business plan writing upwork

Writing an Impactful Upwork Proposal for Business Plan Writers

.css-1iey7k4{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-heading);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-bold);font-size:2rem;line-height:1.33;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-4);margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-4);}@media screen and (min-width: 48em){.css-1iey7k4{line-height:1.2;}} Writing an Impactful Upwork Proposal for Business Plan Writers

Writing an effective Upwork proposal is essential for any business plan writer who wants to be successful on the platform. Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects employers and freelancers from around the world. It provides an ideal platform for business plan writers to showcase their skills and talents, and to find clients that need their services.

The key to getting hired on Upwork is writing a compelling and engaging proposal that captures the client’s attention and showcases why you are the best fit for the job. In this blog post, we will discuss how to write an impactful proposal that will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of being hired.

The first step to writing an effective Upwork proposal is to research the client’s needs. As a business plan writer, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the project scope, timeline, and budget. Taking the time to research the client’s needs will help you tailor your proposal to their specific requirements.

The next step is to write an engaging cover letter. This is your chance to make a great first impression on the client, so be sure to use this opportunity to showcase your best qualities and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Keep the letter concise and to the point, and make sure to address the client’s requirements directly.

Once you’ve written the cover letter, it’s time to focus on writing a high-quality and value-driven proposal. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, provide samples of your work, and demonstrate your professionalism. A well-written proposal will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of being hired.

Finally, take the time to create a unique profile that reflects your personality and showcases your skills. Choose an engaging profile picture, write a convincing overview, and focus on relevant skills. Demonstrating professionalism and providing samples of your work will help you make a great impression on potential clients.

By following these tips, you will be well on your way to writing an impactful Upwork proposal that will make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of being hired.

.css-127uure{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-heading);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-bold);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-2xl);line-height:1.33;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-4);margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-4);}@media screen and (min-width: 48em){.css-127uure{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-3xl);line-height:1.2;}} Writing an Effective Proposal

Writing a successful Upwork proposal can be a daunting task, but if you follow a few key steps you can make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. When writing a proposal for a business plan writer, you need to keep in mind the client’s needs and goals. Here are some tips for crafting an effective and impactful proposal.

First, research the client’s needs thoroughly. What are their goals? What do they need from you? Knowing this ahead of time will help you tailor your proposal to their specific needs.

Next, write an engaging cover letter. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job, and provide a few examples of your past work that demonstrate your expertise.

When writing the body of your proposal, focus on quality and value. Showcase your experience and explain how you’ll be able to help the client achieve their goals. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills or qualifications that make you the ideal candidate.

Finally, make sure your proposal is clear and concise. Avoid long-winded sentences and stick to the facts. Try to keep your proposal to a few key points and make sure they’re easy to understand.

By following these tips, you can ensure your Upwork proposal is both professional and impactful.

Demonstrating Professionalism

When writing an Upwork proposal for business plan writers, it is essential to demonstrate professionalism. This is key in helping to build trust with the client and showing them that you are the right person for the job. Here are some tips on how to do this.

First, provide samples of your work. This will allow the client to see your writing style and the quality of work that you produce. If you have written a business plan before, include a sample of it in your proposal. If you have not, you can include samples of other work that you have done that is related to business plans or writing in general.

Second, be sure to respond to any questions that the client may have. Show them that you are willing to take the time to answer their questions and that you are committed to the project. This will help to build trust and show that you are a reliable and trustworthy freelancer.

Finally, follow up with the client to ensure that they have all the information they need. This will show them that you are organized and professional and that you take the project seriously.

By following these tips, you will be able to demonstrate your professionalism and help build trust with the client. This will set you apart from other applicants and improve your chances of getting the job.

Creating a Unique Profile

An effective Upwork profile can be the difference between getting hired and getting overlooked. Your profile is essentially your resume and cover letter rolled into one, and it should present you as a professional, experienced, and skilled business plan writer.

When creating your profile, the first step is to choose an engaging profile picture. Select a professional-looking photo that clearly shows your face, and make sure it looks natural and friendly. Avoid awkward poses, overly-edited photos, and pictures with other people in them.

Next, you’ll need to write a convincing overview of your skills and experience. This is where you can show off your expertise and convince potential clients to hire you. Write a few sentences that demonstrate your knowledge, highlight your best qualities, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for their project.

In addition to your overview, you’ll also want to focus on relevant skills. Make sure to include all of the relevant keywords that potential clients may search for, such as “business plan” and “strategy consulting”. This will help make sure that your profile is showing up in the right searches.

Finally, be sure to demonstrate your professionalism. Use proper grammar and sentence structure, proofread for typos, and avoid using overly casual language. This will show potential clients that you take your work seriously and that you’re the right person for the job.

Creating a unique and effective profile on Upwork is essential to finding success as a business plan writer. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create an engaging profile that will help you stand out from the crowd and get the clients you want.

Writing an effective Upwork proposal can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can make sure your proposal stands out and makes a lasting impression on the client. In this blog post, we discussed the importance of researching the client's needs, writing an engaging cover letter, focusing on quality and value, highlighting relevant experience, writing a clear and concise proposal, providing samples of your work, responding to questions, following up with the client, choosing an engaging profile picture, writing a convincing overview, focusing on relevant skills, and demonstrating professionalism.

These tips can help you create an Upwork proposal that is sure to make an impact and demonstrate your value to the client. By researching the client’s needs, you can tailor your proposal to their specific requirements and show that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. By focusing on quality and value, you can demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible work. And by creating a unique profile, you can make sure that the client sees the full range of your professional skills.

By taking the time to craft an effective Upwork proposal, you can make sure that your proposal stands out from the competition and gives you the best chance of being chosen for the job. The benefits of Upwork for freelancers are numerous, and with a great proposal, you can ensure that you make the most of this amazing platform.

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to write winning proposals on Upwork, try Proposal Genie. Our AI-powered tool helps you create tailored proposals that are optimized to match the specific job opportunity and your skills and experience. Proposal Genie makes it easy to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of success on Upwork. Sign up now at proposalgenie.ai and start winning more gigs today!

Generate AI Proposals

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Entrepreneurs & Small Business

Accelerators & Incubators

Business Consultants & Advisors

Educators & Business Schools

Students & Scholars

AI Business Plan Generator

Financial Forecasting

AI Assistance

Ai Pitch Deck Generator

Strategic Planning

See How Upmetrics Works  →

• Sample Plans
• WHY UPMETRICS?

Customers Success Stories

Business Plan Course

Small Business Tools

Strategic Canvas Templates

E-books, Guides & More

Hire Business Plan Writers in the United States

• March 21, 2024

Most entrepreneurs consider hiring a business plan writer the easiest way to prepare a business plan. Even though it’s one of the easiest ways, finding the right service provider for your needs can be a pain.

Need help finding top business plan writers in the U.S .? We’ll help out.

We’ve curated a list of top business plan writing and consulting firms in the United States with their reviews, key service offering details, experience, and other critical information.

Just before we dive right in, let’s compare traditional business planning with the modern AI-driven approach.

Traditional vs. AI-powered business planning

Business plan writers have been the first choice for business planning. No doubt about it. However, things have been on the move in recent times.

Hiring a business plan writer or consultant requires a great deal of back-and-forth communication. At the same time, AI-powered business plan generators like Upmetrics make business planning easier, more efficient, and more competitive.

Business plan writers vs. increasing use of AI tools; what’s better?

Business plan writers deliver the best results, no complaining, but hiring them is a pricy affair. Hiring an experienced writer costs anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 or more, whereas Upmetrics’ pricing starts at $7/month.

Both offer great results; the question is how much you want to spend.

Back-and-forth hassle or a competitive and efficient solution?

As mentioned before, having a professional writer onboard is a deal of back-and-forth work. It starts by preparing the first draft, followed by a series of revisions. Having to give multiple feedbacks and review revisions takes a lot out of you.

What’s better? Let the AI business plan generator do things for you. It’s truly a better, more efficient, and easier way to plan your business.

 Why hire expensive business plan writers and consultants?

Write winning business plans in minutes with AI

Plans starting from $7/month

Let’s head straight to our list of top 5 business plan writers in the United States.

Hire Top Business Plan Writers in the United States

Plan Writers

Plan Writers is a team of 8 expert business plan consultants. With 10+ years of experience in the market, they have written over 5K business plans helping clients raise over $1B in capital.

As the 2011 “Best Business Plan Writer” award winner, they can help you communicate your vision, research your industry, create a marketing plan, model a financial projection, and design amazing presentations, so you can focus on your business instead of making actionable plans.

• Business plan writing
• Immigration business plans
• Investor and bank plans
• Pitch decks
• Business plan consulting

Go Business Plans

Go Business Plans is a team of top-rated business plan writers and consultants. With 100% client satisfaction, they’ve helped clients raise over $3B in funding. Their team is committed to assisting you in producing the customized business plans required to prevail in today’s fiercely competitive business world.

From business plan advice and website building to internet marketing and debt finance, their specialists can help you with anything you need to launch or expand your firm.

• Investor presentations
• Business consulting
• Business plan review

Wise Business Plans

Wise Business Plans is a team of MBA business plan writers founded in 2010. With over a decade in the industry, they’ve done over 100K consultations and written over 15K plans for their clients, helping them raise over $1B in capital investment.

With a good overall rating, reputed strategic partners like SBA and IBISWorld, and 14+ years of experience, Wise Business Plans are one of the pioneers in the industry.

• Business licensing
• Business credit
• Business formations

Cayenne Consulting

Cayenne Consulting is one of the most trusted and longest-serving business plan consulting firms. They can serve as an impartial partner to help you save time by assisting with tasks like developing a strategy, conducting market and competitive research, creating a plan, creating presentation materials, and creating a capital formation strategy.

With more than two decades in business plan consulting, they’ve helped clients raise over $4.3B in capital investment.

• Business plan preparation
• Pitch deck design
• Financial forecasts
• Business plan makeovers
• Business valuations

Pro Business Plans

Pro Business Plans is a team of professional business plan writers and consultants. They have helped 1,000+ businesses to raise $4+ billion across 30+ countries. Their team has expertise in providing strategic advisory to grow businesses from a certain level.

• Strategic advisory
• Pitch deck designing
• Feasibility studies
• Legal services

Bargain Business Plans

Bargain Business Plan is a team of MBA business plan writers, financial analysts, and consultants dedicated to helping you with business and financial planning. Their team of consultants and writers strives to guarantee you’re in a position to succeed, whether you’re starting a new business or bringing your brand to a new market.

The company established in 2008 has worked in 900+ industries with 500+ business partners, helping thousands of entrepreneurs build their business plans.

• Pitch deck creation
• Custom logo
• Non-profit & immigration business plans

AI Business Plan Generator—A Better Alternative

Upmetrics’ AI business plan generator is truly a better alternative to hiring pricey business plan writers. Using Upmetrics is the easiest way to draft a comprehensive business plan.

Upmetrics makes business planning a breeze with its AI-powered capabilities. Use Upmetrics to write your business plan in less than an hour and focus on tasks more important to your business.

Try Upmetrics AI

Where do I Find Freelance Business Plan Writers?

Many platforms are available where you can find freelancers and on such platforms only you will find top business plan writers, such as

You will find a variety of business plan writers on Upwork as it is one of the best-known freelance marketplaces. You can hire one of the top business plan writers after knowing their fees, expertise, business plan samples, etc.

2. Freelancer

Freelancer is also the place where you can find freelance business plan writers. You can post a project there, request proposals, and go through the ratings of the writers & their portfolios.

You can select an expert plan writer on Fiverr depending on your niche. Browse through different profiles and pricing structures and then pitch directly.

4. Referrals and recommendations

You can also seek suggestions and referrals from coworkers, contacts in the sector, or business advisers who might know of independent business plan writers with the required knowledge and abilities.

How much will it cost to hire a business plan writer?

The cost of hiring a business plan writer can depend on various factors like experience, expertise, the field and complexity of the business plan, etc.

However, some writers charge per hour and some charge per project for writing the business plan. We have listed some average costs of writing a business plan as follows:

• Basic business plan – $500 to $2500
• Comprehensive business plan – $2500 to $10,000
• Industry-specific business plan – $5000 to $20,000
• Hourly basis – $20 to $50
• Upmetrics – Starting from $7 per month

These costs are based on the current average charges of various freelance business plan writers.

Choosing the Right Business Plan Writer

Since you’re going to spend so much on business plan writing services, it’s crucial to consider a few factors like the range of services they provide, the method you use, and how much they charge.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right business plan writer:

1. Writing services and previous work

If considering hiring a writer or consulting firm, consider asking for examples of their previous work. When reviewing the sample, make sure the writing is clear and concise and that the document is free of any significant errors or typos.

Since investors will primarily focus on the executive summary and financial model, be sure to give them a careful reading.

2. Price is not everything

Do not, however, make the error of judging a plan writer just on the price they offer; instead, search around for your plan to grasp the pricing possibilities accessible.

While it is safe to assume that the least expensive option will produce a product and service of lower quality, the opposite is not always true, i.e., that the most expensive option will produce a product and service of the highest quality.

3. Be clear if you want business plan writing or editing

A plan lays out a company’s strategy and how it will operate over the next five to ten years. The document outlines the company’s current situation as well as the objectives it plans to aim to meet on an operational and financial level.

The document is very personal to the business owner. However, the writer won’t be able to read the business owner’s mind.

A business plan writer can easily offer an objective look at the company, highlighting areas someone close to the company may miss.

The owner must first choose whether he prefers a writer to draft the plan or an editor to polish it after the owner has prepared a draft.

4. Understand their process

It is necessary to understand the procedure of the writer or business consultant before you hire them. Each contractor has their procedure, for instance, some might give you a questionnaire to fill & some will have an interview round to learn more about your business.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the process and to know how will they communicate more with you for business information.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Business Plan Writer

Hiring a business plan writer has its pros and cons, here is why you should or shouldn’t hire a business plan writer:

• Writing business plans is their area of expertise, so they can provide insightful advice based on their extensive experience.
• Working with a writer gives you more time to concentrate on other areas of your company.
• You may leave a lasting impression on lenders or investors by writing a strong business plan.
• Working with a business plan writer can be pricey, particularly for new or tiny companies.
• Working with a writer entails a certain amount of control surrendering over the writing process and final output.
• Sometimes, business plan writers might not fully understand the vision & goals of your business.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Business Plan Writer

Business plan writing is something you do for your business on your terms, so if you think you are ready to hire a business plan writer, then answer these questions to make your decision more firm.

• Who will write your business plan?
• How will you share all the information with your writer?
• Will the writer do thorough market research before writing the plan?
• How many revisions will they do?
• In which format will be the plan delivered?

If you want to write your business plan by yourself, then with the help of a business plan software & its step-by-step guidance you can.

In conclusion, hiring a business plan writer might be a wise investment if you’re looking to construct a professional business plan that can help you get finance, draw investors, or direct your business strategy.

But writing your business plan with the help of guidance at each step can be the wisest choice.

The experience, credentials, references, method, and cost should all be taken into account when choosing a business plan writer.

You can use a business planning software to draft a thorough and useful business plan that can assist you in achieving your objectives and succeeding in your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Find Business Plan Writers in your Region

• Chicago – Business Plan Writers
• Columbus – Business Plan Writers
• Denver – Business Plan Writers
• Boston – Business Plan Writers
• Florida – Business Plan Writers
• Los Angeles – Business Plan Writers
• Minnesota – Business Plan Writers
• San Diego – Business Plan Writers
• Dallas – Business Plan Writers
• Massachusetts – Business Plan Writers
• New York – Business Plan Writers
• Las Vegas – Business Plan Writers
• Georgia – Business Plan Writers
• Houston – Business Plan Writers
• Atlanta – Business Plan Writers

Why Hire Costly Writers? Use Software for Business Plans!

Why pay high fees to consultants? Opt for business plan software, get comprehensive plans, save money, and gain control over your business’s roadmap

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a business plan writer.

Business plan writers are specialists who help owners or entrepreneurs create thorough and efficient business plans by conducting market research, competitive research preparing financial projections, & analyzing other business operations.

They build a business plan that is specifically suited to the needs and objectives of the particular business using the current information.

Why is a business plan important?

A business plan is the most critical business document that outlines your business goals, strategies for achieving them, and potential challenges you may encounter. Having a detailed business plan is crucial for securing funding, leading your business to growth, and ensuring your strategies are inclined toward success.

What are the key elements of a comprehensive business plan?

Some of the key elements of a comprehensive business plan include:

• Executive Summary —A brief overview of the entire business plan
• Business Overview —Includes details like name, business type, location, history, legal structure, etc.
• Market Analysis —Includes target market, competitive analysis, market trends, etc.
• Products & Services —Details about your products and services, a product description, pricing, etc.
• Sales & Marketing Strategies —A detailed description of your sales and marketing strategies
• Operations Plan —Includes operational process, staffing & hiring of your company, and more.
• Management Team —Includes all the key executives and managers of your firm.
• Financial Plan —financial forecasting for the first few years of your company.
• Appendix – Other details important to your business plan, such as the resumes of important employees, marketing materials, etc.

Why should you hire business plan writers?

Writing a comprehensive business plan requires business knowledge, market analysis, financial planning experience, and writing skills. If you’re writing a business plan and don’t have enough time to spend working on it, you should consider hiring a writer.

It can save you time, provide expert insights and market analysis, ensure financial projections are realistic, and craft a professional document that improves your chances of securing funding or investment.

Can I write a business plan myself?

Yes, you can surely write your business plan yourself. You can easily create an investment-ready business plan using an AI business plan generator like Upmetrics. It has all the features required to draft a detailed plan.

Popular Templates

How To Make Money Writing On Upwork In 8 Steps

Wondering how to get started writing on Upwork as a freelancer?

If you are not aware of the top freelance platforms and websites, please check out our complete guide as we rank Upwork #1 on our list.

Upwork is among the most popular freelance websites in 2020, and $1 Billion worth of jobs are posted annually. Yes, Billion with a B. Want a slice of that pie? Well, read up on our complete guide below.

Are you a grammar nut or just generally like the idea of writing, then you can become a paid writer.

• Be your own boss
• Choose new or exciting niches you always wanted to try
• Work from anywhere
• Upwork snatches 20% of contracts
• No benefits
• The occasional crazy client

Note: I am an Upwork Top Rated freelancer and have a 100% Job Success Score. Look for “Top Rated Tips” scattered throughout this article for personal tips from someone who has grown their own writing business through Upwork.

Table of Contents

1. sign up for an upwork account, 2. build your writing profile, 3. increase your chances of getting hired, 4. test different proposals, 5. getting the gig, 6. deliver a high-quality product, 7. it's all about the reviews, 8. get more work.

Sounds easy enough, right? Upwork has been blasted with scammer and spammers over the years and now has a robust account approval process. Upwork may ask you to upload a photo of your driver’s license and even do a video call with an Upwork employee to verify your identity. Typically, people under 18 may not be approved. However, people 15-18 might be approved in certain circumstances with impressive backgrounds.

Be prepared to pay taxes from income earned on Upwork as you are required to state if you are a “US Person” and provide your social security number.

But you already report all money you earn to the federal government, right ? So, this isn’t a big deal.

Don’t have a broad, full-blown portfolio to start with, that’s okay! Everyone has to start somewhere. You can start with writing samples from school, college, work, volunteer work, really anything that shows you can put together coherent copy.

If you do have a plethora of portfolio items, then you’re in luck! Add many work samples and job outcomes to your profile. This will ensure clients can trust you know what you’re doing.

Here are all the items you will need to provide to have a complete Upwork Profile:

• Education and employment history
• Hourly Rate
• Availability and location
• Payment options such as a bank account

Upwork only allows a person to have one single freelancer profile and account.

But what if you have multiple areas of expertise?

Within the last couple of years, Upwork has released a feature named Specialized Profiles, which allows you to have separate sections or pages on your profile based on your areas of expertise. For instance, I have one for Content Writing on Upwork and another for Web Design. When applying for jobs, you can choose which profile the client will see first, so your profile is targeted towards that specific type of role.

Top Rated Tip: It may be tempting to put a link in your profile to either your website, portfolio or LinkedIn. Don’t do this. It is against Upwork’s TOS. Upwork wants all communication to occur on its platform to keep you safe and to capture that 20% fee.

To quote Jon Acuff, in this book Start- You can punch fear in the face by simply starting! The hardest step in any journey is often the first; getting going is the most challenging, obstacle and that is no different on Upwork. Upwork is heavily reliant on Job Success Scores and other qualitative and quantitative metrics such as review; if you don’t have any on the platform, it’s hard to land a job.

For your first gig, I recommend lowering your rates to make up for the fact that you don’t have any work on the platform. When I first started, I was asking $50 per hour, moved up to $64 per hour, then $75 and $85. You can increase your rate over time, and potential clients will be willing to pay more to a seasoned Upwork veteran with slews of positive reviews because it lowers their risk of their contractor being a total dud- which I am sure you are not.

Starting in April 2019, Upwork rolled out a new feature of Connects, which are credits freelancers need to use to bid on jobs. So, you’ll need a pack of those, 80 connects will run you $12. Jobs can range from 1 connect up to 6 depending on parameters that the client inputs, such as the proposed length of time for the gig.

A good proposal should be personalized and be around 300 words, not too long but doesn’t lack the needed detail.

You can test many different aspects that are including in your proposal including:

• Length of the proposal
• Your profile image
• How many and which samples
• Different Specialized profiles
• And general proposal style or candor

A more professional proposal might start like this:

“To whom it may concern, please consider me for the role of copywriter. I have multiple work samples in this arena.”

A more lighthearted proposal might start like this:

“Hi There, I would love to help you with this project. I am a master copywriter and here are relevant work samples.”

Different types of clients might respond to different types of proposals. You might enjoy the more lighthearted proposal, and I might enjoy the professional proposal.

Top Rated Tip: Most things are worth testing to see what can be improved. Including copy!

Just like applying for any other type of job, be prepared to face rejection, especially near the start of your journey.

But eventually, a client will reply to your proposal. Typically, there may be some conversation back and forth to work out the details. Upwork claims that clients usually take about three days to make a hire on the platform.

Items you will want to confirm with the client:

• Working styles (phone calls, messages, etc.)
• Understand you have a firm foundation of what is being asked of you

When the stars align, you will have your first offer in your inbox. Accept that bad boy and get to work!

Top Rated Tip: I still only land around 10% of my proposals. There may be many reasons why someone doesn’t want to hire you as you may be:

• Inexperienced
• Have experience but not in their particular niche
• Timing may not be right
• You may be too expensive
• You may be in the wrong location or time zone

Keep these in mind and do not be discouraged when success doesn’t come your way immediately. Like all good things, this takes time.

Top Rated Tip: If you have landed an hourly contract, it is highly advantageous to utilize the Upwork time tracker app. The app allows for guaranteed payment if a client has an issue such as not wanting to pay you for your work or if their stored payment method fails.

Once you have completed your work, it’s time to turn it into your client.

I often include my thoughts or details of the work I performed. Typically, I will state how I felt about the strength of the piece, and I will provide quantitative metrics around my writing performance. Popular grammar checking apps and websites exist that can impartially offer this feedback, such as Hemmingway and Grammarly.

Give your client the freedom and flexibility to ask questions and suggest edits or rework.

Hopefully, you will deliver such a kick-butt product that the client will say something along the lines of-

“This is amazing!! Great work! I have no edits and want to hire you again for another piece!”

Top Rated Tip: Be careful of clients who may take advantage of your hard work. In fixed-rate contracts, a client does not pay more for extra rework or extra time you may put into a piece. Be sure to stand your ground if a client is unreasonable with rework or additional work demands.

As mentioned throughout this article, reviews and ratings are the lifeblood of a freelancer on Upwork.

If a client does not leave you feedback, kindly ask them and remind them to give you feedback. Feedback closes within 14 days after the end of a contract. Feedback can be opened back up after the fact by the freelancer if needed.

Always have clients close the contract and not you. If a client closes a deal, they are forced to give feedback in the form of a review. If a freelancer closes a contract, a client may choose not to provide feedback, which will damage your Job Success Score.

Top Rated Tip: If a client has not provided feedback, a freelancer can contact Upwork’s support team will contact the client in an attempt to leave feedback for the freelancer.

Now that you’ve successfully navigated and completed your first project, it’s time to look for other projects. It is often a good idea to ask previous clients if they have more work for you to do, and if they do not have an immediate need, check-in with them from time to time, maybe every three months or so just to upkeep the relationship.

Repeat steps three through six as often as you like, and you will have cash, reviews, and good vibes flowing in as you have always dreamed.

Top Rated Tip: Become a salesperson.

You have the advantage over everyone else on Upwork. There might be the best UX designer in the world, but their written sales process is not up to par, they may never land a job on Upwork. You are a professional wordsmith, and you can portray yourself as such when applying for jobs.

Don’t Give Up

Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team and then went on to become one of the best athletes of all time.

Don’t give up. Be patient. Be positive.

Upwork takes a lot of time, effort, and perseverance to land your first role and ongoing projects.

Continue to be optimistic and improve your skills and your sales skills.

You can do this!

15 Most Expensive Fruits In The World

How to connect your shopify store to google analytics, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

How to Apply for Upwork Writing Jobs (+ Online Freelance Writing Tips)

Jenni Sisson, Contributor

• Updated December 06, 2023

Whether you’re looking to kick off a full-time freelance writing career or just make a few bucks writing articles on the side, Upwork can take you there. 

Upwork is one of the best ways to gain access to a steady stream of freelance writing jobs — even if you don’t have any writing experience or connections in the industry. 

We covered many of the basics in our guide to getting your first job on Upwork , so in this article we’ll focus exclusively on using the site to find good-paying freelance writing opportunities. 

We’ve also compiled a suite of resources that are helpful for beginning freelance writers, which you can find at the end of the post (or you can jump directly to that section ).

Read through this material in its entirety and you’ll learn…

• How to find freelance writing jobs on Upwork.
• How to choose the right jobs to apply for.
• How to carve out a niche for yourself.
• How to identify what Upwork clients actually want.
• How to craft winning proposals.

And you’ll know exactly how to get your first client. 

Much of what’s covered below is based on my own first-hand experience applying for Upwork writing jobs.

Table of Contents

My Experience

Everyone’s freelance writing journey is different, but few are linear. So while your experience may be a bit different than mine, from what I’ve seen, my zero-to-writer story is pretty typical.

How I Became a Freelance Writer

Prior to registering with Upwork, I’d never had a paid writing job . 

The closest job I’d had to a writer was an 18-month stint as an in-house editor at a research firm where we published reports on healthcare technology.

I got that gig almost by accident. Instead of firing me for being a terrible secretary, the kind executive team gave me a second chance in the editing department. Unfortunately, more than half of that 18-month stint was part-time, so I eventually had to look for another opportunity.

Prior to that role, a good portion of my editing portfolio was comprised of pro bono pieces — things like sprucing up resumes, revising personal memoirs or editing medical school cover letters as favors for friends and family members. 

I tried to land other full-time editing and writing jobs, but because I had no formal education in those subjects and a limited resume, I was turned down for every single one of them. 

So in an act of desperation to get out of a dead-end job working the night shift at a local motel, I decided to give freelance writing on Upwork shot. 

Getting My First Contract 

Getting my first contract for a writing job was far and away the hardest part of my freelancing career. 

Convincing myself that I was a good enough writer and editor to make it as a freelancer, when I’d been turned down many times before, was tough. 

On days when impostor syndrome made me think I was crazy for trying to start a freelance writing career, I told myself, “I can’t be the worst writer out there. If others can do this, then why not me?” 

It took me a month and several proposals to get my first gig on Upwork. 

Even after I got that first five-star review, subsequent jobs were slow in coming. In the beginning, I was getting replies to one out of every 10 or 15 proposals I sent — and only about half of those clients actually hired me. 

But as I got more jobs and more good reviews, gigs became easier to land.

I got a better feel for which jobs I was qualified for and which ones were over my head or outside my wheelhouse. 

Plus, I learned not to waste my time on jobs that already had dozens of applicants, and to focus my efforts on assignments I could complete quickly and confidently.

Pro Tip : Search for terms like “new to Upwork,” “24 hours,” or “urgent” in the search bar. Some clients don’t mind working with newbies and will state that in the text of the job post (hoping to get the work at below market rates). Others are looking for a quick turnaround and are less-than-picky about who does the work. These posts are great finds for landing a first gig.

Building a Niched Portfolio  

I knew from the start that I wanted to niche down and write personal finance articles.

My husband and I had managed to get out of debt and cash-flowed a master’s degree — all with three kids, a single sub-average income and a few side hustles. 

This experience planted a passion in me for personal finance. It was because of the knowledge I acquired from books, blogs and podcasts that my family made it through that lean period. So I wanted to help spread the knowledge I’d gained to others through my writing.

A few Google searches (and a vague sense of Dave Ramsey’s net worth) confirmed that the personal finance niche had plenty of clients with deep enough pockets to pay for blog writers.

In the first few months, I had to take whatever work I could get. But I applied to as many personal-finance-related gigs as I could. 

I had started my own personal finance blog (even though nobody read it at the time), so I included articles I had written on personal finance in my proposals. 

Recommended resource : How to Create a Freelance Portfolio Website .

Incidentally, no one seemed to care that I hadn’t been paid to write those articles.

I also focused on related “next door” niches to personal finance, like real estate, entrepreneurship and technology. Not only did these force me to hone my research skills and broaden my knowledge base, they also kept things interesting by changing up the subject matter of my writing from time to time.

After a year of curating a personal-finance-centered portfolio, I started receiving invites to apply for jobs writing personal finance articles — more than I could comfortably handle.

I now have the luxury of only taking on jobs that are inside my niche or interesting enough to stretch beyond it.

Related reading : How to find your ideal freelancing niche . 

Raising My Rates  

Raising your rates is scary, since you are the only one justifying your worth to the client (who understandably wants to pay as little for your services as possible). 

I’m a frugal person by nature, so raising my rates cut against the grain for me. I want to pay the least amount I can for things, so I assume others do too. I feared that clients would see my higher rates as greedy or presumptuous.

What’s more, early on I had a client that decided to stop working with me, stating that I was charging too much for my articles — even though I hadn’t changed my rates since we initially started working together. 

That terrified me, because at the time it was my steadiest and highest-paying client. That conversation kept me working for a lower rate for longer than I probably should have.

But no client lasts forever. 

As clients turned over and I pursued new ones, I eventually got gutsy and bid for higher rates, just to see what would happen. I was surprised how quickly I inched my per-hour and per-word rate up. 

In less than a year, I replaced the part-time income I was making at the motel and was able to work whenever and wherever I wanted. 

I’m no longer afraid to pass on a job if the rate is too low, as I have learned to value my own time and expertise — which turned out to be worth much more than my canceling client was willing to pay. 

But keep this important point in mind: to get there, I had to be willing to start low. If you have no experience and a limited portfolio, you’re more than likely going to have to take a handful of jobs that pay less than you’re worth.

Just don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you need to keep working at those rates forever .

Pro Tip: As we outline in our guide to freelance writing rates , it’s extremely difficult to determine an industry-wide “going rate” for freelance writing. You have to find a happy balance between the price you’re willing to work for and the value the client places on your work. A piece that’s worth $20 to one client may be worth $120 to another. 

Five Things You Need

Getting started as a freelance writer is truly the hardest part of your career. And while starting is difficult, it isn’t complicated. 

Here’s a list of the basics you need before you’re ready to hang up your shingle. 

#1. A published writing sample under your own name (in any topic)

Published articles with your byline give you a lot of credibility as a writer. 

Even if what you’ve written is completely unrelated to the job post, published writing carries far more weight than a random Word document attached to your proposal (which the client doesn’t even know for sure that you wrote).

Plus, they serve as a legitimizing factor: if you’ve been published elsewhere, the client is more likely to see you as an established writer — and they’ll feel safer entrusting their project to you.

You can still get freelance jobs without having any published work, so if you’re brand new to writing, don’t despair. But if you have anything published already, it will give you a leg up. 

This is why many freelancers have their own blogs; they serve as a professional credential. 

If you don’t think starting a blog is right for you, it’s absolutely worthwhile to find a couple of blogs or websites that will publish your article (with a byline), even if they don’t pay you for it. And it’s especially helpful if they’re in the niche you want to target as a freelancer.

#2. A writing sample (published or unpublished) related to the job you’re applying for

The first question on a client’s mind is: “Can this person produce the type and quality of work I need?” 

By showing them you’ve done something similar in the past, you answer that question for them.

This is important, because getting the job isn’t always just about your writing skill. Every niche has its own vocabulary and nuances, and clients prefer to hire people who can write with clarity and authority about their particular topic.

The sample doesn’t have to be identical to the job post, but it should have a similar style, tone, content and/or format of the work the client is looking for — and it should be in the same niche if at all possible.

Be sure to point out the similarities in your cover letter, as clients get a lot of applications and tend to only skim samples. 

#3. A complete Upwork profile

Paint a picture of who you are and establish your brand by fully completing your Upwork profile. 

Part of this means uploading a nice headshot. It doesn’t have to be a professional photo, but it shouldn’t be a social media selfie either. 

Digital first impressions are important, so read through this Upwork guide that runs down a few tips for choosing an effective profile photo .

Be sure to fill out your work history and upload some samples — the more, the better. 

Remember, your goal here is to instill confidence that you’re a professional who can get the job done. Most of the time, the client isn’t going to comb over your profile and samples — but if they click through and see that your portfolio looks empty, or if it seems like you haven’t paid much attention to it, that can be a red flag. 

Upwork also says that adding an introductory video to your profile can help you win more contracts . 

The video below goes into more detail about why your Upwork profile is so important, and outlines four tips for winning more contracts as a beginner on the platform.

#4. A complete LinkedIn profile

Once you apply for a job, the client can see your last name. As part of their due diligence, clients often search for you on LinkedIn. This tells them a lot about you, and it can be another chance to sell yourself and your skills. 

On the other hand, an incomplete or unprofessional profile can be an instant turn-off. So it’s important to take the time to fill out the profile as completely as possible, including a good headshot and a full work history. 

However, it’s even more important to make sure that your profile focuses on the fact that you’re a writer.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The same concept is true for online profiles and marketing yourself as a freelancer: you want potential clients to see you in the role they’re hiring for.

That doesn’t mean hiding from your past work history. Clients value all kinds of real-world experience — whether it’s working as an engineer or working the night shift at a hotel. 

Often, your professional experience gives you valuable insight into a specific field or niche that can help you win more clients and charge higher rates. 

For instance, a six-month stint in tech support and my year as a medical transcriptionist gave me just enough knowledge and exposure to the technology and healthcare industries to write about them, even though neither job had to do with writing.

So don’t hide your prior experience, even if you see them as less than ideal. But do tweak the language of your profile so that it frames you as a writer first and everything else second.

#5. Persistence

Breaking into this space takes time, patience and an unwillingness to quit.

So if it takes a while to get things going, remember that it’s normal for business to be slow in the beginning. Keep at it.

Even after your business gets rolling, you need to persist in learning and refining your craft if you want to stay competitive. 

So ask your clients for feedback and implement it. 

Five Steps for Writing a Good Upwork Proposal

Writing proposals takes a lot of time and effort — especially in the beginning, when your acceptance rate is low. 

But each proposal is an opportunity to introduce yourself, sell your skills and convince your client you can do the job. 

While it can be good to cast a wide net to get jobs, quality proposals will be more effective than sheer quantity. Treat each proposal as a one-sided job interview — that’s exactly what it is.

If you have no idea of what to put in your proposal, read on. The steps below will transform your proposals from forgettable to incredible.

Good Upwork Proposals Always Have…

• A custom cover letter.
• Links to relevant work samples.
• Error-free writing.
• A proposed rate or budget.
• A proposed deadline.
• An actionable next step.

Need more ideas to spruce up your proposals? Check out the additional suggestions in our comprehensive guide to landing your first job on Upwork , and go over some more advanced strategies in our guide to writing great freelance proposals .

Let’s dig into how to cover those bases.

Step #1: Research the Topic

If you don’t know a ton about the writing topic or industry of a job, at least take 10 minutes to Google some basic information. 

Often, this small amount of research will give you enough context to talk about the client’s project and get the ball rolling — and it’s more effort than 99% of applicants will expend.

Also, if the job post includes a link to a website, read that page to familiarize yourself with your potential client. 

Even without a link, you can sometimes figure out who they are by reading through their feedback or job posting history. A few minutes of sleuthing can sometimes give you enough information to deduce who you’re pitching to.

This is low-hanging fruit, but as I said earlier: many freelancers don’t even bother.

Step #2: Write a Custom Cover Letter

Of all the things in this article, this is the most important: customize every single cover letter every single time. No exceptions.

You can have a general template with paragraphs you cut and paste, but spend the time to tailor your references to the job post and the deliverables the client is asking for. (This is why it’s helpful if you can figure out exactly who the client is.)

Your cover letter is your one and only chance to showcase your skills and experience, and to explain why you’re the perfect freelancer for the job.

Subtly highlight the research you did in Step #1, and relate it to your past work or experience, if possible.

Here’s an example: 

“I’ve looked over your website, www.mycooltravelblog.com, and I noticed you always provide actionable steps the reader can take to identify the best possible use of travel points. I’ve done similar work when writing about cash-back shopping sites, where rates vary from site to site daily. Here are a couple of examples.” 

As I said earlier, the work doesn’t have to be identical to what the client needs, as long it demonstrates that you understand how to get this job done.

If you’re familiar with the job’s industry, drop enough lingo or references to convince the client of your expertise .

This strategy is especially helpful for specialized sectors like healthcare, automotive and technology. 

Pro Tip : Many job posts include a random word like banana, Bambi or paprika that you need to repeat in your cover letter to show that you read the whole post and can follow instructions (and yes, these are real examples). Pay close attention to these, as clients use them to weed out generic cover letters from their stack of submissions.  

Step #3: Highlight Your Writing Samples

Just like you, your writing samples need an introduction. 

Don’t just attach the files and call it done. Briefly explain the objective, tone and target audience of each piece, as well as the relevance to the client’s project.

Use this as an opportunity to talk about your processes. Did you conduct original research for the article? Was it heavily edited, or published as-is? Were you an editor, ghostwriter or the sole author? 

Give your client some context to paint a clear picture of your capabilities.

Step #4: Proofread Your Proposal

Cover letters or writing samples with typos and grammatical mistakes are automatic rejections for many clients. 

If you aren’t getting the interest you want, double-check your copy for errors. When your clients point out your errors, it’s horribly embarrassing (and yes, I say that from experience). 

Don’t be lazy. With the advent of spell-checking tools and Grammarly, professional writers have no excuse for delivering sloppy copy to clients. 

If you can’t be bothered to deliver a perfect proposal, your clients don’t have any reason to believe your writing will look any better.

And remember, this isn’t just a matter of them being curmudgeonly about grammar: the more editing your work needs, the more time they (or their editor or proofreader) will have to spend going over it prior to publication. And that costs money. 

Step #5: Suggest the Next Step

”Thanks for your consideration; I hope to hear from you soon” is not the next step. 

Instead of leaving the ball in the client’s court, make it easy for them to follow up with you. 

For example, if the natural progression of the conversation would be a video chat to discuss the project, suggest that. 

“I’m free Tuesday and Thursday of next week between 9 and 11 a.m. EST. Can we schedule a video chat to discuss the project in more detail?” 

The idea is to make it as easy as possible for the client to say “yes” so that you can keep moving the ball down the field until you’ve won the contract. 

Don’t be afraid to follow up . Clients get distracted. They get sick. They go on vacation. Their computers die. So if a client expresses interest but doesn’t reply for a while, that doesn’t mean it’s a ‘no.’ 

Keep in mind that hiring you is only one of a million things on their to-do list. If a client goes radio silent, politely follow up in a week and see if they still need the work.

What Upwork Clients Want

You can become a much more competitive candidate simply by putting yourself in your client’s shoes. When you know what your clients want, it takes the guesswork out of what to say to convince them that you’re perfect for the job.

#1 . Someone who will actually complete the work

Whoever said that 80% of life is just showing up was obviously a freelancer. 

It always shocks me how many clients have been ghosted by other freelancers. One of my clients had a freelancer abandon the work when it was ¾ completed! 

Complete the work on time and in full, and always let the client know that you’re open to criticism and to make changes after you submit your work. 

(Unsure if you can complete the work you agreed to? See #2, below.)

When your client knows she can rely on you, she’ll keep you in mind for future projects.

#2 . Clear and honest communication

Can’t make the deadline and need an extension? Need clarification on something? Want to know if your stuff hit the mark? Just ask!

In my experience, most clients are very helpful and ready to answer your questions. They realize that things come up and are willing to cooperate and find solutions to problems. 

Make good use of Upwork’s messaging feature — it’s the best way to communicate with your clients.

#3 . Someone who can do the job well

Don’t forget that most of the time, your client is hiring you without ever having seen or talked to you.

That’s quite the leap of faith, even for a small project! 

Do everything you can to assure your client that you’re competent in the skills you claim.

If you have industry-specific experience, state that loud and proud in your proposal. Drop names or lingo when appropriate so your client knows you’re qualified. 

Freelance Writing Resources

Here are links to some of the online freelancing resources we’ve put together, with a few comments about how you can use them to further your freelance writing career. 

• How to Get Your First Job on Upwork : A step-by-step guide to winning contracts on the largest freelance marketplace. 
• Seven Expert Upwork Tips : Some advanced tips and tricks for being successful on the platform.
• How to Make Money on Fiverr : The site doesn’t have as much long-term earning potential as Upwork, but it’s a great place for beginners to build a portfolio while learning how to freelance.
• How to Write Great Freelance Proposals : Some advanced tips and strategies for crafting killer proposals that win more contracts and command better rates.
• How to Create a Freelance Portfolio from Scratch : Learn what makes a great portfolio, and how to build one even if you have zero experience.
• How to Choose Your Ideal Freelance Niche : Learn why shrinking your pool of potential clients can help you make more money. 
• How to Become a Copywriter : This can be one of the most lucrative niches within freelance writing.
• Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners : A roundup of the best sites and strategies when you’re just getting started.
• Five Freelance Writing Sites That Pay Daily .

Upwork Writing Jobs FAQ

There isn’t one right answer for this, but no matter how new to Upwork you are, it should never be $0. (Working for free or just a good review is against Upwork’s policy.)  Writing a pro bono article for a friend’s blog, or writing an unpaid article for a website in your niche to fill out your portfolio or get a byline, is acceptable. But do this outside of Upwork. Even trial articles — ones where a client tests your skills to see if you’re a good fit — should result in some small compensation.  That said, when you’re looking for your very first gig, the amount you make should be less important than actually landing the job. Even if you only make $5, if you get a five-star review, higher-paying clients are more likely to hire you in the future.  If you have industry experience, there’s no need to sell yourself short, however. A good way to check if your bid is reasonable is to scan the budgets of jobs you’d like to get.  You can also get on Upwork as a client and search the profiles of other freelancers. Scan for those with similar experience to yours and see what they charge.  Premium Upwork subscribers can see the bid range on individual jobs, which should also give you a good idea of what to charge.

High-paying industries include technology, sales, business-to-business work and medical, but there are good-paying gigs in a variety of industries.  Regardless of what sector pays the most for articles, you’ll maximize your earnings by creating a niche in an area you know well and can write about over and over.  If you can become the go-to guy or gal in a particular area, you don’t have to appeal to a broad client base as your expertise becomes your selling point.  For example, food blogs as a sector might not pay super well, but you can rest assured that the articles written for Emeril’s or Rachel Ray’s sites do. If you don’t have expertise in a good-paying area, look for niches that border on ones you know. Take on articles that you know at least a little about, and practice researching to broaden your knowledge base.

Upwork’s Project Catalog was introduced in 2021. It’s a marketplace for fixed-priced gigs that functions identically to Fiverr; freelancers post a fixed-price jobs that clients can order on demand. For example, as a writer you might offer “A 10,000 word article on any topic for $1,000.”

Final Thoughts: Getting Started Can Take Time, But Don’t Give Up!

Like all businesses, a freelance career is built over time.

Luckily, sites like Upwork provide a plethora of paid writing opportunities every day for the freelancers with the hustle and skill to seize them. 

Expect hurdles, a disappointing number of rejections, and lowball offers in the beginning. These growing pains are normal. 

But if you’re taking the time and effort to create well-written samples for your portfolio, craft stellar proposals that showcase your skills, and communicate clearly with clients, your freelance career will grow and provide you with a steady income. 

Hi Jenni, really great article and a well-advised how to get started as a freelancer writer.

Just wanted to say thank you for this. 🙂

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment Read our comment policy.

A Message From Our Founder

Welcome to The Ways To Wealth. I founded this site to help make a difference in people's lives by delivering objective, reliable advice and recommendations that help them make more money, save more money, and invest wisely.

• Money Management
• Debt Payoff
• About The Ways To Wealth
• Media & Advertising
• Privacy Policy

Latest Posts

Why i love the bilt rewards card, even though i don’t pay rent, robinhood gold card: game-changer or gimmick (8 insights), swagbucks review 2024: still legit our insights after 5 years, usertesting.com review: we applied to 46 tests and got approved for none, m1 review (2024): a fantastic all-in-one investing choice, popular tags.

• Reading Lists

• Forums Forums Freelancers New to Upwork Clients Coffee Break Agencies Support Forum Bulletin Board
• Academy Academy Upwork Essentials Work with a Coach Attend an Event AI Education Library Learn from Experts Get Certified
• Support Support Support Forum Known Issues & Workarounds Help Center Product Release Notes
• Freelancers
• New to Upwork
• Coffee Break
• Support Forum
• Bulletin Board
• Upwork Essentials
• Work with a Coach
• Attend an Event
• AI Education Library
• Learn from Experts
• Get Certified
• Known Issues & Workarounds
• Help Center
• Product Release Notes
• Subscribe to RSS Feed
• Mark Topic as New
• Mark Topic as Read
• Float this Topic for Current User
• Printer Friendly Page

• Mark as New
• Notify Moderator

Jun 20, 2021 09:50:57 AM  by  Ihab F

Business Plan and Pitch Deck writing

• All forum topics
• Previous Topic

Jun 20, 2021 10:32:40 AM Edited Jun 20, 2021 10:34:53 AM  by  Will L

Jun 20, 2021 03:23:06 PM Edited Jun 20, 2021 03:23:43 PM  by  Tonya P

• Upwork Dashboard
• Trust, Safety & Security
• Help & Support
• Upwork Foundation
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Accessibility
• Desktop App
• Cookie Policy
• Enterprise Solutions

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure for more.

5 Sample Upwork Proposal Templates to Win the Competition

BIG NEWS! We just released The Freelance Files , a collection of professional done-for-you email scripts, contracts, invoices, and more for smarter freelancing. The first 50 customers, save 50% with this link .

5 Sample Upwork Proposals to Help You Get Started

How to make a sample upwork proposal on your own, 5 steps to writing an effective upwork proposal, what to include (and not include) in every upwork proposal, 4 tips for writing better upwork proposals, final thoughts.

Research shows 53 million Americans are freelancing today . They contribute $715 billion each year to the economic growth of the country.

Demand for freelancers is at an all-time high. However, the competition is also stiff. Platforms like Upwork have millions of freelancers competing for projects on the platform.

It takes more than skills and experience to win clients on Upwork. You must attract your client’s attention by establishing a strong connection right from the beginning.

A custom proposal can work wonders to help you break the ice. You can connect with your client instantly and show why you are the right person for the job.

What to Expect from this Article

Upwork has remained the largest freelancing platform in the world for some time now. It helps a freelancer build their career and earn consistent incomes.

However, Upwork has more than 5 million clients and 12 million freelance remote workers . As a result, several freelancers bid on a project, making it difficult to land you a job.

A well-thought proposal can help you stand out and prove your expertise. You can express how you will benefit the client and their business and help them achieve their objectives.

In this blog, we will learn how to write a killer proposal to win projects on Upwork. We will also include a few sample Upwork proposal templates to inspire you.

The job description given by the client will form the basis of your proposal. You can use the client’s needs to align and sell your services better.

Below you will find a sample Upwork proposal for 5 jobs. You can write your proposal following our format and style to land more gigs.

1. Sample Upwork Proposal for a Graphic Designer

I understand you want to create a brochure for your upcoming sales expo. With my experience of 10 years, I can help you to stand out from your competitors. I have designed over 100 brochures for companies all around the world.

I’m attaching some brochures I made for past clients to give you a better idea of what I can deliver.

I’m proficient in several editing tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. I can also use a tool of your choice if that holds significance.

I can deliver the brochure within 7 days of receiving your confirmation. However, I would need a few resources from your end to make a compelling brochure.

Let’s discuss matters in the following communication. I will be waiting for your reply.

SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com

2. Sample Upwork Proposal for a Freelance Writer

I would like to place my proposal for your creative writing project. I see you want to develop high-quality content to fuel your marketing efforts. We can take the project forward immediately as I have chalked out a plan to drive your outreach program:

• 5 blogs (700+ words) per month on industry news and updates
• 2 how-to articles (900+ words) per month on company-related offerings
• 1 mega blog (2,500 +words) per month on helpful guides
• 10 social media updates per month for Facebook and Instagram

I’m prepared to handle the workload and deliver tasks on time. I have also worked with WordPress and can publish blogs, complete with images, tags, and videos.

Moreover, I can publish updates on your social media channels to keep your audience engaged.

We can discuss the rates once you reply to my proposal. I’m attaching sample blogs of past projects for your reference.

3. Sample Upwork Proposal for a Developer

I’m confident I am the right person to help you turn your vision into reality. Every business should have a mobile app to target and retain mobile customers.

I assume you don’t have a plan in place due to the lack of details in your job description. I can guide you to develop the right strategy and help you launch your mobile app with success.

I have developed the apps of top healthcare brands like XYZ and ABC. You can download and use the apps to get a feel of what I have to offer.

I already have a few features in mind that can help your app attract and convert more customers. I’ve been developing apps for over 7 years and completed more than 30 projects.

Most importantly, I have exposure to working in the healthcare industry and know what works best for clinics like yours.

I would like to take our conversation forward and provide you with more insights on developing your app.

4. Sample Upwork Proposal for a Web Designer

I would love to apply for your project. I have been helping entrepreneurs like you to create a strong brand and lasting memories with your audience.

I understand you are looking to give your website a fresh look and make it more appealing. I can help you design an aesthetic and modern website with high-quality visuals to create an engaging user experience.

I audited your website and already have a few recommendations. For example, I would like to make the UI simpler to remove clutter and distractions.

I have several other suggestions and a plan in place to help you create a strong market presence. Please reply to my proposal so that we can move things forward.

You can also view the following websites I worked on to get an idea of what to expect:

Please send me a message to discuss your project requirements.

5. Sample Upwork Proposal for a Content Creator (YouTube, Social Media, etc.)

I see you would like to create content for your YouTube channel. I can provide you with professional guidance and create stellar content to click with your audience. I have over 10 years of experience helping businesses develop strong brand awareness.

You might have seen my work on YouTube channels like XYZ and ABC. I also manage the 123 channel, which is a business similar to yours.

I’ve been working with them for 1.5 years, and my content generated over 1 million views. I can deliver you similar results, once we sit down to discuss the details.

I can help you with:

• Content strategy
• Content topics
• Shooting videos
• Pre and post-production tasks
• Video editing

I would love to be the one to develop a long-term relationship that benefits both parties. I will wait for your reply to start on the project right away.

Let’s set up a meeting at your convenience.

An important part of becoming a freelancer on Upwork is to be able to write your own proposals . However, you don’t need to write from scratch every time you apply to a project.

Instead, you can make a sample Upwork proposal and customize it to your needs. Below are a few insights to help you write fantastic proposals.

A few easy steps can help you write a sample Upwork proposal template as a foundation. The first step is the most important:

1. Research Your Client

You must understand your client to write an effective proposal. The job description can give you vital insights to perform your research, like company name or product.

Moreover, read the project requirements to understand what problem the client is trying to solve. You cannot write a proposal unless you are clear about the project objectives.

Make a list of the pain points of a project before you do anything else.

2. Specify Your Services

Your client must know what you are selling them. Therefore, specify your services in your Upwork proposal to get more gigs.

However, do not mention services that are not useful to the client. They may make you look good on paper but don’t help you convince your client.

Instead, mention your deliverables and how they resolve your client’s pain points.

Let’s say a client wants to hire a creative writer and asks what you can offer. You will surely not get the project if you write something like, “I can deliver high-quality articles and blogs.”

Instead, write you can deliver:

• How-to guides
• Walkthroughs
• Product reviews
• Product descriptions
• Elevator pitches

3. Create an Outline

Create a rough outline of your sample Upwork proposal. You can use the pain points you noted down as a foundation to elaborate on your services.

You don’t need to write a detailed outline. Just make a list of the main points you want to include in your letter.

It will help you stay on track and prevent missing out on important information. Write your proposal based on your outline for the best results.

4. Use a Template

You can find many templates online to write your proposal. However, you must customize the proposal for the project you are looking to apply.

Moreover, you can create a custom template based on your services. You can personalize based on your project requirements and save time and energy.

However, prevent copy-pasting content from other proposals. Your template should be a guide only and not the actual wording of your cover letter.

It is always better to take a few more minutes to write an original proposal. Otherwise, you may lose projects even if you have the right skills and capabilities.

5. Proofread Your Proposal

The last step of the process is to proofread your proposal. It should not contain any spelling or grammatical errors.

Moreover, your document should be professional and free of typos. You can use online services to proofread your proposal.

A proposal cover letter should include a few vital things that help you land more projects. They are as follows:

Your Information

It is necessary to introduce yourself to your client. However, you don’t need to write about your hobbies or all the degrees you acquired.

Include your name and throw in a few details that help you persuade your client, such as:

• Your experience
• Exposure to working in different industries
• Educational qualifications

Outline of Project

The job description will help you zero in on your client’s objectives. They also reveal the pain points the person or business is trying to solve.

You should capture the pain points in your proposal to tie your services with them. It helps you show why your client should hire you for the job.

Never be ambiguous when writing your client requirements. You should make your client aware of their pain points if they aren’t.

Let’s say the job description says a small company wants to improve its website user experience. However, they haven’t mentioned the areas of improvement.

Here, you can use your insights to understand your client’s pain points. Their user experience may be suffering due to clutter or an unresponsive design.

You can write an effective proposal by showing you understand your client. However, it’s better to ask questions rather than include assumptions.

Outline of Solution

You should describe how your service will resolve your client’s problems. It is necessary to be specific and provide a glimpse of what’s on offer.

Let’s say you are applying to a social media marketing project. In your proposal, don’t just say, “I can create an excellent campaign to bring you more leads.”

Instead, show them how you are going to do the job. As a result, many freelancers on Upwork include a list of deliverables in their cover letters.

An example of deliverables for a social media campaign may include:

• An audit report of current social media presence
• Social media marketing strategy
• 25 Monthly posts and updates
• Comments on 100 posts per month

Don’t include services that are not related to the project.

Call to Action (CTA)

Customize the CTA for your sample Upwork proposal. However, avoid writing ambiguous calls to action like, “hope to hear from you soon.”

Instead, write something like:

• Let’s set a meeting for Monday
• Please reply to my message to discuss matters
• Please answer my queries to take the project forward

You must include a few samples of your work in your proposal. For a writer, samples of previously-written blogs or links to published articles are great.

Similarly, a developer can invite clients to check out apps and software developed by them. Samples are excellent to give your client an idea of the returns you can provide.

You must start sending proposals as soon as you join Upwork to get a job. Here are a few proven tips to help you nail the task like a pro:

1. Keep It Concise

Your Upwork proposal should be brief and to the point. Don’t over-describe your client’s pain points or your services.

Instead, provide the right information to encourage your client to decide in your favor.

The length of your proposal will depend on the job description. However, it should not be more than 4 – 5 paragraphs long.

Nobody has the time to read a lengthy proposal, especially when 30 – 50 freelancers apply for the same job.

2. Don’t Oversell

A proposal helps you sell your service on Upwork. It should put you in the best light, but not by appearing too salesy.

A better approach is to show your client how you can provide value. List techniques or ways you can solve their pain points or help them achieve their goals.

A simple change in perception can help you nail the task. Think about how you can help a client instead of wondering how you can sell.

Moreover, add a human touch and work to create trust.

3. Answer Additional Questions First

Most projects on Upwork need you to answer ‘Additional Questions’ after you write your cover letter. However, clients see your replies to these questions first before your actual proposal.

Therefore, answer the additional screening questions before you write your proposal. Use your research to give compelling answers and show you are the best person to handle the project.

It goes a long way to make sure the client reads your proposal. If you cannot answer as expected, even an excellent proposal may fall short.

4. Ask Questions

It is always better to ask questions than make assumptions. However, any question you ask should show you understand your client or the project better.

Let’s say a project says you have to create a Facebook ad campaign. However, the job description has no information on budget or goals.

Instead of promising deliverables outright, you can ask:

• May I know your budget so that I can create a fitting plan?
• What is the price range of the product you are promoting?
• Do you want to target a local or global audience?

You must be able to write effective proposals to become a top-rated freelancer on Upwork . Follow our steps and tips to create a fantastic proposal and land more projects. However, refrain from making false claims in your cover letter. Instead, include adequate proof to prove your expertise.

Keep the conversation going...

Over 10,000 of us are having daily conversations over in our free Facebook group and we'd love to see you there. Join us!

Freelancing

Written by Soubhik Chakrabarti

Staff at millo.co.

A prolific writer and a Top Talent on Upwork with over $200,000 in earnings, Soubhik is both a journalist and an entrepreneur. With a journalism degree from Langara College, Vancouver, Soubhik today helps companies focus on their SEO efforts through SEO consulting, and also owns websites like icytales.com - which today has more than 150,000 pageviews a month.

Soubhik's Articles

Reviewed & edited by Adam Wright , at Millo.

At Millo, we strive to publish only the best, most trustworthy and reliable content for freelancers. You can learn more by reviewing our editorial policy .

Compare U.S. green card paths

A comprehensive eb-2 niw business plan sample and guide.

By Jemima Owen-Jones

Wondering how to self-petition for an EB-2 visa as a business owner? Check our EB-2 NIW business plan sample with a detailed guide to each section.

The EB-2 NIW allows you to self-petition for a United States visa without a sponsor or labor certification. Writing a compelling business plan is a crucial part of the application process. It gives you the opportunity to prove to USCIS that your work is of national interest and substantial benefit.

Read our EB-2 NIW business plan sample to understand what sections to include and how to position yourself. We also include some examples of what to write for inspiration.

What is an EB-2 NIW business plan?

The EB-2 NIW business plan is a document foreign entrepreneurs can use to support their self-petition for an employment-based visa . Although the plan isn’t a formal part of the visa application process, USCIS officials often request it.

Applicants apply for the national interest waiver (NIW) to skip the lengthy process for employment-based visas. Usually, the employment-based second preference visa (EB-2) requires a job offer and legal labor certification. Often, foreign nationals end up waiting over a year to finalize these arrangements.

The importance of an EB-2 NIW business plan

Writing a business plan helps to convince immigration officials that you meet their three requirements , otherwise known as the ‘matter of dhanasar.’ You can prove that:

• Your venture holds substantial merit and national significance
• Your business is likely to succeed
• You and the country would benefit from expediting the visa

If your NIW petition is successful, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will waive the visa requirements for a job offer and permanent labor certification. You can get your visa upfront and enter the country without a wait.

Like a traditional business plan, this document should provide a detailed description of your company, your mission and objectives, and your strategy. You may think of it as pitching yourself to the U.S. to secure their investment.

Immigration business plans can range from launching a new product to pioneering research and opening a franchise. The most successful applicants don’t necessarily have the most innovative ideas but can prove they’ll have a positive impact on the country.

What to include in an EB-2 NIW business plan

NIW visa business plans vary between applicants. The size and format of the document depend on the complexity of your proposal and the types of information you need to include. However, here’s a breakdown of sections every EB-2 NIW business plan needs, alongside some templates:

Executive summary

Outline your proposed endeavor and explain why it’s in the interest of the United States. Be clear and brief to help the official quickly grasp the core of your proposal. If your

Example: This plan showcases my exceptional ability in [field]. With a [qualification] in [area of study] and [number] years of experience in [industry], I’ve become one of the leading experts in my field. My work in [field] has the potential to revolutionize [specific industry], leading to significant advancements in [specific technology or field] that are crucial to the United States' leadership in the global market.

Applicant’s background

Discuss your work experience, qualifications, and achievements. You can summarize your history but go into further detail in subsequent sections. You should provide evidence such as degree certificates and professional references for all your claims.

Everything you include should emphasize why you’re best suited to lead your venture. You want to rule out the possibility that a current American citizen or another applicant could be a better fit for the role.

For example, you might have a degree in sustainable agriculture in a country with farming techniques not yet prevalent in North America. You’d be uniquely qualified to introduce these practices to the U.S. and help them increase their agricultural yield.

Example: My qualifications, including [list credentials], uniquely position me to drive the success of this venture. I also have over [number] of experience working for [company name], a market leader in [field] in [home country]. During that time, I won [list achievements] for contributing to [industry]. I could use this expertise to further [area of research or development] in the United States and improve [area of U.S. society or economy].

Business analysis

Give a detailed description of your current business or professional endeavors, including your:

• Role and responsibilities
• Mission and objectives
• Description and scope of services
• Target market
• Resources and equipment used
• Achievements to date

You want to demonstrate that you’ve got a thorough understanding of your business, the industry, and the global market. Immigration officers must see that you have the expertise to implement your plan.

Support your analysis with research and reports to substantiate your claims. If you’ve run a similar business in your home country, you could present your financial records. You could also use employee surveys and customer feedback forms as qualitative data.

The immigration official may also need to see that your business is compliant. Look for evidence that you meet international guidelines and laws. For example, you could include patents for new technology or the results of audits.

Example: I serve as the [position] of a fast-growing [field] business in [home country]. Within the next [number] years, we’re poised to [list objectives] with our high-quality [product or service]. The company has recently invested in [processes, resources, or equipment] to further our success. Now we are the leading [achievement] in [area] and have [percentage] of the market.

Market analysis

Describe the current state of your industry. Ideally, you’ll demonstrate there’s either a national or global demand for your business.

Some common examples include a shortage of a specific product or service or an emerging need. For instance, as companies move online, cyber security has become more of a concern. Applicants who can demonstrate they’ve got innovative software solutions to protect U.S.-based servers could be front-runners for EB-2 visas.

Present extensive, current market data to support your analysis. The immigration official may not know about the industry, and they’ll need proof of the demand.

Going back to the example about cybersecurity, you could present statistics about how online data breaches are increasing. You could also include information about the cost to U.S. companies and the increase in hiring for in-house cybersecurity experts.

Ensure your information is recent, as the market fluctuates constantly. The cut-off point for research materials depends on your exact industry. In fast-changing sectors like technology and commerce, information could be outdated within months.

Example: I’ve extensively researched [industry] using [list resources]. The market for [ product/service] is rapidly growing, with a projected annual growth rate of [percentage], indicating the strong demand for such [products/service]. My business can fill this demand by [list projects].

Social and economic impact

Your market analysis shows how your business could tick a box. In this section, you’ll go a step further by discussing the positive contributions you could make to the United States. You should cover:

• Tax payments: Give your projected revenue alongside how you’ll sustain or even grow your income. The more money you make, the more you’ll contribute to the country in taxes
• Economic growth: Show how your business could have a knock-on effect on other organizations. If they earn more money, they’ll also end up paying more tax
• Job creation: List the roles you’ll hire for within the United States. You’ll demonstrate how you’re creating job opportunities for U.S. citizens, reducing unemployment, and alleviating the burden on taxpayers
• Community impact: Discuss how you’ll have a social impact on U.S. citizens. That might be by hiring underprivileged groups, providing a service for vulnerable people, or improving impoverished areas
• Likelihood to succeed: Calculate the probability that your venture will have the intended results. You can provide additional support for your claim through similar case studies and historical trends and patterns

Compare what you could achieve with potential competitors on the market. You can prove how you’d provide more jobs or encourage economic growth in your sector. For example, a business could show how they’ll rely less on imported goods than competitors and thus support local U.S. suppliers.

Example: My business is expected to create [number] jobs for U.S. workers within the first [number] years of operation. As you can see from the financial projections above, my revenue will hit [number] by the end of [quarter] in [year].

National interest waiver

Discuss how the U.S. would benefit from not only allowing you into the country but also waiving the EB-2 visa requirements. You need to convince USCIS that your work is of such national importance that they should expedite your entry into the country.

In many cases, you can state that you’ll be addressing an immediate need. You could include data on how the issue will deteriorate and affect the country if you don’t take action soon. One example is how a shortage of the renewable technology your business provides will lead to escalating utility bills and more energy poverty.

It could also be a matter of strategic timing. Other countries may be on the verge of seizing global dominance over your industry. The U.S. could need to move quickly to outdo them and position themselves as market leaders.

Timing could also affect applicants in research and development. You may only have a small window when you can carry out your work in fields like technology, politics, and the environment. For instance, natural events like comets or El Nino only occur periodically.

Conclude this section with a summary of your overall plan and how you’ve proven you met the three requirements for the national internet waiver.

Example: The U.S. stands at a pivotal juncture concerning [industry], where timing is paramount. As [issue] advances, the need for my [product/service] increases. We need to launch [product/service] by [time] to see [percentage] increase in [issue]. If the launch is just one year later, that figure drops to [percentage].

Supporting documents

You should provide the following documents alongside your NIW petition:

• Your passport
• Any degree certificates
• A transcript of your academic record
• A minimum of three professional references

Alongside this paperwork, you need evidence of three of the following to show you have exceptional ability in your field:

• An advanced degree, such as a Master’s degree or your country’s equivalent
• Ten years of experience in your industry
• A license to practice your profession
• Evidence that you’ve received a salary for your work
• Membership in a professional association
• Awards or recognitions for your achievements

While you may need other documents to substantiate your plan’s claims, these aren’t a mandatory part of the visa process.

Key points to consider

There are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing an EB-2 NIW business plan. You can increase your chances of immediate approval by identifying them and proactively addressing them.

• Tailor your submission to the requirements : Ensure every aspect of your plan focuses on proving you meet the three main visa criteria
• Use reliable sources for research : You’ll appear more professional and knowledgeable if you use original, reputable sites, journals, and databases to support your plan
• Avoid treating your plan like a biography : Many sections may focus on your background, but the immigration officer will only be interested in how your experience makes you a good candidate. Prioritize facts over anecdotal evidence
• Spare no details : If you don’t provide a comprehensive business plan, the officer may ask for extra information and delay your application. You also only have one chance to make a response to this request for information (RFE)
• Get a proofreader : Officials won’t judge you on your writing or language proficiency. However, getting someone to error check and make revisions can make you look more professional
• Outsource to experts where necessary : USCIS won’t penalize you for getting help with your proposal. You can hire researchers, graphic designers, and even business plan writers, provided the ideas are your own

It’s highly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for the entire EB-2 NIW process. They can provide specialist guidance and ensure your plan aligns with USCIS expectations.

Create a visa business plan that stands out

Writing a compelling EB-2 NIW plan requires a lot of time, energy, and resources. However, it’s worthwhile to convince US immigration to waive the lengthy labor certification process and grant you immediate visa approval.

To help you draft the plan, seek expert legal advice from services like LegalPad, specializing in the EB-2 NIW process. They can help you tailor your document to the USCIS guidelines and prove you meet the requirements.

Contact our team to see how we could streamline your EB-2 NIW visa process.

About the author:

Jemima Owen-Jones

Jemima helps international startups and their teams navigate the work visa process so they can get approved fast and focus on what they do best.

Sign up for our newsletter

Get visa resources, immigration news, and event announcements delivered right to your inbox. Don't worry, if you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.