Understanding Upwork Bidding

Introduction

On Upwork, freelance professionals and agencies earn money by working on projects for clients. The bidding process determines who gets the job. As a freelancer, it’s pivotal that you understand the mechanics of the bidding process to negotiate the best deals and secure projects. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you navigate the process.

Submitting a Proposal

To bid on a job, you need to submit a proposal. This is a way to tell the client why you’re the best person for their project. Most importantly, you need to indicate your proposed rate, which can be an hourly rate or a fixed amount.

Using Connects

• The number of times you can bid for a job is controlled by an in-app currency called Connects.
• Every job costs a certain amount of Connects to bid on, generally ranging from one to six.
• The number of Connects required for a proposal is listed on each job posting.
• Free members receive a base amount of Connects per month, and you can purchase additional Connects as required.

Winning a Bid

Winning a bid doesn’t solely depend on offering the lowest price. You also should demonstrate that you provide the best value. In addition to your rate, your proposal should include a well-crafted cover letter, relevant work samples, positive client reviews, and a complete, professionally-written profile.

Conclusion

Remember, it’s not just about bidding on as many jobs as possible, but also about crafting quality proposals and choosing the right jobs to bid on. The more precise you can be with your bids, the higher your chances of wining the project.

Don’t worry if you don’t win your first few bids. Just keep on improving your proposals, showcasing previous work, and building your Upwork profile, and you’ll soon see your hard work pay off.