Follow-Up Messages That Win Projects

Writing a compelling freelance proposal is just the beginning. What comes next often determines whether you land the job or not — the follow-up. A well-crafted follow-up message can reignite a client's interest, keep your proposal top-of-mind, and increase your chances of securing the project. This article will guide you on how to craft effective follow-up messages after submitting a proposal on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Fiverr.

H2: Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up Messages

The digital world is fast-paced and highly competitive. Clients on freelance platforms receive numerous proposals for a single job post. Without a follow-up message, your proposal could easily get lost in the sea of applications.

A follow-up message not only reminds the client about your proposal but also shows your interest and enthusiasm. It demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to get the job, which can set you apart from other freelancers.

H2: Timing Your Follow-Up Messages

Timing is key when it comes to follow-up messages. Too soon, and you might come off as pushy; too late, and the client might have already moved on. Here are some best practices to consider:

48-72 Hours After Submission: If you haven't heard back from the client within 2-3 days, it's a good time to send your first follow-up message. This timeframe is just enough for the client to have probably gone through all the proposals.

Weekly Follow-Ups: If the project is still open and you've not heard back after your first follow-up, it's acceptable to send a gentle reminder every week.

Closing of the Job Post: If the job post is closed without any hire, it's a good idea to send a final follow-up message. This could help you understand what went wrong or even reopen the opportunity.

H2: Crafting Your Follow-Up Message

Your follow-up message should be professional, polite, and to the point. Here's a simple structure you can follow:

Greeting: Start with a cordial greeting. Use the client's name if possible.

Reminder: Briefly remind the client about your proposal and express your continued interest in the project.

Value Proposition: Reiterate briefly how you can solve their problem or add value to their project.

Call to Action: End with a call to action, encouraging the client to respond or asking if they need any additional information.

H2: Sample Follow-Up Messages

Here are some sample follow-up messages to give you an idea of how to craft your own:

Sample 1:

Hello [Client's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'm just following up on the proposal I submitted for your [project's name]. I'm still very interested in helping you [describe what the project involves] and believe I can bring [mention a unique value].

Please let me know if there's any additional information you need from my end.

Best,
[Your Name]

Sample 2:

Hi [Client's Name],

Just checking in regarding the proposal I sent for your [project's name]. I'm excited about the possibility of helping you [project goal] and confident in my ability to deliver [mention a unique value].

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,
[Your Name]

H2: Strategies to Reopen Cold Leads

Sometimes, a client might not respond to your proposal or follow-up messages at all. Instead of giving up, there are strategies you can employ to reignite their interest:

Offer New Insights or Ideas: Share a fresh perspective or new idea related to their project. This shows your ongoing interest and proactive nature.

Reference a Recent Update: If you gain a new skill or experience that's relevant to their project, mention it in your follow-up.

Ask for Feedback: Politely ask for feedback on your proposal. This can give you valuable insights and potentially reopen the conversation.

Remember, persistence is key in freelancing. But also understand when to move on. If a client doesn't respond after several follow-ups, it might be time to focus your efforts on other opportunities.

H2: Summary

Mastering the art of follow-up messages can significantly boost your success rate on freelance platforms. Remember to time your follow-ups well, craft a concise and professional message, and use creative strategies to reopen cold leads. And remember, tools like AI-powered proposal generators can help you create compelling proposals and follow-up messages, saving you time and increasing your chances of winning projects.