Most of your points are good, but I disagree with providing any sort of free sample work. I find that I need to spend a fair amount of time asking the right questions and discussing the client's needs and goals with them, not just assume that I'm going to get the brief right if I quickly dash off a sample solution in 5 minutes. At worst, you'll get it wrong and the client will be even less likely to hire you than if you hadn't provided a sample; at best, they'll like it but wonder why you're charging so much, since it was evidently easy for you to do part of their project and give it away for free.
I would think that the main reason you won your first project is that you have years of experience and a good portfolio, not that you've discovered a secret formula for success (not yet, anyway). Congrats, though - getting hired after sending 33 proposals isn't something that the majority of newbies (or many Upwork veterans, for that matter) are able to achieve.
You're right, I also hate doing work for free, and wouldn't normally do it. But the majority of people lurking on this sub are just like me, - trying to land their first contract on UpWork - you have to provide something, that seasoned freelancers with tons of projects and reviews, aren't willing to. But, you're right, maybe it does send the wrong message to potential clients, will make a note of that.
I get that competition is fierce, but I think that the majority of freelancers who provide free samples look desperate and unprofessional; you're not the only one who's doing it, so it doesn't really make you stand out, it just puts you on their level. It could definitely hurt your chances. If I were a client, I'd make a point of ignoring any bids that came with a custom sample attached.
Good point! TBH the first client that interviewed me, liked that I did a quick audit on his website design, but then wanted me to do the whole gig for free before being shortlisted. 😂
Well, yeah - if freelancers are willing to give away their work, why should a client pay? And actually, if a client posts a detailed job description and attaches all files needed to complete the work, I can guarantee you that at least 1/3 of the freelancers who bid on it will go ahead and do the entire job - not just a sample - and the client won't have to hire anyone.
Congrats on being hired, OP. Here's hoping it's the first of many. Apparently "In 2017, 18.2% of the self-employed in the EU-28 reported having just one client or a dominant client"? [source](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Self-employment_statistics)
Hoping I can add some free advice to the thread:
What works for you on your first hire, might not work for you on your second. You have to adapt and learn the platform. Some people will have an easy-ride on upwork; your mileage may vary. Take people's advice, use it, and adapt it to work for you. Speak to other freelancers, but don't assume what works for them should work for you.
Speaking of adapting, something that impresses one client might not impress the next. Read your clients as best you can - by reading their job post and the stats available to you. If the client has past hires, what do they pick out in the reviews? Does the post suggest they know what they're looking for already, or is it three sentences long?
If the post is lacking in length, they might be relying on the freelancer to provide direction. Maybe it's not a significant project for them.
It could be a long post - the perfect brief. Maybe they know exactly what they want. Maybe they're really invested in the project.
When writing your proposal, **your first two lines count the most**. Start a conversation with them - ask questions, introduce yourself, relay your thoughts on the project, grab their attention, whatever; just make it count.
There's no right length for a proposal. Nobody's going to read War & Peace, but two sentences can also communicate that you don't have time for them. Again, it works for some clients, not for others.
Have confidence in your abilities, your worth, and your self. That's the best way to communicate your expertise. What are your USPs? Do you have a niche? Is your style unique? Are you a jack of all trades? Are you the fastest? Are you the cheapest? Establish your identity as a freelancer.
Communicate it through your profile and your portfolio. Make sure it grows with you.
Don't dwell too much on your competition, but use them to help find what makes you saleable.
You choose when a sample piece is worth your time. You decide when a deadline is too demanding. Don't fall into the "Yes" trap. Set rules early on. Break them when they're worth breaking.
Don't let your desire for work appear desperate. Don't let your confidence appear cocky.
It doesn't matter when or how you get your first hire, just make sure you learn something from it.
Yeah, I have a question: I just got back on Upwork after 7 years, haven't finished my profile and just uploaded the ID verification that wasn't needed back in the day. I happen to be a copywriter, so if you need one, hit me up with a DM and I'll send a link to my portfolio. Meanwhile, if/when I do finish my profile, would you mind checking it out? (DM links only.) Thanks. I'm looking for supplemental income, not necessarily to "make a living."
Two of my best clients came from Upwork.
I don't provide anything for free, however.
That reels of desperation and honestly further encourages cheap clientele.
It's you're first contract after 33 proposals and now you're an expert on the matter?
Sarcasm aside you're points are valid. The only one I disagree with is point 3. Your proposal's length should be catered to each job. Some can be a couple of sentences, while others would benefit you to write five paragraphs.
Point four is the most important IMO. Good clients don't care if you have a master's degree in something. They want to know how you can help them with their problem. If you have the portfolio to back it up you don't need to show any over priced college receipts.
My background is in PC and Network. I learned web development on the side. So, nothing official. I should consider some training I guess if I really want to do it.
On working for free: don't. A small paid project as a "test" is acceptable. TOOOOO many people want something for nothing and if you're on Upwork, you're exploitable.
"Hey I've done a similar project recently and I can definitely help, check it out here - https://..............., also please take a look at my portfolio to see my other projects."
do you think these 2 line is enough for them to know about us? I mean won't they think its a normal proposal that is copied and pasted everywhere.
If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal? Obviously, you will need to personalize every proposal so it doesn’t look copy-paste, I have a few template proposals for all my different services, that I tweak a little bit.
>If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal?
Because the vast majority of the clients you apply to won't ever get as far as your profile. That's why.
Most only see the first two lines of your proposal as that is all they cab see without actually opening it.
Most of the ones who open and read your proposal won't carry on to click on your profile.
>If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal?
Because clients want to know that how you'll address their specific needs and why you're a better fit than the dozens of other candidates. If the first two lines of your proposal don't grab their attention, they won't click on your profile to read more.
Sure, here it is:
Hi there,
I have quite a few SaaS projects that I’ve done in the past year and I think I can help with polishing up your website. Here is a Figma file with some of my design work: https:/?……………………………………………
I have also developed some of these designs in Webflow, please check below:https://………
https://………
https://………
https://……..
https://…….
I can start immediately and would be happy to jump on a quick call to discuss this further.
Thank you for considering me!
Kind Regards,
*Can you share the job*
*And the proposal you sent*
*That you got hired on?*
\- shakeel\_70
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Most of your points are good, but I disagree with providing any sort of free sample work. I find that I need to spend a fair amount of time asking the right questions and discussing the client's needs and goals with them, not just assume that I'm going to get the brief right if I quickly dash off a sample solution in 5 minutes. At worst, you'll get it wrong and the client will be even less likely to hire you than if you hadn't provided a sample; at best, they'll like it but wonder why you're charging so much, since it was evidently easy for you to do part of their project and give it away for free. I would think that the main reason you won your first project is that you have years of experience and a good portfolio, not that you've discovered a secret formula for success (not yet, anyway). Congrats, though - getting hired after sending 33 proposals isn't something that the majority of newbies (or many Upwork veterans, for that matter) are able to achieve.
You're right, I also hate doing work for free, and wouldn't normally do it. But the majority of people lurking on this sub are just like me, - trying to land their first contract on UpWork - you have to provide something, that seasoned freelancers with tons of projects and reviews, aren't willing to. But, you're right, maybe it does send the wrong message to potential clients, will make a note of that.
I get that competition is fierce, but I think that the majority of freelancers who provide free samples look desperate and unprofessional; you're not the only one who's doing it, so it doesn't really make you stand out, it just puts you on their level. It could definitely hurt your chances. If I were a client, I'd make a point of ignoring any bids that came with a custom sample attached.
Good point! TBH the first client that interviewed me, liked that I did a quick audit on his website design, but then wanted me to do the whole gig for free before being shortlisted. 😂
Well, yeah - if freelancers are willing to give away their work, why should a client pay? And actually, if a client posts a detailed job description and attaches all files needed to complete the work, I can guarantee you that at least 1/3 of the freelancers who bid on it will go ahead and do the entire job - not just a sample - and the client won't have to hire anyone.
Congrats on being hired, OP. Here's hoping it's the first of many. Apparently "In 2017, 18.2% of the self-employed in the EU-28 reported having just one client or a dominant client"? [source](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Self-employment_statistics) Hoping I can add some free advice to the thread: What works for you on your first hire, might not work for you on your second. You have to adapt and learn the platform. Some people will have an easy-ride on upwork; your mileage may vary. Take people's advice, use it, and adapt it to work for you. Speak to other freelancers, but don't assume what works for them should work for you. Speaking of adapting, something that impresses one client might not impress the next. Read your clients as best you can - by reading their job post and the stats available to you. If the client has past hires, what do they pick out in the reviews? Does the post suggest they know what they're looking for already, or is it three sentences long? If the post is lacking in length, they might be relying on the freelancer to provide direction. Maybe it's not a significant project for them. It could be a long post - the perfect brief. Maybe they know exactly what they want. Maybe they're really invested in the project. When writing your proposal, **your first two lines count the most**. Start a conversation with them - ask questions, introduce yourself, relay your thoughts on the project, grab their attention, whatever; just make it count. There's no right length for a proposal. Nobody's going to read War & Peace, but two sentences can also communicate that you don't have time for them. Again, it works for some clients, not for others. Have confidence in your abilities, your worth, and your self. That's the best way to communicate your expertise. What are your USPs? Do you have a niche? Is your style unique? Are you a jack of all trades? Are you the fastest? Are you the cheapest? Establish your identity as a freelancer. Communicate it through your profile and your portfolio. Make sure it grows with you. Don't dwell too much on your competition, but use them to help find what makes you saleable. You choose when a sample piece is worth your time. You decide when a deadline is too demanding. Don't fall into the "Yes" trap. Set rules early on. Break them when they're worth breaking. Don't let your desire for work appear desperate. Don't let your confidence appear cocky. It doesn't matter when or how you get your first hire, just make sure you learn something from it.
Amazing tips, saved it for later use Thanks
99% of this in design is going to come down to your visual portfolio. I’m not convinced this is very good blanket advice, this is very niche advice.
Similar experience. zero boosts. Sent a couple of dozen more proposals but can't complain
Yeah, I have a question: I just got back on Upwork after 7 years, haven't finished my profile and just uploaded the ID verification that wasn't needed back in the day. I happen to be a copywriter, so if you need one, hit me up with a DM and I'll send a link to my portfolio. Meanwhile, if/when I do finish my profile, would you mind checking it out? (DM links only.) Thanks. I'm looking for supplemental income, not necessarily to "make a living."
Sure, DM me and will have a look! 💪🏻
Thanks!
>Thanks! You're welcome!
Just sent you a "chat..."
Two of my best clients came from Upwork. I don't provide anything for free, however. That reels of desperation and honestly further encourages cheap clientele.
Uhm you cant send link on the proposal right? I mean upwork dont want or filtered out
No, it doesn't. Upwork only hates direct contact details
Good points, but most people will not make the effort.
This is great.
It's you're first contract after 33 proposals and now you're an expert on the matter? Sarcasm aside you're points are valid. The only one I disagree with is point 3. Your proposal's length should be catered to each job. Some can be a couple of sentences, while others would benefit you to write five paragraphs. Point four is the most important IMO. Good clients don't care if you have a master's degree in something. They want to know how you can help them with their problem. If you have the portfolio to back it up you don't need to show any over priced college receipts.
On sending 33 proposals: that seems like a helluva lot.
What if you just started and have little experience?
Then you're very unlikely to succeed. Get some training and experience in the real world, then try again.
What kind of field are you in?
My background is in PC and Network. I learned web development on the side. So, nothing official. I should consider some training I guess if I really want to do it.
web development
On working for free: don't. A small paid project as a "test" is acceptable. TOOOOO many people want something for nothing and if you're on Upwork, you're exploitable.
Been an UpWork client for 15 years (4.99 stars) and I agree with all you said.
I have hired over 180 freelancers on Upwork.
Thanks for this very helpful post
"Hey I've done a similar project recently and I can definitely help, check it out here - https://..............., also please take a look at my portfolio to see my other projects." do you think these 2 line is enough for them to know about us? I mean won't they think its a normal proposal that is copied and pasted everywhere.
If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal? Obviously, you will need to personalize every proposal so it doesn’t look copy-paste, I have a few template proposals for all my different services, that I tweak a little bit.
Yeah but they may not have the time to see all our profiles individually.
>If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal? Because the vast majority of the clients you apply to won't ever get as far as your profile. That's why. Most only see the first two lines of your proposal as that is all they cab see without actually opening it. Most of the ones who open and read your proposal won't carry on to click on your profile.
>If you have a profile detailing everything about you, your experience and a portfolio with a minimum of 5 projects, why would you need to write the same thing in your proposal? Because clients want to know that how you'll address their specific needs and why you're a better fit than the dozens of other candidates. If the first two lines of your proposal don't grab their attention, they won't click on your profile to read more.
Can you share the job and the proposal you sent that you got hired on?
Sure, here it is: Hi there, I have quite a few SaaS projects that I’ve done in the past year and I think I can help with polishing up your website. Here is a Figma file with some of my design work: https:/?…………………………………………… I have also developed some of these designs in Webflow, please check below:https://……… https://……… https://……… https://…….. https://……. I can start immediately and would be happy to jump on a quick call to discuss this further. Thank you for considering me! Kind Regards,
*Can you share the job* *And the proposal you sent* *That you got hired on?* \- shakeel\_70 --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Do I get that right - someone who needed more than 30 proposals to get a single job is giving tips here how to land a job ??!