Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.&nbsp;

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a Cover Letter in the Freelance Landscape

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.”&nbsp;

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like "I have experience in marketing,” go for keyword integration: "I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies."

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying "increased website traffic," quantify it. "I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client."

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Check out this blog for expert tips and tricks on cover letter templates that will help you craft standout proposals and land freelance gigs on Upwork.

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide th

Anoosh Kotak

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Last year, India exported <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/india/exports/united-states">$79.44 billion</a> of goods and services to the US. Behind these big trade numbers are exporters and freelancers like you. But here’s something you might not know: US businesses run on credit cards. They like cards for the speed, rewards, and ease.

In that case, if you start accepting card payments, you make it convenient for your clients to pay you. You can attract more clients and retain the present ones for a longer term. But how do you start accepting card payments from US clients? 	

Stripe is a popular platform; it has long been a favourite for SaaS businesses for its ability to handle recurring payments in 135+ currencies. Also worth mentioning is its plug-and-play checkout feature. But Stripe operates on an invite-only model in India. Plus, its total fees are on the higher side.

You do have an option: Skydo. A homegrown brand	with services tailored for Indian exporters. Is Skydo the right choice? Or Stripe sounds like a better match? Find out for yourself in this Stripe vs Skydo comparative blog. 

Stripe Credit Card Processing Fees in India

Stripe lets you accept credit card payments from 195+ countries (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.), a big plus for global reach. However, as we have mentioned before, it is currently invite-only in India, with no guaranteed approval timeline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here’s how Stripe charges you on international card transactions:

So, in total, Stripe charges around 6.2% in fees, including transaction fees and forex markup.&nbsp;

Skydo is built specifically for Indian exporters and freelancers. With InstaLinks, you can share a payment link with your US client—no account setup needed.

Compared to Stripe, you save about ₹1,000 more per $1,000 invoice with Skydo, plus instant&nbsp; FIRA to simplify your compliance requirements.&nbsp;

Stripe is a powerful global platform, but it comes with high costs, forex markups, and compliance hurdles in India. For most freelancers and exporters, Skydo helps you keep more of your money, with flat pricing, live exchange rates, and instant FIRA.

If you’re ready to cut down on Stripe credit card fees and simplify compliance, try <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/instalinks?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=inbound_blog&amp;utm_campaign=Stripe_credit_card">Skydo InstaLinks today.</a>

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Stripe credit card fees

The Indian freelance and export market to the US is experiencing significant growth. From software development to digital marketing, Indian professionals are increasingly serving American clients who prefer the convenience of credit card payments, the standard payment method in the US market.

For Indian freelancers and exporters, accepting credit cards has always posed challenges due to limited platform options and complex fee structures. <a href="https://www.skydo.com/blog/paypal-in-india-charges-review-alternatives">PayPal</a> emerged as one of the few reliable solutions, offering global reach, client trust, and straightforward setup. Most US clients are familiar with PayPal, making it an easy choice for international transactions.

However, PayPal's convenience comes at a significant cost. Between its 4.4% transaction fee, fixed charges, and a 3-4% forex markup, you can lose over 8% of every payment. On a $5,000 invoice, that's ₹34,000 in fees.

This is where alternatives like Skydo become relevant, offering transparent pricing and live exchange rates designed specifically for Indian businesses receiving international payments.

What Are PayPal’s Credit Card Processing Fees in India?

PayPal operates in over 200 countries and supports more than 25 currencies, making it one of the most widely accepted payment platforms globally. Indian businesses can receive payments through various methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal balance transfers, and bank account payments from international clients.

When your international client pays you via credit card through PayPal, you're looking at a three-layer fee structure that can seriously impact your earnings.

PayPal fees for credit card processing work like this:&nbsp;

But here's where it gets expensive: PayPal applies a currency conversion markup of around 3-4% when converting your payment from dollars to rupees.

Let's break this down with a real example. Say your US client sends you $1,000 via credit card through PayPal:

Now comes the currency conversion. If the actual market rate is ₹85 per dollar, PayPal might apply its rate at around ₹81.6 (about 4% less). Your $955.70 converts to approximately ₹78,005.

The math is simple: from your original $1,000 (worth ₹85,000 at market rate), you actually receive ₹78,005. That's a total loss of ₹6,995, or about 8.2% of your payment.&nbsp;

These credit card processing fees PayPal charges can add up quickly, especially for freelancers and exporters handling multiple transactions each month.

How Skydo Compares on Credit Card Payments

For Indian businesses serving US clients specifically, Skydo InstaLinks offers a streamlined solution. Your US clients can pay via credit card through a simple payment link—no account creation required on their end, no complex setup for you.

When comparing PayPal credit card processing fees vs Skydo for US-based transactions, the differences are hard to ignore. Skydo charges a flat 5% fee for US credit card payments, but here's the main fact: you get the live market exchange rate with zero forex markup. While 5% might sound comparable to PayPal's base fee, the real savings come from that currency conversion.

Let's run the same $1,000 example from a US client through Skydo:

Transaction fee: $1,000 × 5% = $50. Amount after fees: $950 Currency conversion: $950 × ₹85 (live rate) = ₹80,750

Compare this to PayPal's ₹78,005, and you're keeping ₹2,745 more with Skydo. That's nearly three times better than PayPal when you factor in the real exchange rate.

But the benefits go beyond just pricing:&nbsp;

The transparency factor is huge here. With Skydo, you know exactly what you're paying upfront. No hidden forex markups, no surprise deductions, no wondering why your final INR amount doesn't match your calculations.

Sometimes the best way to see the fundamental differences is to put everything side by side. Here's how PayPal and Skydo stack up across the factors that actually matter to your bottom line:

The choice between PayPal and Skydo often comes down to your specific situation and client preferences.

You're dealing with clients from various countries outside the US, or if your clients specifically prefer PayPal and are willing to handle the higher costs.&nbsp;

Some international clients are more comfortable with PayPal's familiar interface, especially for smaller one-off payments or when they're already using PayPal for other transactions.

You're a freelancer, agency, or exporter regularly receiving credit card payments from US clients.&nbsp;Skydo's transparent pricing and live exchange rates make it particularly attractive for businesses that process multiple payments monthly and want to keep more of their earnings.&nbsp;

The instant FIRA generation also helps if you need quick compliance documentation for your accounting or export processes.

The cost difference is significant. PayPal's credit card processing fees can reach 8-9% of your international payments when you account for transaction fees, fixed charges, and currency conversion markup. For Indian exporters and freelancers managing tight margins, these fees represent a considerable portion of earnings that could otherwise be reinvested in business growth.

Skydo's transparent model with live forex rates helps you save roughly three times more compared to PayPal on the same transactions. When you're building a business or freelancing career, those savings add up fast, whether it's ₹2,745 on a $1,000 payment or ₹27,450 on a $10,000 project.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? <a href="https://www.skydo.com/features/instalinks?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=inbound_blog&amp;utm_campaign=Paypal_credit_card">Try Skydo InstaLinks</a> and start receiving international card payments in just 5 minutes. Your clients get a simple payment experience, and you get to keep more of what you've earned.