A strong, well-written business proposal can help your business thrive but a poorly-written proposal can send your qualified lead packing. Let’s face it, this is one document you don’t want to mess up. And for that, not only you need to know how to write a business proposal but you also need to learn about what really goes into a winning business proposal template.

So how do you create one then? In this post, we are going to address all the important factors of a business proposal that can help you close more deals with your prospects in 2021.

Let’s go!!!

5 rules to follow in creating a business proposal

Rule #1 Include electronic signatures to close deals Faster

You need to keep up with the trend if you want to be successful in the marketing industry. Innovations are meant for

• making certain processes easier
• saving time
• boosting efficiency

And e-signature is one of the digital transformations that you need to implement in your sales proposal.

• It saves prospect’s time
• Makes the overall signing procedure convenient to them.

Just make sure you let your prospect know that they can sign the business proposal digitally if they want! And with proposal software, you can easily incorporate e-signature in your business proposal.

Rule #2 Offer an interactive pricing table

You need to incorporate interactive price tables with a variety of pricing options where customers can modify the quantity, select services that suit their needs. In short, they should be able to create a customized version of your services for them. An interactive pricing table also allows clients to select additional services and at the end can check the updated pricing in real-time. Unless you use a suitable business proposal template you can not create an interactive pricing table ( in your business proposal.

Explore this checklist create a suitable business proposal template.

Rule #3 Dazzle potential clients with an impressive design

Selling and design always go hand in hand.

For example, when you roam around in a supermarket, you usually notice only those products that show some creativity in the design. Just like that only those business proposals dazzles potential clients that shines with the design. A messy and unattractive business proposal can be a real turn-off to your prospective clients. It sends a message that you didn’t care enough to make your proposal look good. So, make sure you include the visual elements in your business proposal,

Rule #4 Keep it brief and to the point

To win new clients with your business proposals, there is one thing you need to keep in mind that they should be long enough to get to the key points such as who is offering what and how they will overcome the challenges. Simultaneously, they should be concise enough to hold their attention. However, the length also depends on who is reviewing it.

One decision-maker:

If your business proposal is being reviewed by one decision-maker with whom you’ve had the discussion before and built a personal relationship then you can keep it short.

Group of decision-makers: 

If your business proposal is being reviewed by a group of decision-makers and you haven’t got the opportunity to communicate with each and everyone then you must invest a little more time in your proposal and explain each section in detail.

Rule #5 Structure your proposal

If you’re still finding it challenging to develop a business proposal template then here’s a structure for you. Even though the exact format of the business proposal template varies depending on the company and the project, the typical sections you should include in your proposal are these:

• Front Cover: You only get one chance to make a first impression and the cover page of your business proposal is your only chance. A cover page of your business proposal template should look neat and should be easy to read.
• Executive Summary: The executive summary in your proposal sets the tone for the rest. So ensure you don’t make any common business proposal writing mistakes that cost the business tremendously. The best practice of writing an impressive pitch is using your prospective client’s words. This means simply describe the problem they are facing.
• Statement of Work: This section should include the details about your approach. However, the details should only be about the approach and not about the solution, include the list of the specific services that are being offered.
• Implementation Plan/Timeline: You must break down all the key steps and the timeline for your client. Providing an accurate timeline with deliverables allows you to set the client’s expectations early. Include a detailed timeline showing responsibilities
• Pricing/Cost: Keep things short and to the point and use a pricing table with a range of options that let your prospect or customer edit the quantities, select the services that best fit their needs, and allow them to customize your solution.
• About Us: You can fill out this section with the name, faces, and credentials of the expertise you have, the awards you won, the big list of your happy clients, client benefits.
• Case Study/Testimonials: In this section, you can make your clients visualize themselves working with you by telling the past clients success stories with similar issues. Divide this section into three parts: project goal, solution, and result.
• Terms of Services: Keep the contract and your terms and conditions part of your business proposal template and get them signed together to avoid future conflict.

Conclusion

In 2021, submitting a business proposal as a PDF will not work for you. It’s time to break the pattern, make a fresh start, and create something exciting.