What Should a Business Proposal Have?
A solid UX is a key aspect of any document, and business proposals are no exception. Start with a table of contents to help the reader find what they’re looking for.
This is where you can get into the details of how you plan to solve your client’s problem. However, don’t over-do it with technical jargon.
1. Executive Summary
A good executive summary is essential, as it zeroes in on the most important details. It should tell your prospective client why you are the best fit for their project and what they will gain from working with you.
Get down to brass tacks and include pricing, payment terms, and a working timeline for the project in this section. You can also provide client testimonials and success stories to help boost your credibility.
The solution is where you explain how your proposed strategy will address the client’s problem and achieve their desired outcome. Be sure to highlight your business credentials in this section, but avoid using hacky advertising cliches that could turn off the reader.
2. Introduction
A business proposal examples is an effective way to convey your services and products to potential clients. It must be clear and concise, and it should include all of the information that a client might need to decide whether or not to engage your company.
The first page should have a title and a table of contents. The title should be professional, and it should indicate the name of the client or individual that you are writing to.
The next page should be an executive summary and a full description of the project. This will give the client an idea of how you can help them achieve their goals and improve their business.
3. Problem Statement
A business proposal must clearly outline a client’s problem in order to offer a solution. This section should develop a sense of urgency in the prospect by explaining their current situation and why it’s not ideal.
Use questions such as who, what, when, where and why to create the structure for your problem statement. A more formal voice is usually preferred for this portion of the document.
After identifying the problem, explain the benefits of your proposed solutions. This will demonstrate your expertise and help to convince the prospect that you are the best choice to tackle their problems. Additional details can be included in appendices if desired.
4. Solution
Once you have a clear understanding of the client’s business, write about how your solution can solve their problem. Use data to back up your claims and show how your solution will improve their bottom line.
Be sure to clearly identify all deliverables and milestones your project will produce. This can help clients decide if your proposal is right for them, as they can see what the project will entail.
It’s also a good idea to define any terms that might be unclear to the reader, as your prospect may not be as familiar with industry jargon. This will make the business proposal easier to read when it is passed around to different decision-makers.
5. Pricing
This section is a chance to show your client that you’re prepared for the task at hand. You’ll want to include a detailed scope of work, prices and payment terms.
It’s also an opportunity to impress upon your potential client why they should choose you and your company for the job. This may involve highlighting your qualifications, previous successful projects of a similar nature, years of experience and more. This section should slot right in alongside your legal information and clarification of terms and conditions. If you’re unsure, this can be left out altogether. The proposal itself should be more focused on the problem and your solution. This will allow you to make a clearer sale.
6. Deliverables
Depending on the length of your business proposal, you might choose to include an appendix. This can contain supplemental materials such as a full budget breakdown, case studies, or samples of previous work.
Clearly identifying specific deliverables will help your client understand exactly what they’re getting themselves into if they accept your proposal. This is especially helpful if you’re proposing for a project that will take some time to complete.
You should also include a terms and conditions section. This is important for protecting yourself against future legal disputes or complaints that may arise from the work you’ll be performing on behalf of your client. A professional and comprehensive terms and conditions section can set your business proposal apart from the rest.
7. Schedule
A business proposal is a focused sales document that aims to secure funding or expand on a project with a new client. This can be anything from a consulting contract to selling shares of the company.
In this section, you should detail for the prospective client exactly how you will go about delivering on your promises. Lean into the details on this one and be sure to include a timeline that is customized to the client’s specific project. It’s a good idea to include your availability parameters here as well so that the client knows when you will be available to work on their project. This will help to build trust.
8. Payment
Business proposals vary in their scope, but the essentials include identifying your target buyer’s pain points and providing a solution to those problems. To grab their attention, a well-written business proposal should highlight your company’s expertise through the use of client testimonials, case studies and relevant industry awards.
A clear and concise table of contents is also essential to make the document easily scannable, especially if it’s shared digitally. Your proposal should also outline any applicable terms and conditions, including payment methods. This can be done through a summary of fees or through an appendix that includes a full budget breakdown or case studies. Including these elements in your business proposal will help you close more deals.
