These tips and tools will help your bid rise above the crowd
Maybe you’re new to the Freelancer platform. Maybe you’ve been at it for a while but have yet to be awarded that elusive first project. Odds are it’s not your skillset that’s lacking.
There’s an art form to writing an attention-grabbing bid that makes you stand apart from the crowd and puts your considerable skills front and center. We’re going to teach you how to do it.
What is a Bid in Freelancer?
Let’s start by looking at what exactly is a bid in Freelancer.
The bid meaning in Freelancer is similar to responding to a job posting anywhere else. A potential employer publishes an ad when they want to hire a new employee. They describe the job and the required skills. Potential employees then submit their CVs or resumes to apply for the job.
A bid in Freelancer is not much different. Simply put, clients post a description of their jobs on Freelancer.com. This posting creates an “auction” for skilled help to complete those projects. Each project requires specific skills, so freelancers with those skills “bid” on the project. And that’s why it is called “a bid in Freelancer.” In reality, it is just a way to apply for the job. The biggest difference is that a bid in Freelancer allows you to work temporarily with the client on a specific project. You may earn the opportunity to be rehired, but this is not always the case.
How to Write a Bid on Freelancer
If you would like to work on projects right away, just log in to Freelancer.com. Start by browsing the project pages
HERE.
To Begin Working
Select your work category or skill
Click on a project within your price range or adjust your settings using the sliders
Click the Bid on this Project button
Read the Project Description Carefully
Bid Amount (check the currency!)
This project will be delivered in ____ days
Describe your proposal (see instructions below on how to write a bid)
Suggest a milestone payment (the default setting is probably just fine!)
Sponsor, Seal or Highlight your bid (see details below!)
Click on the blue Place Bid button on the bottom.
And there you have it! You have sent a message to a potential employer!
Keep track of your number of available bids in Freelancer about halfway down on the right side of the page where you place your bids.
Click on View Bid Insights to see how your bids are doing as compared to other freelancers. Bid Insights help you gain insight into the performance of your bids to optimize your winnings. To unlock insights on all your bids, you may need to upgrade to a Professional or Premier membership.
How to Describe Your Bid Proposal on Freelancer
What details does a good bid in Freelancer include?
You can include a few details to give your bid in Freelancer the best chance of success. We’ll look at some well-written bids as an example.
Let’s assume someone has posted this project proposal: “I will send you a set of lecture slides and notes, and you will need to summarize and make them into concise notes.” Here’s a written bid sample proposal for Freelancer with a high chance of success:
Hi John, I will summarize all the lectures and provide you with clear, concise notes. I am a Ph.D. writer with 5 years of experience. I’ve worked on several similar projects compiling presentation slides and lecture notes into a single set of notes. I can deliver quality notes to tight deadlines. You can see an example of one of those projects in my portfolio here: www.freelancer.com/u/steve
I can generally compile up to 10 pages of lecture notes per day. I’m interested to hear more about the project and the subject matter of the lectures. If you award me the project, I’d be pleased to discuss this further and get started for you as soon as possible. Thanks! Steve
So, what makes this a good bid? Let’s look closer.
Personalized Response
Note how the bidder addressed the employer by name. Right away, this sends a signal to the employer that you’ve actually read the project posting and aren’t just blanketing every project with a copy-paste response. Moreover, as simple as using someone’s name seems, it forms a human connection.
Information About the Project
Include details from the original project listing to show you’ve read it thoroughly. Remember that this project is very important to the person who posted it. They wouldn’t have taken the time to seek out a freelancer otherwise. Including details about the project in your bid shows employers that their project is important to you as well.
Here is an example of two different written bid sample proposals for Freelancer for the same project. Can you guess which one was the winning bid?
If you chose Bid A, you’re right.
This freelancer demonstrated that they read the project brief by mentioning the requirements in their bid. They even used the employer’s name, which makes a huge impact!
On the other hand, Bid B didn’t use the employer’s name, didn’t align their skills with the project requirements, and didn’t specify why they are the best for the job.
Would you hire that freelancer? Of course not!
Here is a nice summary to ensure your personalized bids are as effective as possible.
How Your Skills are Relevant to the Project
Be specific about how your skillset lends itself to the project. Mention previous similar projects you’ve worked on and what you’ve been able to deliver. If you’re hired to produce a logo for a company, it’s not enough simply to say you know how to use Photoshop and Illustrator. Talk about your previous experience designing logos and some of the companies you’ve designed them for.
The Deadline You Can Manage
Give the employer an idea of the timeframe you can finish the project in. While some projects may not be as time-sensitive, it’s still wise to address how quickly you can deliver. This shows the employer that you’re prioritizing their project. The caveat here? Don’t overcommit. Only commit to deadlines on which you can realistically deliver.
For extra points, specify how long it will take you to complete the project.
For example:
...I can get this done in 48 hours.
A Link to Past Work
If you’ve done similar work before, make sure to upload it to your portfolio and provide the employer with a link. The best way they have to gauge your abilities is to see what you’ve actually delivered in the past.
Some Questions About the Project
Try to ask one or two questions specific to the project. This serves two purposes. First, it shows the employer you’ve thoroughly read the project description. Second, it increases your chances of receiving a reply. Leave your question open-ended so you can start a dialogue with the employer.
Just make sure you ask relevant questions and not questions you know the answer to. An employer will not select you if you ask questions answered by reading the project brief.
Correct Spelling and Grammar
This is a big one. Bids with poor spelling and grammar immediately appear spammy, even if they address the project requirements. If you’re uncertain about your spelling and grammar, have someone you trust proofread your bid before you post it.
Here’s another good written bid sample proposal for Freelancer. This bid was for a project where the project poster was looking to develop a sudoku app.
I have a sudoku android app source code that I made before. It is developed by Java in Android Studio. Happy to discuss how my previous project aligns with yours.
Thanks
Note that the freelancer directly addressed the project requirements and gave an example of relevant experience. They even discussed the skills they would use to complete the project (Java coding in Android Studio). This also shows that good bids don’t have to be wordy.
Be Empathetic
If you can demonstrate that you sympathise with an employer’s frustration, they will most likely award your bid.
This tactic combines two different bid strategies together – empathy + proof you’ve read the project description.
Let’s take a look at this in action. Here is an example project description:
I have scanned a book (about 800 pages), and I have separated the chapters in PDF format. The problem is that the half pages are upside down. I want someone who is an expert in handling PDF files and has the ability to make all the pages appear normally. I have attached a small chapter as a sample. If you think you can make the pages appear normally, try this and contact me for details. Please write in your bid the words PDF EXPERT.
And here is a great written bid sample proposal for Freelancer by a freelancer who sympathises with the employer’s pain:
Hi John! I’m a PDF expert with over 3 years of experience dealing with PDFs. I can help fix your scans. I’ve previously worked on the exact same type of project for another client {link to my positive review from the previous project}. When do you need this finished? I understand how annoying it is and can get this fixed for you quickly! Please see the sample I fixed. I look forward to working on this project with you.
Look at all of the wonderful things this freelancer did:
They used the employer’s name
And identified the expertise they have and how it relates to the project
They sympathised “...I understand how annoying it is...”
Asked a relevant question
They referenced their sample work
What Makes a Bid in Freelancer Look Spammy?
Trust us. We see a lot of project bids. And there are a few common elements to bids that don’t get selected. If you can avoid some of these all-too-familiar faux pas, your bid will rise above the noise.
Let’s look at some examples of spammy looking bids and dissect what makes them subpar:
Example 1:
Dear sir/madam,
I am offering my services on short notice. Relevant Skills and Experience
Please consider me and give me a chance to impress you by my quality services
Example 2:
I read job description and I can do your project. I can even work on urgent basis and complete your project soon..contact me for more information
Example 3:
Hi, Hope you are doing well! Thanks for sharing your project requirement with us. It will be our great pleasure to work on your project. I have checked your requirement, yes we can do it, because we already work on similar requirement in past. We have right skills to work on this assignment. We will complete the work as per requirement
Bad Bids are Cut and Paste
This is the cardinal sin in bidding. Don’t just cut and paste a response and recycle it for every project you bid on. It looks spammy, and it sends a message to the employer that you didn’t care enough about their project to write an original bid.
In the examples above, it’s obvious from a glance that the bids are generic. They don’t mention any project details or how the freelancers’ skills apply. Copy-paste bids like these are an immediate turn-off for employers.
As a rule of thumb, never reuse any of your previous bids. Always write a fresh personalized one from scratch.
Here is another example of a terrible generic proposal bid:
Dear Sir - I am the best freelancer for your job. Choose me and I will deliver immediately.
Building a Bid Template
While bad bids are cut and paste, you can build an effective bid template to be sure your proposals are personal, customised, and more likely to be noticed.
A basic bid template includes:
A greeting. Use the project manager’s name if you have it. If not, at least say hello!
A short description of the project. Copy and paste from the project posting but be sure to change the grammar to speak from your point of view. If they say, “We are looking for someone to write our blog posts,” you reply with “I can write your blog posts,” or “I see you are looking for someone to write your blog posts.”
A description of your skills. Outline what skills you have that you will use to complete the project. Make sure your profile highlights these same skills!
A question about the project. If something is left unsaid in the project, ask for clarification. Do NOT ask about anything that could be answered if you read the project description carefully! You will disqualify yourself in an instant if the employer knows you didn’t read the project description they crafted!
A Call to Action. Ask the potential client to chat with you! You’d be surprised how often this helps move the project along.
Bad Bids are Overly Formal
Note the “Dear sir/madam” in the first example above. Being professional and respectful is important but being overly formal comes across as stiff and impersonal. It also repeats the first mistake of bidding, which is making your bid appear cut and pasted.
Bad Bids are Self-focused
Read through the first example above again and note how many times the bidder mentions himself versus how many times he actually addresses the project posting. There’s no reference to the project itself, only to the bidder.
Bad Bids are Overly General
When they post a project, clients want to know that they can find a freelancer with specific skills relevant to the task. They want to see experience with projects similar to theirs.
Note how the bid examples above have none of that. The first bidder mentions “Relevant Skills and Experience” but doesn’t detail what those skills are. There’s no mention of previous projects, no mention of the current project, no mention of deadlines and no mention of how the task will be completed.
Bad Bids Come from Unprofessional-Looking Profiles
Profiles without actual photos (cartoon characters don’t count) immediately look less professional. Take the time to upload a quality photo of yourself. It helps potential employers form a connection to you.
In addition to a photo, you project more trustworthiness if you take the time to verify your email and phone number, connect your Facebook and verify your payment method. This shows potential employers that there’s an actual person behind the profile.
Remember that your profile is essentially your CV or resume as you apply for this “job” when you bid on Freelancer. Make sure that your profile outlines your skills and experience, and that you list your previous employment.
How Do I Win a Bid in Freelancer?
It’s likely your bid will be one of many. You’ve written your bid carefully and set yourself up for success. There are a few final steps that can help get your bid across the line.
Read the Project Description Carefully
We know it seems like we’re repeating ourselves, but that’s how important this step is. Once you’ve written your bid, re-read the project description to make sure there’s nothing you’ve missed. Make sure you’ve specifically addressed the project and that you fully understand the details.
Proofread Your Bid
We can’t stress this point enough. Spelling, punctuation and grammar errors make your bid look unprofessional and spammy. Re-read your bid to make sure you haven’t made any typos. Use your computer’s spelling and grammar check features, but don’t rely on them entirely. If you’re not confident in your spelling and grammar skills, have someone you trust read over it for you before you submit it.
Bid Competitively
Make sure your bid doesn’t price you out of contention. Pay attention to the budget specified in the project and tailor your bid accordingly. This doesn’t mean you have to be the cheapest, or even that you’re bound to the proposed budget. It does mean that you have to value your skills and time competitively.
Sponsor, Seal or Highlight Your Bid
Sealed bids keep other freelancers from seeing your bid. They cannot see the amount you bid, or your proposal. This hidden bidding keeps others from using the same customised bid you wrote. Bids are sealed automatically for
Preferred Freelancers.
Sponsored and Highlighted bids are more likely to be awarded. They are especially helpful for new freelancers and other freelancers who have skills beyond what their current platform ranking will suggest (see Freelancer.com Bid Ranking Guide below.)
Sponsored bids take your bid and move them to the top of the front page, much like a sponsored Google Ad. The potential employer sees your bid, on top, first, and highlighted, even before the bids from higher ranked freelancers. When your qualifications closely match the project requirements, but you would not normally rank on the front page, it is worth sponsoring your bid to have a greater chance of winning the project.
Highlighted bids have a coloured highlight banner around your proposal. The highlighted bid stands out from the others on the page. In fact, they stand out so much there is no way the potential employer can miss them! BUT your bid remains ranked where the algorithm would normally rank it. So, if you are on the second page, you stay on the second page, only highlighted. If you are not competing with many other bidders because you have special skills, or you would normally rank of the first couple of pages, a highlighted bid can bring attention to your proposal to increase your chances.
Be Clear About Terms and Deadlines
Be straightforward about what you can deliver and when you can deliver it. As we said before, you need to be specific about the amount of work you can deliver and the deadline you can meet. Don’t over-promise. Employers can see through unrealistic promises. Even if you’re awarded the project, you risk a bad review if you don’t come through for the employer.
Consider Low-Value Projects
You can gain some traction by writing quality bids for lower-value projects to complete quickly. Some projects require you to have five reviews before bidding. A great bid on a lower value project can help you build momentum and pay big dividends in the long run.
What Should I Do After I Bid in Freelancer?
Congratulations! You’ve placed a high-quality bid on a project. Now it’s in the employer’s hands. But that doesn’t mean your task has ended. You can take a few steps to turn a successful bid into a successful project and ensure yourself more work in the future.
Follow up
If you don’t hear from the employer right away, don’t worry. They’re likely inundated with bids. If the project is still open, don’t be afraid to reach out with a direct message. While you don’t want to come across as overbearing, a polite, direct message can keep you top of mind.
Reply Promptly
If the employer does award you the project, make sure to reply as quickly as possible. You want to set a precedent that you’re easily contactable and good at communicating. Ask a few more questions to make sure you fully understand the project and keep in contact to update the employer on your progress. You might even think about using the “Suggest a Milestone” feature to set 3–5 milestones throughout the project with clear goals.
Protect Your Work
Make sure any samples of work you provide to potential employers include a watermark or other identifying feature.
Exceed Expectations
The best strategy for winning more bids is to do excellent work. If you over-deliver for an employer, they’re more likely to leave you a positive review and hire you again for future projects. Your reviews and ratings serve as a powerful signal to prospective clients. Winning your first bid is a major milestone, but it’s the work you deliver that will set you up for success.
Freelancer.com Bid Ranking Guide
To help you further understand why it’s so important to follow the above guidelines, let’s look at how ranking and matching algorithms work on the Freelancer platform.
Employers only see 8 bids per page. As a freelancer, you absolutely want your bid to appear on the first page.
Many of our freelancers are also directly hired by employers. Employers discover freelancers from our Directory or Search.
Your chances of being awarded increase significantly with your rank. If you rank among the top few on a project, your chances of being awarded are far greater than freelancers who don’t.
Ranking Factors
The Freelancer.com ranking algorithm rewards consistent delivery of high-quality work. Four factors determine your rank in the algorithm:
Use of Milestone Payments
Reviews and Feedback
Clients rate freelancers across 5 categories. These 5 categories are Quality, Communication, Expertise, Professionalism and Hire Again. Additionally, freelancers receive an ‘On Time’ and ‘On Budget’ rating. It is critical to get a positive rating across all categories. A “No” or a “Negative” rating on any parameter can severely hurt your rank.
This is how reviews and feedback affect the Freelancer.com ranking algorithm:
Recency of Employer Feedback. Recent reviews are exponentially more important than old reviews. This is a crucial aspect of the ranking algorithm. A recent glorious review can earn you a massive lift in our rankings. A recent rating that is negative on even one parameter can set your progress back by weeks. This implies that a recent 4-star review can potentially hurt your ranking.
Number of Reviews. The more successful reviews you receive, the higher your score – the Freelancer.com system rewards experience.
Size of Past Projects. The amount you earn per project while earning a positive rating is considered. This system is nonlinear. Thus, a slight increase in your average earnings can earn you a disproportionately higher lift in your score.
Quality of Reviewer. Reviews by more experienced employers are given more importance.
Use of Milestone Payments
Working with the Milestone Payment System is the easiest way to improve your ranking across our platforms.
Here are all the Milestone Payment-related components in the scoring system that have a positive impact on your score:
Amount. The total value of all Milestone Payments that have ever been released to you. The more you earn using Milestone Payments, the higher your ranking.
Frequency. Working more often with Milestone Payments improves your ranking significantly. Thus, the greater the number of projects where Milestone Payments are released to you per week, the higher your ranking.
For Hourly Projects, the following factors can improve your ranking:
Total Paid Tracked Hours. The total number of hours that you have tracked using the Freelancer Desktop app, which have been paid.
Paid Tracked Hours Per Project. The average number of hours tracked per project, which have been paid.
Not all factors improve your score. Some factors hurt your ranking as well. Early Milestone Payment releases combined with employer complaints can severely hurt your ranking - i.e. if you have requested the release of Milestone Payments before work was completed, and the employer reports such behaviour to us.
Responsiveness
Being responsive and working efficiently with the Freelancer.com chat system is critical to your rank. Here are the factors that we look at:
Accept Rate. Having a high accept rate is one of the easiest ways to boost your rank. Repeatedly rejecting projects after bidding can lead to incremental penalties.
Responsiveness. The faster you respond once an employer sends you a message, the higher your ranking.
Spamming. Repeatedly sending unnecessary messages to potential clients to solicit work when there is no active project between you and the employer can attract a penalty.
Offsiting. Attempts to take communication offsite to other messaging services can attract a massive penalty. We randomly screen messages for blacklisted terms. If caught, you can even attract a permanent ban from the platform.
The Quality of Your Profile
Exams. The number of exams you have written and your performance in exams can significantly boost your ranking. Exams are particularly beneficial for new freelancers who do not have a lot of experience and reviews.
Profile Marks. We mark your profiles based on their quality. Maintaining a good profile is extremely important for your ranking.
For New Freelancers
We understand that many of the factors above require consistent good performance on the Freelancer.com platform over a long period.
However, new freelancers win a significant proportion of projects every day. It has never been easier to find work online. At Freelancer.com, we are committed to making it easy for anyone to freelance online.
Here is what we suggest for our new freelancers:
Bid Early. Can’t get to the top? Bid before the others do. Early bidders consistently win more projects since it increases their chances of interacting with the employer.
Proposals. When you place your bid, make sure you write a good proposal. Our analysis clearly suggests that copy-pasting generic proposals reduces your chance of being awarded. Proposals that are relevant to the project description are orders of magnitude more likely to be awarded.
Sponsor Your Bid. Found a good project? Sponsor your bid! Sponsoring your bid ensures that you are on the top of the list and have a very high chance of interacting with the employer.
Membership. Being on one of the Freelancer.com membership plans gives you access to more projects. Members are eligible to bid on projects that have a higher likelihood of being awarded.
Exams. Our scoring algorithm incorporates your scores on the exams. Completing exams is the easiest way to give your score that boost needed to improve your rank.
Final Thoughts
It’s absolutely possible to be a wildly successful freelancer. We hear stories all the time of freelancers who have achieved an impressive income stream on our platform. This guide should have answered many questions such as:
What is a bid in Freelancer?
Freelancer bid proposal samples
How to write a winning bid in Freelancer
Follow the tips in this guide to ensure your bids get noticed and rewarded over and over again.