How to Submit Proposal on Upwork

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to send a winning proposal on Upwork step by step.

Quick summary

Submitting a proposal on Upwork involves finding the right job, clicking Apply now, configuring your proposal settings, and spending Connects to send it to the client. This guide walks you through each step so you can land freelance work faster and more confidently.

Steps

Click on a job title to view the full job details.
Select the Apply now button to begin the application process.
You will be directed to the proposal settings page to configure your submission.
Customize your skills and expertise to match the specific requirements of the proposal.
Enter your hourly rate — Upwork will display how much you will earn after fees.
Review the Connects cost for the job, then click Send for 7 Connects to submit your proposal to the client.

📌 Why this matters

Knowing how to submit a proposal on Upwork is essential for freelancers who want to win clients and grow their income on the platform. A well-structured Upwork proposal — with the right hourly rate, tailored skills, and strategic use of Connects — significantly increases your chances of getting hired. Understanding the full submission workflow, from browsing job listings to clicking Apply now and managing Connects spend, helps freelancers avoid costly mistakes and compete more effectively. This demo gives you a clear, step-by-step walkthrough so you can start landing freelance projects with confidence.

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