Best Business Proposal Examples
Using persuasive language, this section of the business proposal template clearly outlines the client’s problem and offers a ray of hope. It also persuades the buyer by highlighting accolades and relevant case studies to prove you are qualified for the job.
Explain how you’ll solve the client’s problem with a clear timeline. This section can be a real differentiator, so lean into specificity and personalization.
1. Executive Summary
This is an important section that explains why your business is the best choice to provide the solution for the client’s problem. It should be detailed but concise, and it should also be high-level enough so that a decision-maker can read only this part of the proposal and still understand the gist of the entire project plan.
Following the executive summary, explain your proposed solutions and provide pricing estimates and work timelines. This helps your client understand what to expect and makes the decision-making process easier for them. You can also include testimonials and success stories to build trust and confidence.
Lastly, your proposal should have an appendix that contains any extra information you want to share. This can include reference materials, illustrations, statistics, etc. It can be as long or as short as you need it to be. However, be sure to include a table of contents to make it easy for your clients to navigate and read.
2. Table of Contents
A table of contents is an essential part of any business proposal, particularly when the overall document will be long. It helps your clients navigate through the document easily and efficiently. You can also include hyperlinks in the table of contents, allowing your clients to directly jump to specific sections of the document that interest them.
The project description section is where you delve into the details of your solution. It is crucial to clearly state which deliverables you’ll provide, how long it will take you to complete the work, and your pricing. This will answer any questions that your prospect might have about how you’ll tackle their project.
Don’t forget to add your contact information and a call to action in the end of your business proposal examples. This will encourage your prospects to reach out if they have any additional questions. You can also include a sample contract for your services to give your prospects an idea of what will be expected of them if they choose to hire you.
3. Contents Page
The content page is where you will outline the solutions that are best for the client. Depending on your industry, you may want to include the pricing estimate, work timelines and testimonials.
It’s important to remember that your clients are likely C-level executives and they don’t have time to read an entire proposal in one sitting. For that reason, you should always provide a table of contents after your title page and before you get into the details of your solution.
The table of contents will help your client save time and navigate the document more easily. To make it even easier, consider including clickable links in the table of contents so that your client can jump directly to the relevant sections of the proposal. This is especially important if you’re sending the proposal electronically.
4. Cover Page
A well-crafted cover page helps your proposal stand out in a crowd of similar business proposals. It introduces your proposal, highlights your unique selling points, and encourages readers to keep reading.
The first element that should be included in your cover page is the company name, which should be a clear and readable font size. Below the company name, you should include the date when you prepared the proposal. Depending on your writing style, you can write the entire date in one word or use a combination of numbers and letters to provide consistency.
You can also add a short introduction to your proposal, which should highlight why you are submitting the document and why it is relevant to the client or project at hand. You can also choose to include a brief list of your key strengths, which will further help your proposal to resonate with potential buyers.
5. Table of Contents
A business proposal should be well-organized to make it easy for your prospects to find and digest the information you include. A table of contents is an excellent way to provide that structure, allowing your clients to jump to the sections they are most interested in easily.
Use this section of your business proposal to explain how you will solve the client’s problem. Include a detailed description of the deliverables and timelines, as well as any other important details that may be necessary to understand.
This is your chance to demonstrate why you are the best option for the client’s needs. Explain why your services are more effective than your competitors’ by outlining your proven track record, expertise, and client success stories. Be sure to include testimonials from past clients, as well as any relevant certifications you might have. A well-written, convincing explanation of why you are the right choice will help your prospects trust you and move forward with the sale.
6. Table of Contents
A table of contents is a useful addition to any business proposal, especially if it’s lengthy. It’s a way for you to summarize the entire proposal and provide readers with a list of sections that they can refer back to later.
For example, if you are creating a proposal for a graphic design company, you can explain the project scope in a few paragraphs and include a clear timeline for goals and objectives. This makes it easier for the client to understand how your services will benefit them.
The final section of any business proposal should explain how the client can reach out to you or your team for more information. This can be as simple as a phone number or a link to an online contact form that will give them the ability to request additional information and start a conversation. This is a crucial call to action that will ensure that your prospect takes the next step.