It's important to understand the client's needs before creating a business proposal. This could mean having an initial call or meeting, or even just reading their RFP.
The goal is to identify the client's problem and then quickly offer a solution. This will create a sense of urgency. This is also where you can highlight your unique value proposition.
Executive Summary
As the first part of your business proposal examples, the executive summary sets the tone. It's important that you keep this section brief and to the point. You also want to make sure that it is tailored for each client. You should highlight how your product or service will benefit them and why you are the best option for them.
If you are writing an executive summary for a specific project, it might be beneficial to include some research that highlights the gap in the market and your target audience. This will show that you have taken the time to understand their needs and have the experience to deliver.
The executive summary is an excellent place to add any social proof your company has, such as customer quotes or testimonials. This is a great way to build trust with your potential clients and encourage them to work with you. It is also a good idea to use this section as an opportunity to highlight your business goals and any previous success you have achieved in the field. Finally, make sure the executive summary is free of buzzwords, qualifiers, jargon and passive language and that it can be read as a standalone document. It is often helpful to have another professional review your work for clarity and to catch any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Project Details
While every business proposal will vary slightly in its structure, there are some important components that should be included. For instance, most proposals will start with a title page that conveys a bit of information about the project. This page can include things like the proposal’s title, your business name, and your contact details.
Next, you will need to address the project scope and budget. This section will describe the project’s overall goals, and you may want to include a chart that breaks down the deliverables by timeline or milestone. This will help your client see how the project is going to be completed, and it will also make it easier for them to compare pricing from competing businesses.
You will also need to include your company’s past work and any references for previous projects. This will show your clients that you have the experience and expertise to complete their project. Finally, you will need to provide a clear call to action that lets your clients know what they should do next. This could include a link to sign your proposal, or it may simply be a request for additional information. Jotform offers a library of free business proposal templates that can be used for a variety of industries and types of projects. They can be downloaded as PDFs and signed digitally, which makes the process more efficient.
Pricing
The project details section is where you dive into the specifics of how you’ll solve your client’s problem. Lean into the personalization and specificity again to show that you’ve created this business proposal for their exact situation. Include an explanation of your approach, a timeline for the deliverables, a breakdown of the costs associated with each service, and any other information relevant to the scope of work.
A pricing table is a great addition to your proposal, as it allows the reader to compare the costs of different options. This helps ensure that you’re not scaring off your potential client with high prices or undervaluing yourself. It’s also helpful to give your client a few different options so they can find the most effective solution for their needs.
After you’ve presented the solutions and pricing for your services, it’s time to close the deal. This is where you’ll want to include a brief summary of your terms and conditions, as well as any other legal information that you may need to add. You may want to speak with a legal representative while drafting this section of the proposal, as it’s often considered a legally binding contract in some jurisdictions. Lastly, you’ll want to include a call to action to capitalize on the curiosity that your business proposal has stirred.
Call to Action
When it comes to business proposals, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are some things you can practice to improve your process and make it more efficient. For example, writing eye-catching headings and making sure the proposal is free of typos can help you stand out from the competition. Additionally, it is important to tailor your proposals to the individual client so you can show them how you will meet their specific needs.
Begin your business proposal with a title page that clearly shows the client what to expect from the document. A table of contents will also be helpful, especially if your proposal is lengthy. It can be as simple as a list of the document’s chapters, or you may want to include small summaries for each section. If you’re sending the proposal electronically, consider making the table of contents clickable so your client can easily navigate through the different sections of your offer.
The project details section is where you lay out your business’s unique offering and why it is the best choice for the client. You can use this section to describe your company’s “why” in the executive summary, provide a clear problem statement and proposed solution, detail your qualifications, outline the timeline, offer pricing information, give legal information, and include a call to action for the client.