How to Write a Proposal on Upwork That Works [10 Easy Ways]

Starting out on Upwork can feel like stepping into a crowded room, trying to get noticed. You’ve set up your profile and are eager to land that first gig, but the competition is intense. With so many experienced freelancers vying for the same projects, how do you make your proposals pop?

Here’s a streamlined guide to crafting proposals that stand out, helping you move from browsing job listings to clinching projects. We’ll cover tips to avoid common mistakes and how to effectively showcase your skills to prospective clients.

With that said, let’s get started.

How to Write an Effective Upwork Proposal

Here are some methods you can use to help potential clients get hooked on your proposal on Upwork.

1. Start with a Hook

Open with something that catches their attention right away. Maybe comment on a specific detail in their job post or start with a friendly greeting that ties directly into their needs. It’s all about making a personal connection from the first sentence.

Example: “I noticed in your job post that you’re looking for someone to streamline your website UX. With over three years of specialized experience in UX design for e-commerce platforms, I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my proven strategies to enhance customer engagement to your project.”

2. Show You Understand

Quickly dive into their main challenges as outlined in the job post. It’s like saying, “I see exactly where you’re coming from, and I know what’s bugging you.” This shows empathy and sets a collaborative tone right off the bat.

Example: “From your description, it sounds like you’re facing challenges with integrating multiple payment systems smoothly. In my last project, I successfully integrated PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay into an existing platform, boosting transaction completion rates by 25%.”

3. Link Your Skills

Connect your skills and past experiences directly to their project. It’s not just about listing what you can do; it’s about painting a picture of how you can make their life easier. Share a quick example or two that illustrates your point.

Example: “For a recent client in the real estate sector, I developed a custom CRM system that improved client tracking by 40%. I see you need similar results with your sales software, and I’m eager to tailor a solution that fits your unique requirements.”

4. Keep It Snappy

Your proposal should be as concise as possible. They probably have a lot to go through, so make every word count. Think of it as giving them the highlights reel rather than the entire game footage.

Example: “I specialize in Python and JavaScript, with a focus on developing scalable web applications that enhance user engagement and operational efficiency.”

5. Show Off a Little

It’s okay to briefly flaunt your portfolio or mention a particularly relevant credential early on. Think of it as subtly saying, “Check this out, I’ve done some cool stuff that you might like.”

Example: “I invite you to check out my portfolio where you’ll find case studies on how I increased SEO traffic for three tech startups by over 200%. I’m confident I can achieve similar results for you.”

6. Customize It

No two proposals should be the same. Always tweak your pitch to address the unique aspects of the job post. This shows that you’re attentive and not just blasting out generic responses.

Example: “I understand you’re looking for an experienced social media manager who can double your engagement rates. Having done exactly that for a fashion brand last quarter, I’m well-prepared to replicate these results for you.”

7 . Talk About Them, Not Just You

Use more “you” than “I.” This keeps the focus on how they benefit, which makes your proposal more about partnership than self-promotion.

Example: “Your goal to expand into the European market by Q3 aligns perfectly with my expertise in international marketing strategies. Together, we can create a tailored campaign that resonates with your new audience.”

8. Encourage a Chat

Finish with an invitation to discuss further. This could be as simple as, “I’d love to talk more about your project and see how we can work together. When’s a good time for you?”

Example: “I’d love to discuss how I can bring your app idea to life. Are you available for a quick call this week to discuss your project in more detail?”

9. Dot the I’s and Cross the T’s

A quick proofread can go a long way. A proposal without typos or grammatical errors shows professionalism and respect for their project.

Example: Before sending, always double-check your proposal for any spelling or grammatical errors to maintain professionalism.

10. Stay Positive

Even if it’s crowded out there, remember that a well-crafted, sincere proposal can really stand out. Keep at it, and don’t get discouraged by the numbers game on Upwork.

Example: “Despite the high competition in web development, my dedication to delivering bespoke solutions has consistently won over clients. I’m excited to bring that same commitment to your project.”

These tips aim to maximize your advantages while reducing friction from your potential disadvantages. Now that we’ve covered the things you SHOULD DO, let’s go over the things you SHOULDN’T.

TRY CHECKING: What are the Best Alternatives to Upwork Right Now?

What to Avoid When Writing an Upwork Proposal

As a freelancer, it’s important to actively know what to avoid, just in case you are doing these things right now. Let’s go through each one:.

Avoid Generic Proposals

Tailor each proposal to the specific job by addressing the client’s unique needs and problems. Reusing the same generic cover letter for multiple jobs will likely get overlooked (John Morris) (Upwork Proposal Generator | BidBuilder) (Being Assistant).

Example: Instead of a standard opening like “I am a web developer with 5 years of experience,” tailor your proposal: “Your need for a bilingual website that caters to both your English and Spanish-speaking customers caught my eye. Having developed similar multilingual sites, I am excited to bring this expertise to your project.”

Don’t Ignore the Job Requirements

Make sure to read the job posting carefully. Understand the specifications and answer any questions the client has included in the job description. This shows that you’re attentive and genuinely interested in the project (Being Assistant).

Example: If the job posting asks for experience with Shopify, specifically mention your relevant experience: “I noticed your project requires Shopify expertise. In my previous project, I integrated advanced Shopify APIs to enhance the user shopping experience, increasing customer satisfaction by 20%.”

Keep Proposals Concise and Structured

Avoid overwhelming clients with long blocks of text. Use bullet points, headings, and short paragraphs to make your proposal easy to read and to the point. Remember, clarity and brevity are key (John Morris) (Being Assistant).

Example: Use bullet points to outline your skills and how they apply to the job:

• Shopify Integration: Implemented advanced APIs for seamless payment transactions.
• Performance Optimization: Enhanced site speed by 30%, improving user engagement.

Be Mindful of Timing

Responding to older job posts can be a waste of time and connects. Focus on fresh job listings where your proposal is more likely to be seen and considered (Make Money Online | Work Pajama) (Being Assistant).

Example: Only apply to jobs posted within the last 24 hours and mention your promptness in your proposal: “I understand the importance of timely project execution and am ready to start working on your project immediately, ensuring it is completed within your required timeline.”

Don’t Overpromise

Be realistic about what you can deliver. Overpromising can lead to client disappointment and negative feedback, which can harm your reputation on the platform (Make Money Online | Work Pajama).

Example: Clearly state what you can deliver based on your skills and past experience: “Based on your requirement for a mobile-responsive design, I can redesign your website to improve usability on mobile devices, as demonstrated in my last project for a similar industry client.”

Personalize Your Introduction

Use the client’s name if possible and avoid starting with a generic greeting. Personal touches can set you apart from other freelancers (The Ways To Wealth).

Example: If the client’s name is mentioned, use it: “Hello [Client’s Name], I was drawn to your project because it aligns perfectly with my expertise and my passion for sustainable building designs.”

Check Client Reviews and Expectations

Before applying, look at the client’s history on Upwork. If they have a pattern of leaving negative feedback, they might be difficult to satisfy (The Ways To Wealth).

Example: Before applying, if you notice mixed reviews, tailor your proposal to reassure quality: “I understand from your reviews that clear communication and timely updates are important to you. I prioritize regular updates and transparency to ensure client satisfaction.”

Proper Pricing

Setting your fee too high or too low can be detrimental. Charge competitively based on the scope of the project and what the client seems willing to pay. Be wary of underpricing as it might undervalue your skills (Upwork Proposal Generator | BidBuilder) (Being Assistant).

Example: After evaluating the project details, set a fair price: “Considering the complexity and the skills required for your project, my bid is competitively priced to ensure quality delivery without compromising on the work needed to achieve the best results.”

Proofread

Errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation can undermine your professionalism. Use tools like Grammarly to check your work before submission (John Morris).

Example: Always check your proposal for errors before submission, possibly using digital tools to ensure correctness: “After writing my proposal, I use Grammarly to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes, maintaining a professional quality in all communications.”

Avoid Copy-Pasting

Each proposal should be unique. While templates can save time, make sure to customize them significantly for each job to show that you’ve given the project thoughtful consideration (Upwork Proposal Generator | BidBuilder).

Example: Customize your proposal even if you start with a template: “For each project, I adapt my standard proposal template to highlight specific skills and past project examples that directly relate to the job at hand, ensuring it addresses the unique aspects of each project brief.”

Conclusion

By steering clear of these common mistakes, your proposals will stand out as well-thought-out, professional, and tailored, significantly improving your chances of success on Upwork.

Juan Remote Work is a platform that helps freelancers get their first-ever clients. To read more from us, we highly recommend that you explore our blog, where we’ve tackled topics like ‘What are the Best Interview Questions for SEOs?’, ‘Is SQL Worth Learning as an SEO?’, and much more.

So, to conclude—whether you need a tip or two on how to optimize your Upwork proposal, learning how to do it properly in the first place saves you time, money, and effort when reaching out to potential clients.

Help solve their problems by highlighting what you can offer, and if you have any questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to drop them below.

And as always, we’re looking forward to seeing you in our next topic. Take care!

FAQs

How should I showcase previous work in my Upwork proposal?

Pick samples that match the job you’re aiming for. Give a little background on each piece to show how it fits with what the client needs. If you can, highlight one or two projects that really show off your relevant skills, and talk about the specific techniques you used.

How can I pick up on a client’s needs that aren’t directly mentioned in the job post?

Try to read beyond the job description. Consider what’s said about the project and the language used. If you can, take a look at the client’s business and past projects to understand their style and challenges. This way, you can tailor your proposal to touch on things they might not have spelled out but really care about.

Should I mention timelines in my proposal?

Definitely! Outlining how long you expect the project to take shows you’ve thought about the details and are serious about sticking to deadlines. It helps set expectations right from the start, which clients really appreciate.

What’s the best way to discuss pricing in a proposal?

Don’t lead with your price, but don’t shy away from it either. After you’ve laid out your understanding of the project and your value, give a clear price estimate and explain why it’s justified. Let them know you’re open to discussing it further, which shows you’re flexible and collaborative.

How can I wrap up my Upwork proposal effectively?

End on a high note with a friendly invitation to chat more. You could suggest a quick call to go over the project details or encourage them to reach out with any questions. Show you’re excited about the possibility of working together.

How often should I follow up if I don’t hear back after submitting a proposal?

It’s okay to send a follow-up message if you’ve heard nothing back after a week. Keep it light and professional, just to express your continued interest and see if there’s anything else they need from you. Avoid following up too many times, though, as you don’t want to seem pushy.

Are there any red flags I should watch out for in job posts?

Yes, watch out for posts that aren’t clear about what they need, offer much lower pay than the workload would warrant, or come from clients with a history of negative reviews. These signs can point to potential issues down the road.