Proposal Writing Strategies

I've rejected 1000+ proposals on Upwork as a client. Here's why most freelancers never hear back: The anatomy of proposals that get instantly deleted: 1. Copy-Paste Syndrome: - They blast the same generic template to 50 jobs - No personalization or research about my business - Usually starts with "Dear Sir/Madam" 2. The Resume Dumpers: - Send their entire life story - List every skill they've ever learned - Zero focus on my specific problem 3. The Price Warriors: - Lead with "I'll do it for less" - Try to undercut everyone else - No mention of value or results 4. The Vague Generalists: - "I can do anything you need" - No specific expertise or focus - Can't articulate their unique strength 5. The Red Flag Raisers: - Poor grammar and typos - Overpromise impossible timelines - No portfolio or proof of work What actually makes me respond: • Show you read my job post (mention specific details) • Share relevant case studies (not your whole portfolio) • Ask intelligent questions about the project • Demonstrate expertise in your niche • Keep it concise (I'm busy) The harsh truth: I delete 95% of proposals in under 10 seconds. Not because I'm mean. But because freelancers make it easy to say no. Want to stand out? Do the opposite of everything above.

I have scaled my agency SackBerry to $ 10K / month. And, I still don’t outsource my proposals. Not because I don’t trust my team. But because the proposal is where trust begins. It’s the first time a potential client sees: – How we structure ideas – How we think – How we listen – And how capable are we This is where people decide whether or not to trust you with their business. And that decision is rarely about pricing. It’s about precision, tone, and how easy you make the yes. Here’s what I always include in my proposals: 📍 A short insight into the client's current positioning or content gaps 📍 A clear breakdown of scope (no vague terms like “strategy support”) 📍 Tiered pricing—so they can choose based on priorities, not confusion 📍 Timeline with realistic buffers (because I respect everyone’s calendars) 📍 FAQs or “what this doesn’t include” section (to avoid assumptions) 📍 Top 3 of our relevant client case studies Every detail matters. So no, I’m not ready to outsource mine yet. Because every proposal is not a pitch. It’s a signal. If you're in the service business, what's one small thing you've added to your proposal that changed the game? #SakshiDarpan #ContentBusiness #ProposalTips #ClientExperience #FreelanceToFounder #CreativeSystems #BrandStrategy #TrustBuilding

The Proposal Formula That Gets Me Interviews on Upwork Most freelancers on Upwork are doing it wrong. They write long, boring cover letters. They copy and paste the same intro over and over. They beg for work. And then they wonder why they get ignored. Here’s the truth: clients don’t care about your life story, they care about whether you can solve their problem, fast. This is the formula I use to get interviews consistently: 1. Hook immediately. First sentence = impact. “I just helped a business like yours get [specific result] — let’s do the same for you.” If you don’t grab their attention in the first line, you’ve already lost. 2. Mirror their problem. Show them you understand exactly what they’re dealing with. Rewrite their job post in your own words — better than they did. That builds trust instantly. 3. Drop proof. No vague promises. Show them past results, short case studies, or metrics. If you’re new, showcase personal projects or explain how you’d solve it clearly and confidently. 4. End with a simple CTA. Something like: “Want a quick breakdown of how I’d approach this? Happy to send it over.” Make it easy for them to say yes. 5. No fluff. No resume. No desperate energy. Keep it short, clear, and confident. Let them feel you’re already in demand — because you are. Most freelancers try to look impressive. I try to be useful. That’s the difference. Write like you’re the solution. Write like someone who respects their own time. That’s when clients start to respond. #Upwork #FreelanceTips #UpworkSuccess #Freelancing #RemoteWork #FreelancerLife #ClientAcquisition #ProposalWriting #GetClients #WorkFromAnywhere

WHAT DO I WISH I KNEW AT THE BEGINNING OF MY ACADEMIC CAREER REGARDING RESEARCH FUNDING? Securing funding as an early-stage researcher can feel like navigating a maze. But fear not! I'm here to share 5 key steps to help you land the support you need to take your research to the next level: 1. Know your landscape Research funders: Identify agencies, foundations, and internal grants aligned with your field and research focus. Check eligibility criteria carefully! Collaborators: Analyse successful proposals and network with peers. If you don't have access to examples, ask your research office for some. Consider potential collaborations to strengthen your application. 2. Craft a compelling story Problem & solution: Clearly articulate the research problem, its significance, and your proposed solution's impact. Show the potential to fill a gap or advance knowledge. Consider why it hasn't been done before! Methodology & feasibility: Demonstrate a robust research plan with achievable methods and timelines. Don't propose to do something 'fancy' or 'trendy' - propose what would get the work done. Explicitly state tasks, milestones and deliverables. Highlight your expertise and access to resources. 3. Budget with precision Justify every expense: Link budget items to specific research activities and expected outcomes. Be realistic and transparent. Work closely with your finance team to develop a coherent budget and justification for resources. 4. Practice makes perfect Seek feedback: Share your proposal with mentors, colleagues, or grant writing workshops for constructive criticism. Simulate funder Q&A sessions to gain confidence and refine your responses. 5. Learn from rejections Rejection is redirection: Learn from feedback and tailor your future proposals for a better fit. Don't give up! Securing funding takes time and effort, but you can unlock the resources to fuel your research journey with a strategic approach and unwavering dedication. #research #phd #university #academic #professor

In my 11+ years at Qwilr, I’ve seen THOUSANDS of proposals — and two mistakes show up more than any others… Focusing on yourself, not your client. It can be tempting to kick off your proposal with your company history, a full list of awards you’ve received, and every product feature you’ve ever built. The problem? Your prospect doesn’t care about you. They care about THEIR challenges and goals. If your proposal starts with “we,” you’re already losing their attention. The solution? Flip the script. Lead with their pain points and desired outcomes. Show them you understand their world better than anyone else Position your solution in the context of their win, not your product’s specs (e.g. showing logos and including is fine, and can be really helpful, as long as they’re relevant to your prospect) Sending and forgetting You can’t just send a proposal, and then sit and wait for something good to happen. And following up with a generic “just checking in” email isn’t much better. These days, you need to send relevant, thoughtful messages that help move the conversation forward. Which is where proposal analytics come into play. You can see exactly when your prospect opens your proposal, who from their team is taking a look, how long they spend on each section, and what each individual clicked on. That insight lets you tailor your follow-up to THEIR interests. For example, if they linger on pricing, you can address value and ROI. Or if they skim the intro but deep-dive into a case study, you can share more success stories. No more guessing. No more “just following up.” With the right analytics, every follow-up can move you one step closer to a “yes.”

Here's the easiest way to get your proposals viewed on Upwork. Most freelancers don’t have a job problem — they have a proposal problem. They write long, generic messages. They copy-paste the same cover letter for every job. They still start their cover letters with: “I am excited to apply for the position of…” 😩 They forget this simple truth: You're talking to a human. Your proposal is your first impression. If it doesn't speak to the client’s exact pain point, it gets ignored especially on Upwork where the client only sees the first few lines of your cover letter as a preview but will have to click on "See More" to read the rest of your proposal. Now you have to make those first few lines captivating enough to make the client want to see more. How? 🔹 Start with a hook. Speak directly to their struggle — restate their exact problem. “You’re juggling too many priorities, missed deadlines, and a backlog of to-dos. It’s distracting you from growing your business. I can help you clear your plate.” 🔹 Show you read the job post. Mention something specific. Build instant trust. “You mentioned needing someone great with Trello and Zoom scheduling — I use both daily.” 🔹 Sell results, not skills. What outcomes have you delivered before? “In my last role, I saved the CEO 10+ hours weekly by restructuring their workflow.” 🔹 End with a CTA + a question. Make it easy to say yes. “Happy to hop on a quick chat if you’d like to explore further. What time are you available today?” 🔹 Insert clickable links to your work samples in the body of your proposal. Many clients won't download attachments, but they will click a link. Give them a fast route to see your value. 🔹 Use a P.S. — yes, seriously. Most people read P.S. sections first. Use it to reinforce your message. Show you’ve done extra research. “P.S. I visited your site @yourwebsite.com and noticed you’re planning an outreach campaign in November. I’d love to help make it a success. Reply with a few details, and I’ll bring a draft plan to our call.” Here's the final gem: Don’t just rush to be the first to apply. Be the one with the most compelling proposal. If your hook is strong and your message is clear, you’ll get noticed — even if you’re the 20th person to apply. 🔁 Found this helpful? Repost to help a brother or sister trying to crack Upwork. Which of these tips are you already using? Let me know in the comments. #Upwork #Freelancing #ProposalWriting #RemoteWork #VirtualAssistant

I've reviewed hundreds of freelancer proposals and discovered why most get ignored... And it's not what most "experts" claim. It's not your experience. It's not your portfolio. It's not even your rates. The brutal truth? Your proposals sound exactly like everyone else's because you don't understand copywriting principles. Let me show you what I mean: PROPOSAL #1 (What Everyone Sends): "I'm a skilled web developer with 5 years of experience. I've worked with many clients and can deliver your project on time and within budget. I'm proficient in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress. Please check my portfolio to see my previous work." PROPOSAL #2 (What Gets Responses): "I noticed your current site takes 7.2 seconds to load on mobile – which means you're losing about 32% of visitors before they even see your products. I've helped 3 other e-commerce stores cut their load times by 65%, resulting in conversion increases of 27-41%. Would you be open to me sharing a quick plan for how we could do the same for you?" See the difference? ✅ One is about the freelancer. The other is about the CLIENT'S PROBLEM. ✅ One lists generic qualifications. The other demonstrates specific understanding. ✅ One blends in with 50 other proposals. The other stands out immediately. This is copywriting in action – the art of using words to drive action. The unfortunate reality is that most Pakistani freelancers are learning technical skills but completely overlooking the ONE skill that gets clients to actually hire you – persuasive communication.  Here's how to apply copywriting principles to your proposals: 👉 Lead with their problem or a solution, not your skills 👉 Use specific numbers, not vague claims 👉 Create a mini "before and after" story 👉 Always add a unique 'hook' to your proposals 👉 Never forget to add an easy call to action Learning copywriting principles could be the difference between sending proposals that get ignored and ones that have clients fighting to work with you.

How to close a deal in PV industry: 1. Understand the Client's Needs Assess Energy Needs: Determine the client's current energy usage and future needs. Identify Pain Points: Understand the challenges they face with their current energy solutions. Set Clear Objectives: Define what the client wants to achieve with a PV system (e.g., cost savings, energy independence, sustainability). 2. Educate the Client Explain the Benefits: Highlight the advantages of PV systems, such as cost savings, environmental impact, and energy security. Discuss Technology: Provide information on the types of PV technologies available and their respective advantages. 3. Provide a Detailed Proposal Customized Solutions: Offer tailored solutions based on the client's needs and site conditions. Financial Analysis: Present a clear ROI analysis, including cost breakdown, payback period, and potential savings. Incentives and Rebates: Inform about available government incentives, rebates, and tax credits. 4. Address Concerns and Objections Technical Queries: Be prepared to answer technical questions about system performance, maintenance, and warranties. Financial Concerns: Offer financing options and explain the long-term financial benefits. Regulatory and Permitting Issues: Provide assurance on handling local regulations and permitting processes. 5. Offer Financing Options Leasing vs. Buying: Explain the pros and cons of leasing versus purchasing a PV system. Loan Programs: Introduce loan programs that can help the client finance the installation. 6. Conduct a Site Assessment Evaluate Feasibility: Perform a thorough site assessment to evaluate the feasibility of installing a PV system. Design Optimization: Propose a design that maximizes energy production and fits the site’s constraints. 7. Build Trust and Credibility Showcase Experience: Highlight previous successful installations and customer testimonials. Certifications and Credentials: Present relevant certifications and industry affiliations. 8. Close the Deal Review the Proposal: Go through the proposal in detail with the client, ensuring all questions are answered. Sign the Contract: Prepare a clear and concise contract, outlining all terms and conditions. Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up meetings to address any final concerns and confirm installation timelines. 9. Post-Installation Support Monitoring and Maintenance: Offer ongoing monitoring and maintenance services. Customer Service: Ensure that the client has access to customer service for any post-installation issues.

My first ever client was from Upwork (I was clueless when I made an account at Upwork) I didn't know how, when and where to apply. I followed simple steps: 1. Created Upwork profile in July 2023. 2. Started applying to clients for contract drafting. 3. I read the descriptions and created a sample around it. 4. I used to attach those samples along with my portfolio before clients. My third proposal got accepted and the client decided to hire me. (Within a month of making a profile) He was the third person I applied to. I understood the game in three proposals! Here's what I did: ▶ Applied to clients in my interest area only. ▶ Sent tailored samples from my portfolio to the first two clients. ▶ Tweaked samples according to third client's description, securing a project to draft a 'Service Agreement.'  ▶ Requested payment only if the client was satisfied, which they were. ▶ To my surprise, Client returned for a contract review, paying $45 for 30 minutes of work. Hacks for quick client acquisition on Upwork: ⏩ Focus on building a concise portfolio. ⏩ Stick to your niche initially; don't scatter applications. ⏩ Customize samples based on project descriptions. ⏩ Personalize communication instead of relying solely on AI. ⏩ Apply during peak hours.  (For example, for the US, I used to apply during 6 PM-7 PM and 11 PM-12 PM) PS: I am still in contact with my first client with 3 more projects. Focus on building relationships, not just acquiring clients!

I've pitched drone programs to CFOs. Not all get approved, here’s why,  (It wasn't because the tech was better.) Every week, CFOs receive proposals promising "efficiency" and "automation." Most fail because they don't translate cool technology into $ impact and payback periods. If you want your drone program to move from idea → approved budget, you need to speak finance. Here's what moves the needle with finance teams: 1. Direct Cost Savings Why CFOs care: Immediate cash flow impact How to measure: Baseline inspection cost vs. drone cost, annualized Real impact: 30-70% cost reduction in most cases 2. Time-to-Insights Why CFOs care: Faster decisions = lower working capital tied up How to measure: Days from field to actionable report Real impact: Inspection cycles often shrink from 10 days → 1 day 3. Safety Risk Reduction Why CFOs care: Liability, insurance, regulatory exposure costs How to measure: Historic incident frequency × cost per incident avoided Real impact: Often the "hidden ROI" that justifies everything else 4. Asset Uptime Protection Why CFOs care: Revenue preserved through prevented outages How to measure: Defect detection → reduced MTTR → revenue/hour saved Real impact: Early detection significantly reduces outage risk 5. Payback Period Why CFOs care: "When do I get my money back?" How to measure: Capital + OPEX vs. cumulative 3-year savings Real impact: Most programs pay back in 12-24 months One thermal inspection program eliminated scaffolding costs, dropping inspection expenses from $20,000 → $4,000 (80% savings). Same program cut inspection time, enabled earlier repairs, and reduced portfolio-wide outage risk. That's the kind of math that gets CFO attention. Your Action Plan Building your pitch? Do this: Lead with a 1-slide financial summary — $ savings, payback months, key KPIs Prepare a 2-page appendix with all assumptions so finance can verify your math Run a focused pilot targeting ONE KPI (safety or cost) with measurable results in 90 days Pro tip: Present conservative/base/aggressive scenarios. Risk-averse finance teams need to see the downside protection. #Drones #IndustrialIoT #ROI #AssetManagement #CFO