10 Tips for Winning Freelance Proposals in 2024

Want to land more freelance gigs? Here's how to craft proposals that get you hired:

1. Make it personal
2. Show relevant work
3. Explain the project clearly
4. Highlight why you're the best choice
5. Use numbers and facts
6. Plan for potential problems
7. Write for both AI and humans
8. Add images and graphics
9. Offer different price options
10. Follow up effectively

Quick Comparison:

Tip	Key Benefit
Personalization	Shows you understand the client's needs
Relevant portfolio	Proves you can do the job
Clear project explanation	Demonstrates your expertise
Unique value proposition	Sets you apart from competitors
Data-backed claims	Builds credibility
Problem-solving approach	Shows foresight and reliability
AI-friendly content	Increases chances of getting noticed
Visual elements	Makes your proposal stand out
Pricing options	Gives clients flexibility
Smart follow-up	Keeps you top of mind

Use these tips to create proposals that win clients in today's competitive freelance market.

Related video from YouTube

Key Parts of a Good Proposal

In 2024, your freelance proposal can make or break your chances of landing a project. Here's what you need to include:

Organizing Your Proposal

A good proposal guides clients through your offer smoothly. Include these parts:

1. Title Page
2. Table of Contents (for longer proposals)
3. Executive Summary
4. Problem Statement
5. Proposed Solution
6. Pricing
7. Timeline
8. Credentials
9. Call to Action

What Clients Want Now

In 2024, clients (especially in tech and remote work) are looking for:

• Personalization: Use their name and mention project details
• Clear Communication: Keep it simple
• Specific Skills: Show how you'll solve their problems
• Results-Focus: Promise outcomes they want
• Fair Pricing: Based on value, not just low cost

Here's an example of clear pricing:

Item	Price	Qty.	Subtotal
Content creation – FB & IG posts	$10	24	$240
Analytics and reporting	$100	1	$100
Product photography	$200	1	$200
Community management, weekends included	$150	1	$150
Total			$690

A strong proposal isn't just a list of services. It shows you GET what the client needs and can deliver results.

"Personalize your proposal. As much as you can." - Abdelrahman Elyamany

1. Make It Personal

In 2024, generic proposals won't cut it. Clients want to see that you get them.

Learn About the Client

Before writing, dive into the client's world:

• Check their online presence
• Analyze the job posting
• Research their industry

Use this info to tailor your proposal:

• Address them by name
• Mirror their language
• Show you've done your research

Here's a structure for your personalized intro:

Element	Example
Greeting	"Hi [Client Name]",
Project reference	"Your website redesign project caught my eye."
Relevant experience	"I've tackled similar challenges in your industry."
Value proposition	"I can boost your conversions by 25% with smart UX tweaks."

It's not about showing off. It's about proving you get their project.

"Personalize your proposal. As much as you can." - Abdelrahman Elyamany

Elyamany nails it. A personalized approach makes you stand out.

Pro tip: Offer a quick, project-specific idea. For a logo project, you might say: "Have you thought about adding gold accents to your blue branding for a premium feel?"

This shows you're already thinking about their project and adds instant value.

2. Show Relevant Work

In 2024, clients want proof. Your past work? That's your best evidence.

Match Your Work to Their Industry

When applying, pick projects that fit the client's needs:

1. Choose wisely: Pick 3-5 projects that match their industry or project type.

2. Tell the story: For each project, explain:

• The problem you solved
• How you solved it
• The results

3. Use numbers: Include specific stats to show your impact.

Here's how to present a project:

Client	Problem	Solution	Result
ABC Tech Startup	Needed 50% more app downloads	Redesigned app store listing, ran targeted ads	75% increase in 3 months

No client work yet? Create sample projects. A copywriter aiming for nonprofits could write a mock donation email.

"I found a big client on Upwork that kickstarted my career. Saw a project for a carpet cleaning company website. My proposal started: 'Hi there! Fun fact: I used to own a carpet cleaning business.' I got the job."

This story shows how matching your background to the client's needs makes you stand out.

Keep your portfolio current. A missing crucial example can cost you the job.

Bottom line: Your portfolio isn't just a showcase—it's a job-winning tool. Use it to prove you're the perfect fit.

3. Explain the Project Clearly

In 2024, clients want specifics. Your job? Spell it out.

Set Clear Goals

Break down your project:

1. Project overview

Give a quick summary:

"We're building XYZ Boutique's e-commerce site. It'll have product pages, a cart, and checkout. The goal? Boost online sales by 50% within 6 months of launch."

2. Deliverables and timeline

Show what you'll deliver and when:

Deliverable	Description	Timeline
Website design	Homepage + 5 key pages	Week 1-2
Product setup	100 products with details	Week 3-4
Payment integration	Stripe and PayPal	Week 5
Testing and launch	QA and go-live	Week 6

3. Milestones

Key checkpoints:

• Design approval: Week 2 end
• Product catalog done: Week 4 end
• Site ready for testing: Week 5 end
• Launch day: Week 6 end

4. Potential challenges

Address roadblocks:

"Late product data could delay launch. Solution? Weekly check-ins and shared project tool."

A clear plan shows you've thought it through. It builds trust and sets you apart.

Bottom line: A clear proposal prevents misunderstandings. It's your project roadmap.

4. Explain Why You're the Best Choice

With millions of freelancers out there, you need to stand out. Here's how to show clients you're the top pick:

Find Your Strengths

1. Use the Ikigai framework

Map out where your passions, strengths, market needs, and money-making potential intersect. This sweet spot is your unique edge.

2. Analyze your competition

What can you do better? Maybe you're faster, more specialized, or a communication pro.

3. Get specific

Don't just say "I'm a great writer." Instead, try:

"I've boosted blog traffic by 200% for 5 SaaS companies this year."

4. Show, don't tell

Use a table to highlight your wins:

Project	Result	Timeframe
XYZ Corp blog	50% more leads	3 months
ABC Inc. website	$100K extra revenue	6 months
123 Co. email campaign	35% open rate (industry avg: 22%)	1 month

5. Address client pain points

Focus on solving their problems. Instead of "I'm good at SEO", try:

"I'll get your top 5 keywords ranking higher on Google within 90 days."

6. Use social proof

"Jane's website redesign boosted our conversions by 40% in just a month. She's our UX go-to now." - Tom Chen, CEO of TechStart

7. Offer a unique approach

Explain how you work differently. For example:

"My 3-step content system:

1. SEO research
2. AI-assisted drafting
3. Human expert editing

This combo delivers fast, high-quality content that ranks."

Remember: Your proposal isn't about you. It's about how you'll help the client win. Focus on their needs, not your resume.

5. Use Numbers and Facts

Numbers pack a punch in freelance proposals. They show clients exactly what you can do.

Here's how to use data to make your proposal pop:

1. Highlight industry trends

The freelance market is huge. By 2024, the US will have about 76.4 million freelancers. This shows clients that hiring freelancers is smart.

2. Show potential savings

Companies save $11.6 per hour on average by hiring freelancers instead of full-timers. Point this out to budget-conscious clients.

3. Use specific results from past work

Don't just say you're good. Prove it:

Project	Result	Timeframe
TechCorp blog content	200% organic traffic boost	3 months
FitnessPro email campaign	35% open rate (industry avg: 22%)	1 month
EcoShop website redesign	40% more conversions	2 weeks

4. Compare your rates

Average freelancer rate: $21/hour. If yours differs, explain why:

"I charge $30/hour, but I work 40% faster than average. You'll save money in the long run."

5. Use client-specific metrics

Research the client's industry and use relevant stats:

"SaaS companies with 11%+ freelance staff earn $6,400 more annually than those with fewer freelancers."

6. Back up claims with third-party data

"62% of hiring managers prefer freelancers to complete projects faster." - Upwork Freelance Forward 2023 Report

7. Show the ROI

Help clients see the return:

"My SEO services could boost your organic traffic by 50% in 6 months. That's potentially $10,000 extra revenue."

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6. Plan for Problems

Freelancing isn't always smooth sailing. But smart freelancers? They're ready for choppy waters.

Here's how to show clients you've got their back:

Prepare Solutions

1. Spot common issues

What could go wrong? Make a list:

Problem	Solution
Late payments	Milestone payments
Scope creep	Clear project boundaries
Communication gaps	Regular check-ins
Missed deadlines	Buffer time

2. Have a backup plan

Tell clients how you'll handle hiccups:

"If I'm sick, I've got a network of trusted freelancers ready to step in."

3. Address client worries

Think about what keeps your client up at night. Then, tackle it head-on:

"Worried about data security? I use full disk encryption and strict confidentiality protocols."

4. Show off your problem-solving skills

Use real examples:

"Last project? Sudden budget cut. I adjusted the scope, saved the client 20%, and kept quality high."

5. Offer a safety net

Add a guarantee to your proposal:

"Not 100% happy? I'll revise at no extra cost."

6. Ready for growth

Show how you'll handle more work:

"As you grow, I can scale. I've got specialists ready for bigger projects."

7. Keep it upbeat

Frame problem-solving as your superpower:

"Challenges? They're just chances to prove my worth. Let's turn roadblocks into stepping stones."

7. Write for Both AI and Humans

In 2024, your proposal needs to impress AI screening tools and human readers. Here's how:

Pass AI Checks

Use industry-specific keywords throughout your proposal. If you're a web developer, include terms like "responsive design", "UI/UX", and "cross-browser compatibility."

Break your proposal into clear sections with headers. AI loves organization.

Use numbers to catch AI's attention. Instead of "I increased sales", try "I boosted sales by 37% in Q3 2023."

AI flags spelling and grammar errors. Use tools like Grammarly to polish your writing.

Balance AI and Human Touch

While AI can help, don't let it take over. Melissa Psihudakis, a marketing professional, says:

"I always take the generative AI's output and revise it to make sure it sounds like me and includes pertinent details about the job that the client has posted online."

Consider mentioning how you use AI:

"I use AI tools to streamline my workflow, focusing more on strategic thinking and client-specific solutions."

Tailor for Both Audiences

For AI	For Humans
Use clear headers	Tell a story
Include relevant keywords	Show personality
Maintain consistent formatting	Use conversational language

8. Add Images and Graphics

Want your proposal to stand out? Add some visuals. Here's how:

Choose Helpful Visuals

Don't use random stock photos. Pick visuals that explain your ideas and show off your skills:

• Bar graphs for project growth
• Pie charts for service breakdown
• Tables for project details (budget, timeline)

What works:

Good Visuals	Bad Visuals
Clear, high-quality images	Blurry photos
Relevant to your services	Unrelated to your work
Simple charts	Cluttered infographics
Your logo	Other companies' logos
Before-and-after project shots	Generic stock images

Upwork image rules: Under 10 MB, JPEG or PNG, 4:3 aspect ratio.

Pro tip: Add a short video (up to 60 seconds) to show your personality or skills.

Don't overdo it. The Upwork Content Team says:

"Attaching past work samples goes a long way toward building trust and credibility."

A few good visuals can say more than paragraphs. They make your proposal easier to read and remember. Just make sure each image adds value to your story.

9. Offer Different Price Options

Want more clients? Give them choices. Here's how:

Price Smart

Don't stick to one price. Offer options for different budgets and needs. It makes your proposal more appealing and gives clients control.

Consider these pricing structures:

Structure	Description	Best For
Hourly	Per hour of work	Short or undefined projects
Project-Based	Fixed fee	Well-defined scope
Retainer	Set monthly fee	Long-term relationships
Value-Based	Based on project value	High-impact projects

Pro tip: Use price bracketing. Offer three tiers:

1. Basic (1x): Core services

2. Standard (2.5x): Added features

3. Premium (5x): All extras

This helps clients compare and often leads to the middle tier.

Example: A web designer's tiers:

• Bronze: $2,000 - Template site, minor tweaks
• Silver: $5,000 - Custom site, 6 weeks support
• Gold: $20,000 - Fully custom, 1 year coaching

Always break down what's in each package. It shows the value at each price point.

Bonus tip: If a client's budget is tight, adjust the scope, not just the price:

"I can do X, Y, and Z for $5,000. For $2,000 more, I'll add A and B, which will [specific benefit]."

This shows flexibility while highlighting your full service value.

10. Follow Up Well

You've sent your proposal. Now what? Don't just sit there. Following up can make or break your chances of landing that gig.

When and How to Follow Up

Wait about two weeks before reaching out. Here's a smart plan:

1. Pick the right time

Aim for Tuesdays (24.9%), Mondays (22.6%), or Wednesdays (21.3%) between 9 AM and 3 PM.

2. Craft a clear subject line

Make it specific:

"Follow-up on website redesign proposal - [Your Name]"

3. Keep it short

Here's a template:

Hi [Client Name],

Quick follow-up on the proposal I sent on [date] for [project].

Got questions? I'd love to chat.

Free for a call this week?

Best,
[Your Name]

4. Add value

Throw in a tip or resource. Show you're thinking about their project.

5. Set a clear next step

Ask for a meeting or feedback.

Do's	Don'ts
Personalize emails	Use generic templates
Be clear	Sound pushy
Offer insights	Repeat your proposal
Limit to 2 follow-ups	Send daily reminders

Following up shows you're professional and eager. But don't overdo it. Balance persistence with respect.

"Sending follow-up emails should indeed be done by freelancers. Many don't send follow-up emails after an initial email as it may add more work for them. So sending one can get you ahead of competitors." - Adela Belin, Content Marketer and Blogger

Conclusion

Writing killer freelance proposals isn't rocket science. It's about giving clients what they want.

Here's what to focus on:

• Make it personal
• Show relevant work
• Be clear about goals
• Highlight your strengths
• Use data to back up claims
• Plan for potential issues
• Write for AI and humans
• Use visuals
• Offer pricing options
• Follow up

Don't just read this. Use it:

1. Update your template

Add sections for each key point.

2. Practice personalizing

Spend 15 minutes researching each client for your next 5 proposals.

3. Track results

Note which tips get more responses or wins.

The freelance market is huge. In 2023, there were 1.57 billion freelancers worldwide. To stand out, nail your proposals.

Quick proposal checklist:

Item	Yes/No
Personalized intro
Relevant samples
Clear goals
Your strengths
Data-backed claims
Problem-solving ideas
Passes AI checks
Visuals
Price options
Follow-up plan

Fill this out each time. If you're missing more than two, rework your proposal.

Start using these tips now. Your next win is just around the corner.

FAQs

How do I make my Upwork proposal stand out?

Want to catch a client's eye on Upwork? Here's how:

1. Get personal

Use the client's name and show you've actually read their job post. No copy-paste jobs here!

2. Show off (relevant) work

Pick samples that match what the client needs. Don't dump your whole portfolio on them.

3. Prove you get it

Explain how you'll tackle their project. Be specific about your approach and goals.

4. Give a freebie

Offer a quick tip or insight about their project. It's like a tasty sample at the grocery store.

5. Keep it short and sweet

Aim for 3-5 paragraphs, under 500 words. Don't write a novel.

Here's a quick proposal checklist:

Do This	Why It Matters
Use the client's name	Shows you're paying attention
Explain their problem	Proves you understand the job
Outline your solution	Demonstrates your expertise
Include relevant samples	Backs up your claims
Ask for next steps	Encourages action

One more thing: submit fast. Many clients check proposals as they come in. Early bird gets the worm!

And please, ditch the templates. Each proposal should be as unique as the job you're applying for.

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