Top Freelance Proposal Mistakes & How to Fix Them Fast

Mistake #1: Focusing on Deliverables Instead of Results

The Problem:

One of the most common mistakes in writing proposals is listing what you’ll do rather than the outcome you’ll achieve. Freelancers often write:

“I’ll design 10 Instagram graphics”
or
“I’ll write 5 blog posts.”

But clients aren’t hiring you to complete tasks—they’re hiring you to solve problems.

The Fix:

Shift your language to focus on value and impact.

 Instead of: “Design 10 social media graphics”
 Say: “Create scroll-stopping visuals to increase your engagement rate by 25%.”

 Instead of: “Write 5 blog posts”
 Say: “Publish strategic content that boosts SEO visibility and brings consistent traffic.”

Pro Tip:

Use phrases like:

• “Increase conversions”

• “Reduce churn”

• “Improve Google rankings”

These clearly show the benefits clients care about.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Client’s Problem

The Problem:

Another one of the top proposal mistakes is ignoring why the client posted the job. Too many freelancers jump straight into their background and services without acknowledging the problem.

If you’ve ever wondered, “what common mistakes should I avoid in a proposal?”, skipping the client’s pain point is a big one.

The Fix:

Start by identifying the real reason the client is seeking help. Read the job post carefully—highlight emotional cues and keywords they use.

Example:
“You mentioned struggling with getting organic traffic. I’ve helped 12 brands rank on Page 1 and double their leads in 3 months.”

This shows empathy, credibility, and relevance.

Pro Tip:

Mirror the client’s language. If they say “struggling with engagement,” use the same phrase in your pitch.

Mistake #3: Offering Only One Option

The Problem:

Presenting a single offer limits your chances. Clients prefer choice—and a single proposal can feel like an ultimatum.

This is a common mistake in proposal writing that creates resistance rather than conversion.

The Fix:

Offer 2–3 value-based packages. It shows flexibility and professionalism.

Example:

Basic: SEO optimization for 3 pages
Standard: SEO + blog strategy (5 pages)
Premium: Full site audit + 10-page content plan

Pro Tip:

Use price anchoring—most clients choose the middle option when it feels “just right.”

Mistake #4: Not Including Upsells

The Problem:

Many freelancers forget to upsell, missing the chance to provide more value—and earn more income.

If you’re thinking, “what are common mistakes to avoid when drafting a proposal?”, not suggesting additional services is one of them.

The Fix:

Add relevant upsells that complement your main service.

 Examples:

• Priority delivery

• Extra revision rounds

• Monthly analytics reports

• Keyword tracking add-ons

These increase your income without extra client acquisition cost.

Pro Tip:

Use phrases like:

• “Best paired with…”

• “Clients often add…”

• “Ideal for businesses scaling quickly”

Mistake #5: Missing Trust-Builders in Your Proposal

The Problem:

If your proposal lacks trust signals, the client may move on—even if your service sounds great.

This is a classic example of proposal mistakes that cost you credibility.

The Fix:

Include case studies, client testimonials, star ratings, or short success stories.

 Example:
“I worked with Growly Co. and helped them grow from 300 to 900 email signups in 60 days.”

 Include:

• Real names (with permission)

• Data-backed results

• Visual proof (charts, screenshots, logos)

Pro Tip:

Use bold metrics and real outcomes to build trust fast.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Perceived Value

The Problem:

No matter how good your pitch is, a poorly designed proposal looks unprofessional. And perception matters.

If you’re asking, “what are some common mistakes to avoid in proposal writing?”, not investing in proposal presentation is a major one.

The Fix:

Make your proposal look like it came from a pro.

 Design Tips:

• Use branded headers and subheadings

• Add your logo or profile photo

• Convert to a clean PDF format

• Use easy-to-read fonts and consistent spacing

Pro Tip:

Colors matter!

• Blue = Trust

• Green = Growth

• Orange = Excitement

Mistake #7: Thinking Your Job Ends After Submission

The Problem:

Many freelancers submit and forget. That’s a huge mistake in the world of client acquisition.

This is one of the most common mistakes in proposal writing—and one of the easiest to fix.

The Fix:

Always follow up. Clients get busy. A gentle reminder shows your interest and initiative.

 Follow-up Ideas:

• A 30-second thank-you video

• A relevant blog post or quick audit

• A soft nudge like: “Just checking if you had a chance to review my proposal .”

Pro Tip:

Follow up once within 48–72 hours, and again (if no response) after 5–7 days. Don’t follow up more than twice unless they invite you to.