It was easy to get my first customer as a freelancer. A friend made an offer, I said yes and the deal was closed.
But trying to get my second customer showed me that I had a huge amount to learn about designing proposals that people could not refuse.
I have learned that a winning proposal is often the difference between receiving an e -mail stating that you have the job and an empty inbox.
However, creating one that you get does not happen through happiness or chance. It starts with understanding what is going in an irresistible pitch and how you can compile your proposal in a way that distinguishes you from the crowd.
This is how I did that exactly.
The power of a good proposal
When you send a potential customer a proposal, you want them to know that you understand their needs, to give their project and have the skills to do the work in a way that produces results.
To make a long story short, you have to say: “I am the person you want and the work I have done for other customers proves it.”
What’s going on in a good freelance proposal?
I would not change the ingredients in my favorite cake, and I make the same approach to my proposals by making templates with all the essential elements.
Saving templates time, make sure that you do not omit important information and allow adjustment and personalization.
Include the following in yours:
1. Contact details and dates
While you are going to write a formal document, you must include:
- Your name, e -mail address, telephone number, address and website.
- The name, company name, the address and the E -mail address of the customer.
- The proposal date.
- The proposal number.
- The deadline for accepting the proposal.
If you have a company name and logo, take it on, because they give you extra credibility and emphasize your professionalism.
2. A short overview
The first thing your prospects should see after your contact details are a short, friendly and personal introduction. If it is suitable, you can even add some humor in this section.
This offers a potential customer a memory of who you are, shows your understanding of their needs and project requirements and summarizes the proposal. It is also an opportunity to thank them for their time.
Keep your introduction personally, but in this regard. It should not fill the first page of your document, so don’t be afraid to leave the white space.
3. Project goals and solutions
This is where you start in the meat and the bones of what you represent.
Since your first answers from potential customers usually include their project goals, you start by mentioning them. This shows that you paid attention when they told you about the scope of the project.
Then mention a few of the prospects of the prospect before explaining how you can help solve those problems and help them achieve their goals.
Here you can say something about the scope of your services. You don’t have to go too much in detail here. Stating your services as a bullet points or mark them in an image is fine, but make sure you cover them.
4. A working time line
Your customers are probably on a schedule, so they will want to know how long it takes before you get the job done. A working time line shows that you are serious to deliver.
Find out how long (more or less) it takes to complete the work that you intend to do for the customer before you write your proposal. Do not forget to administer unforeseen circumstances on your side and that of the customer.
After you have done this, use your estimates to create a timeline that indicates how long you take to reach milestones prior to the completion of the project.
Be realistic about how much you can achieve one day, especially if you have to wait for approvals before you continue.
5. Why choose me?
Including a WHY ME section, the customer reassures that you are the best person for the job. Depending on the nature of the project and who is the potential customer, this can be:
- A brief mention of your education and training.
- More information about your skills, talents and services.
- Links to work that you have done for similar customers or on comparable projects.
- A short summary of your work ethics.
- Client testimonies.
For extra impact you can also record a short, well-designed pitch-deck in addition to your proposal. This visual summary of your expertise helps customers to quickly understand your value.
6. Money is important
Customers want to know costs in advance and they appreciate transparency.
To get everyone on the same page, communicate the costs clearly and emphasize whether you ask for a fixed price or an hourly rate. Some customers are more open to a fixed price because they are concerned that hourly rates will exceed their budget.
You can include the costs of any additional services that they may find useful and also include information about payment options.
It is also a good idea to compare your prices with a few competitors, especially those who offer fewer services for more money or those who offer sub -standard services at cheaper rates. This is a great way to show the potential customer that your rates are competitive and where you offer money.
7. A contract
Including contracts within proposals, the point beats them to keep them short. Rather confirm them as separate documents.
When I started doing this for the first time, I was a bit worried that I jumped the gun, but years of experience taught me that it is better for customers to know what they register from the start.
You and the customer know which delivery blocks you have promised, the costs and the payment date. Moreover, because contracts are legally binding, they show your credibility and offer some protection if things do not go as planned.
Tips to bring your proposal to the next level
Insight into the most important elements of winning proposals is only part of the comparison. You must also know how you can demonstrate your understanding of the customer and their industry, ensure that you will put them in the first place and your proposal visually stands out from others.
Use these tips and tricks to design proposals that go beyond the boring, standard entries that your customers have seen countless times before:
- First contact customers: Whether you call or send an e -mail, contact the potential customer before you design your proposal. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions and get an idea of ​​their pain points and how you can solve them.
- Investigate the customer and their industry: do research to find out more about your customer and their industry. This can help you adjust your proposal, show that you understand and increase your chances of success.
- Leading with the customer: Although you have to sell yourself in your proposals, you must do this subtly by leading with the customer. Instead of “I am fantastic, rent me” approach, choose a little more as “this is what you need, this is what I can do for you.”
- Do not limit yourself to text: including audiovisual or visual elements in your proposals adds interest and makes them easier to digest. For example, you can enclose a short introductory video or convert your Why Me section or cost output into a colorful infographic.
- Take a pitch deck: for high-quality projects or competing bids, confirm a short pitch-deck to your written proposal. A good pitch -deck Visually shows your process, past results and important distinctions without overwhelming the customer with text. It also adds a professional lead and makes your proposal more memorable.
- Read your proposal again before sending it: read your proposal before sending it, to check for spelling, grammar, correct information, readability, layout and length.
Handy proposal e -mail template
This short adjustable template shows how the different elements fit together to a freelance writing proposal that customers cannot refuse:
Hi [First Name]”
Do you need content for your [business type] website [and Facebook page] That is high -quality, fascinating, well investigated and written by a real person? I can deliver what you need if you need it, and I am not an algorithm or AI.
In the past ten years I have written blogs, site pages, messages on social media and other content for more than 100 customers. I am an English speaker speaker, a media journalist and have freelanced for customers in the retail, hospitality and other industries.
If you want to publish [three original blogs a week] On your site this is what I offer:
[My offering/scope of services graphic]
All three blogs can be delivered weekly or, individually, two days before publication for your approval.
As you can see by the cost loss, my rates are competitive:
[cost breakdown graphic]
Keep in mind that social media management is not included. If you are interested in me [socials]I would like to add this service.
I have attached a contract for your inspection. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
I look forward to working with you
[Your Name]
Let your customers say yes!
Landing of the best jobs with top customers starts with one thing: a murderous proposal.
Your proposal is your handshake, sales talk and proof that you are worth the investment. Do it well, and you will secure the project while you may open the door for trust, repeating and a customer who knows they have found their go-to person.
Then make sure you have precision, stay on the budget and overdeliver when it matters the most, and you stop haunting customers … because they are going to chase you.
Keep the conversation going …
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