I sent 3,255 Upwork Proposals (Here's how to get clients)

Summary

In this video, a seasoned freelancer shares insights from submitting over 3,000 Upwork proposals, revealing what truly works to stand out and land high-paying clients. The speaker emphasizes the psychology behind proposals, highlighting that the goal is to get a reply rather than an immediate hire. Five actionable tips are shared: craft proposals to start conversations, ask easy-to-answer questions, focus on the client’s needs, structure proposals for readability, and build genuine human connections. By applying these strategies, freelancers can significantly improve their success rate, avoid wasted effort, and attract clients willing to pay premium rates.

Takeaways

• 😀 The goal of your Upwork proposal isn't to get hired immediately, but to get noticed and start a conversation.
• 😀 Asking simple, low-effort questions in your proposal can increase your reply rate by over 50%.
• 😀 Shift the focus of your proposal from your skills to the client’s needs and business challenges.
• 😀 Make your proposal easy to read by breaking it into short paragraphs, bullet points, and lists.
• 😀 Keep your proposal concise — around 200-250 words is ideal for a quick and scannable read.
• 😀 Avoid making your proposal feel transactional; instead, focus on building a genuine relationship with the client.
• 😀 Don't overwhelm the client with huge, complex questions; stick to simple questions that they can easily answer.
• 😀 Your proposal should serve as a way to spark engagement and encourage the client to reply, not to close the deal right away.
• 😀 A proposal with a question makes clients feel more inclined to respond, which can increase engagement.
• 😀 Clients want to see that you understand their business and are offering actionable solutions, not just talking about yourself.
• 😀 Use a client account to explore the competition and understand what others are offering, which will help you differentiate yourself.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of your proposal on Upwork?

The primary goal of your proposal is not to get hired right away, but to get the client to open it and read more. You want to start a conversation and encourage a reply, not just a hire.

Why is asking a question in your proposal so effective?

Asking a simple, low-effort question increases your chances of getting a reply by over 50%. Questions create a natural prompt for the client to respond, which is essential for starting a conversation.

How should you approach the client in your proposal?

You should focus on the client’s needs, not your own experience. Start by showing you understand their business and offer actionable solutions, rather than just listing your qualifications or skills.

What is the key to making your proposal easy to read and digest?

The key is structure. Break up large chunks of text, use bullet points or numbered lists, and keep your writing concise (200-250 words). This makes it easier for the client to skim and get the essential points quickly.

Why should you avoid making your proposal feel transactional?

You want to build rapport and trust first. Focusing on the timeline or budget too early can make it feel like a business transaction. Instead, show genuine interest in their business and find their pain points to establish a connection.

How can you stand out from other freelancers on Upwork?

To stand out, avoid generic AI-generated proposals. Show your unique approach by demonstrating you've researched the client’s business and offering tailored solutions, rather than sending the same proposal to everyone.

What kind of questions should you ask in your proposal?

Ask simple questions that require low-effort responses, such as yes/no questions or short answers. Avoid deep, complex questions that would require a long, detailed response, as these can overwhelm the client.

How can structure affect your proposal’s success?

Structure is crucial because clients are often reviewing multiple proposals. A well-structured, easy-to-skim proposal increases the likelihood of your proposal being read in full, especially if it’s concise and to the point.

How should you balance talking about the client’s needs versus your own experience?

You should prioritize the client’s needs. Start by discussing their challenges and how you can help solve them. Your experience should come second, only as proof that you can deliver the solutions you're suggesting.

What is the importance of building trust before discussing the budget or timeline?

Building trust first is crucial because clients are more likely to work with someone they feel understands their business and can deliver results. Once trust is established, discussions about budget and timeline can happen more naturally.