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This guide will provide you with multiple proposal templates that you can customize and provide to potential customers.
Over the years I've experienced the most success when I tested multiple proposals. Below are three proposal templates that you can use for your clients.
Standard Proposal
This proposal is has worked effectively for me on clients of various sizes. The template takes the perspective that you have already discussed the project with the potential client. However if you're sending out cold call proposals on services such as Upwork or Freelancer.com you won't always be fully informed on the project. If this is the case I would recommend that you take out the timeline and instead give approximations.
Note how the proposal lists the key criteria, such as:
- Easy access to your portfolio
- Listing out your services
- What makes you different as a freelancer
Informed Proposal
The informed proposal takes a slightly different approach than the standard option. I've had this proposal work the best on potential customers that have been referred by other clients.
In this proposal you'll notice that I spend less time showcasing my services. Instead I focus on the problem that the client is trying to solve. One of the keys to success with this type of proposal is laying out a practical plan on how you are going to implement their solution.
Formal Proposal
This proposal is typically the most comprehensive proposal that I'll send to a potential client. Usually you will send this type of proposal to a client that you've spoken with several times and can give a detailed outline of what you are going to deliver.
This proposal includes:
- Scope of work
- List of technologies used
- Description of features
- Formal assumptions
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Cost & timeline
These are not theoretical proposal templates that I made up for this course. I literally copied and pasted these from proposals that I've sent to potential clients through the years. They've been refined and have gone through more versions than I can count.
I recommend that you review each one and customize them to fit your specific needs.