8 Bidding Pitches Doomed to Fail

Today, I thought I'd share with you 8 of the most common bidding flops that I spotted online.

This is a free-for-all activity so we can all learn from our own and other people's freelancing mistakes.

Join the fun and help me figure out why the following pitches are doomed to fail:

1 "Bwing it on lets do this."

The person probably wants to say, "Bring it on! Let's do this!" Tweety style. The level of enthusiasm is commendable, but everything else leaves much to be desired. There is no semblance of professionalism.  

2 "Hi. My name is Adam. I am PhD."

I am Sam and I am Number 4 are fine. I am PhD is not. It's not necessary to flaunt your academic track record unless your course relates to the niche that you're hooting to win. This one-liner bid is all introduction and no action.

3 "I am article writing since one year and have a qualified team that can make it best for you."

Teams are more likely to get the job then single providers on bulk projects with short turnaround time. However, it is obvious from the above statement that the client will prefer somebody who fully understands tenses.

4 "My bid is $400."

It is good to lay out specific numbers. Without adding any details though, you create the impression that you're making a run for the money without being realistic about the job or convincing the client that you reviewed the job description.

5 "I can complete the job by tomorrow."

Promises of fast turnaround time are bound to be broken and tend to take a toll on the quality of the work turned in. This statement might immediately attract clients who need the job completed as soon as possible though. 

6 "We are a team of professionals with over 10 years of experience in article writing."

The level of experience mentioned will draw attention, but with so many providers saying almost the same thing, the pitch loses its magic. The client will further lose interest if the bidder makes no reference to the project and continues to yak about the team's mission-vision statement.   

7 "Pls. PM me."

Brevity is the soul of wit. Text-speaking is not. Some outdated clients may not even know what PM (private message) stands for. It's not a good idea to riddle your bid with mnemonics and ask the client to contact you for details. It's not like you're the only provider interested in the job.

8 "I have never submitted anything before, but please give me a chance."

Touching honesty will be just as bad for the business as an outright lie. You will never be able to bid successfully at freelancing sites if you make your lack of experience the highlight of your bid. Sympathy votes might work for you in reality shows, but not in the freelance business.

Why, oh why, do providers keep on harping the same ineffective sales pitches? If you were to bid on a project, how would you market yourself? *

Tested Skills Get You Noticed

Your exam days are far from over, sorry. Freelance bidding sites such as Odesk and Elance require providers to pass a qualifying test in order to register with the system. 

The test is really a clever way of letting you know about the protocols observed on site. Once you pass the initial exam, you have the option to take more skills tests. Should you take them too?

While a lot of people would scream, "Foul!" and tell you that exams are a waste of time and that test scores are not a true measure of your skills, you will find test taking itself an advantageous activity. Here's why:

How to Win Bids at Freelancing Sites

You're smart. You're capable. You're eager to  freelance, but you've got one problem. Despite the number of bids you have machine-gunned everyday, you're not winning any clients and you're not beating the competition.

Luck accounts for about 10 percent of your success. The rest depends on your effort. Are you choosing your battles wisely and bidding competitively? Here are 9 practical tips for the win.

1. Polish your profile page and portfolio. Marketing yourself as a grammar-savvy professional and writing like a kindergarten kid will fool no one.
   
   
2. Write like you mean it. A bid with a sincere cover letter will build better rapport and draw more attention than a generic message or a numbers-only proposal.  
   
   
3. Customize your proposal. Show the potential client that you have reviewed the job specs carefully and that you are the right match. Avoid template bids. You will never stand out.
   
   
4. Follow special instructions. Some projects require that you mention a key phrase or keyword in your bid. Failing to follow the instruction might just kill your chances of winning the job.
   
   
5. Keep the praise release to a minimum. You have your portfolio for that. Talk less of what you previously accomplished and more of how you will complete the project.