Freelancers have to write attractive and compelling proposals on Upwork, as this is the only way they can win in the competition. A good proposal layout not only presents your abilities but also illustrates the customer’s needs. Following is a complete guide that you can use to make proposals that will help you get more jobs on Upwork.
What Is An Upwork Proposal?
An Upwork proposal is your introduction to potential clients, similar to a cover letter. It is the opportunity to prove that you are the best person for their project. Mention your relevant experience and the way you deal with their needs. Contrary to traditional resumes, Upwork proposals are specifically tailored responses to certain job postings. Thus, making them targeted and focused on the client.
A successful proposal has a balance between professionalism and individuation because it shows the client that you have read and understood their requirements. This document is the ticket for you to get the interviews and finally acquire the jobs you wish.
My Personal Upwork Proposal Writing Tips as a Top Rated Seller!
1. Do Personalized Greeting
Incorporating the client’s name as you start the proposal is quite a small yet important detail. If the name is not specified in the job post, you can use alternatives. Like “Dear [Job Title] Poster” or “Hello [Company Name] Team.” Such a personal touch underlines the effort you made to customize your message, and therefore, you become different from generic proposals.
2. Start with Engaging Expertise
Your first sentence is a hook for your introduction. State your name first and briefly, and then talk about what you understand of the project. For example:
“Hi [Client’s Name], my name is [Your Name], and I specialize in [Your Expertise]. I have already studied your job posting and I am excited to help you [specific client goal].”
This formulation is fantastic because it not only captures the attention but also suggests a way of fulfilling the client’s needs straight away.
3. Repeat Client’s Needs
You can demonstrate that you read the job posting in detail by essentially paraphrasing the client’s needs again. For instance:
“You’re searching for a [specific skill or service] professional to [specific task or outcome].”
This step keeps the connection and confirms that you are truly attentive. Clients highly value freelancers talking to them in a language they understand.
4. Proposed Solution of his Problem
Describe distinctly how you are planning to help the client with their issue. Use accurate wording but be informative. Forget creativity, just show a simple structure of your way. For example:
“What I can do for you is: [describe your strategies or process briefly]. This will guarantee that [benefit or outcome that is specific].”
Clients love concrete plans given by people who know their business and can look ahead.
5. Mention UniqueSelling Points (USPs)
Add to your skills of persuading clients about your qualifications with some exceptional skills, experiences, or outcomes that suit you. For example:
“What I can say is that I have [skill or achievement]. I also [state what you achieved in previous work].”
Thus, speaking about your accomplishments makes you easily the preferred option for the client.
6. Pricing Structure That Is Crystal Clear
Honesty about your prices will create trust. State the rate you ask for whether it will be fixed or hourly. You can also consider the client’s budget by specifying the ones that are included. At the same time, you should assure the client about your fairness. For example:
“The cost of the project as per your specifications is [amount]. Included in this cost is [brief list of deliverables or milestones].”
Clients appreciate the clarity and fair portrayal of costs that they would incur.
7. Call to Action
Asking the client to get back to you with more discussions or questions is a very polite way. It showcases your willingness to work with them together.
“I would appreciate it positively if we could have a discussion about this project and evaluate the possible ways to achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to message me about questions or additional information you like.”
A good call to action will create a negative feeling.
Some Basic Key Elements for Upwork Proposal Writing
1. Attract Attention and Make it Brief
Aim for clarity and brevity. As a rule of thumb, the best proposals are no longer than 500 words. It is a common habit of clients to scan through the proposals, explaining which points they can just ignore is a good way to make sure your key message hasn’t been missed.
2. Make a Structured Format
Keep your proposal organized by segmenting it into clear sections that will make reading it easy. Use headings, bullet points, or numbered lists for easy navigation. A typical structure might consist of:
- Personalized Greeting
- Engaging Introduction
- Restatement of Client Needs
- Proposed Solution
- Highlighting USPs
- Pricing and
- Deliverables
- Call to Action
3. Be to the point
Stay away from vague assertions that do not apply directly to the job. Concentrate on the client’s basic points and how your knowledge and skills can handle them. Replace unoriginal phrases such as “I’m the best for the job” with facts, practical skills, and actual results.
4. Include Relevant Samples
Incorporating work samples or links to your portfolio that show your expertise in similar areas can considerably reinforce your proposal. For example:
“You can view similar projects I’ve completed here: [Portfolio Link].”
Clients are always happy to see proof of what you are capable of doing.
5. Do Follow Ups
If you do not receive feedback after a proposal you have submitted, you can consider sending a polite follow-up message. Your message can be short as such:
“Hi [Client’s Name], I am following up on the proposal I made for [project name]. I am much ready to be part of the project and if you have any more questions or you require any other information, please let me know and I will be glad to assist.”
Follow-ups let you show that you are determined and enthusiastic about their prospects without being at all pushy.
