What is an Upwork proposal?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"An Upwork proposal is one of two types. The first one is where a freelancer messages the job poster to tell them why they would be a good fit for the job. The second one is where the job poster messages the freelancer that they have been solicited/requested for, or accepted for, a job, and to discuss next steps."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">An Upwork proposal is one of two types. The first one is where a freelancer messages the job poster to tell them why they would be a good fit for the job. The second one is where the job poster messages the freelancer that they have been solicited/requested for, or accepted for, a job, and to discuss next steps.

What is a good Upwork proposal?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"A good Upwork proposal is brief and to the point. It includes topics like an executive summary, background of the company, project summary, scope of work, schedule and compensation, expanded scope, negotiated rates, confidentiality, term, termination, acceptance, and signatures."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">A good Upwork proposal is brief and to the point. It includes topics like an executive summary, background of the company, project summary, scope of work, schedule and compensation, expanded scope, negotiated rates, confidentiality, term, termination, acceptance, and signatures.

What is the best format for an Upwork proposal?

<span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"We suggest you begin your proposal with an attractive cover page. From there on, introduce your company through an executive summary. Later, add in details like background of the company, project summary, scope of work, rates, schedule, and terms and conditions. End the proposal with signatures and an acceptance form."}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":15105,"3":{"1":0},"11":4,"12":0,"14":{"1":2,"2":0},"15":"Montserrat","16":8}">We suggest you begin your proposal with an attractive cover page. From there on, introduce your company through an executive summary. Later, add in details like background of the company, project summary, scope of work, rates, schedule, and terms and conditions. End the proposal with signatures and an acceptance form.

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Upwork Proposal Template

Prepared for:

[Freelancer.FirstName]

[Freelancer.LastName]

Prepared by:

[Sender.FirstName]

[Sender.LastName]

[Sender.Company]

Executive Summary

Dear [Freelancer.FirstName],

Thanks for responding to our job posting on Upwork. You caught our attention from the first paragraph and, Based on your Upwork profile and the cover letter, we think you’re a great fit for the job.

This documentation is designed to give freelancers like you a better understanding of our company history and project vision. Within, you’ll find a detailed job description, additional information about our expectations when hiring freelancers through Upwork, and next steps regarding our current projects.

We prefer making long-term connections with freelancers, whether it’s your first job with us or you’ve got years of experience under your belt. Read on to learn more about the job description, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome to the team!

Sincerely,

[Sender.FirstName]

[Sender.LastName]

[Sender.Company]

About [Sender.Company]

Based in Syracuse, NY, [Sender.Company] was founded in 2001 as a web design firm serving Central New York and the Finger Lakes Region. Since then, [Sender.Company] has expanded its business presence, partnering with many NYC-based ad agencies to serve clients across the US. Many of those first-time clients retained [Sender.Company] after closing accounts with their ad agencies, which has provided [Sender.Company] with a broad client base.

[Sender.Company] specializes in WordPress design and development. Our full-time web developers create custom themes and help clients modify existing code in order to create faster and better websites. We outsource most of our graphic design needs and often partner with freelance copywriters and SEO specialists to offer a full-scope service package to our clients.

This business model has helped us, as well as our freelance business partners, thrive in the competitive world of web design.

[Sender.Company] Offices

Our offices are located at [Sender.StreetAddress][Sender.City][Sender.State][Sender.PostalCode], in downtown Syracuse, just a few miles from Syracuse University.

We regularly meet with new and potential clients in person (when they’re local) but service many clients remotely, as well.

If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by and say hello. We love meeting the people who help our business succeed.

Project Summary

The following pages outline the scope of work and rate of pay (based on the hourly rate or project rate you provided in your Upwork proposal).

Please review this job description carefully, paying special attention to project deadlines, before accepting this contract.

Proposed Start Date: (Work.Start.Date)

Proposed Date of Completion: (Work.Complete.Date)

Rate of Pay: (Work.Cost)

This proposal is based on the job description which [Sender.Company] posted on Upwork and on [Sender.FirstName]’s conversation with [Freelancer.FirstName] during the course of the Upwork interview process.

If any aspect of this proposal is unclear, please seek clarification by consulting immediately with your [Sender.Company] representative.

Scope of Work

[Sender.Company] seeks to hire [Freelancer.FirstName][Freelancer.LastName] for the purposes of graphic design.

[Freelancer.FirstName] understands that they may be required to work in conjunction with in-house web developers and/or other freelancers (copywriters and SEO specialists), to complete the final deliverable.

Schedule & Compensation

This project will follow the estimated development schedule featured below:

Project Milestone	Completion Date	Rate of Pay
Project Start	Work Start	Hourly Rate / Milestone Payout
Milestone 1	(Date)	Hourly Rate / Milestone Payout
Milestone 2	(Date)	Hourly Rate / Milestone Payout
Project Completion	Work Completion Date	Hourly Rate / Milestone Payout

Negotiated Rates

The pricing and rates here were determined through [Sender.FirstName]’s conversation with [Freelancer.FirstName] during the Upwork interview process.

The freelancer understands that rates will not be subject to renegotiation for the duration of the job but that we are happy to renegotiate for future projects.

Expanded Scope of Work

[Sender.Company] understands that projects sometimes require work beyond the scope of the original job. This may be due to internal miscommunication or to an expansion of work requested by the client.

In such a situation, [Sender.Company] may add additional milestones to the project with respect paid to the existing negotiated rates but understands that [Freelancer.FirstName] may decline to fulfill these additional objectives at no penalty.

Confidentiality

[Freelancer.FirstName] understands that, in order to perform effectively, they may be privy to certain intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential information held by [Sender.Company].

This may include proprietary software, design templates, and client information.

[Freelancer.FirstName] agrees to keep this information confidential and understand that it may not be used to further their own freelance business through client solicitation or product replication.

Term & Termination

Both parties understand that any breach or disregard for any close or provision in this proposal is grounds for immediate termination.

Signoff & Acceptance

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has reviewed this business proposal and agree to the work, terms, and conditions listed herein.

Upon signing, each party will have 48 hours to reconsider and nullify this agreement before payment is transferred and work begins in accordance with the above-listed dates.

[Sender.Company]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Sender.FirstName][Sender.LastName]

[Freelancer.Company]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Freelancer.FirstName][Freelancer.LastName]

Upwork Proposal Template

Executive Summary

About [Sender.Company]​

​[Sender.Company] Offices

Project Summary

Scope of Work

Schedule & Compensation

Negotiated Rates

Expanded Scope of Work

Confidentiality

Term & Termination

Signoff & Acceptance