
Irfan Khan (EBook Ghostwriter) [Use Specific Title According to Client’s needs]”
You can modify this Upwork proposal template according to a specific project to boost your freelance business!
Don’t forget to proofread your proposal before you hit send! A few typos can make a big difference in whether or not you land the job.
What are your observations about bad Upwork proposals? They SCREAM “me, myself!” and many sentences begin with “I”. This allows the customer to spend a few minutes figuring out what their uniqueness is and how the points relate to the project. As a client this seems to involve some more handholding and some more work, this can get your proposal discarded. Many customers have dozens of freelancers throwing themselves into their projects. The majority of clients don’t want people from the same crown. They want a perfect candidate. Key Takeaway? BE UNIQUE!
Upwork proposal samples are a great way to get an idea about the structure of winning proposal templates. Nevertheless, DON’T just copy the entire template. It can backfire, as many people might be using the same template! Plus, every particular project has a different set of requirements, so there is no proposal letter that fits all. If you want to win new clients, craft winning proposals yourself by following the guidelines!
Do you have any other tips for writing a great Upwork proposal? Share them in the comments below!