Although there’s an art to writing Upwork proposals…
It’s also a strategy and numbers game.
There’s NEVER a 100% hit rate for writing proposals and landing jobs.
It’s just… the better you write proposals. And the more you send. The more likely you are to land work.
One of the secrets of my strategy is focusing on using my proposal to open a conversation.
It’s not a place to bedazzle clients with my amazing credentials or whatever.
Although I do a bit of “show, don’t tell” by demonstrating I know what I’m talking about.
And give them value they can take to the bank. Even if they don’t hire me.
These are the kinds of responses I like to see after sending a proposal…
And I’m sure you’ll like seeing ones like these in reply to your proposals too! …
I fished these out of my Upwork history…
Hi Chris, Thanks for your thoughts on this, some very interesting points to take on board. Could you give me a time estimate for the work? Thanks!
Hi Chris, Thanks for applying – appreciate the message. Love the website specific experience you have!
Hi Chris, thanks for the honesty. No one’s put it like you did.
Hello Chris! Thank you for such a thorough response to my job posting. I would like to proceed with an interview for this project!
Hi Chris Thanks for applying. The first task is to edit a ~750 word copy deck for a [redacted]. Would you be happy to do a short paid trial to see if we’re on the same page? If so, let me know when you could start.
The goal of my proposal writing was accomplished… because they replied.
And the moment they reply… is the moment we leap over the Upwork hurdle… so two-way messaging is now possible.
(You only get the one shot with the proposal… then it’s in the client’s court to reply or not.)
This is step one of moving toward opening a contract with the client.
In the case of those proposal replies I included… three out of five became my clients.
We had a great time writing up a storm for their website, brochure, or email copy.
Ready to build your own email list? Go here…
EmailForTheWin.com
Chris Milham