Many beginner freelancers struggle with getting responses on their proposals and are looking for advanced UpWork proposal tips to get more responses. If you are a beginner, read “How to bid on Upwork for beginners” to get a basic idea of how bidding works.
If you have read my previous articles, you must be aware of how crucial it is to send personalized proposals. A few days ago, I also shared a detailed guide on how to write a killer Upwork proposal. Now, it’s time to get to the advanced level.
Those freelancers who have been sending proposals for some time and have a low response rate must read this article thoroughly. I will share advanced Upwork proposal tips that are found only in paid courses. Let’s get to the point without wasting any time.
Use “You” More Than “I”
A common UpWork proposal reads, “I am Asd. I have five years of experience. I can do this, I can do that, I did this, blah blah….” To be honest, this sucks. A simple way to overcome this is to use “You” instead of “I” wherever possible.
You must care about the client and his problem instead of boasting your skills and expertise. Just give the client the solution he needs, and he will land straight in your inbox.
Show The Client What Success Looks Like
By showing your client the results he needs, you can make a good first impression and boost his confidence in your services. Instead of just telling the client, “I will do this and that”, tell him how your approach will bring results.
You can also show a sample from your previous projects with proven results. All you have to do is prove to the client that you are a perfect fit for that job, and the best way to do this is by giving him the proof. (Don’t make your proposal too long)
Show The Client You Have Done Your Homework
Read the job description thoroughly and find out the hidden clues in there. See if the client has left any link to their website or has mentioned the name of their company. Go to their website and learn more about their mission and vision.
You can use this information in your proposal to show that you have completed your homework. You may ask a question related to their website (it must relate to the project as well), like, “I saw this on your website and was wondering if…”
Ask Open Ended Questions
Don’t ask your client yes/no questions. Ask open-ended questions that provoke the client’s thoughts, and he must give a one—or two-line answer. The best way to get clarification is to read the job description thoroughly and find any ambiguity.
“Can you please clarify what you mean by ….” is the pattern I use when asking questions from clients. It is respectful and professional and shows that you care about their project. You may also ask a question related to the client’s specific requirements.
Show Them That You Are Professional
Just saying that I am a professional content writer is not enough for your clients to trust you. You need to show them that you are a professional. Your attitude and language matter the most here. Make sure your proposal is free of errors and is easy to understand.
Asking questions about the project or offering suggestions also shows your professionalism. Your questions should not be too tough for the client to respond to. Moreover, your suggestions should be pure and not give the impression that you want to get paid more.
A Call To Action
There should be a clear call to action at the end of your proposal. Just one line inviting the client to a Zoom call is enough. You may also ask a question here to initiate a discussion with the client.
One-line Advanced UpWrok Proposals Tips To Get More Responses
- Never start your cover letter with Dear Sir/Madam/Hiring Manager, just say “Hi Tim,”.
- You may also use an attention-grabbing headline (It may be serious or silly).
- Ask an open-ended question in your proposal.
- Only add relevant samples of your work (Avoid sending a generic portfolio)
- Answer the separately asked questions before writing the cover letter
- Give solution or suggestion to the client regarding the project for better results
- Address the client by their name.
- Showing results instead of work samples is more fruitful.
- Before selling yourself, try to help the client.
- Keep your proposal short (100-150 words).
Conclusion: Advanced UpWork Proposals Tips To Get More Responses
These are some advanced UpWork proposal tips for getting more responses. Though these may help you grab clients, the basics also matter. Your profile should be written perfectly to show your skills and expertise and how you made a difference for your previous clients.
