Upwork proposal samples: Your full guide

Upwork is a global freelancing platform where professionals can get hired for freelance work and projects. Freelancers can work with clients from around the world and build lasting partnerships. It is a great resource for freelancers but to get hired usually requires first a proposal to be submitted to be considered by the client.

Learn more about Upwork proposals and what some tips are to write a successful one. Plus, take a look at the samples below for different types of freelancers.

How to write an Upwork freelance proposal that works

When you are looking to apply for a project on Upwork, you will likely be asked to submit a proposal. The Upwork proposal works similarly to a cover letter, where a job poster can get a good idea about:

• You as a professional
• Your past experience
• Why you would be a good pick for the particular project

It is a chance for the client to get to know you and your interest, beyond your Upwork profile. Here are a few ways to write a proposal that stands out amongst the crowd of applicants:

Be clear and concise

Clients don’t want to read paragraph after paragraph of a project proposal. So whether it's your introduction or the following sections, keep it short and only to 3-4 sentences each. And create spaces between each section of your proposal so the submission is also easier to read. A clear, concise, and effective proposal can help reinforce that you are the right person for the job. A helpful tip is to check the client’s reviews to get a sense of how formal or casual to make your proposal.

State your understanding of the project and the problem to solve

Clients want to know that you understand the task at hand. You can exemplify that by briefly restating the project and your understanding of the problem. And then how your work can help solve their problem. Clients often get many, many proposals on Upwork so they will naturally gravitate away from those that haven’t read the posting properly, and move more towards that those that read it carefully.

Describe how you would complete the project

Let your client know the process and method that you would go about getting the job done and the time frame. It is a simple and easy way to show that you have given the task thought and are ready to take it on. Reinforce any details on deadlines and ways to communicate during the project and after.

Highlight related work you’ve done in the past

Having relevant past experience that shows you can get the work done is imperative to a good proposal. So provide quick and easy examples of work you have done before that is a fit for the job posting- this can be the number of clients you worked with or references to work you’ve done, or even better direct links to both. But keep in mind that if you don’t have the appropriate experience for the job, it may not be the best fit for you.

Say why you are a good fit

Sum up your proposal with why you are a good fit for this job. It can be a recap of your understanding of the project, plus the work you have done and how you have the work ethic and time commitment to get it done. Make sure this is tailored to the project posting to show the client that you are ready to take on the work.

And if you want to add to the proposal, feel free to provide attachments or links that qualify and support what you have said. Additionally, feel free to ask relevant and pertinent questions to the client.

Upwork proposal samples: easy templates to get you started

Want to write a proposal, but not sure where to start? Here are some easy examples to read through and get an idea of how to write a proposal for Upwork. It is highly recommended to solely take these proposals as guideposts and to write an original proposal for each job posting you apply to.

UpWork proposal sample for beginners

Hi [Client name or company],

I’m Nalini and I’d like to help complete your project.

I understand how important timely deliverables and clear communication are to working together remotely. I have been a freelancer for 3 years now and have received strong feedback on the ability to deliver high-quality work by the deadline.

Here is a sample of my work:

[Insert link}

Additionally per your post, I understand the importance of the 3-day turnaround time and having the deliverables in the preferred format. I will definitely be able to meet your expectations for this particular project.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide more samples of my work.

Best regards,

Nalini Bhatia

UpWork proposal sample for web developer

Hello,

My name is Vijay Reddy and I’d love to help you launch your new website. I am a web developer, who has worked on over 40 different websites. I studied web development for 4 years and have worked with startups to build their web presence over the past 3 years.

Below are a few links for websites I have built:

Sample link 1
Sample link 2
Sample link 3
Sample link 4

If you are looking for a different type of website than the ones above, I’d be happy to tailor it to your needs. I understand you are a new company and I am happy to be flexible to make sure we work with your timeline. Could you tell me more about your target market and audience? If you are unsure, I can brainstorm with you on this point.

Do let me know if you have any questions and I am excited to have the possibility to work on this project!

Best regards,

Vijay Reddy

UpWork proposal sample for virtual assistant

Hi [Client name],

My name is Ajay and I came across your post for a virtual assistant and I’d love to apply for the position.

I have 6 years of experience as an assistant for the Executive Director of [link company], so I have a strong understanding of the importance of organization, efficient working, and timely completion of tasks. You mentioned you are looking for calendar management, reaching out to clients to set up meetings and data entry, all of which require great communication skills and follow-up. I have a track record in maintaining strong communication, attention to detail and I am not afraid of being persistent.

Here is a link to my personal website and my Instagram to learn more about me:

[Enter in website domain]
[Enter in Instagram link]

I look forward to the possible opportunity to help you reach your personal and professional goals as a virtual assistant.

Thank you,

Ajay Kumar

UpWork proposal sample data entry

Hello [Client name],

I am a detail-oriented data entry specialist and I would be interested in completing your project.

I have been working in data entry for the past 10 years and am well versed in most data entry software. Is there a particular software this project will require? My experience has also been across sectors, from accounting to IT sales and F&B so I would easily adapt to your firm’s needs. I have attached my resume below for further details about my work.

As you can see from my reviews on Upwork, I have been hired on this platform many times before and have received great reviews from previous clients. I work methodically and am able to deliver within the necessary deadlines.

For this type of a project, my rate is ₹3500 for a complete handover of the deliverables. Let me know if this works for you and we can discuss timelines further.

Sincerely,

Salman Choudhary

UpWork proposal sample for graphic designer

Hi [Client name]

I am a graphic designer and I’d love the opportunity to work with your brand.

After looking at your website and social media presence, I got a clear idea of the style improvements you are looking for for your visual content. I have helped numerous brands refresh their content and look, including [example client 1 link] and [example client 2 link] who are in a similar sector.

I have been working as a freelance graphic designer for the last 5 years and it is my full-time profession. Here is a link to my online portfolio to get a closer look at my work:

[online portfolio link]

My goal is to help you and your brand get to where you want to go and help discover a new audience with your content. I saw in the post that you are looking for the graphic design work to be completed within 10 business days, and that should not be a problem at all. Additionally, I would be happy to go through 5 rounds of edits after submission to make sure that you are satisfied with the work.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Renu Singh

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