How to Write a Winning Bid on Freelance Job Sites

Freelance job sites such as Guru.com and Elance.com are flooded with freelancers just like yourself who are looking for jobs in various fields. The competition is fierce when hundreds of applicants bid on one particular project and the employer is faced with a huge decision. In order to write winning bids on freelance job sites, you must know how to attract attention to your bid.

Don't Use a Standard Template

No matter how you write it, employers will know if you use a standard bidding template rather than writing individual responses to different projects. Although you might want to include much of the same information -- especially if you only apply to one specific type of freelance job -- you'll want to gear your response to the particular employer. This shows not only that you read the bid, but that you take the time necessary to show you are interested.

Comment On Statements in the Bid

This second tip goes hand-in-hand with the first. Not only should you write individual bids on freelance job sites, but you should also comment on the specifics of the job in question. For example, if you are a freelance writer and the project is for writing 40 articles, you'll want to give an estimated turn-around time for 40 articles. This shows that you read the bid carefully and that you are interested in taking on that specific project.

Address the Employer by Name

Some employers on freelance job sites will sign their name at the bottom, while others won't. If they do put their name, start your bid with Dear ____. Personalizing your bids on Guru.com and Elance.com will show that you are interested not only in projects, but in the people behind the projects. Wouldn't you be more inclined to offer a job to someone who addressed you by name rather than Hey You?

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