This article begins with the building blocks of a high-quality proposal that grabs client attention and lands you the project. We'll explore the key elements and strategies for showcasing your skills and how to craft a persuasive call to action, all while ensuring your proposal aligns perfectly with the client's needs.
When you start a proposal, you will see how many Connects it will require to submit it, as well as how many Connects you will have left. If you apply. In the next section, you can see the title and overview. Here are the details of the job, like the experience level, hourly rate, or project price and project length. Next is the skills and expertise section. These have been determined by the client as relevant to the job. In the term section, it shows the hourly rate that the client is willing to spend on the job, but you can adjust it as needed. Upwork has a fixed 10% fee for all types of contracts, hourly, fixed priced, and project catalog. Then we have the cover letter. This is where you highlight the specific skills and experiences that align with the client's project. At the final section, you have the option to boost your proposal so that you can be at the top of the client's proposal list.
Imagine you're a freelance writer and see a perfect project listing—a client needs website content written in a clear, engaging style. Your proposal is your chance to convince them you're the ideal candidate. But what makes a proposal stand out from the others the client might receive?
A strong Upwork proposal should include these essential components:
- Start with an attention-grabbing introduction
- Include a friendly greeting and a personalized touch. Mention the specific project title and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
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- Using the client's name in the first sentence creates a more personal connection.
- Demonstrate project understanding
- Briefly restate the client's project goals and key requirements.
- This shows you've carefully reviewed the project description and understand their needs.
- Highlight your skills and experience
- Showcase your relevant skills and experience that directly address the project requirements.
- Use keywords in the job description to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork.
- Show your value proposition
- Briefly explain how your unique skills, experience, and approach can deliver exceptional results for their project.
- Conclude with a compelling call to action
- Clearly state your interest in the project and the next steps.
- Encourage the client to contact you for further discussion or questions.
Craft your story—showcase skills and experience
Here are some tips for effectively showcasing your skills and experience:
- Focus on relevance: Don't list every skill you possess. Focus on the skills and experience directly relevant to the client's project needs.
- Use specific examples: Back up your claims with concrete examples of past projects where you've successfully applied your skills to achieve similar results.
- Quantify your achievements (optional): If applicable, use numbers and data to quantify your achievements and the value you delivered in past projects.
- Proofread and edit: Ensure your proposal is free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished proposal reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
Address client needs—tailor your proposal
A cookie-cutter proposal won't impress clients. Here's how to tailor your proposal to each project:
- Read the project description carefully: Pay close attention to the client's goals, requirements, and questions.
- Focus on client benefits: Don't just list your services; explain how your skills and approach will specifically benefit the client and their project.
- Keywords and terminology: Consider incorporating relevant keywords and terminology the client uses in their project description. This demonstrates your understanding of their industry and priorities.
🧩 Activity: craft your introduction and skills section
Take a few minutes to draft an introduction and skills section for a sample Upwork proposal based on your freelance expertise. Consider a recent project you completed and how you can highlight relevant skills to a potential client.
A winning proposal is a conversation starter. By strategically showcasing your skills, addressing client needs, and crafting a compelling message, you'll be well on your way to securing successful projects on Upwork.
