Business Proposal Examples
A well-written business proposal can make all the difference. Even though a proposal is considered a formal document, it should be written in simple language and avoid technical jargon that is difficult to understand. Aside from that, the content should be proofread carefully to avoid any grammatical or typo errors.
Executive Summary
The executive summary is the first thing that a client will see in your proposal, so it’s important to make it as engaging as possible. It should highlight the most important points of your proposal, and it should be short enough that it can stand alone. It should also capture the reader’s attention and explain how your proposal will benefit them.
In the executive summary, you’ll typically discuss the problem that the client is facing and how your solution will solve it. You can also describe any necessary context or background information. For example, if you’re proposing to build a new website, this section is the place to explain what benefits the client will receive from the site, such as increased organic traffic, better sales conversions, or more content management flexibility.
It’s also a good idea to include some sort of financial overview. This will help your client determine whether or not they can afford to work with you. If you’re proposing an expensive project, be sure to explain your pricing structure in this section. This will give the reader an accurate sense of how much your project will cost and how long it will take to complete. It’s also a good idea to provide a clear timeline for your project so the client will know when to expect each milestone.
Table of Contents
Business proposal writing is a key part of the sales process, and a well-crafted document can set you apart from the competition. But it can be a daunting task, especially for newbies to the industry. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
The first step is to create a title page. This should include your name, the name of your company, and the contact information for the person you’re sending the proposal to. It’s also a good idea to add a table of contents. This will help your client navigate through the document more easily.
Creating an effective business proposal examples requires you to understand the buyer’s pain points. Your objective is to develop a solution that will eliminate those pain points and improve your customer’s experience. This bold business proposal example does just that. It starts by clearly defining the problem at hand and then offers a ray of hope in the form of a solution.
Including client testimonials and success stories can also add credibility to your proposal. This helps to establish trust between you and your client, and can make all the difference in winning them over. It’s also important to include any supplemental materials in an appendix, such as resumes, portfolios, charts, graphs, and more. This will keep the rest of your proposal focused on your solutions and make it easy to digest.
Cover Letter
Unlike the executive summary, which provides an overview of your business proposal for a specific project, the cover letter introduces you and your company to the reader. It’s important to use this section to establish a rapport with your audience, says Jon Williams, Managing Director of Strategic Proposals. It’s also a great opportunity to highlight your unique qualities and why you are the best choice for the project.
The next section, “Project Details,” sets out your proposed solution. Here you’ll outline the key deliverables, methods and timeframes for your work. It’s a good idea to lean into both specificity and personalization in this portion, explains Eileen Kent, President of Custom Keynotes. This makes the proposal feel more like a customized product for the client, and shows that you understand them and their needs.
If you have a success story with a similar client, it’s an excellent way to add credibility and show that you can deliver on your promises. However, it’s important to keep this section short and sweet. You want to capture your prospect’s attention, so they’ll keep reading.
If you’re ready to create a compelling proposal, get started with this one-page template. It has a clean and modern design, with plenty of room for your content. Just enter your information, and you’re ready to send.
Sections
If your business proposal example is long, it should include a table of contents that lets the client easily find specific sections. This is especially important when you’re including a lot of information that might be confusing to your client. You can also use a visual tool like charts or graphs to illustrate your points.
Next, your business proposal should present your solution. This section can be combined with the problem statement or can be a separate page. The point is to show that you understand the client’s pain points and how your business can solve them. This section is also a good place to include any certifications, case studies, client testimonials, and other forms of social proof.
After you’ve provided a solution, your business proposal should include a pricing table that provides the price breakdown for your products or services and their delivery timelines. This will help clients understand the cost of your solutions and make it easier for them to compare pricing options.
Some businesses choose to end their business proposals with a legal agreement. However, this is optional and depends on the client’s needs and the type of project you’re proposing for. If you do include a legal agreement, you should provide your client with a space for signing the document and indicate their preferred method of moving forward.
