How to Write an Upwork Proposal

Submitting proposals on Upwork can be a challenging and time-consuming task for freelancers, especially when they don’t get hired. It can be disheartening to put in the effort and not receive any response from clients or worse, a rejection. 

There are several reasons why freelancers may not get hired. This includes not tailoring their proposal to the specific job posting, not effectively showcasing their skills and experience, or not standing out in a crowded market. However, one of the biggest reasons freelancers get overlooked is that they don’t know how to write an effective Upwork proposal. 

Writing a proposal that captures the client’s attention and conveys the value of the proposal is essential for freelancers looking to get hired on Upwork. This is where the role of knowing how to write an Upwork proposal that stands out from the rest becomes crucial.

This article will cover the key elements of a successful proposal. This includes how to tailor your proposal to the specific job, how to stand out from the competition, and how to communicate your value to the client. 

Whether you are a seasoned freelancer or new to Upwork, this article will provide valuable insights and tips for writing effective Upwork proposals that help you land more clients and grow your business.

What is an Upwork Proposal?

An Upwork proposal is a cover letter that freelancers submit to clients in order to apply for a job or project on the Upwork platform. It’s essentially a sales pitch that highlights the freelancer’s qualifications, experience, and skills. It explains why they are the best candidate for the job. 

The proposal also includes a detailed overview of the freelancer’s approach to the project, their availability, and the terms of their engagement. The proposal is an opportunity for freelancers to showcase their expertise, demonstrate their understanding of the client’s needs, and convince the client to hire them for the job. 

It’s one of the most important aspects of the freelancer’s job application process on Upwork as it’s the first thing that clients see. It could make or break the freelancer’s chance of getting hired.

Tips on Writing an Upwork Proposal

Here are some important tips you should keep in mind when writing your Upwork proposal.

1. Tailoring Your Proposal to the Job Description

Reading and understanding the job posting before writing a proposal is essential to tailor your proposal to the specific requirements and needs of the client. It’s important to pay attention to the details and make sure you understand what the client is looking for in a freelancer. 

This will help you to focus your proposal on the most relevant aspects of your skills and experience, and increase your chances of getting hired. It’s also a good idea to mention specific requirements from the job posting in your proposal.

2. Adding Value with a Free Tip

Giving a tip for free is a great way to show the client that you are knowledgeable and experienced in your field. It can be something small, such as a suggestion for a tool or resource that will help the client with their project, or a piece of advice that will help them to achieve their goals. 

This not only helps to establish trust and credibility but also demonstrates your willingness to go above and beyond to help the client succeed.

3. Personalizing Your Upwork Proposal

Making your proposal personalized is a key strategy for standing out in a crowded market. You can achieve this by highlighting your unique strengths and offering additional value to the client. For example, you can mention any relevant certifications or awards you have received or any special skills or experience you have that other freelancers might not have. 

Additionally, you can offer to provide extra services or support that other freelancers may not be willing to offer. For example, you can help provide ongoing training or support after you complete the project.

4. Highlighting Your Relevant Qualifications and Experience

Telling why you are a good fit for the job is crucial to convincing the client to hire you. This means showcasing your relevant skills and experience and highlighting any relevant accomplishments or achievements. It’s also important to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the client’s specific needs and requirements.

5. Writing a Concise Proposal

Keeping your proposal tight is important to make sure that your proposal is easy to read and understand. This includes avoiding unnecessary or irrelevant information, using clear and concise language, and avoiding long-winded explanations. 

A well-written, concise proposal is more likely to capture the client’s attention and communicate your value effectively.

6. Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Opening and Subject Line

Starting and ending strong is a key component of a successful proposal. Creating a compelling subject line and opening that clearly states the purpose of the proposal is essential in capturing the client’s attention. 

The proposal’s subject line should be brief and to the point, but also catchy enough to encourage the client to open it. The opening should be well-written and engaging, and should immediately convey the value of your proposal.

7. Defining Your Project Plan and Deliverables

Outlining your approach and deliverables is important to set clear expectations for the client. This includes explaining the steps and processes you will use to complete the project. You should also provide an estimated timeline for completion. 

It’s also important to be clear about the deliverables the client can expect. This includes a detailed report, a final product, or specific milestones along the way.

8. Providing Work Examples

Showing examples of your work is a great way to demonstrate your qualifications and experience. You can do this by providing links to relevant work samples or by including screenshots or images of your work in the proposal. This helps the client to visualize the quality and scope of your work and gives them a better sense of what to expect if they hire you.

9. Being Flexible and Adaptable

Learning to let go is a key aspect of freelancing. This means being flexible and adaptable, and being willing to let go of a proposal if the client is not interested. It’s important to remember that not every proposal will be accepted and that rejection is a normal part of the process. 

Do not let this discourage you. Use each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve your proposal writing skills.

Mistakes to Avoid when Writing an Upwork Proposal

Listed below are the mistakes you should avoid making when working on an Upwork proposal.

1. Not Focusing on the Client’s Needs

Don’t talk too much about yourself. It’s important to remember that the proposal is not about you, it’s about how you can help the client. Avoid talking too much about your own qualifications, experience, or background. Focus instead on how you can meet the client’s needs. 

Make sure to strike a balance between highlighting your own strengths and showing how they align with the client’s requirements.

2. Adding Unnecessary Information

Avoid unnecessary fluff. Keep your proposal concise and to the point. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon, and avoid repeating information that is already clear from your profile or resume. Instead, focus on the key information that will help the client understand why you are the best candidate for the job.

3. Not Striking the Right Tone

Avoid being too casual or professional. The tone of your proposal should be professional, but not overly formal. Avoid using overly casual language, such as slang or emojis, as this can come across as unprofessional. On the other hand, avoid being too formal or stiff, as this can make it difficult for the client to connect with you.

4. Forgetting to Be Clear and Transparent about Pricing

Be transparent and clear about pricing and payment terms in the proposal. Include a detailed breakdown of your rates, any additional costs, and your preferred payment method. 

It’s also important to be flexible and open to negotiation. This can help to establish trust and build a strong working relationship with the client. Avoid being too rigid with your pricing and be willing to adjust it if the client has any special requests or concerns.

5. Not Tailoring Your Proposal to the Specific Job

Do not use a copy-and-paste template. Each job posting is unique and requires a unique proposal. Using a copy-and-paste template can make it difficult for the client to understand how your skills and experience align with their specific needs. 

Instead, take the time to tailor your proposal to the specific job. Make sure that it’s personalized and relevant to the client. This will increase your chances of getting hired and help you to build a stronger working relationship with the client. 

Not customizing the proposal for each job can make it appear as if you have not read the job description. This can affect your chances of getting hired.

6. Submitting Your Proposal without Proofreading It

Submitting a proposal with grammar and spelling errors can make you appear unprofessional. This can negatively impact your chances of getting hired. It shows the client that you are not taking the proposal seriously, or that you are not detail-oriented, both of which are traits that are important for a freelancer. 

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to proofread your proposal thoroughly, checking for spelling and grammar errors. Make sure that the proposal is well-written and easy to understand.

7. Not Highlighting Your Unique Strengths

Not highlighting your unique qualities, skills, and experiences can make you appear like any other freelancer. Your chance of getting hired significantly decreases because of this. To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to showcase your unique strengths and qualifications. Don’t forget to explain how they align with the client’s needs and requirements. 

You can do this by highlighting relevant certifications, awards, or education. You can also mention any special skills or experience that you have that are not typically found among other freelancers.

8. Not Being Transparent About Your Availability

Not being honest about your availability can lead to issues with scheduling and project completion. This can damage your reputation and relationship with the client. If you take on a job that you’re not able to complete on time, it will reflect poorly on your professionalism. This can also lead to negative feedback and reviews, which can be detrimental to your freelancing career. 

To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to be honest and upfront about your availability. Only take on jobs that you know you can complete on time and to the client’s satisfaction.

9. Not Following Up on Your Proposal

Not following up on a proposal can make you appear disinterested and can decrease your chances of getting hired. Following up on a proposal shows the client that you are interested in the job. Plus, this gives you an opportunity to address any concerns or questions the client may have. 

To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to follow up on your proposal within a reasonable time frame. Make sure that you are available to answer any questions the client may have.

Sample Upwork Proposals

When it comes to writing an Upwork proposal, it can be challenging to know where to start. To help you with this, we’ve put together some sample proposals that you can use as a guide when creating your own proposal. 

These samples will give you an idea of the structure and content that you should include in an effective proposal, and they can help you to understand what the client is looking for in a freelancer. 

Remember to always customize and tailor your proposal to the specific job posting and client, to make sure it stands out.

1. Upwork Proposal for a Content Writing Job

Subject: Experienced Content Writer for Your Blog Posts

Dear [Client],

I am writing to apply for the content writing job you posted on Upwork. I am an experienced content writer with over 5 years of experience in creating high-quality, engaging, and SEO-friendly content for a wide range of clients.

In the job description, I understand that you are looking for someone to write weekly blog posts for your website. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this job.

I have a proven track record of creating engaging, informative, and well-researched blog posts that drive traffic and engagement. Also, I am familiar with SEO best practices, and I know how to create content that is optimized for search engines.

In terms of availability, I am available to start work immediately and I am able to commit to writing one blog post per week. I am also open to negotiating the payment terms and I am willing to work within your budget.

I would love the opportunity to discuss this job further and how my skills and experience can benefit your business. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see some samples of my work.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

2. Upwork Proposal for a Graphic Design Job

Subject: Professional Graphic Designer for Your Branding Needs

Dear [Client],

I am writing to apply for the graphic design job you posted on Upwork. I am a professional graphic designer with over 7 years of experience in creating visually compelling designs for a wide range of clients.

In your job description, I understand that you are looking for someone to create new branding for your business. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this job.

I have a proven track record of creating unique, visually compelling designs that effectively communicate the client’s message and brand identity. Moreover, I have experience working with a wide range of design software, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, and I am well-versed in the latest design trends and best practices.

In terms of availability, I am available to start work immediately and I am able to commit to completing the project within the timeframe specified in the job posting. I understand the importance of meeting deadlines and I am dedicated to delivering high-quality work that meets the client’s needs and expectations.

I would love the opportunity to discuss this job further and how my skills and experience can benefit your business. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see some samples of my work.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

3. Upwork Proposal for a Virtual Assistant Job

Subject: Professional Virtual Assistant for Your Administrative Needs

Dear [Client],

I am writing to apply for the virtual assistant job you posted on Upwork. I am a professional virtual assistant with over 3 years of experience in providing administrative support to a wide range of clients.

In the job description, I understand that you are looking for someone to handle your daily administrative tasks. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this job.

I have a proven track record of providing efficient and effective administrative support, including scheduling appointments, managing email and calendar, and handling travel arrangements. Plus, I am proficient in a wide range of office software and tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Trello. Additionally, I am a quick learner and I am able to adapt to new software and tools quickly.

In terms of availability, I am available to start work immediately and I am able to commit to a flexible schedule to meet the client’s needs. I understand the importance of being available and responsive, and I am dedicated to delivering high-quality work that meets the client’s needs and expectations.

I would love the opportunity to discuss this job further and how my skills and experience can benefit your business. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see some samples of my work.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

4. Upwork Proposal for a Web Development Job

Subject: Experienced Web Developer for Your Website Needs

Dear [Client],

I am writing to apply for the web development job you posted on Upwork. I am an experienced web developer with over 8 years of experience in creating and maintaining high-quality websites for a wide range of clients.

In your job description, I understand that you are looking for someone to create a new website for your business. I am confident that my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this job.

I have a proven track record of creating responsive, user-friendly, and visually appealing websites that meet the client’s needs and requirements. Moreover, I am well-versed in various web development languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, and I am also familiar with different Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Joomla, and Shopify.

In terms of availability, I am available to start work immediately and I am able to commit to completing the project within the timeframe specified in the job posting. I understand the importance of meeting deadlines and I am dedicated to delivering high-quality work that meets the client’s needs and expectations.

I would love the opportunity to discuss this job further and how my skills and experience can benefit your business. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to see some samples of my work.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions on Writing an Upwork Proposal

1. Is it hard to get approved on Upwork?

Getting approved on Upwork can be challenging, especially if you are new to the platform or if you have limited freelancing experience. However, it’s not impossible to get approved. 

To increase your chances of getting approved, make sure to complete your writer profile, including a detailed overview of your skills and experience, and include relevant samples of your work. Be sure to also take Upwork’s tests and certifications to showcase your skills and increase your visibility to potential clients.

2. How many proposals can you send on Upwork in a day?

There is no strict limit on how many proposals you can send on Upwork in a day, but it’s generally recommended to send a limited number of proposals, focusing on quality over quantity.Sending too many proposals in a day can appear spammy and unprofessional, and it can decrease your chances of getting hired. It’s better to take your time and research the job posting and client and tailor your proposal to the specific job, to increase your chances of getting hired.

3. Should I apply if there are a lot of proposals for a job?

It’s natural to feel discouraged if there are a lot of proposals for a job, but it’s important to remember that the number of proposals does not guarantee that the client will hire one of the applicants. 

Each proposal is evaluated individually, based on the freelancer’s qualifications, experience, and the relevance of their proposal to the job posting. So, if you feel that you are a good fit for the job, and you have tailored your proposal accordingly, it’s worth applying.

4. What does ‘client hire rate’ mean?

The client hire rate is a metric that shows the percentage of freelancers that a client has hired on Upwork. It’s a way for freelancers to gauge the client’s likelihood of hiring, and to evaluate the client’s past hiring history. A high client hire rate is generally considered a good sign that the client is likely to hire a freelancer, as it shows that the client has had positive experiences with freelancers on the platform in the past.

Conclusion

Writing a winning proposal on Upwork takes time and effort, but with the right strategy, you can increase your chances of being selected for a project. By understanding the client’s needs, tailoring your proposal to their specific requirements, and highlighting your relevant skills and experience, you can stand out from the competition and secure the job. 

Remember to also include a clear and compelling project plan, and to proofread your proposal for errors before submitting it. Following these tips will help you to write an effective and persuasive proposal that will increase your chances of landing a job on Upwork.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that Upwork is a competitive platform with many freelancers vying for the same jobs. It’s essential to be patient and persistent in your efforts to find the right project. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get selected for a project right away. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your proposal writing skills. 

Finally, it’s also essential to maintain a positive and professional attitude throughout the proposal process, as this can make a big difference in the eyes of potential clients. Overall, by being prepared, professional, and persistent, you will increase your chances of success on Upwork and find the project that is the best fit for you.