Mar 25, 2023 04:05:09 PM by Ashia B
Hello, everyone. I hope you all are having a great time on Upwork. I'm here to share my knowledge about proposal writing. I have been working on Upwork for over two years and have had my share of good and bad proposals. Listed below are the 5 proposal writing tips that helped me a lot.
1. Keep your proposals short.
You might be tempted to add a lot to your cover letter. However, putting all the information in a tiny space won't get you a job many times. On the contrary, a short and simple proposal is both easy to create and gets the job done most of the time.
2. Include Samples.
If you do not have any work experience create samples for imaginary jobs. Submitting a proposal without any samples attached is similar to planning a shopping trip with no money.
3. Read the Job Description.
Cliche but crucial. Often we miss the main point of the job description and jump over to create a proposal. Focusing on the job description is the first step in landing the job.
4. Be Authentic.
Set real goals and don't over-promise. A proposal that promises a lot seems like a scam more than anything. So be authentic and only promise what you can actually deliver.
5. Set Your Availability.
Let the clients know when they can talk to you. Make it easier for them to connect with you and provide flexible options.
In conclusion, follow the KISS principle, and be flexible and authentic with your proposal. You can achieve your goals with more ease if you know the basics of proposal wriitng.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Mar 26, 2023 10:31:14 AM by Mindia D
Writing winning proposals can be a key factor in getting hired. Here are some tips to help you write an effective proposal:
1. Research the project and client: Before writing your proposal, take the time to research the project and client profile. Try to understand what's important to the client, what problems need to be solved, and how you can help.
2. Write an attention-grabbing headline: Your headline should grab attention and immediately pique the client's interest. Use keywords related to the project and skills you're offering.
3. Briefly describe your skills and experience: In a few sentences, describe your skills and experience that will help the client solve their problem. Don't forget to explain why you're the best candidate for the job.
4. Offer a specific solution: In your proposal, offer a specific solution to the problem the client described. This can be your work plan or a proposal on how you can help solve the problem.
5. Specify your price and timeline: Specify your price and timeline for completing the project. Try to offer a competitive price based on your experience and market standards.
6. Be professional and polite: Remember that you represent your business, so be professional and polite in your communication with the client.
7. Use correct spelling and grammar: Check your proposal for grammar and spelling errors to create a good impression on the client.
By following these tips, you'll be able to write an effective proposal and increase your chances of getting hired.
Apr 12, 2023 02:15:37 PM by Eric O
I have a question. I'm new to upwork but not to the business world or IT. How do you land your first gig? How many companies do you have to submit to? How do you show samples of previous work? It would be nice to see the format of what that looks like.
Apr 13, 2023 02:36:04 PM by Gulchehra S
Hello, Eric!
1. Samples are being placed in your profile, in the portfolio section. I don't remember the format. The app shows, which format is needed.
2. About the first gig: it depends (from 10 up to 80 proposals). If you're not new to your field of expertise and have a built-up portfolio and confidence, you probably will land it faster.
PS. You can drive traffic from LinkedIn or other places😅 and ask them to post the job here on Upwork))).
Apr 2, 2024 08:37:51 AM by Euphemia S
How do you boost traffic from Linkedin when applying for a job n upwork?
Apr 13, 2023 02:39:52 PM by Gulchehra S
And, niche down. If what you do is a rare thing, clients themselves send you offers, and you don't have to bid.
You can open 2 or more profiles (a separate bio) within your account. And, make one of them very niche-specific).
Apr 14, 2023 12:09:44 PM by Edrise T
Thanks for that.........I will NICHE DOWN....i even cleaned up my Projects I am preparing.....I was all over the place with Bitcoin and ESG.....I am trying to also FOCUS on the ESG Start Ups and the Best Cryptocurrency since we have Fed Now.....and the Federal Reserve printed too much US$s so BITCOIN looks really good......
I was all over the place because I worked 3 three jobs and bought a condo and then I bought a my DREAM HOUSE that was 2006. But the main thing about your CAREER is protection. Boundaries keep people from ruining EVERYTHING you learned at university and your skils at work.
BOUNDARIES to protect your LAPTOP, equipment, files and resources. That was a problem for me. I HAD EVERYTHING....and I did not protect my EVERYTHING......
And then MANAGE YOU TOOLS and SKILLS and NICHE DOWN.
Jun 4, 2023 07:01:20 AM by Mehmoona K
Focus on the client immediately:Engage from word 1. Focus on your discussions:Stay on the topic at hand.Focus on the clarity:Keep your language easy to understand.Focus on the value of the solution: Give the buyer reasons to move forward.Focus the client on next steps: Include a call to action.
Jun 20, 2023 06:18:13 PM by Alawiye M
Hello Ashia B, thanks for sharing the secret of writing a proposal...I have been searching on how I can get into your DM but I'm not getting it right... please if you send me a PM I'll appreciate it.. I'm confused about somethings I want to be clear about... Thanks!
Jul 24, 2023 07:08:30 AM by Muhammad S
I agree with your points and I think they are very helpful for anyone who wants to write effective proposals on Upwork.
Aug 13, 2023 06:13:48 AM by Tahira P
While it's tempting to provide an exhaustive cover letter, brevity often works wonders. Delivering your message succinctly can capture a client's attention quickly and leave a lasting impression.
Even if you lack real work experience, don't hesitate to create samples for hypothetical projects. A proposal without attached samples is akin to embarking on a shopping spree without a wallet. Samples add substance to your claims.
Mar 13, 2024 09:32:03 AM by Steven R
Hello Mindia.
I read your post about how to write winning proposals.
That's very useful and helps me to understand a lot.
But there is one thing I want to make sure.
I am a newcomer to upwork.
I could not imagine about the sample to provide on upwork proposal.
Would you show me what it is and what it looks like.
Thank you.
Steven.