3 Irresistible ways to introduce your next freelance proposal

First impressions can be make-or-break in the gig economy. There are a limited number of opportunities to introduce yourself and stand out from the competition.

One such opportunity is the proposal document that accompanies your pitch. Start with a clear, concise and relevant opening on every proposal, and create a memorable snapshot of what you have to offer as a freelancer.

Although those opening lines only consist of two to three lines of copy, they provide an unmissable opportunity to sell yourself and secure your next project or land that highly coveted retainer client. Read on for three practical tips to make your proposal introduction effective and enticing. At the end, we’ll provide a series of real-world examples to help you get inspired.

Step One: Do your research

There’s a chance that, due to time pressure, the person reviewing your proposal will only read the introductory paragraph of your proposal and skim over the rest. That’s one reason why it’s so important to make it count. Your proposal intro should be a working document. Does your introductory statement highlight the experience and achievements most relevant to the job? Lead with the skills that make you uniquely qualified to take on the project. With plenty of competitors vying for the same contract, the goal is to make it as easy as possible for prospective clients to instantly understand what you bring to the table.

Step Two: Use Keywords

The good news is, rather than a new language you need to learn, effective keywords stem from industry-specific jargon you already know and use on a daily basis. Comb through the project description and identify any key skills listed there. Jot them down. Which words instantly indicate to a potential employer that you have the necessary expertise and experience? Using the appropriate keywords helps to establish you as a trustworthy resource and indicates that you have been thorough in your reading.

Step Three: Do the Maths

A person seeking the support of a freelancer is often overwhelmed with their task load. When introducing yourself, do the work for them. This means creating a clear and simple overview of your skills so that they can quickly and easily identify whether or not you are a match for the role. One very effective way to do this is to lean on the power of numbers. Offer a quantitative summary of the results your work has yielded. Percentages, numbers, and rankings are measurable markers of success with the power to create confidence around your ability to recreate your best achievements.

Bonus Round: Two more tips to set you apart from the crowd 

1. Add a video

Write a short script, find a well-lit spot, and introduce yourself via video. A short video gives you the opportunity to present yourself in a far more personable way than a few lines of text can facilitate. You can easily include a personal video introduction on your Workfree profile when you sign up to Workfree

2. Craft a unique profile description

Everyone wants to work with someone who goes the extra mile. One way to show that you are willing to work hard and provide value is to write a profile description that stands out from the rest. Don’t be afraid to show a little flair

Examples:

Graphic Designer

Technically-minded, detail-oriented Graphic Designer with over ten years of experience across digital mediums. Having worked in higher education for four years, teaching branding to the next generation of designers, I now bring my passion for digital collaboration to my clients.

Media Strategist

Multi-tasking Media Strategist mastering algorithms through marketing plans that yield measurable results. Under my direction, I have seen the last three brands I worked on reaching a 130% increase in global sales.

Full Stack Developer

Senior Freelance Full Stack Developer adept at communication and solving problems. Building scalable applications and mastering development for both front-end and back-end technologies. Working across languages and translating technical terms to professionals across industries.

Social Media Manager

Dedicated Social Media Manager owning both paid and organic social media strategies for small to medium-sized enterprises. During my first five years in the field, I saw three key clients grow from under a million to over 8 million followers across platforms.

Customer Success Manager

Ambitious Customer Success Manager operating on a freelance basis. Excellent at establishing trust and creating customer loyalty while nurturing business objectives. Strong communicator and multi-passionate team leader with 12 years of experience.

Content Writer

Eagle-eyed, SEO-informed Content Writer with a knack for market research and digital marketing. I have written 7 articles which ranked #1 on Google, seeing a 125% uptick in sales as a result of my blog campaign for L’Oreal.

Salesforce consultant

Salesforce Consultant with strong leadership skills and nine years of experience empowering businesses to optimize their systems and increase revenue. My most recent intervention led to improved KPIs, 30% reduced customer processing time, and a 45% reduction in bounce rate.

Imagine you were hiring someone to take your place. What would you need to see on their to feel confident they could successfully stand in for you? Allow these suggestions to guide your thought process as you emphasise your most relevant skills and achievements to the role in question. Through thorough research, technical tweaks, and strategic add-ins, you can really showcase the best of what you have to offer and reel in the next opportunity on your radar. Another way to find trusted clients is to sign up at workfree.io

Contributed by Mischa Smith – Experienced Multi-Passionate Digital Writer with a Flair for Creativity