Success in the freelancing field comes with creating the perfect freelance proposal to win the best jobs. The flexibility in work has lured a large number of professionals in various niches to make the switch from the mundane nine-to-five to freelancing. Undeniably the market has become more competitive and you, therefore, need to be more sharp and witty to catch the big ones!
A freelance proposal, categorically speaking, is a summary that presents why you are entitled to a particular job. Besides addressing a warm greeting to the buyers, a bid proposal should also specify your qualifications, past work experiences and vested interest in the job. Nevertheless, a proposal also specifies the bidding amount and the timeframe needed to accomplish the project successfully.
As a freelancer, it is important for you to know how to write a good freelance proposal to win clients. If you are a busy writer juggling numerous gigs simultaneously, here we have compiled a 7-step guide to help you create the winning freelance proposal, without much ado.
1. Study the “Job Description” well
The foremost thing to writing a freelance proposal is to find a job that excites you. Find a job that suits your criterion and also verify other client parameters like payment info and location. Never settle with low-paying clients and keep on digging till you find a job that pays you well.
After you have made the choice, take time out to read and understand the description of the job. Figure out the requirement for the job and state in your proposal how you can be helpful in achieving those goals. Sometimes clients mention extra requirement somewhere tucked into the description to test if the proposers have read the entire thing. Reading through the end is always better to avoid getting trapped.
2. Present a Warm Friendly Greeting
Begin your proposal on a friendly note. Everyone likes to be heard about themselves first before knowing the other one. Talk about their business and appreciate their endeavours. The first few sentences should be focussed on the prospective client and should foster a professional relationship. Making a strong and friendly entrance manifests your dedication towards the project.
3. Discuss the Job Ardently
By now, you have made a strong entrance and you need to delve deeper into job details. Present a clear understanding of the client’s needs. Describe how you will help them to meet the desired goals. Imagine yourself in their shoes and rationalize what they are expecting of you. Simply elaborating on your efficiencies will not put them at ease, instead get down to nitty-gritty details and explain in a step-by-step guide on how you are going to accomplish their task.
Mention the timeframe and relevant dates (if possible) needed by you to complete the job. Include specific deliverables in your proposal and when you should need them. Quote your price for the aforesaid job and the mode of payment that works well with you.
4. Talk About Your Professional Work Portfolio
Talk about yourself with equal enthusiasm. Discuss in detail your job experiences and work profile. It is a good idea to attach relevant samples of your work to let the client judge how you worked on similar projects. Make sure to enlist any similar project you worked on previously and how it benefitted the client. Take pride in highlighting your unique qualifications. It doesn’t harm to few client reviews for your best freelancing jobs. Explain them – Why should they choose you? After reading this the client should be pretty sure about you and the awesome work you could get it done for them.
5. Elaborate on Your Services
So there are plenty of freelance writers willing to do this same job. What sets you apart from the rest? Remember that your job is not just about completing the work, but doing it in the best possible way. Do not shy away from sharing your previous works and reviews. Talk about how good you are at delivered unique content, fast response times and free editing until the client is 100% satisfied. However, focussing on irrelevant strengths can land your proposal into the rejection pile.
6. Ask Questions
After discussing the job and portfolio, it is equally important to ask the right questions. Most of the project descriptions by clients are vague and confusing. Hence by asking questions, you can directly associate your services with the desired goals of your client. One of the most generic questions asked by freelancers for content writing jobs is:
What is desired to be accomplished with the job?
What are the primary topic and word count?
What should be the desired tone of writing?
The answers to these questions will give you a fair idea of the prospective client and the kind of work they are looking for. It is extremely important to get absolute clarity for the job you are applying for.
7. Close With a Winning Statement
End your freelance proposal with a statement or phrase that is just apt to invoke a positive response from the client. Ideally, your closing statements should push the client to ask more questions and these further discussions will optimize your chances of getting hired.
A perfect freelance proposal should be captivating enough to beat fierce competitors, enable the client to respond positively in just 20 seconds of reading and increase your freelancing income. This freelance proposal guide definitely does that for you. Use it as a roadmap to climb the ladder of success. Cheers!
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