How to write a Business Proposal? – Small Business Ideas

A business proposal is a formal document that outlines a specific product or service offering, presents a solution to a client’s problem or need, and proposes terms for a potential business agreement or collaboration. Business proposals are typically used in B2B (business-to-business) or B2G (business-to-government) contexts, where one company or organization is pitching its products or services to another.

Certainly! Here’s a detailed explanation of each step to write a business proposal:

Create Your Title Page:
- The title page should include the name of your company, the title of the proposal, the date, and the name of the recipient or client.
- Ensure that the title is clear, concise, and accurately reflects the content of your proposal.
Compile a Table of Contents:
- Organize the contents of your proposal into sections and subsections.
- Include page numbers for easy reference.
- The table of contents provides a roadmap for the reader and helps them navigate through the proposal.
Write a Cover Letter:
- Introduce your proposal with a cover letter addressed to the recipient.
- Briefly summarize the purpose of the proposal and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
- Personalize the cover letter and establish a professional tone.
Write an Executive Summary:
- Summarize the key points of your proposal in the executive summary.
- Highlight the problem your company aims to solve, your proposed solution, and the benefits for the client.
- Keep the executive summary concise yet informative, as it serves as a snapshot of the entire proposal.
Outline Your Customers’ Problem and Your Company’s Solution:
- Clearly define the problem or challenge faced by the client.
- Present your company’s solution and explain how it addresses the client’s needs.
- Use data, case studies, or testimonials to support your claims and demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution.
Create a Pricing Table:
- Detail the pricing and payment terms for your products or services.
- Break down the costs and explain what is included in each pricing tier or package.
- Offer flexibility by providing options or customization features to meet the client’s budget and requirements.
Share More Information About Your Company:
- Provide background information about your company, including its history, mission, values, and unique selling points.
- Highlight relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications that demonstrate your company’s ability to deliver results.
Summarize Your Qualifications:
- Showcase your team’s qualifications, skills, and relevant experience.
- Highlight key achievements, certifications, awards, or accreditations that add credibility to your proposal.
Lay Out the Terms of the Agreement:
- Clearly define the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement, including timelines, deliverables, milestones, and any specific requirements.
- Address any potential concerns or risks and outline the process for resolving disputes or issues.
- Close the proposal with a call to action, inviting the client to discuss next steps or move forward with the agreement.

Remember to tailor your business proposal to the specific needs and preferences of the client, and proofread carefully to ensure clarity, professionalism, and accuracy.

Where to find business proposal templates

If you’re just starting a business and have never written a business proposal before, it’s a good idea to take a look at a few of them to get an idea of how they’re composed for different types of businesses.

Here are some good places to find business proposal examples and templates to help you:

1. PandaDoc

PandaDoc boasts a wide library of more than 167 free business proposal templates. Other features include interactive quote pages, contract templates, and e-signature capabilities.

2. Canva

Canva offers a wide variety of free business proposal examples. It allows you to filter them by style and theme, making it easy to find a template that matches your branding.

3. Proposify

Proposify offers lots of templates for business proposals and business contracts that include features like electronic signatures, interactive client previews, language translation, and data metrics that help you track open rates⁠—which is especially useful if you’re sending your proposal to multiple clients.

4. Jotform

Jotform includes a wide collection of free and paid PDF templates for proposals in all kinds of industries, for all kinds of projects. Templates are converted into PDFs for easy printing, and even include a feature that allows your clients to sign your agreement digitally.