How to Bid on Upwork: Top Secret Revealed

Introduction:

Every day  hundreds and thousands of job announcements are posted on the Upwork platform. It takes some time from freelancers to analyze job posts based on categories, best matches, filters and of course their skills. Then they proceed on bidding the chosen jobs. But what’s the secret behind bidding on Upwork? What strategies does a freelancer need to use to bid effectively? Stay with us to find answers to all your questions regarding bidding on Upwork. 

Understand the Client and Their Business

When choosing a job to bid it’s better not to rush. Take your time and go through the filters and categories to find the most suitable job posts for you. When you come across a job post that seems to be a good for you, read it carefully and try to understand the client, their business, their needs and expectations from the freelancer. So, don't ignore the job description. It may include details and secret lines that are important for the client and for the whole project. 

Cover Letter

When writing the cover letter try to keep it original and unique. It shouldn't be copied and pasted. It’s even better if you remember the name of the client and write a personalized cover letter.  Don’t put too much information in the letter and never use pre-made info. Your task is to let the client know what you can do to help them with their project. Once they are interested in you they’ll check your profile and get in touch with you.

That’s why keep the cover letter concise and precise. Don’t go into the details that are already mentioned in your profile and portfolio. Instead, focus on the client’s needs and requirements and offer a high-end service relevant to the job post. Mention any relevant experience or skills. Add highlights and attachments. Answer all the questions the client includes in the job post. You may include your hourly rate or fixed price for the project. 

Boosting the Proposal

After writing the cover letter you’ll see a section that suggests boosting your proposal through connects. It’s an optional step. You can either choose to boost your proposal or not. If you choose to boost your proposal  it’ll charge some amount of connects (you can see the amount when boosting) and put your proposal on the first lines of the bid. This way the client will first see your proposal and then others. 

Interview on Skype or Call

Once you are invited to an interview, you may ask the client to take the conversation on Skype or a call. This will save time for both of you. It will also build mutual trust and will allow you to discuss things in a more friendly atmosphere. 

Communicate with the client regularly even if you live in different time zones. Reply the client’s messages/calls in time even if you don’t use an availability badge. For this, you can use the upwork’s mobile app. It will notify you about a new message, call or offer and you’ll send a quick response. 

Summing Up

Check this YouTube video from Adam Palmer to learn more about upwork bidding.