A business proposal is a pitch that you can write to your potential clients, explaining to them the products you offer, and how they can benefit from them. A proposal is usually in written form, and it should contain detailed information on why the client should choose you. The business proposal that you write can either make or break the deal, and you should, therefore, do your best to increase your success chances. Also, clients receive thousands of similar proposals and only select the well-presented pitches. So, how can you craft an outstanding proposal to win the attention of your prospective client? This guide will give you a comprehensive answer to your questions.
Tips for Writing a Successful Proposal
Observe the following tips to increase your chances of winning the deal:
● Read the proposal request carefully
It is important to understand the proposal request. Understand the client’s requirements and ascertain that you meet the qualifications. Also, find out the mentioned methods of application and submission of the proposal.
● Collect all the information you require
When a business opportunity comes your way, you can get overwhelmed or challenged on how you will win it. You should, however, carry out your due diligence to gather all the information related to the client. For instance, if the client has many offices, you can visit some of them to access the size of the project. The visit will help you acquire the accurate estimates of what you should put in your proposal. The most important information to collect includes the client deadline, the client’s budget, their prospective buyers, and the ideal solution to the company’s problem.
● Create an outline
Write down a framework for the main sections of your business proposal. The outline should summarize the ideas you will be expressing and the body. A good outline can also keep you focused as you write the entire proposal. Many clients receive thousands of similar proposals; hence they may not have adequate time to go through them. A short and informative outline can, therefore, catch the attention of your client.
● Include data and infographics
A comprehensive business proposal can include both written and visual content. Your data should be accurate, compelling, and informative. Your visuals should be clear and relevant to the proposal.
● Avoid small mistakes
Layout your business proposal well by avoiding the petty mistakes, your spellings and grammar should be absolute. Also, use a simple and easy to understand language to express your ideas. The complex words and sentences can easily confuse and make you lose the deal. You might not notice your mistakes, and it is, therefore, advisable to allow your trusted friend to proofread your work.
● Include a call to action
Do not make your proposal an indefinite offer. Instead, write it with a sense of urgency by providing a deadline for the decision making process. It should also include a CTA section so that your client can see your seriousness on the project.
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A Step By Step Guide of Drafting a Business Proposal
Once you have done your research, put your ideas together and start writing the proposal. Here are the key elements that you should include.
Step one: write the title page
The title page should include the basic information about you and your client. For instance, you can write the name of your company, its logo, and your contact information. You can also include the client’s name, the date, and the proposal title. A well-written title page will help the clients see you as an organized and neat candidate.
Step two: write the cover letter
A cover letter should provide brief background information about yourself and your business. It should be short, but at the same time, it should explain why your firm is the best candidate for the job. Mention the strategies you use to remain competitive and close the cover letter with a signature and a thank you.
Step three: the table of content
It is essential to provide a table of content unless you intend to write a very brief proposal. Ideally, the table of content helps your readers to know the main things that they should expect in the proposal. If you are using the online channel, ensure that your table of content is clickable for quick navigation.
Step four: write the proposal
As the name implies, the proposal section should outline the various solutions that you are providing. In short, the proposal should directly address the needs of your clients. Be sure to mention your strengths and how they are beneficial to your client.
Step five: write the methodology
The proposal segment provides a general solution. However, you should get into a detailed explanation in the methodology segment. Provide a precise answer to the type of deliverables that your client should expect. For instance, if you had sent an SEO proposal for client, write down the methods that you usually use to provide excellent SEO results. You can also mention the tactics that you use, including keyword research, link building, on-page optimization, and so on. Ensure that your content is engaging to maintain the attention of your reader.
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Step six: write your pricing
Your proposal should include a pricing table showing the pricing details that you can offer. Since you already know the client’s budget, you should not overestimate or underestimate the project. Ensure that your pricing table is clear and accurate. If possible, leave room for negotiations.
Step seven: write down your terms and conditions
Use this section to provide your specific requirements for the project. Specify the payment methods, the payment dates, and the duration period for the project. After that, include a CTA and agreement section where your client should sign in when they agree to your proposal. Use friendly words and phrases on your CTA. For instance, you can write: “looking forward to meeting with you” or “feel free to reach us anytime.” Generally, a business proposal should address the client’s issue and outline how your business can fix the problem. You should, therefore, create a professional and well-customized content to persuade the client.
