How to Write a Business Proposal in Just 6 Steps
Crafting a strong business proposal is the first step towards getting new customers. It’s the ultimate sales document that represents the value of your business.
From the audience to the planning to the formatting, each step of writing a business proposal is crucial. You always want to put your best foot forward.
It might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s break down the process and learn how to write a business proposal that will get your potential clients on board.
Step 1: The Structure
Think about writing a proposal like building a house. Without a proper structure, your proposal will crumble.
These three questions make up the foundation of your business proposal:
- Who are you? What is your company? What are your qualifications? What sets you apart from other businesses?
- What do you know? How much do you know about the client’s needs? Have you done your research?
- How are you going to do it? What are the steps you’re going to take to solve the client’s problem? How much is it going to cost?
Not sure where to start? Consider using a proposal template to help guide the writing process and make your design stand out.
Step 2: The Title Page
Putting together a well-formatted title page will make the proposal look organized and put together.
Include the company name, contact information, and logo. Also include your client’s name, their contact information, the date, and the title of your proposal.
Step 3: The Cover Letter
The cover letter offers you a chance to introduce yourself to the client.
Include a line about your company and then a quick overview of what sets your company apart from the competition.
Keep the tone light, friendly, and informative. Encourage the client to reach out with any questions that they might have, and always close with a thank you and a signature.
Step 4: The Executive Summary
The executive summary is a crucial part of the proposal. Here, you can present the case for why your company is perfect for the job.
Give a brief summary of the proposal. Don’t repeat what you’re going to write in the body, but give the reader an overall message to take away from the proposal.
Step 5: The Body
Once you’ve presented your overall case through the executive summary, it’s time to get into the body. This is where you can answer the questions presented in step one.
The best way to start is by outlining the details of the project. Include a timeline and breakdown of the project, as well as details like scheduling and pricing. Use data, charts, and graphs to help support your statements and illustrate the key concepts. Providing hard data will help back up your claims and make your proposal sound more credible.
Because the body will be loaded with the most information, be sure to break it up with plenty of subheaders or images.
Step 6: The Conclusion
For the conclusion, re-emphasize your argument about what your company can bring to the table. Use objective and persuasive language.
Always end with a call to action that encourages the client to respond or ask further questions.
How to Write a Business Proposal
At the end of the day, your business proposal is about the potential client and how your business is going to help them. Learning how to write a business proposal will help you show your client that they should expect nothing less than the best from your company.
Ready to start getting clients and closing deals? Explore our other posts to learn more!