Upwork Website Proposal Sample (Tested Over 5000 Times)

Do you feel swamped by all the competition on Upwork when you submit proposals for projects?

Are the response rates to your proposals not as high as you want them to be?

Then you are in the right place.

I am going to show you how to write proposals that get better results by showing you my method that I have developed over the past 11 years.

My method is called the “Single Focus Proof Branding” system (SFPB).

Most developers and agency owners who try to sell website building services on Upwork try to position themselves as technical experts, for example, they use highly technical lingo in communications with prospective clients to look like experts. But this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. 

Sure, if you are selling to another technical person this is a good idea, but most people who you are selling to on Upwork are not technical people and are going to be the end-user. So, target your proposal to the end-user. Aim to get them onto a call, which will allow you to pitch them better and provide instant value by discussing the problems that they are having.

How Does the SFPB Framework Apply to Upwork Proposals?

These are the six steps you need to go through in your proposal to apply the Single Focus Proof branding framework:

Step One – Have an Emotional Hook

Your proposal needs to trigger the client emotionally and get them to read the rest of the proposal. It needs to be as targeted as possible. Use your experiences with working with similar clients to write this part better. For example, if you are writing a proposal to someone who wants a new website you could emphasize how you can help them to build a website that makes them stand out in their industry and positions them as an industry leader. Most business owners would be emotionally triggered to at least want to know your ideas on how to achieve this.

Step Two – Have a Personal Introduction 

Make sure you personalize the proposal by including the name of the person you are writing it to and include information that shows you have done some research into their business and their industry. Show you know their pain points. They will be much more likely to respond.

Step Three – Show Proof 

Provide proof that you can do what you say you can. For example, show testimonials from past clients. The more the better!

Step Four – Qualify Clients You Want to Work With

Make sure that the client is someone that you want to work with. Include in your proposal the types of businesses you want to work with, the qualities of the businesses that you like to work with, and can help the most. It is much better in the long run to only work with clients that you have some synergy with.

Step Five – Dis-Qualify Clients You Don't Want to Work With 

Let prospective clients know which types of businesses that you don’t like to work with. This method will help you find clients that you can build long term relationships with. For example, point out how much you charge – this will stop clients who don’t want to pay for your services from responding to you, and wasting both of your time.

Step Six – Have a Call to Action (CTA) 

The call to action aims to get clients onto a call with you. Provide a link for them to book a call and tell them what they will get out of the call. For example, let them know that you will go over with them how you propose to get the project off the ground and finished within the time frame that they have requested.

The Bottom Line

The key to getting the most out of Upwork is writing good proposals. If you don’t have good proposals, you won’t get high-quality clients that you will be able to build long term relationships with. So follow my six steps and your business will instantly see improvements!


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Aleksander Vitkin

Aleksander Vitkin has helped over 700 people with a sincere interest in entrepreneurship and contribution, to start profitable businesses and quit their jobs.

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