I recently put an ad on Freelance Switch because I was interested in some design work. My project was my MTG Deck builder, TappedOut.net. The redesign was a $1000 - $2500 project and I got back over 50 replies. I'd like to give some tips to everyone who I didn't respond to:

Don't: Paste stock garbage and think its a proposal

We are [COMPANY], based in New Jersey, Florida, Minnesota and India (Development only). After looking at your requirements I am sure that we can help you out with the same. Here is a little info about [COMPANY] : SDP Labs specializes in building sustainable businesses online. Since 1999, we've been evolving a process and a culture that combine the most powerful aspects of research, design, technology and marketing. Each project at [COMPANY] begins with a belief that great, user-centered design can play a critical role in growing our client's business. We help build digitally-driven businesses for some of the largest and most demanding companies in the world. [COMPANY] work - including Web Apps, iPhone Apps, RIA, Online Gaming engines, SEM and more - has achieved big results for some of the smartest and most demanding clients in the world. [COMPANY] also uses some great tools like Proofhub and ProofCMS to ease up the project management process and maintain the transparency between the clients and teams. We helped Max New York Life ease up with print products ordering, helped British Airways to drive their dynamic flights content to users in the digital format, with Winstar helped Continental Airlines filling their empty seats, showcased Britney Spears' style chick book on britney.com, and many more. Our obsession with delivering quality user experiences is probably the biggest reason our clients can't seem to get enough. Here is the list of some of our recent works: *about 25 links to websites around the net that they did*

This is about the most disgusting, surefire way to not get a contract. I'm not Barbara Walters, so don't give me a long story about who you are and what you've been doing your whole life. I don't care. This isn't about you, its about me and my project. Why would I bother doing client research on you and your 25 links? Do you know how many other replies I got?

Dear prospective client, When choosing a web developer, it’s important to remember that your project deserves the highest level of planning, execution, and professionalism. [COMPANY] chose your project because we feel our team of web professionals is best suited for the job. With a full-service web development agency on your side, you can expect timely communication, attention to detail, and a final product that exceeds your expectations. To give you the most realistic estimate for your project, we invite you to get to know us first. For more information on our company and services, feel free to explore our website at www.viminteractive.com before moving forward with an initial meeting. We look forward to speaking with you directly.

Oh please. I don't even need to say anything about this.

Don't: Be eager to give a work quote

I can either provide you the template in html/css (and complementary psd) or provide it and apply that in the system (Django itself). My bid is for $1500 for the first option, $2100 for the second one. Payment by PayPal or Bank Wire.

What's funny is I really liked this guy, but the fact that he wanted to talk numbers without knowing the extent of the work I wanted made me a bit concerned. Maybe he's a pro who can simply eyeball any project and tell you what it costs but my feeling is that without a detailed spec of what I'm looking for, these numbers are guesses at best.

Don't: Have only boutique sites in your portfolio

I am a web designer located in Denver, CO. My portfolio can be found at [WEBSITE]. The top portfolio items which would best qualify me for this projects are ones in which are in the development stage. I have excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail. Please check out my online portfolio. If the position is still open I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about your project.

I liked her so I checked out her portfolio. I liked her portfolio a lot, however, it only contained boutique websites (3-5 page information only sites, probably cost $200-600 a piece). My project has tons of content, dynamic and static, and thousands of people use it every day. You must not only prove that you can design well, but you must prove you can structure well too. Boutique websites don't have a lot to prove, but they've got a lot of space to do it in.

Do: Open with genuine critical accessment

Doing this instantly tells me that you are already on board with my own goals: improving my project. Here's some good examples:

noticed that Tapped Out is in the same realm of my video game site that I own/run [website] We are a popular game site with multiple writers and many visitors. I could probably help you out with Tapped Out advertising after the site is finished.

and

I think in general, the site could use more of a sense of organization and hierarchy.

There is a lot of information being presented, and at first glance it is quite overwhelming. I would focus on typography, tweaking the colors, and maybe even adding some graphics, just to make it a bit more obvious what the goal of the site is.

I've seen your website and in fact it has a very nice layout (not mentioning design here, just the position of elements, structure, etc.), but the design definitely needs improvement.

All wonderful statements to make in your opening pitch.

Do: Give targeted work samples and explain how they relate

My 2 recent designs that I see could "fit" this project (for different reasons), would be [WEBSITE] (overall layout) and [WEBSITE] (for the design simplicity).

and

Some portfolio samples you might like are.... [WEBSITE] [WEBSITE] [WEBSITE]

Exactly right. Help me understand why your work is appropriate for my project and don't be afraid to go out on a limb to prove this point. Maybe sometimes you'll miss the mark, but more than likely you're going to spark a reply as these did.