You know what’s the best part about freelancing – the word ‘free’…Yup, no matter where you are, and where you stand, if you got it in you – the potential to do something – you don’t need an office job to prove your skills…Remember, you are a freelancer – a ‘free’ bird who can outshine anything you are good at, not mattering whether you work at home – your own little set up.
You can start your freelance work by registering with freelance job-providing websites such as Elance, Odesk, GetaFreelancer etc. Sign up, make your profile and there you are, ready to bid!
Nevertheless, that is exactly where many of us lose our path – writing a proposal. Writing a bidding proposal isn’t as easy as it is considered to be, but with the right skills and understanding, you can write a bidding proposal and win the bid too. But, if you don’t win a bid, don’t lose heart…try, try again remember? Who knows the next project you bid on will be awarded to you. Think positive. You see, not everyone gets every project they place a bid on. But, that doesn’t mean you lack the appropriate skills and as a result, lose your confidence…it means perhaps you need to change the way you write a proposal…
Since, many of the freelancers out there still don’t know how to write an effective bidding proposal, I thought I might highlight some important points that can help them in writing bidding proposals for writing jobs. Oh and the ‘newbies’! This will be a good learning lesson for jumpstarting your freelance business.
Here are a few tips and tricks to get you through writing an effective proposal:
Rule# 1:
Don’t just read the project details – READ it carefully and see what the project owner or buyer’s demands for. Why I’m emphasizing on the READ-ing part so much is because many people simply take a hasty look at the project and bid, which shows the height of unprofessional attitude. Don’t tell me, you too? If yes, then learn the lesson! You don’t want to look unprofessional. If you read it twice or thrice, you will be able to grasp a better understanding as to what is it that the person is looking for in the work he requires. So pay careful attention to every
detail.
Rule #2:
Before you head on to writing your proposal, do a little homework. Check out the buyer’s history. This may include company details, work reviews and previously posted jobs, feedbacks from previous providers, number of jobs previously posted awarded, the amount paid for previous services similar to the type you are applying for etc. This will help you in knowing about the buyer in a better way – whether he/she or the company is worthy enough to put in the effort for – and in turn you will be able to place a bid confidently and also present your work in the verymanner which will click them instantly.
Rule#3:
Check out who else has placed a bid on the same project. In some sites, for example Elance, you can easily see the list of other buyers, their previous earnings, verifying credentials if any, check out their profile and previous work. That way, you’ll get a better idea of who is competing against you for the same project as you are. Then, get on your keyboard and start typing!
Rule#4:
Check, re-check and re-check what you have written. You have all the time in the world to proofread your bid. Remember, you can’t afford to look unprofessional if you want this project. People while bidding, often make typo errors, fail to give correct website links or worse…miss spell their names. We don’t blame them, they are either hasty souls or perhaps too arrogant to read what they write even once. At least don’t embarrass yourself by writing your own name the wrong way!
Rule#5:
Now, since every one of your competitors must have tried to present themselves in a suitable and perhaps even acceptable manner, but to make yourself stand apart, go a step ahead of it. Make an offer of something a bit more useful, let’s say additional service. This make will your buyer at least think of you as a solid candidate, before he makes up his mind or perhaps simply close hiring and award the project to you.
Rule#6:
Make sure that you give authentic proof for every task or project you have executed. You should always present relevant work for the buyer’s perusal. If you have done a number of projects on other similar projects, then choose to present those you believe are the best ones.
Rule#7:
While writing, also allow your buyer to see your client’s feedback history or work testimonials. This not only helps the buyer in seeing your work repute and progress but is also able to judge on your professional skills and timeliness in delivering the work. Also, your buyer will be able to see who have you previously worked with and how well you did.
After Rule#7, comes…
Rule#8
…and that says, What are you waiting for? Look up for a project and start bidding. Oh and by the way, best of luck, you’ll need that apart from these easy tips.
