Table of Contents

Introducton

One of the most common questions beginners ask when starting on Upwork is, “How many proposals should I send to get hired?” While the number of proposals you send does play a role in your success, quality is more important than quantity. In this article, we’ll break down the real strategy behind sending proposals on Upwork, focusing on what works, what doesn’t, and how to optimize your chances of getting hired without burning out.
Table of Contents
Why This Question Exists
Quality vs. Quantity in Proposals
What Upwork’s Algorithm Values
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Information Gain – The “Sweet Spot” for Proposals
Real-World Scenario: Proposal Metrics in Action

Why This Question Exists

As a beginner on Upwork, you may feel like sending more proposals increases your chances of getting hired. The idea behind this thinking is simple: More proposals mean more opportunities. However, this mindset overlooks the importance of quality. In the early stages of your freelancing career, it’s easy to fall into the trap of churning out proposals as if it’s a numbers game.
But here’s the truth: Sending more proposals without focusing on their quality can lead to burnout and low response rates. Instead, you should focus on targeting the right jobs and crafting well-thought-out proposals that showcase your ability to meet the client’s specific needs.

Quality vs. Quantity in Proposals

In the past, many freelancers believed that sending as many proposals as possible was the key to success. However, Upwork’s algorithm and client behavior don’t reward quantity as much as relevance. Here’s why:
Proposal Quality: Clients want proposals that show genuine interest and are tailored to their project.
Proposal Volume: While submitting multiple proposals increases your visibility, high-quality proposals that are relevant to the job have a much higher success rate.
Pro-Tip: Aim to send around 5–10 targeted proposals per day. Focus on quality over quantity, and you’ll see better results in the long run.

What Upwork’s Algorithm Values

Upwork’s ranking algorithm doesn’t just consider the number of proposals you send. It looks at several factors to determine whether your proposal will be seen by clients. These include:
Proposal Engagement: Does your proposal get a response? The more engaging your proposal, the higher the chance it will be shown to clients.
Job Relevance: How well does your proposal match the client’s needs? Proposals that directly address the job description are ranked higher.
Timeliness: Applying to a job early increases your chances of getting noticed.
Pro-Tip: Apply early, as this gives your proposal more time to be seen and engaged with by the client.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Sending Too Many Proposals Without Personalization
Fix: Tailor your proposals to each client’s specific needs. Don’t use a generic template.
Ignoring Proposal Follow-Up
Fix: Don’t be afraid to follow up politely if you haven’t heard back after a few days. It shows interest and dedication.
Focusing on Volume Rather Than Fit
Fix: Focus on quality over quantity. Apply for jobs that truly match your skills and experience.
Not Optimizing Profile for Client Search
Fix: Ensure your profile is complete, up-to-date, and keyword optimized for relevant job searches.

Information Gain – The “Sweet Spot” for Proposals

While it’s tempting to send as many proposals as possible, there’s a sweet spot between quality and quantity. According to data from experienced freelancers and Upwork’s own advice, sending 5–10 personalized proposals per day gives you a high probability of success without overwhelming yourself. This strategy is effective because it allows you to:
Focus on higher-value proposals that match your skills.
Spend more time customizing each proposal, which increases your chances of standing out.
Avoid burnout by not forcing yourself to submit proposals all day long.

Real-World Scenario: Proposal Metrics in Action

Let’s look at a real-world example of how sending the right number of proposals can work. Meet Sarah, a beginner copywriter on Upwork. During her first month, she sent 100 proposals but only received 4 responses, with 2 interviews. After revisiting her approach, Sarah decided to limit her daily proposals to 5–7, but she spent more time tailoring each one. In her second month, she sent only 30 proposals, but this resulted in 15 responses and 6 interviews.
The moral of the story? More personalized proposals lead to more responses, and less effort spent chasing leads means more time for building quality work and relationships.

FAQ

How many proposals should I send each day?

Aim for 5–10 high-quality proposals per day, focusing on relevant jobs.
Should I apply for every job posted?
No, focus on jobs that match your skills and experience. Don’t waste time on jobs that don’t fit.

Does sending more proposals guarantee a job?
No, the quality and relevance of your proposals are more important than the number you send.

How can I improve my proposal response rate?
Tailor your proposals to each job. Be specific and show how you can solve the client’s problem.

Should I follow up on my proposals?
Yes, politely follow up after a few days to show your interest in the job.

Conclusion

The key to success on Upwork isn’t sending as many proposals as possible—it’s about sending well-crafted, relevant proposals. Aim for 5–10 high-quality proposals per day, and make sure each one is personalized to the client’s needs. Focus on building trust, relevance, and timeliness to increase your chances of being noticed. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing your first job and building a successful freelancing career on Upwork.