Our first installment covered how to identify good and bad bids. If you missed it, you can find it here.
So now that you can spot the difference between a good and a bad bid, how do you start writing one?
We've created an easy guide that you can refer to:
Regardless of what skills the project requires, show your competency by making sure that your bid is free from spelling or punctuation errors.
Address the Project
You should first address the project they posted, to show that you've actually read the project description. Does the employer mention anything specific that you must have or should do
Share Your Skills
Let the employer know what relevant skills you have. If the project is about data-entry, you don't need to mention your HTML skills! The employer would rather hear about your attention to detail.
Deadlines
If the employer mentions they require a quick turnaround, tell them that you can meet their deadline. If a timeframe isn't mentioned, ask them!
Link Your Portfolio
Share any examples in your portfolio if you've worked on a similar project. Prove that you are that good! Link any positive reviews relating to that specific project.
End With Questions
If the project details aren't clear enough, ask more questions about what the employer wants. It is always better to clarify and provide the best results.
Now let's see what that would look like:
Here's an example project description:
“I have scanned a book (about 800 pages) and I have separated the chapters in PDF format. The problem is that the half pages are upside down. I want someone who is an expert in handling PDF files and has the ability to make all the pages appear normally. I have attached a small chapter as a sample. If you think you can make the pages appear normally, try this and contact me for details. Please write in your bid the words PDF EXPERT”
Based on the tips above, this is how we'd write a bid:
Hi there! I'm a PDF expert, with over 3 years experience dealing with PDF, I can help fix your scans. I've previously worked on the exact same project for another employer {link to my positive review from the previous employer}. When do you need this finished by? I understand how annoying it is, and can get this fixed for you quickly! Please see the sample I fixed and I look forward to working on this project with you. As you can see from the example above, bids don't have to be lengthy or complicated. It often takes less than 5 minutes to write a new bid, and that effort is usually rewarded!
Take the time to write a new bid each time and see the difference for yourself. Start Bidding Now!
Next week, we'll be looking at how you can write a stellar bid for an employer who's unsure of what they actually want.
Good luck,
The Freelancer Team
