In this fast-paced and increasingly popular world of freelancing, your proposal is your battle cry—a persuasive weapon that separates you from others and lands you the coveted project. But it’s paramount to know that crafting a proposal that shines would require more than just listing your skills. It’s a whole lot more, from understanding your clients’ needs, showcasing your value, reading properly every instruction attached, and leaving a lasting impression. So. buckle up, freelancers! Here is your formula for writing a killer proposal that seals the deal:
- Understand your client’s needs:
Don’t assume from the job title that you know what the client needs; go beyond the description to really understand what he or she needs. What are the client’s specific goals and pain points? What keywords did they use? What tone do they convey? What specific skill(s) are they requiring from you, location, or time zone? Understanding the business and target audience is also crucial before you decide to submit a proposal.
- Tailor your narrative:
Gone are the days of generic copy-paste proposals. Crafting a tailored proposal story that speaks directly to your client’s needs will let them know that you really took your time going through what they require. Show them you understand their needs and have tailored your approach to address them. Highlight past projects relevant to their industry or challenge, showcasing your unique expertise and value proposition.
- Highlight your skills and expertise:
Don’t shy away from flaunting your skills and expertise, but don’t just list these relevant skills alone; rather, demonstrate them. Use specific examples and quantifiable results if possible to prove your ability to deliver exceptional work. You can mention project successes that you have achieved. Numbers do talk!
- Answer other questions specifically asked by the client:
On a platform like Upwork, clients ask other specific questions aside from what they already stated in the job description. Many freelancers make the mistake of not checking if clients have asked any other questions and just submitting their proposals. Don’t ever make that mistake. On Upwork, clients see the answers to the questions they specifically asked first before they see your proposal, which would contain your resume too. And this is how some clients shortlist candidates that could be the best fit.
- Choose and state your price:
If you don’t know the pricing to go with, you can research average rates for similar projects and your experience level. Make sure that the pricing is also within the client’s budget, as he stated in his job description. Be confident in your value. Don’t underprice yourself or overprice yourself either. Make sure you are okay with the hourly rates before submitting your proposals.
- Sweeten the deal with Value adds:
Go the extra mile! Offer special value additions beyond the stated deliverables. It could be anything that would be of help to the client and relevant to his or her industry. Perhaps it’s a free content audit, an SEO consultation, or bonus revisions. Show the client that you are invested in their success and are willing to go above and beyond.
- Be clear, concise, and compelling:
Don’t make your proposal sound like a story about your life. Keep it concise and focused, hitting the key points without unnecessary fluff. Use clear, simple, and concise language, not grammatical jargon, to sound deep. Structure your proposal logically, making it easy for them to scan through and understand your offer.
- Proofread your work: Typos and grammatical errors scream unprofessionalism. Proofread your proposal meticulously before you hit the send button. Use grammar-checking tools like Grammarly or QuillBot; ask a friend for a second pair of eyes; and make sure your proposal is polished and error-free.
- Leave a call to Action:
Do not conclude your proposal with just a thank you, and do not leave a clear call to action. Don’t leave them hanging! You can invite them to schedule a call, ask questions, or confirm their acceptance with a message (DM). Make it easy for them to take the next step in choosing you.
Bonus Tips: Optimize your proposal for SEO by using relevant keywords in titles, headers, and throughout the text.
Conclusion
Jobs don’t stay long in the freelance market, so crafting a unique proposal that would set you apart from the rest would take you a step further than others. Make sure it’s professional, persuasive, and packed with value. Remember that your proposal is an extension of your brand, make it shine explicitly! Cheers to you landing those dream jobs!
Dr Temitope Olukunle Okeseeyin,
Founder, University of Freelancing.
https://universityoffreelancing.org/building-a-portfolio-career-in-2023/
https://universityoffreelancing.org/top-freelance-platforms-to-find-lucrative-remote-jobs/
https://www.upwork.com/resources/how-to-create-a-proposal-that-wins-jobs
https://www.ryrob.com/how-to-write-best-freelance-proposal/
