How to Write Your First Proposal as a Beginner
As a beginner freelancer, I know that you still have a lot of questions in your head about the things that you should do after you start freelancing.
That’s why I wrote my two blog posts, which could answer some of your questions, and this proposal topic is the continuation.
All you need to do is read my blog posts, understand them and implement them because taking action is the best next step after reading.
What is a Freelance Proposal?
In this part, I will simplify the description for you.
A freelance proposal is a message you send to a client when applying for a job.
It includes:
Who you are
What you can do
How can you help them
It’s like, you’re basically saying to your client:
“I understand your problem, and I can help you solve it.”
You don’t need to sound fancy or technical. A simple proposal with a clear message is what can attract clients.
Proposal vs Contract (Simple Explanation)
This is where most beginner freelancers get confused. And you know what, I used to mix them up when I started, but not anymore.
So, the simple explanation is here:
Proposal
The one that you send to get hired.
The document where you sell yourself and tell them how you can help them solve their problem.
Contract
The one that you and your client will sign after the client chooses you.
The formal documented agreement of both parties after discussing the project.
That’s it….
I hope this part helps clear things up for you.
Parts of Freelance Proposal
So, before you write your first freelance proposal, I would like to remind you of a very important thing.
When it comes to writing a proposal, always make it personalised.
Yep, personalised and don’t copy and paste message or generic ones that clients don’t want to read, okay?
These are the parts of a freelance proposal; you may screenshot and use them as your guidance.
Greetings (Hi/Hello [Client Name])
Your short introduction
Show you understand the job
Explain how you can help and the possible outcomes
Mention your skills/expertise
Your availability
Your simple closing
These parts are here to guide you. To give you an idea of what to write and to help you practice writing your proposals.
How to Write Your First Proposal (Step by Step)
To help you write your proposal step by step, here’s the detailed information for you.
Don’t worry, it’s not overwhelming. You may screenshot this and use it as your guidance.
First Step: Read the job post carefully.
Pay attention to any small details here.
Especially if the client has special” instructions before you write your proposal.
On Upwork, I’ve noticed these before, and it’s getting popular with the clients.
They will go on to say like this:
“At the start of your proposal, put ORANGE before you introduce yourself.”
This special instruction is how they filter out the candidates without reading the proposal. They want to see if you are paying attention to their job post.
Being attentive and understanding the job post here is a must.
Second Step: Keep it simple.
Clients are always busy, and if you are going to send a long one, your proposal will get ignored.
- Keep it simple. Remember the parts of the proposal, and use them to guide you.
- Practice writing and remember that if your proposal is simple and shows the outcomes, there’s a high chance that you will get hired.
- Put your feet on your client’s shoes. If you are going to read a proposal that has no solution to it or who don’t pay attention to your job post or instructions, why bother reading it, right?
Make it simple, readable, and don’t forget to show the solution.
Third Step: Be honest.
Clients can smell if you are lying. It’s much better if you’re honest or transparent with them.
Do not. Fake it until you make it.
No, that is a big No.
In my recent blog post, I mentioned that my first proposal was, I said that I’m new to freelancing, and then I lifted myself immediately by mentioning my skills that would help the project finish on time.
Don’t worry if you are new; a genuine client will understand that.
Some clients or companies are hiring new freelancers to train them and be part of their company. Because they know, a beginner has a flexible mind to train, so you have nothing to worry about.
Fourth Step: Focus on the client
At first, I didn’t understand this, but over time I realised that yeah, I should focus on the client.
- How could I help my clients solve their problem?
- What are the outcomes that I should represent so that it will take away their headaches?
- What are the solutions that I could offer for them?
Those things are important. Because I’ll be honest, based on my experience, clients only care about the solution to their problem, and how you are going to help them, that’s it
Once you understand their signal for help, it will be easier for you to analyse and give a solution. The solution that you need to mention when writing a proposal.
Simple Proposal (Example)
This is for sample only. This is my freelance proposal, which helps me get a client on Upwork. I’m showing it here to give you at least an idea, and after sending multiple proposals, this one helped me get my first online freelance client.
Takeaway
A freelance proposal should clearly show who you are, what you can do, and how you’ll solve the client’s problem.
It doesn’t need to be perfect or overly fancy.
What matters is a simple message that makes sense.
You might not get it right the first time, and that’s part of the process.
What matters is learning, improving, and showing up better each time.
