Successful bidding on Elance jobs is more than just presenting a number to the client that is less than the competition’s bid. Success requires selling one’s self to the client in hopes they see the skills being offered rather than just a dollar amount.
In order to submit a good proposal the portfolio and profile need to be created (refer to Elance for Beginners) and a job selected from the listings (refer to Elance-Searching Postings). At this point, a proposal and bid can be submitted to the client for review and consideration.
The Bid Page
Once the job is selected, click on the link to go to the bid page. This page details the job and allows for communication with the client or buyer in case there are questions about the job.
Job Description: The job description is a complete description of the job required by the client. If the client has attached files that apply to the job they will also be listed in this section. This section should be read carefully to ensure all aspects of the job are understood.
Job Details: This area tells you some important, minute details, such as whether the client requires a W-9 for tax purposes; whether or not the bid is sealed or open; where the job has been posted and other details.
Submitting a Proposal
The next step is to submit a proposal for review. There are several pertinent areas to fill in for this portion of the bid page:
Ask the Buyer a Question: At the top of the page there is a submission box for asking questions. This is where bidders can seek clarification or more information about a project. Keep in mind that all Elance users can see these questions and answers. For private questions there are PMB boards available after bidding.
Create a Proposal: This input area if for the actual text proposal. Ideally, bidders should use word processing software to catch all errors before pasting it into the proposal box.
The proposal should catch the client’s attention, be memorable enough to make the client want more information at the least and explain in detail all qualifications for the job being offered.
Although there is a button here to attach files for them to review, a better practice is to refer them to the PMB for work samples and files. The PMB is a private message board between the client and the bidder that no else has privy to. The reason for this is to keep other bidders from being able to access other bidders' work samples. If attached to the proposal they are listed if the bid is open. Make it a habit to attach them to the PMB to avoid this potential problem.
Bid and Timeframe: This section is the critical area. Time and cost are input here. When bidding, one should be fair but not give away time and efforts. The timeframe is equally important; it is better to submit work early then promised but unacceptable to submit work late.
Sponsored Placement: A sponsored placement costs extra “connects” and does not guarantee any more of a chance of winning than not having it does. What it does do is move the bid to the top of the list.
Connects Required and Submit: This shows bidders how many connects it will cost to bid on the job and how many are available for use. Double check before clicking ‘submit’. Once clicked, the bid has been placed.
Before exiting the site, return to the bid page and access the PMB board. Submit any work samples or references on this board.
Winning jobs on Elance requires that careful consideration in bidding and in wording the proposal. Consideration must be given to all aspects of the job, other bids and the timeframe required. Bidding doesn’t always result in winning the job, with time and experience, awarded jobs become easier to acquire.
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