How to Write Freelance Proposal for a High-Paying Job

Freelancing is a productive job, but grabbing the client’s attention can be challenging.

Today’s technology has made the work easy, but also competitive. With such competition, if you want to grab the client’s attention, then simple pitch emails and job postings won’t work.

I have a secret to land high-paying freelance writing jobs!

THE FREELANCE PROPOSAL.

Writing a freelance proposal is better than pitch/cold emails as it lays down exactly what you can do to address the client’s needs.

Read: How to Start Freelance Writing In India with No Experience

It helps you in introducing your services at a glance and outlining the productive steps you can take to help your clients achieve their goals.

It also highlights the fact that you have taken the time to understand their needs, which helps in forming an instant connection.

However, writing a proposal letter can make any freelancer sweat.

So, today, I’ll give you tips on how to write freelance proposal effortlessly.

Let’s start with……

What is a freelance proposal?

Freelance proposal is a document that outlines the services you offer to the client.

However, it’s done in a way to provide meaningful solutions for potential clients instead of simply listing the services you offer.

The key point in how to write freelance proposal is to show the client’s needs, your experience in relation to those needs, and the associated costs of fulfilling those needs.

When there are millions of freelance writers vouching for freelance writing jobs, it’s difficult (though not impossible) to stand out of the crowd to gain clients.

Being a successful freelance writer is not ONLY about delivering great content but also diversifying the way you find writing jobs.

Read: Top 27 Places to Find Online Jobs for Writing

One such way to catch the client’s attention is by creating a proposal.

A proposal letter for freelance writing offer is your way to show the client you have taken the time to get to know their business, mission and values.

Not only that, but you are also making efforts to help them improve their business!

So, now we come to the main game, i.e. how to write the freelance proposal!

How to Write Freelance Proposal Like A Pro

1. Research

Before you sit down to write your freelance proposal, research about your client and his requirements.

Clients usually advertise for freelance writing opportunity on social media.

Now, your next plan of action should be:

• Look at the job description closely and pick out clues to why they need a freelance service.
• What is their budget for the job?
• Your experience in relation to the job.
• A background check on your client and his business. Visit their website and look at the content they already have.
• List down your ideas/solutions that align with your client’s issues. Think about your writing samples that align with your client’s niche.

 Above information will help you write an appealing freelance proposal!

2. Structure your proposal letter

It is important to structure your proposal letter strategically for your client to absorb the important points easily while maintaining his attention level.

Use the below template to write your freelance proposal:

• Your name, freelance/business name
• Your client’s or business name
• Subject line
• Introduction
• Solution
• Samples
• Services and their cost
• Call-to-action

The first two points are self-explanatory. So, let’s tackle the other points one-by-one.

Subject line

Come up with an attention-grabbing subject line, otherwise your proposal will be lost in the sea of emails. You can use the client’s or business name in the subject line.

Always keep it short and simple. You can also mention the ‘pain point’ of the business, a question or an offer to draw attention to your email.

Example: [client’s name] have you thought about hiring a freelance writer for your site?

Or

Does your [client’s business name] need a freelance writer?

Introduction

This is where you address the client’s problem and express your concern that you understand their needs. 

Avoid repeating the client’s job description or project requirements.

Sometimes, the clients themselves don’t know what the problem is, and you can show this to them with your solutions for improvement.

For example, maybe the client doesn’t post frequently on his blog because he doesn’t have the time. Or his blog is not receiving enough traffic and they require someone to write SEO-optimized content to boost their traffic.

You can address all these issues in the ‘Introduction’ under the heading “Client Needs”.

And sometimes, the client may just come out and explain their problem for seeking a freelance writer. 

Example:

Client Needs: Well-written and SEO optimized content to boost blog traffic, generate leads, and build a loyal connection with customers

Solution

You’ve addressed the problem, and now it’s time to offer your solution; not just your freelance writing services but the business solutions.

Be specific and describe your views clearly. List down the solution and steps you plan to take as required by the problem; don’t make it look like a grocery list.

Don’t just recommend the solution; mention why they’re required, and how to overcome such issues.

Example:

The Solution: Creating well-researched and conversational weekly posts of 1000-1500 words to increase ranking on search engines, and generate reader engagement by encouraging them to share the posts across social media.

Samples

Be aware of your strength and mention why you are an excellent candidate for the job.

Don’t list irrelevant skills; don’t just mention, show them as well. Show the client how you can make it happen with your writing samples.

Either link directly to your online writer portfolio or provide links to your written work. Make sure what you give as samples align with your client’s needs.

Example: Samples are available via this link; you can visit here.

Services and their cost

This is a critical part, and many people get intimidated here. In such a situation, don’t complicate things by hiding your prices. Be clear and outright.

Keep the pricing information “high level”. Mark a single price for your entire package, this will avoid a lot of confusion from clients. Also, make it look simple and easy to understand.

You can display your package price on a grid table.

Remember, having yourself underpriced will not attract clients. It will only give them wrong idea about your potential, not only as a freelancer but as a writer too.

Call-to-action

At the end, you’d want to nudge your client a little into responding. You can do this by asking them to respond to your mail.

Example: If you have questions, or are ready to get started, I would love to hear from you.

 3. Optional information you can add

• Timeframe: Mention the duration of time for completing the project. I know it’s hard to predict, but try your best.
• Personal recommendation: Information on who you are; your connection with the person who recommended you.
• Conditions: Modes of payment, rush/late fees, privacy agreement, copyright, etc.

Sample Freelance Proposal

Now that you’ve understood how to write a freelance proposal, it’s time to know how it will look in action. 

The best way to showcase your proposal in an organized and creative way is by making a template. Plus, having a template saves a lot of your time.

So, first decide the designing platform you’ll use to create your freelance proposal.

I use and recommend Canva.

Next, choose your proposal format. You can create a one-page proposal, a letter-form proposal, or a slideshow to present your information.

Make a template that is easy on eyes and simple to understand. Use bullets to separate the points and grid tables for price display.

Don’t overdo it with fonts and vibrant colors. Try making it as sophisticated as possible, in order to appear more professional.

Take an idea from a sample below:

That’s All!

Well, now you know how to write an irresistible freelance proposal.

Remember, a well-written proposal opens the doors for lucrative business relations. Follow the above steps to improve your proposal.

How about you? Have you ever sent a freelance proposal for a job? Was it successful?

Let us know your story!