Freelancer Bidding: The Complete Guide to Winning Projects Online

The world of freelancing has opened doors for millions of people to earn from anywhere, using their skills, creativity, and dedication. But while creating an account on a freelancing website is easy, getting your first project often feels impossible. This is where the real skill comes in bidding.

Freelancer bidding is not just about placing offers; it’s about selling yourself, your skills, and your reliability in just a few lines. Whether you are a new freelancer or an experienced one looking to improve your results, mastering the art of bidding can completely change your freelancing journey.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn what freelancer bidding is, how to write winning proposals, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to increase your chances of getting hired.

1. What Is Freelancer Bidding?

Freelancer bidding is the process of submitting proposals or offers to clients who post jobs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, Guru, or PeoplePerHour.

When a client posts a project, freelancers submit their bids which usually include a short message (proposal), a suggested price, and the expected time to complete the work.

The client then reviews all bids and decides who seems most qualified and trustworthy for the job.

In simple words, your bid is your first impression, and just like a salesperson, your goal is to convince the buyer (the client) to choose you.
Freelancer Bidding On Projects | Online Bidding

2. Why Bidding Matters So Much

Many freelancers underestimate the importance of bidding. They think that just having skills or a good portfolio is enough. But in reality, clients don’t know you yet.

Your bid is the only thing that helps them understand:

Who you are
What you can do
Why you’re the right choice
How professional and communicative you are

A strong bid shows that you understand the project, respect the client’s goals, and can deliver results confidently. Even with limited experience, a well- written proposal can help you beat top-rated freelancers.

3. How Bidding Works on Major Freelance Platforms

Each platform has its own bidding system. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Upwork

You spend “Connects” (credits) to submit bids. You write a custom proposal, mention your budget, and answer any screening questions the client adds.

Freelancer.com

You can bid with a fixed price or hourly rate. Clients can chat with you before awarding the project.

Fiverr

There’s no direct bidding; instead, you create “Gigs,” and buyers reach out to you. However, through “Buyer Requests,” you can submit offers that work like bids.

PeoplePerHour

Similar to Upwork, where you send proposals in response to projects.

The key is to customize your bid for each platform while maintaining your personal brand and tone.
How to bid on freelancer project and how to check about client on freelancing :) - YouTube

4. The Anatomy of a Perfect Bid

A winning bid usually has five key elements:

Personalized greeting : Address the client by name (if available).
Project understanding : Show that you’ve carefully read their job post.
Proposed solution : Explain how you’ll solve their problem.
Proof of skill : Add examples of your work or experience.
Clear call to action : Encourage them to reply or discuss further.

Let’s look at an example of a strong proposal:

Example:
“Hi Sarah,
I’ve read your project description about creating a WordPress landing page and I understand you’re looking for a clean, responsive design. I’ve built similar landing pages for digital marketing agencies using Elementor and Astra theme, and I’d love to bring the same results for your business.

I can deliver the page within 3 days, with unlimited revisions until you’re fully satisfied. Could you please share your preferred color palette or reference design?

Best regards,
[Your Name]”

This example works because it’s short, personalized, confident, and clear.

5. Writing Tips to Win More Bids

Here are some proven techniques to make your proposals stand out:

a. Read the Job Description Carefully

Most freelancers copy-paste the same proposal for every job. Clients can sense it instantly. Reading the job post helps you tailor your response and include keywords that prove you’ve paid attention.

b. Keep It Short and Focused

Clients often receive 30–100 bids per job. Long, confusing messages get ignored. Write short paragraphs, use bullet points, and get to the point fast.

c. Be Specific

Instead of saying “I’m good at web design,” say:

“I’ve designed 20+ responsive websites using WordPress and Elementor in the past 6 months.”

Specific numbers and achievements build trust.

d. Show Samples or Portfolio Links

Visual proof of your work can instantly boost your credibility. Add links to your best projects or upload samples if allowed.

e. Ask Smart Questions

Asking one or two thoughtful questions shows genuine interest. For example:

“Do you already have the domain and hosting ready?”
“Would you prefer a modern or classic design theme?”

f. Price Strategically

In the beginning, bid slightly lower than experienced freelancers to increase your chances. Once you build reviews, you can gradually raise your rates.

6. Common Mistakes Freelancers Make While Bidding

Avoid these errors if you want clients to take you seriously:

Copy-pasting generic proposals
Ignoring project details
Asking for the job directly (“Please hire me”)
Setting unrealistic deadlines or prices
Using poor grammar or spelling mistakes
Not maintaining a professional tone

Remember — clients hire based on trust, and these mistakes destroy it instantly.

How to write a winning bid | Freelancer

7. How to Build Your Profile for Better Bidding Success

Even the best proposal won’t work if your profile looks empty or unprofessional. Follow these tips to strengthen your freelancer profile:

Use a professional profile picture (clear face, simple background).
Write a compelling bio that focuses on the client’s needs, not just your skills.
Add relevant keywords (e.g., “WordPress developer,” “Logo designer”).
Upload strong portfolio samples.
Get testimonials or reviews from previous clients (even local ones).

A solid profile gives clients confidence that you can deliver what you promise in your bid.

8. Timing: When to Place Your Bid

Timing can make a huge difference. Most freelancers rush to bid within minutes after a job is posted. But here’s a secret — not all clients review bids immediately.

Try these strategies:

Bid early on jobs with fewer applicants.
For long-term or high-budget projects, wait 15–30 minutes to submit a thoughtful, customized bid.
Use filters to find “newly posted” jobs, so you can reach the client before the project is crowded with competitors.

9. Follow-Up: The Hidden Key to Getting Hired

If a client views your proposal but doesn’t respond, you can send a gentle follow-up after a day or two.

Example:

“Hi [Client’s Name],
I just wanted to check if you had any questions about my proposal. I’d be happy to share more details about how I can help you with [project name].”

This small step shows initiative and professionalism — and often leads to a conversation.

10. Learning from Rejections

Every freelancer faces rejection. Sometimes you’ll send 30 proposals and get only one reply. That’s normal. The key is to analyze each rejection and learn from it.

Ask yourself:

Did I really understand the project before bidding?
Was my proposal too generic or too long?
Was my pricing realistic?

Improvement comes with consistency. The more you bid, the sharper your intuition becomes.

11. Tools and Techniques to Improve Your Bidding Game

Here are some helpful tools to make your bidding process smarter:

Grammarly: To fix grammar and tone.
ChatGPT or Notion AI: For idea structuring (but always rewrite in your own tone).
Canva or Behance: To showcase your portfolio beautifully.
Clockify: To track time for hourly projects.

Using these tools shows clients that you’re organized and serious about your work.

12. Building Long-Term Client Relationships

Winning a project is only the first step. The real success comes when a client hires you again or refers you to others.

To build strong client relationships:

Deliver work before deadlines.
Communicate clearly and regularly.
Be open to revisions.
Show gratitude after each project.

Loyal clients save you from constant bidding and keep your freelance career stable.

13. The Future of Freelancer Bidding

Freelancing is growing fast, and so is competition. AI tools, automated proposals, and smart filters are changing how clients choose freelancers.

In the coming years:

Personalized and authentic proposals will matter more than ever.
Clients will prefer freelancers who understand their business, not just the task.
Bidding strategies will become more data-driven, focusing on analytics and profile optimization.

So, the freelancers who combine skills with strategy and communication will always stay ahead.

Bid Management Tool For Freelancer in 2025 | E-Applier

14. Final Thoughts

Freelancer bidding is both an art and a skill. It’s not just about sending offers — it’s about understanding people, communicating clearly, and proving value.

Every proposal you write teaches you something. Each rejection sharpens your strategy. If you stay consistent, learn continuously, and genuinely care about solving client problems, success becomes inevitable.

Remember, clients don’t just hire the most experienced freelancers — they hire the ones who understand, communicate, and deliver.