8 Golden Rules for Writing Upwork Cover Letters: How to Land Top-Level Jobs

Introduction

Are you struggling to land top-level jobs on Upwork? Avoid the common mistakes that hinder your success and follow these 8 golden rules for writing Upwork cover letters to increase your chances of success. Learn from a successful freelancer who earned over 1.5 million on Upwork in the past four years.

Mistakes Freelancers Make on Upwork

• Ninety-five percent of Upwork freelancers have their job proposals instantly archived, leaving only five percent who land the big jobs.

• Evan Fisher, a successful Upwork freelancer turned founder of Unicorn Capital, has earned over 1.5 million on Upwork in the past four years.

• Fisher’s goal is to help freelancers win jobs with great clients that pay well, and he emphasizes the importance of following golden rules in job proposals to get three times the replies.

• Fisher shares eight things to avoid in job proposals, along with a simple repeatable process to attract awesome Upwork clients.

• He emphasizes that he’s not a sales copywriter but shares what consistently worked for him in attracting great Upwork clients.

Common Mistakes in Upwork Cover Letters

• Many people make common mistakes in their Upwork cover letters, which hinders their chances of landing a job on the platform.

• One of the key mistakes is not addressing the client properly, using generic terms like ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or making irrelevant statements like ‘I am very confusion right now.‘

• Another mistake is not paying attention to the client’s requirements and instead focusing on personal shortcomings or irrelevant details.

• Some cover letters also come across as unprofessional by making promises, not providing relevant work examples, or failing to address the client’s specific job requirements.

• Finally, asking irrelevant questions about the job in the cover letter can also be a turn-off for potential clients.

• Addressing these common mistakes is crucial for increasing the chances of success on Upwork.

Golden Rules for Proposals

• Use the client’s first name wherever possible to personalize the message and show that it’s tailored to them.

• Google the business for industry experience if you have the information, but avoid mentioning working with someone extremely similar.

• Keep proposals short and sweet, as high-paying clients don’t have time to read long messages.

• Establish authority and social proof by showcasing your value with client quotes from your profile.

• Offer a clear call to action (CTA) to guide the client to the next step.

Tips for Success as a Freelancer

• As a freelancer, it’s important to have a clear call to action (CTA) for potential clients, such as booking a call to discuss their needs.

• It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the terms of service of platforms like Upwork, as every successful freelancer knows these terms inside out.

• Building a strong track record with clients is essential, as your work examples and project feedback will speak for themselves and attract more opportunities.

• Experimentation is key in the early stages of freelancing, as you’ll need to put in more work to establish yourself and find your niche.

• Including a PS at the end of your messages can be powerful, as people often pay more attention to it than the main content, so it’s a valuable space for additional information or calls to action.

Understanding Upwork Terms of Service for Freelancers

• Understanding and agreeing to the terms of service on Upwork is crucial for freelance workers, as it directly impacts their earnings.

• Neglecting to review the terms of service is comparable to signing an employment contract without knowing the salary structure - it could lead to not being paid for your hard work.

• It’s analogous to working diligently for a week and then being told that your work wasn’t authorized, hence you won’t be compensated for it.

• Familiarity with the terms of service will not only prevent such situations, but also expedite the process of securing freelance jobs on the platform.

• Therefore, it’s imperative for freelancers to prioritize reading and comprehending the Upwork terms of service in order to streamline their job search and protect their income.

Conclusion

Master the art of writing Upwork cover letters with these 8 golden rules and increase your chances of landing top-level jobs with great clients. Familiarize yourself with the Upwork terms of service and set yourself up for success as a freelancer.

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