This post covers the Upwork proposal tricks that I’ve used to earn over $780,000 on the platform.

Upwork Proposals will either make or break you as a freelancer and they are typically the #1 reason why freelancers struggle to win jobs on Upwork.

Read Also: Top 5 Upwork Proposal Tips from a $780k Freelancer

Let’s take a look at an Upwork proposal sample that landed me an $87,000+ client and I’ll give you some expert-vetted tips to help you write better cover letters.

1. Capture attention

You need to capture the client’s attention in the first sentence. Just like your profile description, the first 1-2 sentences of your cover letter is what the client sees first.

If the first sentence of your cover letter doesn’t grab their attention, then the rest of your cover letter is useless because they will never see it.

One way that you can stand out is by using the client’s name, which you can easily find if they have reviews from other freelancers.

The key is hooking the client in your first 1-2 sentences.

Hi [insert name of client]!

Thank you so much for providing detailed information about your job. It instantly grabbed my attention and aligns perfectly with my experience as a [insert your job title].

2. Provide a work example

Now you need to jump into the client’s issue or problem. Make sure you give an example of your work that directly relates to the client’s project.

You are not writing a resume. The client isn’t interested in where you went to school or how many years of experience that you have.

The client wants to know how you can solve their problem, make them more money, or free up their time.

Expert-vetted tip: provide a work example from your portfolio that directly relates to their job.

As you can view on my Upwork profile, I’ve completed numerous [insert job title] jobs with 5-star reviews, including overly positive client feedback. Two specific examples that showcase the quality of my work and relate directly to your job post are attached to this proposal for you.

3. Prove your credibility

Now that you have captured the client’s attention and provided specific examples of your work, it’s time to start bragging.

List of your best accomplishments, qualifications, and anything that makes you stand out among the crowd.

But please keep this section short and always remember this: respect the client’s time. Here’s an example from one of my winning Upwork cover letters.

Here’s what you should know about me:

I have been a Senior SQL Server DBA for over 9 years, working on a vast variety of challenging projects for fortune 500 companies and prominent clientele including Cerner, CBRE, and Stanford University.

As an expert-vetted freelancer, I’m in the top 1% of all freelancers on Upwork and I’ve personally been featured on the website home page (see attachment). I also have a YouTube channel (Josh Burns Tech) with over 95,000 subscribers, where I share my knowledge in freelancing and personal finance.

4. List what you can bring to the project

Read over the job description again and tell the client how you can benefit their project. Do not copy and paste these into every proposal. I write them to best fit the job description and you should as well.

Remember, helping the client make more money or freeing up their time is key.

Here’s another example from a recent winning cover letter.

Here’s what I can bring to your project:

  • Top-notch experience in all versions of SQL Server (2000-2019)
  • Extensive experience working with large transactional databases and data warehouses
  • Understanding of data security best practices when working with PII and PHI data
  • 24/7 ultra-reliable communication: you will always be aware of the project status with consistent updates
  • Someone who cares about helping you succeed and brining value to your organization

5. Include a call-to-action

At the end of your proposal, it’s critical to get the client to move forward.

What’s the best way to do this? Request a quick introduction call.

I personally add my call to action at the end of my Upwork proposals by simply asking the client to schedule a quick 10-minute introduction call with me.

I’ve been offered the job almost every single time after doing an introduction call.

Let’s schedule a quick 10-minute introduction call so that we can discuss your project in more detail and ensure that I will be the perfect fit. I have tomorrow open from [insert available times].

If those times don’t work for you, just let me know what works best and I will do my best to alter my schedule around your availability.

Questions for the call:

  • [Insert question]
  • [Insert question]
  • [Insert question]

Upwork proposal sample that made me $87,083 and counting

Yes, you read that correctly. The Upwork proposal sample below has made me over $87,083 with a single client.

Want proof? Here’s the first contract that we closed and the new on-going contract.

Okay, are you ready? I’m giving this to you completely for free. Here’s my $87,000 Upwork proposal sample.

Hi Mark!

Thank you so much for providing detailed information about your job.

It instantly grabbed my attention and aligns perfectly with my experience as a Senior SQL Server DBA. I’ve solved customer-facing SQL Server bottlenecks for fortune 500 companies and prominent clientele including Cerner, CBRE, and Stanford University.

As you can view on my Upwork profile, I’ve completed numerous SQL Server DBA jobs with 5-star reviews, including overly positive feedback. Two specific examples that showcase the quality of my work and relate directly to your post are attached to this proposal for you as well.

Here’s what you should know about me:

I have been a Senior SQL Server DBA for over 9 years, working on a vast variety of challenging projects in numerous industries. As an expert-vetted freelancer, I’m in the top 1% of all freelancers on Upwork and I’ve personally been featured on the website home page (see attachment).

I also have a YouTube channel (Josh Burns Tech) with over 95,000 subscribers, where I share my knowledge in freelancing and personal finance.

Here’s what I can bring to your project:

  • Top-notch experience in all versions of SQL Server (2000 – 2019)
  • Extensive experience working with large transactional databases
  • Understanding of data security best practices when working with PII and PHI data
  • 24/7 ultra-reliable communication: you will always be aware of the project status with consistent updates
  • Someone who cares about helping you succeed and bringing value to your organization

Let’s schedule a quick 10-minute introduction call so that we can discuss your project in more detail and ensure that I will be the perfect fit. I have tomorrow open from 10 AM – 1 PM EDT and after 3 PM EDT.

If those times don’t work, just let me know what works best for you and I will do my best to alter my schedule around your availability.

Questions to cover on the call:

  • What are your biggest pain points for customer complaints?
  • Do you have different environments for production, development, and/or testing?
  • Do you have any current automated database maintenance jobs?

I am looking forward to hearing more about your exciting project and how I can help you! : )

Best Regards,

Joshua Burns
Expert-Vetted Freelancer

What’s your biggest struggle with Upwork proposals? I want to help, so let me know in the comments below!

Need more help on Upwork? Join my Patreon today which includes benefits like:

  • Upwork freelance mentoring/coaching
  • Private freelance discord server
  • Exclusive content not posted on YouTube

Join Today: Josh Burns Tech Patreon

Need more help? Don’t forget to connect with me on social media using the links below for more expert-vetted freelancing tips.