Clients on UpWork are spending money, and they want to get the best talent for their projects. Now, you might be the right talent for the project, but how will the client know this? That’s where the proposal comes into play.
You might have seen online courses on “How to write a killer proposal on UpWork,” which often cost dollars. For a beginner, affording such courses is always challenging, and I know this because I have been there once.
In this article, I will guide you through writing a killer proposal on Upwork. I will also share practical tips that I personally follow while writing proposals, which often help me land clients. Let’s start right away.
How To Write A Killer Proposal On UpWork – Steps Explained
Here are the simple steps that you should follow to write a proposal that actually captures the client’s attention. Following these tips might be challenging initially, but you will get used to following them soon.
Personalize Your Proposal
Most beginner freelancers make the first mistake of creating a “template proposal” and copying/pasting it onto the job post. Believe me, I have been doing this for almost a month or so, and all of my connects were wasted.
Write a personalized proposal for each job you apply to. Similarly, if the job post requires you to add a resume, make sure your resume is specifically tailored to the job post you are applying to. The same goes for the work samples you add to the attachments section.
Starting a Proposal
No need to add any fancy words. Just say Hello (Cient’s name), and start your proposal. YOu may find the client’s name in the reviews other freelancers have left on his profile or in the job description. If not, just write “Hi there” and start your proposal.
What not to do here is start with, “I am XYZ, and I have four years of experience doing ABC.” This is the most outdated start to a proposal, and unfortunately, most freelancers do the same. Instead, start by telling the client about their problem and your solution to it.
Tell The Client How You Can Solve Their Problem
Your profile already mentions information like your name, experience, etc. Just get to the point from the very start of your proposal. An ideal way is to restate the client’s problem in your own words and tell them how you can deal with this problem.
Clients receive many proposals stating that they have this skill and can do the task. You have to stand out from the crowd. A simple way to do this is to focus on the client’s problem rather than your skills and experiences.
Ask A Relevant Question
It’s human psychology that when someone asks you if they didn’t get you, you try your best to make yourself clear to them. Always add a relevant question in your proposal that highlights your professionalism and that you truly care about the client’s project.
A simple way to do this is by stating, “Can you please clarify what you mean by…(ask your question here)”. In most cases, the client will reply to you, trying to clarify his point. Once the client gets to your inbox, the ball will be in your court now.
Explain Your Process Of Working
If the client has mentioned the project details in the job description, you should also explain your step-by-step process for approaching it. This will give the client some confidence that his project will be done in the best way possible.
Moreover, explaining your working process also minimizes misunderstandings. For instance, telling the client that you will be using a free or paid version of a specific tool for his task will give him an idea of the quality of the work.
Adding a Link To Your Portfolio
It is always best to add a relevant portfolio link or document showcasing the most appropriate work samples to your proposal. Adding a link to your proposal gives an impression of professionalism and increases the chances of getting hired.
Call To Action
A call to action is very crucial. The best call to action is to invite your client for a one-on-one Zoom session so you can get more information about the project. Beginner freelancers might find it a bit challenging but it builds client’s trust and confidence in your services.
Summary Of The Tips
Here is a summary of how to write a killer proposal on UpWork.
- Start by stating a solution to the client’s problem.
- Keep the proposal short – the ideal length is 100-150 words.
- Do not copy/paste proposal templates – write a personalized proposal for each job.
- Only add relevant work samples (Do not apply if you don’t have proof of your work).
- Ask the client a thoughtful question that shows your professionalism.
- End with a call-to-action by inviting the client to a Zoom call.
- Take less about yourself and more about the client’s problem.
- Mention the steps that you will take to achieve the client’s goal.
Conclusion
With these tips, I am hopeful that you won’t take much longer before a client lands in your inbox. Once you get an interview, make sure you prepare beforehand. Ideally, you should reread the job description and write some questions to ask the client during the interview.
These are the steps that I personally use while writing a proposal on UpWork or any other platform. This is all about How to write a killer proposal on UpWork that lands clients in your inbox. If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out to me through the comments section.
