When you’re trying to get a new software project off the ground, there are a lot of moving parts. You need to communicate your vision to potential investors, developers, and other stakeholders. But before you can do that, you need to create a software proposal.

A software proposal contains all the information necessary to get your project approved and started. It outlines the problem that your software will solve, the features and benefits of your solution, the market opportunity, the development timeline, and the estimated costs.

Creating a well-crafted software proposal is essential to getting your project off the ground. Without one, you won’t be able to secure funding or get buy-in from key stakeholders. 

For that reason, we have put together a guide on how to write a software proposal. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to create a convincing proposal – the simple way.

What is a software proposal?

A software proposal is a document sent to a potential customer to explain the benefits of implementing a software product and specify any supporting services included in the agreement, such as onboarding and training. Along with the benefits it will also detail the problem that the software will solve, the proposed solution, and the costs of development and deployment. 

The proposals created using proposal software can include the terms of service and electronic signature so that, once accepted, the proposal acts as a legally binding agreement between the parties.

An ideal software proposal should provide an overview of the client’s objectives, the solution, and how the firm differs from the competition.

Why do companies need a software proposal?

As the competitive landscape of business intensifies, the need for well-crafted software proposals has never been greater. In order to win new clients and keep existing ones happy, companies must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the client’s needs and how the company’s software can address them.

Ultimately, a winning proposal is one that demonstrates that the company understands both the client’s needs and how its software can address them. By taking the time to create a quality proposal, companies can increase their chances of landing new business and keeping existing clients satisfied. 

A software proposal allows you to show off your company’s capabilities in a given area and proves to the client that you have the expertise they need. It also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of their specific requirements.

In short, a well-crafted software proposal can be the difference between winning and losing a valuable contract.

How long should a software proposal be?

A software proposal is a document that is used to sell a software solution to a potential customer. The proposal should be long enough to thoroughly explain the problem that the software will solve, the benefits of using the proposed solution, and how the software will be implemented. It should also include pricing information and a timeline for implementation. 

The length of a software proposal depends on the complexity of the project. A simple project may only require a one-page document, while a more complex project may few more pages. The important thing is to make sure that all of the necessary information is included in the proposal so that the customer can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the project.

What to include in a proposal?

Even though the exact format of the software proposal varies depending on the company and the project, the typical sections you should include in your proposal are these:

• Cover page: This includes an image, the name of your business, the client’s name, and the date.
• Cover letter: This part, which is often referred to as an executive summary, provides a high-level review of the client’s present circumstances, their objectives, and how you might help
• Why us: This page has more potential than an about page as it provides firm bio information as well as differentiators and USPs.
• Solution: In this part, you’ll discuss the software’s features and how they’ll affect the company’s objectives. 
• Case study: To help the client picture success with your platform, includes brief case studies with customer testimonials.
• Pricing: Present the cost and what it includes, or make a table with several price ranges.
• Contract and signature: Include your terms and conditions and e-signature for both you and the client in your proposal if you want it to be considered as a contract.

How to write a software proposal

Follow these easy steps to create a compelling proposal.

Step 1. Begin with a software proposal template

When you set out to create a software proposal, it’s important to have a template that will guide you through the process. A software proposal template can help you organize your thoughts and present your case in a clear, concise way.

Fresh Proposals offers a variety of proposal templates for your software development projects. Choose one that best fits your needs and follow the instructions. With a little effort, you’ll have a software proposal that will impress potential clients and help you win new business.

Using a template will help you structure your proposal in a way that’s both professional and easy to understand. Plus, it can help you save time by providing a starting point for your proposal.

Step 2. Customize the re-usable sections and create your company’s own template

Customize the sections of a proposal template to fit your company’s strengths. Here’s how you can create your own proposal template that will help you close more deals.

First, think about what sections of a proposal are most important to your company. For example, if you’re a design firm, highlight your experience and portfolio in the proposal. If you are into development, focus on your process and past projects.

Next, create custom content for each section that speaks to your company’s unique strengths. For example, in the experience section, highlight specific client projects that are relevant to the RFP. In the process section, describe how your team works and what makes it unique.

Finally, don’t forget to include pricing information and an overview of your terms and conditions. 

In all, you can create reusable content for the following proposal sections:

• Why us
• Solution
• Case studies
• Pricing
• Contract and e signature

Step 3. Get the client’s verbal consent

Before you start customizing your proposal for a client, it’s important to get their verbal consent. This means that you should have a conversation with the client about what they’re looking for and what they expect from the project. This will help you ensure that you’re on the same page and that your proposal meets their needs.

If the client is unsure of what they want, it’s your job to help them figure it out. Ask questions, provide examples, and give them space to think things through. Once you have the client’s verbal consent, you can move forward with confidence knowing that you’re on track to deliver a successful project.

Step 4. Refine the proposal portions that need to be specific to that customer

It’s time to alter the proposal template your business uses for a certain customer. Change the firm name and requirements of the client in each of these parts of the proposal template.

• Cover page
• Cover letter
• Why us
• Solution
• Pricing
• Case study
• Contract 

You could even include pictures and the contact details of the particular team members who will help them once they sign to make things more genuine and personal.

Step 5. Send the proposal

It’s now time to send the proposal. Proposals sent with an e signature increase the chances of being accepted. This is likely due to the fact that e-signatures add a level of professionalism and legitimacy to a proposal. 

E-signatures are legally binding in many countries, and they offer a number of advantages over paper signatures. They’re faster, more convenient, and more secure.

It makes sense, then, that using an e-signature on your proposals would increase your chances of winning the business. If you’re not already using e-signatures, now is the time to start.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing a software proposal is not as difficult as it may seem. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to keep your proposal clear and concise, and be sure to proofread it before submission. Good luck!