7 Tips To Write Effective Proposals for Upwork

Are you struggling to win projects on Upwork?

This guide is for freelancers who want to learn the craft of writing winning proposals that stand out in a crowded marketplace such as Upwork.

Whether you’re new to Upwork and trying to land your first gig...

Or you’ve been on the platform for a while but aren’t seeing the results you want...

Writing effective proposals is key to securing high-quality clients and building a successful freelance career.

And here’s the good news — mastering the art of proposal writing isn’t as hard as it might seem.

Upwork is one of the largest freelance platforms in the world, with millions of clients looking to hire talented professionals like you for projects ranging from web development to graphic design to content writing. But with so many freelancers applying for the same project opportunities, it’s crucial to know how to present yourself in a way that captures a client’s attention and convinces them that you’re the perfect fit for their project.

Why should you care about writing better proposals?

Because your proposal is often your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a great impression. A well-crafted proposal doesn’t just showcase your skills — it communicates your understanding of the client’s needs, highlights your relevant experience, and demonstrates why you’re the best person for the job.

The truth is, many freelancers miss out on great opportunities simply because their proposals don’t effectively communicate their value. But by following a few strategic tips, you can transform your proposals into powerful tools that help you win more projects and grow your freelance business.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven essential tips for writing proposals that get results on Upwork. Ready to start winning more jobs? Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Understand the Client’s Needs

One of the most important steps in writing a winning proposal on Upwork is to understand the client’s needs. I know, this might sound obvious, but it’s a step that many freelancers actually skip — and it’s often where they go wrong from the beginning.

Before you even start writing your proposal, take the time to carefully read the job description. Don’t just skim it; really dig into what the client is asking for. Look for key details that tell you exactly what the client needs, what their goals are, and what challenges they might be facing. Are they looking for someone to complete a specific task, or are they seeking a partner who can help them solve a problem or achieve a long-term objective?

Understanding all the nuances of the project can make all the difference. When you know what the client truly needs, you can customize your proposal to speak directly to those needs. This shows the client that you’ve taken the time to understand their project, and it sets you apart from the competition who may be sending out generic proposals.

Tip 2: Personalize Your Proposal

When it comes to writing proposals on Upwork, personalization is key. Put yourself in the client's shoes: they receive numerous proposals for each job posting, and one of the quickest ways to get yours noticed is by demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to craft a proposal specifically for them.

Start by addressing the client by name if it’s provided in the job posting. This small touch immediately creates a more personal connection. If the name isn’t available, you can still make your proposal feel personalized by referencing specific details from the job description. Mentioning aspects of their project or business shows that you’re genuinely interested and that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs.

A good example would be, if the client mentions that they need a logo design for a new eco-friendly product line, don’t just say, “I can design a logo for you.” Instead, you might write something like, “I’m excited about the opportunity to design a logo that reflects the eco-friendly values of your new product line. I recently worked on a similar project where the goal was to capture the essence of sustainability through modern, minimalist design, and I’d love to bring that same level of creativity to your project.”

Tip 3: Highlight Relevant Experience

Nothing speaks louder than experience. But it’s not just about listing your past jobs or skills — it’s about highlighting the experience that is most relevant to the client’s needs. This is where you can really show the client that you’ve done similar work before and that you know how to deliver results.

Start by identifying the key skills and experience the client is looking for. Are they searching for someone with a specific technical skill? Do they need expertise in a particular industry or software? Once you’ve pinpointed exactly what’s most important to the client, just tailor your proposal to highlight your relevant experience in those areas.

For instance, if the client is looking for a social media manager to increase their brand’s engagement, you shouldn’t just say, “I have experience in social media management.” Instead, you could say, “In my previous role as a social media manager for a fashion brand, I increased engagement by 40% over six months by implementing targeted campaigns and utilizing influencer partnerships. I’m confident I can bring that same success to your brand.”

This approach does two things: it directly addresses the client’s needs and it provides concrete examples of your past successes. By focusing on experience that closely aligns with the client’s project, you reassure them that you not only have the skills but also the proven track record to back it up.

Tip 4: Be Clear and Concise

Let's be honest, clients on Upwork are often pressed for time, and are quickly looking through dozens of proposals to find the right freelancer for their project. If your proposal is long and unclear, there’s a good chance it won’t be read all the way through — or worse, it might be skipped over entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to get to the point quickly and communicate your value in as few words as possible.

Start by avoiding unnecessary fluff and focusing on the most important information: who you are, what you can do for the client, and why you’re the best fit for the job. Think of your proposal as an elevator pitch — you have a limited amount of time to make a strong impression, so EVERY word counts.

Tip 5: Offer Value, Not Just Skills

At the end of the day, clients on Upwork aren’t just searching for a list of skills; they’re looking for someone who can solve their problems and deliver real, measurable results. While it’s important to showcase your expertise, it’s even more crucial to demonstrate how your skills translate into value for the client. This means going beyond just telling them what you can do — it’s about showing them how you’ll help them achieve their goals.

What challenges is your client facing? What are they hoping to accomplish with this project? Once you have a clear understanding of their needs, position your skills and experience as the solution. But don’t stop there — consider offering a quick explanation of how you would approach the project. This not only shows your expertise but also gives the client a glimpse of what it would be like to work with you.

Tip 6: End with a Strong Call to Action

Once you've crafted a compelling proposal, don't leave your potential client hanging. Ending your proposal with a strong call to action (CTA) can make a significant difference in whether or not you get a response. A proper CTA guides the client on the next steps and push them to take action — whether that’s starting a conversation, scheduling a meeting, or hiring you for the project.

Your CTA should be clear, confident, and direct. Instead of simply concluding your proposal with a generic closing line like “Looking forward to your response,” take a more proactive approach. Invite the client to discuss the project further, ask questions, or even suggest a time for a follow-up call. For example, you could end with, “I’d love to discuss how I can help bring your project to life. Would you be available for a quick chat later this week to go over the details?”

This type of CTA does a few things: it shows that you’re genuinely interested in the project, it signals your readiness to move forward, and it makes it easy for the client to take the next step. A well-placed CTA can turn a good proposal into a great one by encouraging the client to engage with you directly, making it more likely that they’ll choose you for the job.

Tip 7: Proofread Before Sending

After putting in the effort to write a thoughtful and personalized proposal for your potential next Upwork client, the last thing you want is to have it undermined by some basic errors or mistakes. Proofreading might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in how your proposal is received. Typos, grammatical errors, or unclear sentences can give the impression that you’re careless or unprofessional, which can quickly turn off potential clients.

Before you hit “send,” take the time to carefully proofread your proposal. Just read it over slowly to catch any mistakes that might have slipped through. A good trick is to read your proposal out loud; this can help you catch awkward phrasing or missed words that you might not notice when reading silently. You can also use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway or ChatGPT to spot grammar and clarity issues, ensuring your proposal is polished and easy to understand.

On top of these general checks, just make sure to review the job posting for any specific instructions. Often times, clients include a phrase or keyword, such as "write blabla123 to prove you've read the job description," to ensure that applicants have thoroughly read the details and are paying attention. If you forget to include this phrase in your proposal it can be a huge red flag to your potential client and may result in your proposal being overlooked. So, double-check that you’ve included any required phrases or instructions to demonstrate your attentiveness and adherence to their guidelines.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen in this guide, writing effective proposals for your Upwork career requires a thoughtful approach and attention to detail. However if you are able to understand the client’s needs, personalize your pitch, showcase your relevant experience, and providing clear, actionable value, you can probably make your proposals stand out.

But here’s where it gets even better: you don’t have to do all of that alone. At UpProposal, we’ve created a comprehensive library of winning proposal templates designed to streamline your process. These templates are crafted to help you save time and avoid the hassle of starting from scratch every time you apply for a job.