Let’s get right to the point, if you want to win jobs on Upwork and make life changing freelance money then you need to know how to write Upwork proposals that stand out and grab client attention.

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: How to Get Your FIRST JOB on Upwork in 2021 – The Ultimate Upwork Guide

As one of the most successful and highest earning freelancers on Upwork with over $670,000 earned, I’ve won 123 jobs with my Upwork proposals. If you are struggling to win jobs on Upwork, my top 5 Upwork proposal tips will help take you to the next level.

1. Crush the Introduction
2. Provide Examples of Your Work
3. Describe Your Value
4. Add a Call to Action
5. Eliminate Grammatical Errors

Disclaimer

The post may contain referral links and I earn a small commission if you choose to use them at no additional cost to you. In some cases, I have locked in exclusive deals for you.

Tip #1: Crush the Introduction

Here’s an unknown gem for new freelancers on Upwork. The screenshot below contains exactly what Upwork clients see first on your submitted job proposal.

Be creative and think of ways to stand out with your first 1-3 sentences. It’s your chance to stand out and cause the client to take action by clicking on your proposal.

So what should you do to stand out and create a catchy introduction? Something else that for the most part is unknown by new freelancers, is that you can usually easily find the name of the client. Most proposals will start off with the generic Hi, Hello, or something similar without mentioning the client’s name.

You can stand out over all those Upwork proposals by using the client’s name, making your proposal more personal. Simply look at the client’s jobs, where you will often find reviews from other freelancers.

Tip #2: Provide Examples of Your Work

Get right to the point and give the client an example of work that you’ve completed, which gives them confidence in your ability to successful deliver.

If you don’t have an online portfolio that you can link, then I would recommend adding attachments. For example, if your skillset is in graphic design, then you could add attachments of visual content that you created.

Upwork clients want to know that you can deliver what they need. It’s up to you to give specific examples of your work to prove that you can successful fulfill the client’s needs.

Tip #3: Describe the Value you Offer

The goal is to keep your proposal client-centric by focusing on the value you can provide to the client. So rather than just listing off your years of experience, achievements, education, or other related items, you should focus on telling the client why your experience makes you the best fit for their job and will make their life easier as well.

I’ve been using a new approach to this, which involves creating a short bullet point list including items that tell the client why they should want to work with me and choose me over other freelancers. Below is a real Upwork proposal.

Another way that you can stand out over other freelancers is to create an Upwork introduction video for your Profile. I always mention my introduction video in my Upwork proposals and often link it as well. The main benefits of introduction videos include:

1. Showcases your verbal communication skills
2. Client learns more about you
3. Causes the client to take action and look further into you

If you need help creating an introduction video, then I would highly recommend watching the video below. I created a tutorial on how to create an Upwork introduction video that stands out, which is on Upwork’s YouTube channel.

Watch Here: How To Make Your Upwork Profile Stand Out With an Introduction Video

Tip #4: Add a Call to Action

A call to action is basically a way to encourage the client to take the desired action. The desired action is to obviously get the client to move forward with the hiring process getting them to communicate directly with you.

I personally add my call to action at the end of my Upwork proposal where I ask the client to schedule a quick 10-minute introduction call with me to ensure that I will be the best fit for their project.

Upwork Proposal Call to Action Example

It’s important to not leave the client pondering, contemplating your proposal, and likely moving onto the next Proposal with a high probability of never looking at yours again. The example above lead to a huge ongoing Upwork contract.

$35,812.49 Upwork Contract

The outcome of your jobs on Upwork are far more important than the money that you make. If you have tons of 5 star reviews and overly positive client feedback, then jobs will come to you. Here are the main benefits of introduction calls:

• Identify missing deliverables
• Determine urgency and impact
• Uncover client relationship concerns

The introduction call is so important to set yourself up for success. It’s been instrumental in my client reviews, feedback, and overall success on Upwork.

Tip #5: Eliminate Grammatical Errors

Frequent grammar errors can cause clients to question your written communication skills and even lose confidence in your abilities as well.

But what if English isn’t your primary language and you struggle with proper sentence structure? My recommendation is to install the Grammarly web browser extension.

From grammar and spelling to style and tone, Grammarly helps you eliminate errors and find the perfect words to express yourself.

Although Grammarly is a phenomenal tool, I highly recommend that you proof read your Upwork Proposal several times, ensuring that it’s error free. To take it a step further, ask your significant other, friend, or anyone that has great proofreading skills to review your proposal.

Upwork Proposal Sample

Now let’s piece everything together and take a look at an Upwork proposal sample. Open the video below in a new tab and watch the Upwork Proposal Sample chapter.

Watch Here: TOP 5 Upwork Proposal Tips from a $670k Freelancer (Upwork Tutorial)

Free Cover Letter Template

Never use a cover letter template that you copy and paste into every Upwork proposal. Doing so will lead to tons of wasted connects and poor outcomes.

However, you can use my free cover letter template that breaks everything into sections. This allows you to write the best cover letters that grab client attention and ultimately, WIN JOBS.

Conclusion

Winning jobs on Upwork can be extremely difficult without well-written proposals that are focused on solving client problems.

I’m constantly updating my Upwork proposals and customizing each of them to best fit the job and client. If you submit job proposals like every other freelancer, then you will blend in with every other freelancer.

My goal with my freelance content is for you to become so successful that you don’t need my content anymore because you are so busy making money, working with tons of clients around the world.

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

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