Upwork Newbie? Score Your First Client with Winning Proposals (It’s Easy!)
Fix these 5 mistakes and land clients on Upwork before you know it
Let’s face it, Upwork can feel like a goldmine of potential clients.
But the moment you click “Submit Proposal,”
a wave of anxiety washes over you.
Is my profile strong enough?
What if I sound too inexperienced?
Will my proposal get buried under a mountain of others?
We’ve all been there.
After submitting hundreds of proposals (731 to be exact),
I think I have figured out the biggest mistakes almost all newbie writers make and here’s how to craft proposals that turn heads (without needing years of experience):
1. Skip the Copy-Paste Trap!
You must have come across “goo-roos” promising you winning templates to get projects but once you try them out,
the only thing you get is “disappointment”
Templates might be helpful (for some), but that’s not what client’s are looking for.
So, instead of filling in a template,
Read the job description carefully!
Take notes:
- What does the client need?
- How can your skill set help them solve their problem.
Write a proposal that makes the client feel seen and heard.
2. Show You’re Awesome (Without Bragging)
Confidence is great, but overconfidence can be a killer.
Don’t just list your skills. Elaborate how you acquired those skills and how you can help the client with those skills.
Briefly tell a story about a past project where you used your skills to achieve a great result (metrics, wins) for a client.
Show, don’t just tell!
3. Figure Out Your Rates
Rates can be tricky!
Look at average rates for your skills,
but remember you’re new.
Be fair to yourself, but consider offering a slightly lower rate to start.
Want to be flexible?
Mention you’re open to discussing rates if the project is a good fit.
4. Don’t Sit there Waiting for the Reply
Most freelance writers make this mistake of sending one proposal and then sit on it waiting for the response (which may or may not come). Keep sending proposals. The more proposals you send the more the chances of getting hired.
5. Be a Person, Not a Robot
Start your proposal with a hello and use the client’s name!
“Hi [Client Name]” sounds much better than “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Hint: Look for the client’s name in the review section.
Remember: Landing your first client is about trust and showing your value. Write proposals that avoid these mistakes and focus on clear communication. This will make your proposals stand out and impress clients.
We’ll share more Upwork tips soon!
Now go conquer Upwork and land that freelance dream job!
