As a freelancer, you know that the key to a successful career is winning proposals. But with so much competition on UpWork, it can be hard to know how to stand out from the crowd.
Here are some tips for submitting a winning proposal on UpWork:
1. Read the job description carefully
Before you even start writing your proposal, make sure you have read and understood the job description. This may seem like obvious advice, but you’d be surprised how many freelancers submit generic proposals that don’t address the client’s specific needs.
By reading and understanding the job description, you can show the client that you’re the right person for the job and that you understand what they’re looking for. This will put you in a much better position to win the contract.
2. Tailor your proposal to the client
Once you’ve read and understood the job description, it’s time to start writing your proposal. And this is where many freelancers make their first mistake: they submit a generic proposal that could be sent to any client.
If you want to win more contracts on UpWork, you need to tailor your proposals to each individual client. This means taking the time to personalize your proposal for each job you apply for.
It may take a little longer to write personalized proposals, but it will be worth it in the long run as you’ll have a much higher success rate.
1. Make sure your proposal is clear and concise- remember that the client only has a limited amount of time to review your proposal, so make sure that you get your point across quickly and effectively.
2. Tailor your proposal to the specific client and project- each client and project is different, so make sure that you take the time to customize your proposal accordingly. This will show the client that you are truly interested in working on their project.
3. Be realistic in your pricing- overpricing your services will likely result in the client going with another freelancer, while underpricing yourself will devalue your services. Try to find a happy medium that reflects the quality of your work.
4. Use strong examples and past experience to back up your claims- if you make bold statements in your proposal, be sure to back them up with data or examples from previous projects. This will show the client that you know what you’re talking about and that you’re not just making empty promises.
3. Highlight your relevant experience
When writing your proposal, make sure to highlight any relevant experience or skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. If you have worked on similar projects in the past or have any relevant qualifications, be sure to mention them in your proposal. Clients are looking for freelancers who have experience in their industry and are more likely to award contracts to those who can demonstrate this.
So don’t be afraid to brag a little bit and showcase your best work! 4. Use strong language
While it’s important to tailor your proposal to each individual client, there are certain elements that should be included in every proposal in order to make it successful. One of these is strong language that sells your skills and experience.
Avoid using weak or passive language in your proposals as this will make you sound less confident and less likely to win the contract. Instead, use strong language that demonstrates why you are the best person for the job and why the client should choose you over other freelancers.
For example, instead of saying “I can help with your project”, say “I will deliver a high-quality project that meets your needs and exceed expectations”. See the difference?
5. Keep it short and sweet
Nobody likes reading long, drawn-out proposals so make sure yours is concise and easy to read. Get straight to the point and highlight only information that is relevant to the job at hand.
Remember, clients are busy people and they don’t have time to read through pages of text so keep your proposal short, sweet and focused on what they need from a freelancer. If you can do this then you’ll be one step closer to winning more contracts on UpWork!
By following these simple tips, you can increase your chances of submitting a winning proposal on UpWork and landing more contracts as a freelancer!
