In recent years of Covid, freelancing gained popularity which has only increased ever since. A report conducted by Upwork mentions an increase in the freelance workforce by 22%. As a result of this, freelancer’s contributions and the competition have multiplied. In that case, one must start preparing to excel in it, and learning to make an excellent freelancer proposal is one major step to do that.
In this article, we're going to help you in doing exactly that. You'll know tips and tricks to make a killer freelance proposal for beginners along with the examples. By adopting the tips and tricks prepared in this freelance writing proposal template, you'll be sturdy in this race of workforce and life, armed with a compelling freelancer proposal that sets you apart.
So let's dive right in.
Free Freelance Proposal Templates
Want to have a look at what a winning Freelance Proposal Template looks like? Check out Cone’s free freelancer proposal templates.
From Freelance Graphic Design Proposal Template to a complete Digital Marketing Proposal Template, Cone provides you all the templates you need for your marketing business to thrive.
Below are few of our popular proposal templates:
- Marketing consulting proposal
- Social media proposal template
- SEO proposal template
- Freelance graphic design proposal template
- Graphic design proposal template
- Logo proposal template
- Web design proposal template
- Video production contract template
- Adwords proposal template
What Is A Freelance Proposal?
A freelance proposal is a detailed pitch or document that freelancers create to send to potential clients or companies. It essentially works its way to formally introduce the freelancer, mention their skills, and outline how they will proceed to address the client's needs.
Why Do You Need A Killer Freelance Proposal?
A report conducted by Upwork states that the global freelance workforce has reached around 1.57 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it has the potential to expand even more. With such competition, your freelance proposal becomes your trump card in a sea of talent. A study by Indeed indicated that for every job opening, there are approximately 250 applications received on average. This means that your freelance proposal HAS to shine brighter than hundreds of others to grab attention.
For instance, take the case of a graphic designer bidding for a project on a freelancing platform. Instead of a generic freelancer proposal stating "Hire me because I'm great at design," a killer freelancer proposal would outline specific skills relevant to the project. A captivating proposal should include details of past successful projects, client testimonials, or even a mock-up design showcasing how you envision the client's project.
Moreover, this freelance proposal is your opportunity to shine. You're not just saying, "Hey, look at me," but rather, "Hey, look at what I can do for you, and let me show you exactly how." With your freelancer proposal, you should make sure that your potential partners or clients are blown away by the quality of your work.
A killer freelance proposal should have the materials to convince clients that you are in favor of them. They should understand that you get their needs, have the expertise to fulfill them, and are the best choice among the multitude of freelancers flocking for the same opportunity.
Importance Of Freelance Proposal
Proposals pave the way for a freelancer's success. It acts as a gateway to lucrative projects, good income, and long-term client relationships. They serve as freelancer's sales pitches by outlining how they'll fulfill a client's needs.
The importance of freelance proposals is multi-faceted, as they:
First Impression: Freelancer proposals serve as your initial introduction to potential clients. They create the crucial first impression, showcasing your professionalism and expertise in addressing their needs.
Effective Communication: Proposals demonstrate your ability to articulate your skills, experience, and how you can provide solutions. Clear communication within the proposal sets the tone for future collaboration.
Showcasing Relevance: Tailored freelance proposal highlights your understanding of the client's requirements. This demonstrates your attentiveness and capability to fulfill their specific needs, enhancing your chances of winning the project.
Building Trust: Well-crafted freelance proposal establishes trust. They showcase your competence, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering value, instilling confidence in the client about your capabilities.
Stand Out: When it comes to freelancing, a strong proposal can make you stand out from the crowd. It grabs attention, making clients take notice of your unique approach and capabilities.
Freelance Proposal Structure
Comprehensive freelancer proposals should contain crucial elements to present your offering effectively. Here's a breakdown of what it should include:
Introduction: You should begin your proposal with a concise overview of yourself and your work. After that, you may include a greeting, a brief about your services, and an acknowledgment of the client's needs.
Project Understanding: Next, it is time to demonstrate your understanding of the client's requirements. Try to summarize their needs, goals, and challenges while giving the project a vision that aligns with theirs.
Scope of Work: After the details with the introduction, you begin outlining the project scope. It will include details of what you'll deliver, timelines, and milestones, along with the limitations, if any.
Approach/Methodology: Next, make your proposal explain the ways you'll tackle the project in simple language. Make the client understand your strategy. You must mention your process, methodologies, and tools in detail.
Experience and Credentials: Highlight your relevant experience, expertise, and successful projects. Showcase testimonials, case studies, or portfolios to bolster credibility.
Timeline and Deliverables: Present a detailed timeline with key milestones and when the client can expect deliverables. Clarity on schedules helps manage expectations.
Pricing and Payment Terms: Practicality is as important in a project as much as professionalism. Therefore, you should clearly state your fees in the proposal. Be transparent about costs, ensuring no surprises later on.
Terms and Conditions: In rare cases, it becomes necessary to include certain terms and conditions. It corresponds to the legal issues related to the project to ensure clarity on both sides.
Contact Information: Putting your contact details at the end of such an official document is natural. That is exactly what we do in proposals as well. It makes it easy for the clients to reach back to you.
How To Write A Freelance Proposal?
Pro Tip: Use Cone Proposal Software to automate proposals, billing and payments at 8$ per month.
Try for free now!
In the previous section, we got to know about the things a killer freelancer proposal must contain. Now, it is time to know the crux of writing your proposals according to the freelance proposal template. There are several things you should keep in mind to make your proposal stand out and shine.
So, let's break down how to craft a winning freelance proposal in straightforward steps, making it relatable and effective:
- Cover Letter:
Being genuine as well as enthusiastic is the key to cracking cover letters. In those, you must mention why you're excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with the client's needs. Aim for a friendly, professional tone that connects.
- Title Page:
Next, one should focus on creating a professional-looking title page that is neat and clean. Making it visually appealing finds a way to make a good first impression. You must include your name, the client's name or company, the project title, and the date.
- Tone:
Keep it conversational but professional. Write like you're having a friendly chat, but also showcase your expertise. Balance is key!
- Table of Contents:
Organize your proposal neatly. A table of contents helps the client navigate easily through your proposal, showing them what to expect.
- Executive Summary:
This is your elevator pitch! Summarize the key points—what you'll deliver, how you'll do it, and why you're the perfect fit. Keep it concise and compelling.
Below is a brief Executive Summary example:
Executive Summary: Elevating Your Online Presence Through Strategic SEO
Greetings [Client's Name],
My tailored SEO strategy focuses on the insights driven by data and industry best practices to push your website to the top of search engine rankings. By implementing a combination of approaches that constitutes technical SEO, content optimization, and strategic link building, I will position your brand as an authoritative voice in your vertical.
Why Choose me for your SEO project?
Proven Results: My clients over 50 have experienced an average increase of 40% in organic traffic and a remarkable 25% growth in conversion rates in the last year.
Competitor Analysis: By evaluating competitor strategies, I will uncover opportunities to outperform them in search rankings, capturing market share and establishing your brand as an industry leader.
Key Statistics:
Client A: Achieved a 60% increase in organic traffic within three months of SEO implementation.
Client B: Witnessed a 30% boost in keyword rankings, resulting in a substantial uptick in online inquiries.
- Solution:
Dive into the specifics. Address the client's needs point by point. Explain your approach, strategies, and how you'll tackle challenges. Use real-life examples or case studies if possible.
- Detailed Pricing List:
Be transparent about your rates and charges. Break down costs. Visuals like tables or graphs can help simplify complex information.
- "About Me" Section:
Share your story. Let them know who you are, what drives you to work, and why you're passionate about your work. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the project.
- Testimonials and Social Proof:
Include snippets from previous clients or colleagues that showcase your work ethic and skills. Real testimonials add credibility and create a stronger connection.
- Agreement and CTA:
End with a clear call to action. After that, you can proceed to take the next step, whether it's scheduling a call, signing a contract, or moving ahead. Include any terms or agreements for clarity.
Apart from the above-mentioned points, you must've also noticed that an ideal freelancer proposal combines all the important documents in a confined template. The more neat and easier your document looks from the face of it, the better it will work in your favor.
Crafting a well-thought-out freelancer proposal brings several benefits to the table. However, what if you could enhance this experience with a proposal software like Cone? Enjoy features like proposal templates, e-Sign, seamless management of all your proposals, automated invoicing and payments collection in one place.
10 Tips On How To Write A Great Freelance Proposal
Going through the section above, we learned what are the key points one should include in their proposal. But, what is it that will make your proposal different from others, a great one? Well, there are fairly easy and effective tips one can learn to write a great freelance proposal. Let's go through these briefly:-
- Craft an Engaging Introduction: Start with a captivating opening that grabs the client's attention. Start by hooking them with an anecdote, a statistic, or a question they'll think about. This will keep them engaged throughout the proposal.
- Include problem statement: A problem statement is an important primary information to include in a proposal. It is a short and clear statement that defines the major issue of the client in simple words. Adding this statement gives an edge to the proposal's overall look.
- Personalize Your Communication: Incorporate personal touches throughout your proposal to build rapport. Address the client by name, reference specific points from previous conversations, or mention something unique about their company.
- Mention the Proposed Solution: Now that you've included the problem, you need to give an equally clear statement about the solution to the said issue. In this section, you can be as precise about your proposed solution as you can. Being vague dims the client's understanding of your potential.
- Establish a timeline of the project: In any best proposal for a freelancer example, you'd find a clear-cut division of timeline in which the freelancer gives the estimate of the time of the project. Give your clients a defined timeline. It is the best way to strategize and complete the work.
- Include Fee Summary: One way to appear clear-headed and precise in front of your clients is to include straightforward pricing information, just like how it is mentioned in any freelance rate negotiation email sample. Being detailed in your feelings summary also adds to your personality of being professional and serious at the same time.
Pro Tip: Elevate your freelancer proposals with Cone software's user-friendly interface and powerful features. The results? A polished, professional pitch that sets you apart.
Try for free now!
- Mention next steps: Leaving the client in the dark about their problems is not the best way to earn face value from a proposal. Indeed, in that case, it becomes important to mention a strong end-to-end proof action plan as the project unfolds.
- Showcase Relevant Samples or Case Studies: Provide examples of your previous work that align directly with the client's needs. Showing tangible results or successful projects can significantly increase your credibility.
- Unique Selling Proposition: What sets you apart from other freelancers? Is it your unique methodology? specialized skill set? or a specific approach? Make sure to highlight what makes you stand out.
- Focus on Solutions: Instead of just outlining your skills and experiences, highlight how those capabilities directly address the client's pain points or challenges. Show them the value you bring by solving their specific problems.
Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Freelance Proposal
There are some mistakes common in freelance proposals despite wanting to be as concise as possible.
✖ Avoid using cookie-cutter templates for every client. Create each proposal in such a way that it caters to the specific needs, goals, and main points of the individual client.
✖ Failing to research the client's business or industry can lead to generic freelance proposal. It is therefore important to research and address their unique challenges or goals.
✖ Missing the mark by not addressing all aspects of the client's requirements. It can further lead to ignoring specific instructions given in the proposal request.
✖ Grammatical errors or typos can damage your credibility. Always proofread your proposal thoroughly before sending it out.
✖ Focusing on Yourself, Not the Client. Avoid making the freelancer proposal all about you. Instead, you should focus on emphasizing the value and solutions you can provide to the client.
✖ Missing a clear call-to-action can leave the client unsure about the next steps. It can lead them to be suspicious about potentially delaying or stalling the decision-making process.
✖ Another important thing is failing to follow up after submitting a freelance proposal. It can result in missing further opportunities and good feedback. A polite follow-up shows professionalism and eagerness.
✖ Long, overly detailed freelance proposals can overwhelm clients. Keep it concise while covering all necessary information.
Crafting an Effective Freelance Proposal
The world is changing and the workforce is adapting new ways to flourish. Freelancing is here to stay and freelancers need to step up their game with competition now increasing. It is important to hunt for clients and it is equally important to convince and keep those clients. Making an excellent proposal is a way to do that. Being a freelancer, you'd be able to outshine the other applications in a snap and the client will know your potential and usage in their work.
Going through the blog, we learned about the ways that will help in making killer proposals. These steps are easy yet crucial to give the best impression of your skills and potential. Not only will these tips help proposal freelancers for beginners but also well-established ones. Keeping everything in mind, one can surely make themselves the best proposals and fuel their freelancing careers.
In essence, your journey to freelancing success begins with a persuasive and well-crafted freelancer proposal. Ready to take it up a notch? Explore Cone’s proposal software built for freelancers and experience a modern way to manage, create, and succeed in your freelance engagements.
Sign up now!
Why should you choose Cone?
1. Generate impressive proposals in seconds.
2. Streamline invoicing and payments in a single platform.
3. Drag and drop editor to create branded proposals that leave a lasting impression.
4. Comprehensive features of proposals, billing and payments starting at 8$ per month.
Why wait?
Go ahead and give it a try for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a proposal for a freelancer?
A freelancer proposal is an official response from a freelancer to a job posting on Freelancer. With the intention of landing the job, it highlights the freelancer's abilities, project management style, and client-focused solutions.
How do I write a freelance design proposal?
Introduce yourself in an interesting way, go over your design process in depth, show off relevant work, discuss client goals, offer costs and deliverables, and end with a strong call to action. Use this template to get started. Also, you can use a free Proposal Software like Cone to send an impressive freelancer proposal.You can explore the freelance design proposal template.
What should I write in my freelancer proposal?
You should include following in your freelancer proposal:
- Introduction: Engaging opening to capture attention.
- Client's Needs: Address their specific requirements.
- Your Solutions: Outline how your skills meet their needs.
- Portfolio/Experience: Showcase relevant work or experience.
- Clear Pricing & Deliverables: Transparent breakdown of costs and services.
- Call-to-Action: Invite them to discuss further or take the next steps.
Use this template as a reference.
How should I format a proposal for freelance work?
Here are the steps to create a freelance writing proposal template.
- Introduction: Engaging opening to capture attention.
- Client's Needs: Address their specific requirements.
- Your Solutions: Outline how your skills meet their needs.
- Portfolio/Experience: Showcase relevant work or experience.
- Clear Pricing & Deliverables: Transparent breakdown of costs and services.
- Call-to-Action: Invite them to discuss further or take the next steps.
You can find a freelance proposal template here.
How can I create a compelling proposal on Upwork?
Understand the job post, personalize your proposal, highlight relevant skills, showcase past successes, use concise language, offer value-driven solutions, be specific with your pricing, and follow Upwork's proposal submission guidelines.
How to send a proposal on Freelancer.com?
Here are a few steps you can follow.
- Log in to your Freelancer account.
- Search job listings.
- Choose a project of interest, click "Bid on This Project,"
- Customize your freelance proposal, outline your approach, set your bid amount, and submit your proposal to the client.
How to write a bid proposal as a freelancer?
Determine the needs of the client, explain how your abilities address those demands, outline deliverables and deadlines, provide a competitive but affordable price, concentrate on value and solutions, and end with a compelling call to action to make the client contact you.