A new brief just landed in your inbox, connecting you with a high-quality client in need of your skills. Exciting, right? Now the challenge is how to turn this opportunity into an actual order.
The great news: Each brief is only sent to a small group of freelancers based on compatibility, which means your chances of securing the sale are already high compared to others in the general search. Even so, that doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed win. If you want to seal the deal, it’s important that you do your best to stand out from the competition. Here are the top five tips on how you can effectively respond to briefs.
Assess your compatibility
Our system always tries to match you with briefs you’re most compatible with, but you may find that not every brief will be the right fit for you. Before responding, read it thoroughly to get a good understanding of the client's needs. Be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t do, and know that you don’t have to accept every brief.
If there’s initial interest, yet you’re unsure or need further information, feel free to click ‘Ask questions’ to initiate a conversation with the client.
Set proper expectations
Sometimes, you’ll get briefs that feel like a match made in freelancer heaven. Other times, it may require some flexibility to make it work. If there are specific aspects of the brief you're not completely convinced about, you don't have to pass up the opportunity altogether. It is, however, wise to address any concerns or limitations at the beginning.
Ignoring reservations for the sake of securing the sale may seem like a good idea in the beginning, but it may only lead to a complicated order down the road. Even worse, it can impact your Success Score metrics, such as Buyer Satisfaction or Value for Money.
Move quickly
If you see a brief you like, don’t sleep on it. You only have 72 hours to either ask a question or send a custom offer, so act swiftly before it's too late.
Beyond just beating the clock, responding quickly can help you maintain a competitive advantage as it shows a sense of urgency and attention to the customers' needs.
Respond intentionally
If you really want to win the sale from the brief, a generalized message just won’t cut it. Skip the “Hi, please hire me” or the “I can help with this project,” and instead try personalizing your response as much as possible.
Start by introducing yourself and giving a brief overview of your relevant past experiences. For an extra personal touch, address them by name and mention specific details from their brief. It’s all about making a great first impression, so be professional and enthusiastic, and let your personality shine through!
Send a portfolio
Don’t just rely on telling the client you will be a good fit for their project; show them! After reviewing the details of the project, gather relevant samples and share them for reference. This will help them visualize what it will be like to work with you in the future. It can also distinguish you from other freelancers as clients get to see your unique style and approach.
At the end of the day, winning the sale from a brief is all about making a lasting impression. Use these tips above to stand out from the competition and show your clients that you really are the best one for the job!
