How to Submit and Manage Proposals

Last updated: May 17, 2026

A proposal is how you apply for a job on Lifted. It helps clients understand your experience, pricing, timeline, and approach before starting a contract.

Before you submit

Before submitting your proposal, make sure you:

  • Understand the project requirements

  • Set your pricing and estimated timeline

  • Prepare any questions you want to ask the client

  • Review your proposal carefully for accuracy

Note: Once a proposal is submitted, it can’t be edited or withdrawn.

Submit a proposal

  1. Go to the job details page on Lifted.

  2. Select Apply now or scroll to the bottom of the page.

  3. Set your proposal terms:

    • Choose your hourly rate or fixed-price bid

    • Select the payment structure, if available

    • Estimate how long the project will take

  4. Write your cover letter:

    • Explain how you can help with the project

    • Highlight relevant experience

    • Ask any important clarifying questions

  5. Review your proposal.

  6. Select Submit proposal.

What happens after submission

Once you submit your proposal, it’s sent to the Hiring Manager for review.

They may:

  • Request additional information

  • Send a counter proposal

  • Invite you to an interview

Review a counter proposal

A client may send a counter proposal if they want to adjust parts of your original proposal.

This can include changes to:

  • Pricing or hourly rate

  • Project timeline or duration

If you receive a counter proposal:

  1. You’ll receive a notification.

  2. Review the updated proposal terms carefully.

  3. Choose whether to accept or decline the proposal.

If you accept the proposal terms, a contract will be initiated [LINK to article].

Note: Proposal terms are separate from final contract terms.

No changes are applied unless you accept the counter proposal.

Track your proposal status

You can track your proposal status from the Job Posts page.

  1. Locate the job you applied to.

  2. View the status shown under your proposal.

Common statuses include:

  • Proposal submitted — your proposal has been sent to the Hiring Manager for review.

  • Counter proposal received — review the updated proposal terms and choose whether to accept or decline them.

Proposal limitations

Submitted proposals can’t be edited or withdrawn.

Review your proposal carefully before submitting to make sure your pricing, timeline, and details are correct.

FAQs

Are connects required to submit a proposal?

No. Lifted proposals are submitted directly on Lifted, so Connects are not required.

Connects are used on the Upwork Marketplace to apply for jobs there.

If a client counters my proposal, do I still have a say?

Yes. You have full control over whether to accept or decline a counter proposal.

If a client wants to counter your proposal, you will receive an updated proposal that includes details such as:

  • Start and end dates

  • Rates or pricing

You can review the proposal terms and choose to accept or decline it.