5 Cover Letters That Helped Me Succeed | $800K on Upwork

Summary

In this video, the creator shares the five essential cover letter strategies that helped them achieve over $1 million in earnings as a freelancer on Upwork. Key tips include asking unique, strategic questions, showcasing relevant work, providing a portfolio link, and being clear about project steps. The speaker also shares a personal success story about using an unconventional cover letter approach with just a simple 'hello' and work examples. Viewers are encouraged to experiment with their proposals and share their own unconventional success stories, highlighting the importance of adaptability and creativity in freelancing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your Upwork proposal by asking unique and strategic questions that show you've done your homework.
• 😀 Include previous work examples relevant to the job to demonstrate how you've helped similar clients.
• 😀 Share a link to your portfolio to showcase your best work and give clients a chance to explore your skills.
• 😀 Ask specific questions in your proposal to outline the steps and process, giving clients a clear picture of what to expect.
• 😀 Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches in your proposals, as different clients respond to different styles.
• 😀 Use an unconventional cover letter strategy, such as a simple 'Hello, comma' with a portfolio link, for surprising results.
• 😀 Keep your proposals brief, but impactful – highlight your strengths without overwhelming the client with unnecessary details.
• 😀 Diversify your proposal techniques to increase your chances of landing gigs on Upwork, as each client is different.
• 😀 Engage with the Upwork community by sharing your own successful or unconventional cover letter experiences.
• 😀 Remember that simplicity can sometimes be the key to success, especially with minimalist proposal formats that focus on essentials.
• 😀 The foundation of freelancing success on Upwork is crafting proposals that are both thoughtful and tailored to the client’s needs.

Q & A

What are the five essential keys to crafting a successful Upwork proposal?

The five essential keys to crafting a successful Upwork proposal are: 1) Asking unique questions related to the job, 2) Sending previous work for the client’s ex-company, 3) Providing a portfolio link, 4) Asking specific questions in the proposal for well-defined jobs, and 5) Experimenting with unconventional cover letters.

Why is asking unique questions important in a proposal?

Asking unique questions shows the client that you've done your homework, and it can increase your chances of getting a response. The better your questions, the higher your chances of engaging the client.

How can sending previous work benefit your Upwork proposal?

Sending previous work allows you to demonstrate your expertise by showcasing how you've helped similar clients. By attaching a relevant example and keeping it concise, you make a strong case for your skills.

What is the purpose of including a portfolio link in a proposal?

Including a portfolio link allows clients to quickly view your best work examples. It's a great way to showcase your capabilities without overwhelming the client with excessive details.

How should you approach asking specific questions in a proposal?

When asking specific questions, outline the steps or information you need to get started. This approach provides a clear picture of what the client can expect from working with you, helping to establish trust and clarity.

What is the unconventional cover letter mentioned in the video, and why did it work?

The unconventional cover letter mentioned is extremely simple: it consists of just your work examples and the greeting 'Hello.' Despite its simplicity, it worked because it stood out and was unexpectedly effective in a moment of desperation.

What key takeaway does the speaker emphasize regarding proposals on Upwork?

The key takeaway is that diversity in your proposal game is crucial. Different clients respond to different approaches, so experimenting with various strategies can help you find what works best for you.

How does the speaker describe their journey from struggling freelancer to a top-rated plus superstar?

The speaker mentions ranking over $1 million in earnings by selling their skills in web design and video creation. They attribute much of their success to the specific types of cover letters and proposal strategies they share in the video.

How does the speaker suggest interacting with clients in your proposals?

The speaker suggests being strategic in your proposals by sending relevant examples of your work, asking insightful questions, and encouraging clients to jump on a call to discuss details.

What is the significance of the speaker's story about landing 36 jobs in three months?

The speaker highlights the success of landing 36 jobs in just three months using an unconventional proposal strategy. This emphasizes the power of experimentation and being open to unorthodox approaches that could yield great results.