Are you struggling to receive responses despite sending numerous job proposals on Upwork? If you’re among those freelancers, this article is tailored for you.
As we all know, Upwork stands out as one of the finest freelance platforms, boasting professionalism, high-paying clients, and exceptional support for freelancers. According to a recent report by Upwork, professional freelancers worldwide generate an astounding $1 trillion in annual revenue. Impressive figures indeed!
Furthermore, Upwork witnesses thousands of job postings each day, leading to intensifying competition. To help you navigate this challenging landscape, we’ve curated essential tips for crafting outstanding Upwork proposals.
With no further delay, let’s delve into it.
Related Article: Review on Upwork: Is Upwork good for freelancers?
Tips to Write a Freelance Proposal
Here are our top tips and tricks to write the best proposal on Upwork. Let’s hear them, respectively.
1. Read the Job Description Properly
Before applying for a job, take the vital step of thoroughly reading and understanding the job description. Rushing through the application process can lead to rejection. Some clients even include specific key phrases in the job description to see if freelancers have fully read it, streamlining the shortlisting process.
It’s important to ensure that you meet the client’s requirements, such as a high Job Success Score (JSS), earnings, badges, and location. Additionally, pay attention to the number of proposals, hires, and invites on the job description. If there are between 10-20 proposals, you may have a better chance of being selected for an interview.
2. Mention Client Name
Addressing client names on your proposals on Upwork can significantly enhance your chances of getting noticed. To find the client name, you may refer to the client reviews given by freelancers in the job history. This approach creates a positive impression and reflects your confidence in the job.
In cases where you are unable to locate the client’s name, a simple “Hello” can be used to start your cover letter.
How to find client name on Upwork?
To find the name of a client on Upwork while applying for a job, I typically look at the job description and any information provided by the client. In addition, I often research past projects that have been completed by the client in order to get an understanding of their experience level and needs.
I also read reviews from other contractors who have worked with the client in order to get a better idea of what it’s like to work with them and if they mentioned the client’s name in reviews. As a Top Rated Plus developer, I’ve found that this approach is extremely effective when it comes to finding the right clients for my projects.
3. Grab the Attention
To grab the attention of the client in the first two lines of an Upwork proposal, I would suggest highlighting the value that you can bring to their project. Showcase your unique skills and experience that makes you a great fit for them. Mention any relevant certifications or awards that you have which will help substantiate your qualifications.
Address some of their stated needs and explain how your skills would impact positively on their work. Back this up with examples from previous projects to show how you have delivered desired results in similar situations. Explain why you’re passionate about this type of project and what drives you to be successful in it.
The first two lines such as “My experience with XYZ might be interesting for you” like this can get engaging. the XYZ can be a big name that you’ve worked with on similar project.
4. Write it Unique
The proposal should be unique and concise in order to stand out from other freelancers. It should include specific details that demonstrate how the freelancer can add value to the project, such as past experience with similar types of projects, special skills or expertise that can be used to help solve problems, and any unique solutions they may have.
5. Describe your Perks
When you find yourself overwhelmed with job proposals, the key lies in standing out and captivating clients. As a content writer, boost your appeal by showcasing your arsenal of supplementary skills like keyword research, posting, SEO, and prompt delivery.
Want to go the extra mile? Offer a modest discount or outbid your competitors to make a compelling case. Remember, clients seek solutions to their job description woes, so by highlighting your capabilities, you position yourself as the perfect candidate to meet their needs. Let’s conquer those proposals together!
6. Attach Relevant Samples
After reviewing the job description, it is important to include relevant samples and links for the specific job. Attaching two or three samples with your cover letter can greatly assist clients in shortlisting you. Additionally, providing a link to your portfolio is crucial for making a positive impression.
Creating a portfolio on WordPress with free templates is an excellent option. Please note that Upwork strictly prohibits alternative methods of contact, so ensure the provided link does not include any such information.
7. Keep it Concise & Better
Businesses often lack time to read long cover letters. Therefore, it is crucial to write concisely and to the point. This not only shows that the applicant hasn’t simply copied and pasted their letter but also respects the recipient’s time. Aim for a cover letter length of around 200-250 words, or even 150 words if possible.
Keep the focus on the job requirements and highlight relevant experience and the benefits of hiring succinctly. Consider learning some copywriting techniques to captivate the client’s attention and master the art of crafting concise sentences.
8. Ask Questions about the project
When a freelancer asks questions about the project, it shows interest and indicates their responsibility and experience in the niche. To make your cover letter more impactful, consider mentioning 2-3 specific questions about the project right at the beginning.
Remember, the focus should be on the client and their projects, not yourself. Maintain professionalism and professionalism throughout, ensuring your content is clear and concise. Additionally, be prepared to answer any questions the client may have before submitting your proposal. These may include inquiries about your experience, quality of work, qualifications, and samples.
9. Call to Action
An effective strategy for engaging with potential clients is to include a compelling call to action (CTA) at the conclusion of your cover letter. This can significantly improve your chances of initiating a conversation. Here are some examples of impactful CTAs that can be incorporated into your cover letter.
- What does your calendar say? It’ll free up my schedule for the next 2 days.
- If that’s the talent you’re looking for, hit me up.
- We can hop on a strategy call to discuss your project. And make sure we’re on the same track.
In addition, you can also boost your proposal with connects. It also helps in getting noticed by clients.
10. Maintain your Profile
At last, It all comes down to your profile. Clients check freelancers’ profiles, testimonials, portfolios, and past jobs. You can also get direct offers or invitations if you have a good profile and reviews. Also, clients do also check JSS (Job Success Ratio), which pretty much defines your work.
Well, it’s not related to your cover letting writing. However, it plays a main role as a freelancer on Upwork. You may be submitting good cover letters but not maintaining your Upwork profile.
Bonus: AI Proposal Generator
As a Top Rated Plus Upwork freelancer, I always ensure that my proposals stand out from the others and that they are tailored to the specific job I’m applying for. To do this, I utilize AI proposal generators like ChatGPT and Jasper AI to help me write unique and effective proposals for freelance jobs.
The AI proposal generator simplifies the process by suggesting relevant keywords and phrases that I can include in my proposal based on the job description. This helps me create a proposal that is relevant to the job I am applying for while saving time and effort. The AI also helps me add additional sections to my proposal as needed, such as portfolio links or case studies.
Furthermore, AI proposal generators also make it easier to track the progress of my application by providing status updates on what stage of review it is currently in with the client. This allows me to follow up with them quickly if needed or tweak my proposal if necessary. Overall, using an AI proposal generator saves time and resources while allowing me to submit professional proposals quickly and effectively for various freelance jobs.
Also read: Best AI tools for small Businesses
Conclusion
In conclusion, freelancing can present its challenges, but armed with the right tips, tricks, and guidance, you can still secure high-paying jobs. By continuously honing your skills, staying up to date with industry trends, and providing exceptional value to clients, you can navigate the competitive landscape of freelancing and achieve success in your career. So, embrace the journey, seek continuous improvement, and enjoy the fruits of your labor as a thriving freelancer.
