Many people who have tried bid sites have walked away frustrated simply because they were not able to win proposals. These individuals believed that they were only able to win proposals when they were the lowest bidder, working for peanuts.

Fortunately, this isn’t really true. A freelance writer can win wonderful jobs on bid sites at reasonable prices if that writer knows how to craft a winning proposal.

Be personal: A personalized proposal makes all the difference. If you’re sending a form letter there’s no real reason for an employer to sit up and take notice. Write an individual proposal each and every time.

Look for jobs you have experience with: You may be new to freelance writing, but you’re not new to experiences. Write down every job you’ve ever had. Write down every volunteer experience you’ve been part of. Write down every web page you’ve ever launched.

If you used to make fudge for a living than assignments about making fudge, or making food, or even buying or eating food are going to look more favorably on you than those who just think they can poke around and do some internet research about it. If you used to be a door to door salesman than you are qualified to write books about sales success.

Begin reading lots of nonfiction: When you read a lot of varied non-fiction you qualify yourself for a lot of different jobs, simply by your ability to speak intelligently about your topic right at the proposal phase.

If possible, work a little harder: If you can provide an outline for the project, or a sample product description, or even an opening article paragraph, it shows clients that you are serious about working for them and with them.

Research your clients: If your potential clients have worked on the site before you’ll be able to see how much they paid for similar projects. You can then chose to bid in that range–or to pass it by and save your bids for more lucrative projects.

Send samples: If you don’t have any published clips, that’s fine. Write something “on spec” so your clients can see what you can do. Write something as if you were being paid to write it.

Demonstrate availability: If you’re available via phone it can take away a lot of a client’s fears about the work.

It is possible to win on Elance and other, related bid sites, if you take your time and give each bid the same care and attention as you would the finished piece. If all you’re going to distinguish yourself with is price than the low price wins every time. If you distinguish yourself with excellence, then you can charge what you want–and you have a high chance of getting what you ask for.
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