Bidding can be one of the hardest things to get right. Someone asked me the other day if I had a bidding template. I’ve discussed bidding before, but for those who missed it, here’s a snapshot of my approach to bidding.
1. Read The Brief
I start by reading the brief carefully so that I can identify how my skills match what the client wants. If they don’t, then there’s little point in bidding.
2. Introduce Yourself
The people I am writing to don’t know me, so I start my bid with an introduction. It basically says that I am a freelance writer/ghostwriter/blogger (whichever is most appropriate) and mentions how long I have been doing this job.
3. Cut To The Chase
Freelance writers can improve their hit rate with a great bid.
My potential client has little time to waste, so my next sentence cuts to the chase. It says why I would be perfect for the job. This can take different forms. Depending on what seems most important to the client, I may:
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- list the different types of writing or blogging I have done that are relevant to the job
- include the names of some of my clients (those who are happy to be identified)
- highlight qualities such as being a native English speaker, good with deadlines and so on.
4. Back Up Your Claims
Next, I back this up with some proof, including links to my resume, testimonials and relevant examples of work (not too many), then I give my bid for the job. By the time I get to the figure, I hope I have already sold the client on my services.
5. Follow Up Info
Just in case there’s any doubt, I follow this up with:
- any relevant information IÂ haven’t already mentioned
- the link to my professional website (as opposed to the specific pages I have listed earlier
- an invitation to the client to get in touch to discuss the bid further
Within this general template, there is some flexibility. For example, if clients ask specific questions, then I include the answers in my bid.
6. Creating A Template
Once you’ve done a few of these bids, you will be able to put together a single document that has versions of the usual sentences you use. This will help you to bid faster and more effectively. (I’ll be honest: I haven’t actually put them all together – at least, not recently – but I do keep an email folder with the text of my most successful bids so I can adapt them if needed.)
7. Keep It Professional
One final word – tone. Some people are good at making cheeky, cheerful bids that make the clients laugh their way into handing over the job. If you can do it and it’s right for the job, then go for it. I’m not one of those people, though, so I tend to play it straight. Although I use an informal style, I still aim for a professional appearance – there is no text speak in my bids. My bid is the first chance clients have to see my writing, so I make sure each bid is properly spelled and punctuated and grammatically correct.
Article by Sharon Hurley Hall
Sharon Hurley Hall has been mentoring writers here at Get Paid To Write Online since 2005 to help them improve and build sustainable and successful writing careers. Check me out on sharonhh.com. Feel free to connect with me online on Google+.
Sharon has written 653 awesome articles for us at Get Paid to Write Online
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{ 8 comments }
Developing a ‘template’ for bidding is also a good way to reduce any fear involved in deciding to bid for a position. I’ve always found it easier to hit send when I know I have included everything I need and have not forgotten something vital.
Of course, an important point to remember when using a template is to personalize it. Just because some parts of the information we provide is identical does not mean it should read like a carbon copy bid on any and every job. Take your standard information and customize it on a per bid basis.
Thanks for the great run down on your own bidding template, Sharon!
Rebecca Laffar-Smith´s last blog post..WRA: Now With Valid XHTML
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January 28, 2009 at 10:02
Customization is key, Rebecca. If your bid feels tired to you, then it may feel tired to the potential client. However, a template is great for getting those bids out quickly.
Maybe not so tough to choose between custom bid and template … The template could consist of standard introduction and key paragraph headings … ?
Thanks for a useful post.
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This is such useful advice. I take a similar approach. I always start my bids saying: I understand that you are looking for a writer to complete a batch of 20 articles on health and fitness… (or whatever). Clients seem to like it – it shows I was paying attention to their needs.
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Excellent content here and a nice writing style too – keep up the great work!
I am not a writer, but the information in this article can be applied to the bidding process of virtually any type. I am sign business owner and my company has to participate in bidding on contracts. I will use the steps dicussed in this article to improve my bidding method. Thanks for the insight, Kenneth
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January 29, 2009 at 16:34
That’s also a useful approach, Russell.
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February 6, 2009 at 14:55
Great tip, Katherine. I might incorporate that into some of my bids.
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