types of business research proposal

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Blog Business How to Write Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

How to Write Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

Written by: Aditya Sheth Jan 25, 2024

The great Mark Cuban once said, “Sales cure all.” If a business doesn’t sell, it doesn’t make money and by extension the business fails. That’s why you need to write business proposals .

A well-written business proposal can often mean the difference between winning or losing a prospective client.

In this in-depth guide to creating business proposals, we show you how to close more deals, make more sales and crush your business goals — all by using easy-to-edit professional business proposal templates .

Here’s what this guide will cover (click to jump ahead):

What is a business proposal, what are the components of a business proposal.

• How to write a business proposal step by step

What should you include in a business proposal?

What are the types of business proposals, more business proposal examples + writing and design tips.

• FAQs about business proposals

Looking for a shortcut? Watch this quick video for an overview of everything to include in your business proposal:

A business proposal is a document designed to outline a business plan to convince potential client, investor or partner to engage in a business agreement with you or your company. It’s basically a sales pitch in writing to persuade potential clients to show them benefits of working with you or your company for their business success.

A business proposal outlines what your business does and what you can do for your client . It can be general like this business proposal example:

Or it can be more specific, like this business proposal template which focuses on proposing a project for the Newton Center Rail:

Or this business proposal sample, which presents a plan for a social media strategy and campaign:

To design a business proposal that holds the client’s attention, identify their pain points . Then provide your buyer with the right solution to alleviate those frustrations.

Working on a new project? These project proposal examples might come in handy for you.

The components of a business proposal can change depending on the field, company size and client needs. While details may differ, strong proposals typically introduce your company, explain the problem, offer a solution and its benefits, highlight your team’s skills, and outline timeline, cost and next steps.

How to write a business proposal step by step

Before you start creating your business proposal template, you need to understand the business proposal format. At a high level, your effective business proposal should include the following:

• Create a compelling business proposal title
• Build a table of contents
• Craft the executive summary
• Write a detailed problem statement
• Propose your solutions
• Showcase your team’s expertise
• Create a realistic timeline
• Present your payment structure
• Specify the terms and conditions
• Receiving the decision

Below, you can see business proposal examples that demonstrate how to include these 10 sections.

1. Create a compelling business proposal title

A compelling title could mean the difference between someone reading your proposal or ignoring it in favor of a competitor’s . 

What makes a good title page? Here are the essential elements to include: 

• Your name along with your company’s name
• The name of the prospect (or their business) 
• The date you’re submitting the proposal

The gray business consulting proposal template above contains all the details a prospect would want to know. The title also offers a strong tangible benefit to the prospective buyer. Honestly, “Who doesn’t want to grow their business?”

2. Build a table of contents

The table of contents is a fundamental part of every winning business proposal template. It makes your proposal scannable and easy to read.

The people you will be pitching to are usually C-level executives. These are busy people who don’t have time to read your entire proposal in one go.

That’s why most of the business proposal examples in this list include a table of contents.

Adding a table of contents to your document makes it easy for them to go through it at their own pace. They can also skim through parts of the proposal that they deem more important. You can see how this abstract business proposal template uses the table of contents:

You can also make your business proposal template easier to navigate by adding hyperlinks to the document, particularly in the table of contents. This way your clients can jump to specific sections without having to scroll through the entire document. Ensuring your business plan format follows a clear structure can greatly enhance readability and comprehension for potential investors or partners.

It’s easy to add hyperlinks in the Venngage editor. Select the text you’d like to turn into a link, then click the link icon in the top bar. From there, select the page you want to link to! Then download your completed design as an Interactive PDF .

3. Craft the executive summary

The executive summary is a staple in all kinds of annual reports , leadership development plan , project plans and even marketing plans . It is a concise summary of the entire contents of your document. In other words, write a business proposal outline that is easy to glance over and that highlights your value proposition.

The goals of your executive summary are:

• Introduce your company to your buyer
• Provide an overview of your company goals
• Showcase your company’s milestones, overall vision and future plans
• Include any other relevant details

This gray business proposal example has a detailed yet short executive summary including some social proof in the form of clients they’ve worked with:

Take note of how precise this business proposal example is. You want to keep your executive summary concise and clear from the get-go. This sets the right tone for the rest of your proposal. It also gives your buyer a reason to continue reading your proposal.

Crafting an executive summary and keeping it concise and compelling can be challenging. but you can use an AI summarizer online to generate an executive summary. Such tools are trained on relevant AI models that can extract core points from a given text. You can get such a point either in bullet form or in abstract summary form.

Pro Tip: Try to write an executive summary such that, even if your prospective client doesn’t read the entire proposal (with a good executive summary, they most likely will), they should have a clear idea about what your company does and how you can help them.

4. Write a detailed problem statement

The point of writing a business proposal is to solve a buyer’s problem. Your goal is to outline the problem statement as clearly as possible. This develops a sense of urgency in your prospect. They will want to find a solution to the problem. And you have that solution.

 A well-defined problem statement does two things: 

• It shows the prospect you have done your homework instead of sending a generic pitch
• It creates an opportunity for you to point out a problem your prospect might not be aware they had in the first place. 

This bold business proposal template above clearly outlines the problem at hand and also offers a ray of hope i.e. how you can solve your prospect’s problem. This brings me to… 

5. P ropose your solutions

The good stuff. In the proposed solution section, you show how you can alleviate your prospective buyer’s pain points. This can fit onto the problem statement section but if you have a comprehensive solution or prefer to elaborate on the details, a separate section is a good idea.

Spare no details regarding the solution you will provide. When you write a business proposal, explain how you plan to deliver the solution. Include an estimated timeline of when they can expect your solution and other relevant details.

For inspiration, look at how this business proposal template quickly and succinctly outlines the project plan, deliverables and metrics :

6. Showcase your team’s expertise

At this point, the prospect you’re pitching your solution to likes what they’re reading. But they may not trust you to deliver on your promises. Why is this?

It’s because they don’t know you. Your job is to convince them that you can fix their problem. This section is important because it acts as social proof. You can highlight what your company does best and how qualified your team is when you write a business proposal for a potential client.

This free business proposal template showcases the company’s accolades, client testimonials, relevant case studies, and industry awards. You can also include other forms of social proof to establish yourself as a credible business. This makes it that much more likely that they will say yes!

Pro Tip: Attaching in-depth case studies of your work is a great way to build trust with a potential client by showcasing how you’ve solved similar problems for other clients in the past. Our case study examples post can show you how to do just that.

7. Create a realistic timeline

To further demonstrate just how prepared you are, it’s important to outline the next steps you will take should your buyer decide to work with you.

Provide a timeline of how and when you will complete all your deliverables. You can do this by designing a  flow chart . Or add a  roadmap  with deadlines. Pitching a long-term project? A timeline infographic would be a better fit.

If you look at this abstract business proposal template below, even something as simple as a table can do the trick.

The timeline is not always set in stone, rather it’s an estimation. The goal is to clarify any questions your potential client might have about how you will deliver for the underlying B2B sales process.

8. Present your payment and terms

On this page, you can outline your fees, payment schedule, invoice payment terms , as well as legal aspects involved in this deal. You can even use the  Excel Invoice Template  to create professional-looking invoices (including brand logo and other elements) and add them to this page.

The adoption of invoice templates is beneficial for small businesses as it streamlines the invoicing process and maintains professionalism in financial dealings. Also, by utilizing small business invoice templates , you can efficiently manage invoicing tasks while upholding a polished and structured approach to financial transactions.

The key to good pricing is to provide your buyer with options. A  pricing comparison table can help with this. You want to give your client some room to work with. Make sure you’re not scaring off your client with a high price, nor undervaluing yourself. 

Breaking up your pricing in stages is another great way to make sure your potential client knows what he’s paying for. Look at how this simple business proposal template does this:

The legal aspects can slot right into the terms and conditions section. Alternatively, you can add them to the signature section of the proposal to keep things simple.

9. Specify the terms and conditions

Summarize everything you have promised to deliver so far. Include what you expect from your prospective buyer in return.   Add the overall project timeline from start to end, as well as payment methods and payment schedule, incorporating these details into an online digital project management tool. This way, both of you will be clear on what is being agreed on.

This step is very important as it outlines all the legal aspects of the deal. That is why the terms and conditions section of your proposal needs to be as clear as possible.

I recommend consulting a lawyer or your legal team when working on this section of the business proposal. If you’re a business veteran and understand the legalities of your business, you can use the same terms and conditions across all your proposals.

10. Receiving the decision

The final step of this whole process. Your client has read your business proposal and they want to buy what you have to offer.

Add a small section at the end of your proposal to get the necessary signatures. This way, you and your client can sign the proposal and the partnership becomes official.

Be sure to also include your contact information in your business proposal template. It acts as a gentle prompt to your client to contact you in case they have any questions. A professional way of doig that would be to include an e-business card with your contact details, email i.d and any other social links you want to share. You can go through this article for the best digital business cards .

A business proposal usually aims to answer the following questions: 

• Who you are and what your company does
• The problem your buyer is facing
• The solution your company offers to alleviate the problem
• How your company will implement this solution effectively
• An estimate of resources (time, money, etc) required to implement the solution

You can see how this sample business proposal template covers the above points.

Notice how this proposal template addresses the same project like in one of the previous templates, but uses a completely different design style (more retro, while the previous business proposal template is more modern and minimalistic).

Generally, there are three types of business proposals:

1. Formally solicited 

A formally solicited business proposal is made when you respond to an official request to write a business proposal.

In this scenario, you know all the requirements and have more (if not all) information about a prospective buyer. You simply need to write the business proposal for your buyer to evaluate so you can begin the sales process .

2. Informally solicited 

Informally solicited business proposals are written when there isn’t an official request for a proposal. A prospective buyer is interested in your services and asks for a proposal so they can evaluate it.

An informally solicited proposal requires a lot more research from your end. These types of proposals are usually created out of informal conversations. They are not based on official requests which often contain more detail.

3. Unsolicited 

Think of this as a marketing brochure or a cold email . Unsolicited business proposals will often take a generic, one-size-fits-all approach to business proposals. Unsolicited proposals lack any understanding of the buyer or their requirements.

But with additional  market research , personalization and identifying customer pain points , you can propose a customized solution based on your buyer’s needs. This can be a very persuasive approach, such as in this business proposal example:

Now that you know how to write a business proposal, let’s look at how you can optimize your proposal to deliver results!

Below you’ll find some winning business proposal templates and examples to get you started. I’ve also included some design tips to keep in mind when you’re creating your next business proposal: 

1. Know your audience 

If you have some clarity on who your ideal buyer is — their pain points, their budget, deadlines, among other things — you’ve already won half the battle.

If you are a business that helps clients with everything from running giveaways or helping grow their blog , identify which customers to pitch. This is a sure-shot way to close the deal.

Mapping user personas  for your ideal buyer can help bring some clarity. It will also help you position your business proposal correctly. This improves the chance of your buyer moving your business proposal to the “Yes!” pile.

2. Put your brand front and center

If your company follows certain brand guidelines, incorporate them in your business proposal templates. Consider how business proposal examples like the one below highlight brand identity :

From the color palettes to the company logos , everything follows their brand guidelines. The result: a business proposal that’s consistent across the board.

Pro Tip: Switching this template to match your brand assets is actually pretty easy. Venngage’s My Brand Kit feature allows you to import your color palettes, logos as well as font choices. Any Venngage template can now be your template.

You can also consider this sample business proposal template:

App design companies sure do know their design. They did a phenomenal job keeping their brand colors consistent while opting for a black design. This unique color scheme also makes their white logo prominent throughout the proposal.

3. Try less text, more visuals

Have you ever read a proposal and thought to yourself, “Wow, this is all text and has no images, I love it!”? Yeah, me neither.

The free business proposal template below is a perfect example of the “less is more” principle. It does a phenomenal job of communicating what it needs to. By substituting some of the text with icons and visuals, you get a clean business proposal that’s much more scannable.

Want to keep things strictly professional? Instead of icons, you can always add your team’s headshots. This shows your buyer exactly who they’ll be working with.  

Check out this formal business proposal format for some inspiration:

4. Switch up your business proposal designs

It doesn’t hurt to go above and beyond once in a while. Jazz up your business proposal template with some extra colors. This helps make your business proposal more engaging. It also helps your buyers retain information faster.

The business proposal example alternates between black, white and grey backgrounds. It still manages to maintain consistency in its branding . Just switching up your backgrounds once in a while can also bring in some variety to an otherwise standard business proposal.

This SEO business proposal sample proves that it’s possible to switch up the colors in every other page. But it still maintains the same color scheme across the entire proposal just like a professionally designed website : 

Pro Tip: Not a color expert? Our guide on picking colors can help you pick the right color scheme for your proposals.

FAQ about business proposals

What is the purpose of a business proposal.

A business proposal aims to streamline the B2B sales process (which is often complex ) between you as a seller and a buyer.

It does this by serving the dual purpose of acting as a source of information. The proposal also acts as a sales pitch aimed at convincing your buyer why they should buy what you have to offer.

What are the best practices for business proposal design?

• Do a thorough spell-check. The goal of your business proposal is to convince your buyer why you’re the perfect person for the job. A proposal with typos or grammatical errors communicates the opposite. A thorough spell-check before you send your proposal is a must.
• Keep things clear and readable: Clarity is an important aspect that you have to ensure in your business proposal. If you want your proposal to hit home and make an impact on the buyer, you have to write it in an understandable way. To keep things clear and readable, there are a couple of things that you can do. You can, for one, take care to use easy wording and segmented sentences from the get-go. You can also try paraphrasing the hard parts of your proposal once you are done writing it.
• Let your brand shine. As discussed before, writing a business proposal is all about knowing your ideal buyer and focusing on their pain points. But that doesn’t mean your business proposal template has to be boring. Demonstrate how different you are compared to other companies. You can do this through your brand guidelines , by using more visuals, switching up your proposal design or showing off your personality in your writing . 
• Create a business proposal PDF. Downloading your business proposal in PDF format allows you to attach other collaterals with your business proposal. These can include a company explainer video or case studies showcasing the work done with past clients. Also, who doesn’t love saving paper?

How long should your business proposal be? 

The length depends on the scope of the work as well as the complexity of the project. Here is a one-page business proposal template:

Can your business proposal template really be one page? Yes, as long as you understand who your buyer is and their pain points. You should also have the ability to communicate everything your ideal buyer needs to know about your business in a succinct manner.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous how about just two pages? Often, clients prefer if you go straight to the point and avoid all the fluff.

For example, this green modern marketing proposal template wastes no time in getting down to brass tacks:

Need more inspiration? Check out this blog on the 5 marketing proposal examples that’ll help elevate your business.

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to deciding how many pages you should include in your business proposal template. And at the end of the day, “the only rules are the ones you set for yourself”.

At the end of the day, writing winning business proposals that sell is all about you understanding your buyer, their potential pain points and positioning yourself as someone who can alleviate those pain points. 

Now that you know how to write compelling business proposals, what are you waiting for?

Take action and start creating your own business proposals to close more deals and grow your business today!

More business communications templates + writing tips you might be interested in…

• 31 Consulting Proposal Templates to Close Deals
• 20+ Professional Business Letterhead Templates + Branding Tips
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Business proposal

Last updated: 26 February, 2024

What is a business proposal?

Types of business proposals, customer request types.

• How to write a business proposal?

Checkout our Sales Pipeline Templates Freebies

“How to make a business proposal?” — a question that, perhaps, any B2B startup has faced at least once.

Successful selling consists of many components, with the quality product or service being just one of them. Sometimes, a sales presentation or business proposal can boost a customer’s sales funnel movement and increase the number of successfully closed deals. 

Here, we’ll explain the differences between types of business proposals and give some valuable tips on how to write them.

A business proposal is aimed at attracting potential clients with what a company sells.

It’s a document in either digital or printed form that explains product or service features, taking into consideration the lead’s needs and wants. In other words, business proposals show how a company can help solve a customer’s specific problem. 

Business proposals can be solicited and unsolicited.

A solicited proposal is sent upon customer request and can be formal or informal. An unsolicited proposal is sent out as a base test and, in this sense, is similar to a cold email .

Consider these business proposal examples:

Informally solicited proposal

Company A has discovered Company B and got interested in its products. As the result of an informal conversation between the two, Company A asks for a document to learn more details about the product’s quality, shipping terms, pricing options, etc. It isn’t obliged to respond to the offer.

Formally solicited proposal

Company A is a regular client of Company B and has already figured out what it needs. It’s willing to place an order and wants to double-check the terms before paying.

Company A asks Company B to send a business proposal, containing item names, prices, shipping details, etc. After receiving an offer, it’s obliged to respond during an agreed period. In case Company A agrees to the terms, the offer will turn into a legally binding purchasing agreement.

Unsolicited proposal

Company B runs a lead gen campaign and wants to inform Company A about services offered. It creates a general proposal that contains an introduction of Company B, its expertise, terms for cooperation, partnership programs, and other business-related information.

Although solicited business proposals are made upon the request from a prospect , clients’ requests may differ, depending on the number of details included:

Request for information

RFI is a request that buyers issue for discovery purposes, e.g., to compare products, services, or vendors present on the market.

Request for proposal

This is an in-depth document that asks for a formally solicited business proposal. A buyer may send RFPs to several vendors and then choose the best offer.

Request for quotation

Also known as the Invitation for Bid, RFQ is issued when a customer wants to purchase a specific service or product and compares prices on the market. Unlike RFPs where clients consider time estimates, provider’s experience, and other terms, RFQs are issued to make a choice based on the price. 

It’s also issued in case of a prolonged deal registration process. To reduce financial or currency risks, the company requests a quote (as a sort of a promise) from a supplier to assure the right to buy the product at a specified price in the future.

How to write a business proposal in 8 steps

There is no conventional design or structure you should use for the proposal, so you may either compile it by yourself or pick up a fitting business proposal template, for example, on PandaDoc , Jotform , or Canva and adjust it to your case.

Still, there are some common elements to include in your business proposal: 

1. Title Page: Present your company name, client’s name, and proposal date.

Here you should put your name, your company’s name, and a proposal title, say “Web design proposal” or “App software development.” You can also add the proposal’s starting date, your company’s registered address, phone, email, logo, and the name of the prospect.

2. Table of Contents: Provide an overview of the sections in your proposal

If your proposal isn’t a single-page document, it’s a common courtesy that you list all chapters and specify pages. Besides, you can add hyperlinks to the document to make it easier to navigate.

3. Executive Summary: Summarize your proposed solution

This is a separate-page chapter where you briefly describe who you are, what you do, and the purpose of contacting. You can also list how the customer will benefit if they choose your company, for example, “turnkey service provision,” “insurance coverage,” “dedicated manager or consultant,” and so on.

4. Main Body: Detail the problem, solution, implementation plan, and outcomes

Here you should list initial requirements from the client and precisely describe how you’re going to meet them, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. 

For example:

To deliver marketing automation for Company A, we will carry out several works:

• Gathering data — [Date completed]
• Setting up CRM — [Date completed]
• Transferring the existing customer database to CRM — [Date completed]
• Testing CRM’s work — [Date completed]
• Connecting CRM with marketing automation tools — [Date completed]
• Test tools’ work  — [Date completed]
• Training consultation  — [Date completed]
• Training deliver — [Date completed]

The level of precision is up to you and your client; however, it’s better to be as specific as possible. If you respond to RFPs or RFQs, you can add a correspondence matrix — a table where customer’s requirements are matched with the proposal’s page numbers or chapters.

5. Additional Clauses: Include any special terms or conditions

If some details may vary, e.g., you predict that some additional costs can occur during the agreement execution, mention them in this chapter.

6. Pricing and Billing: Detail the costs, payment schedules, and methods

Specify the exact sum and payment details. You can also include shipping terms, in case there’s goods delivery.

7. Terms and Conditions: Define the rules of the agreement

Wrap up your offer — mention the expected duration, payment methods, and schedule.

8. Acceptance Page: Provide space for the client to confirm agreement

This is a page for approval signatures. The client can either send you the letter of acceptance or sign the initial proposal, depending on the prior agreement with you.

And here’s one more tip!

If you want to learn how to create a business proposal in a particular niche, write an RFI and mail it to competing companies. This doesn’t oblige both parties to proceed with some further actions, and you can check out the document’s general structure, length, word choice, and so on.

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What is a Business Proposal? Definition, Types, and Examples

There's nothing better than getting a request for a business proposal . It means that your marketing and sales efforts have paid off.

If this step makes you worried, or if you haven't sent a business proposal in a while, it may seem like harrowing work.

But don’t panic. We've got you covered . 

Let’s take a look at what makes a good business proposal, along with the most successful types used today.

What Is a Business Proposal?

A business proposal is a sales document that a supplier sends to a prospective client with the purpose of winning a specific project. It's an official document that outlines your proposed solution and value proposition.

Many service-based businesses and B2B Saas businesses depend on proposals to sell their services and bring in new business. The proposal can be either digital or printed . It explains the product or service features taking into consideration the potential client’s problem or needs. 

In other words, an effective business proposal shows how a company can solve the prospect's problem and help you win a new client.

Types of Business Proposals

Business proposals can be solicited or unsolicited. A solicited business proposal is sent when a client specifically requests one. A client can ask for a proposal casually in conversation, during a meeting, or send a formal request for proposal (RFP) document. 

Here’s how it works:

Formally Solicited Business Proposal

For example, a small boutique resort has been a regular client of your landscaping business . They have already hired you for a few one-time jobs and you know what they need. Now they want a regular service and need to double-check the terms before paying. 

They ask you to send a business proposal that contains service names, prices, timelines, payment options, etc. 

After receiving your offer, they are obliged to respond within an agreed period. In case the resort agrees to your terms, the proposal becomes a legally binding purchase agreement.

Informally Solicited Proposal 

In this scenario, the boutique resort has discovered your landscaping business and is interested in your services.

In an informal conversation between the two reps, they ask for a document outlining more details about the quality of your services, previous clients’ reviews and testimonies, pricing, etc. The difference is that they are not obliged to respond to the offer.

Unsolicited Proposal

Your landscaping business is running a lead generation campaign and wants to inform the local boutique resorts about the services it offers. In this campaign, you'll create multiple unsolicited business proposals containing an introduction to your company, your expertise, etc.

Unsolicited proposals need to be especially convincing since you're sending them to a cold audience.

Business Proposal vs. Business Proposal Letter

A business proposal letter or cover letter is a document that businesses sometimes send to their prospects alongside a business proposal. A shorter proposal may even combine these two in a single document.

A cover letter helps provide context on why you’re sending the accompanying business proposal. 

Keep your cover letter brief, no longer than one page . It definitely shouldn’t steal the show from the business proposal. 

• Mention when the proposal was requested
• Credit people who helped prepare the proposal
• Offer an introduction (executive summary) of the proposal
• Thank the potential client
• Provide your contact information

You can mention the client’s RFP document or refer to a conversation where the potential client has expressed interest in seeing the business proposal. 

Proposals vs. Estimates

Business proposals and estimates are both sales documents that businesses use in attempts to win projects. 

However, a business proposal is much more detailed than an estimate and usually covers more complex projects and relevant details. 

Proposals also tend to explain the value the company will provide to a potential client, together with listing its past projects and including client testimonials. 

Some small businesses use estimates to detail the costs and tasks covered by the project. Then, they prove their value through other means, like during a call or a site visit. This way they avoid drawing a formal proposal altogether.

In some cases, the prospective client gets a referral from a trusted partner or they have read great online reviews. In both cases, the job is not overly complex and a project estimate will do.

However, in the majority of cases, the clients may need more proof to make sure your business is the right fit.

Then you need a proposal to prove that as a supplier or service provider, you are able to provide the right approach, design, timeline, etc. For example, if you are working with an executive coaching organization , they may require a long-form business proposal with plenty of client testimonials.

Key Parts of a Business Proposal

Let's take a look at how to create a well-written business proposal.

We recommend you start with a beautifully designed business proposal template. When using Better Proposals, you can rely on more than 100 business proposal templates that you can easily customize to your needs.

They make your entire proposal process easier and quicker. You won't have to write a business proposal outline, since the templates already come with all the essential business proposal elements.

The Cover Page of your Business Proposal

The cover page is the first thing your potential client sees, so make sure to make the right impression from the beginning. Ask any graphic designer and they’ll tell you that here less is more . Keep it simple and focus the client’s attention to:

• the project name
• the name of the person the proposal is addressed to
• your company name
• your contact information
• submission date

You also need to include your logo . Since this is the cover page, make sure you use a high-resolution version.

If you’re thinking about whether you need the cover page at all, let me assure you that you do. We did our own research that shows that if you include a cover in your proposal, you’re 4.6% more likely to land the account.

The Introduction or Executive summary section of a business proposal

Before they sign off on the project, the clients need to like you. And they can’t like you if they don’t know you. 

Your intro needs to be tempting. After all:

• The introduction is the part of your business proposal on which people spend 38.2% of the total time reading your proposal.

This is the part where you tell them what your company is all about and how you can bring value to their business.

On the other hand, avoid the common misconception of making the intro all about you. Instead, you want to focus on the client’s pain point . This way, you’re holding their attention from the very start and raising your chances of sealing the deal. 

Easier said than done, eh?

Here are a few pro tips. 

Business Proposals should be short and sweet

The rule of thumb with introductions is to keep them short. For now, your goal is to hook your prospects and keep them reading.

Make it personal 

Your business may be sending a lot of business proposals, but you don’t want to copy-paste the same generic content over and over again. Generic content always loses to customized pitches, so you’re ruining your chances of closing a deal. 

Your potential client is likely entertaining other companies as well, so you need to stand out from the crowd. Use your executive summary to do just that.

This is fairly easy, especially if you’re using proposal software and AI writing tool . 

Draw from meeting notes to build your business proposal

If you had a call with your potential client and asked the right questions , you should have a pretty good idea of your prospect's pain points. Now you only need to show why you're the right choice to tackle those problems. 

You can mention the goals they shared with you, their current situation , and how you can help them achieve those goals.

Your Solution

When your prospect gets past the executive summary, they’ll be eager to know what’s in it for them. Here it’s important that you focus on the end result rather than the process that will get them there. Let’s say you’re selling landscaping services. 

As a professional, you know how much work goes into each project. You need to do the on-site assessment, improve the soil, create the drainage slopes, select plants for each layer, etc. Not to mention the actual manual work. 

Since you take pride in your expertise, you may be tempted to describe the entire process from start to finish. However, that’s not always the best idea.

The client is hiring you to get the results, not a crash course in gardening. At the end of the day, they are interested in the improved aesthetic appeal of the resort and the increase in traffic that goes along.  

I admit that finding the right balance between describing your solution and results can be difficult. The trick is to focus on benefits while allowing just enough technical specs to resolve any potential disputes.

The Project Timeline

All clients want to know how long a project is going to take. Include a timeline to help your client get on board with the process and to set your own pace and milestones, suggests Ryan Zomorodi, co-founder of Real Estate Skills .

For example, a big project can have a six-month timeline, which may seem intimidating for the client. The best course is to break it up.

First, it helps the client distinguish between different phases. Second, it lets you set deadlines for yourself to keep you on track. 

The Social Proof

There’s hardly a better way to win a client who’s on the fence than showing them that you’ve done similar projects before. 

That’s why you absolutely must add a relevant case study to your business proposal.

Depending on the project, you can choose an industry- or project-centred case study. 

As you can see in our business proposal template, it can be in a short format. No need to include your entire portfolio.

Keep your prospective client in mind when creating your business proposal. The whole experience should be positive for them instead of feeling like doing homework.

The Pricing

You’ve shown that you understand your client’s needs and offered appropriate solutions. Now it's time to nail the pricing section.

Help them choose you by making small adjustments:

• Use “Investment” instead of “Pricing "

It sounds much better this way because it assures your client that they are investing in the future. 

• Add a brief testimonial

After seeing the price, the client needs to see how your solution has helped someone else's business take off. It helps them realize the value you provide for the money. 

• No optional services

You may be tempted to offer your clients upsells and package prices. However, our report shows that this can actually hurt your conversion rate. It’s much better not to give any choices. If you go with one price, you can ask for a 20.6% higher upfront fee and 33% higher monthly fees.

The Guarantee 

Some businesses embrace the idea of a guarantee. Others are less enthusiastic about giving guarantees, fearing abuse. 

Still, guarantees can be the last piece the client needs to convert. Instead of a typical money-back guarantee, consider guaranteeing a part of your service or a timescale.

For example, for smaller projects, you can offer a “curb appeal in a day” guarantee.

The Next Steps

At this point, you need to tell the client how they should proceed. Take some time to explain the steps they need to take to close the deal. You don’t have to go overboard here. Everything up to now should be clear. 

As you can see in our business proposal template, this section should be pretty straightforward.

By signing, the client agrees to the terms of the proposal and agrees that their typed name can be used as a digital signature.

Terms and Conditions

Finally, it’s always better to include your terms and conditions in your proposal. That way, the new client only needs to sign one document. They know what to expect and you're legally covered.

All our business proposal templates come with proposed terms and conditions sections which you can adapt to your liking.

Once your proposal is done, read it and make sure that there are no grammatical errors.

Wrapping Up

A business proposal is a complex sales document that can be simplified if you're using the right proposal software. 

Instead of starting with a blank page, you'll be able to write an amazing business proposal that converts in less than an hour.

When you choose your business proposal template, you won’t have to figure out how to structure your offer. Our templates are always being updated with the latest marketing trends, as we hone the features that regularly make the most conversions. 

Sign up for our 14-day free trial and see for yourself why we're the best choice.

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• Knowledge Base
• Research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 18 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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• Sample Research

FREE 10+ Business Research Proposal Samples & Templates in PDF | MS Word

A business or organization with proper research has an excellent chance of winning the market. Research is a strategy that helps businesses discover new ideas and factors that will help them in improving business operations, generating concrete action plans, securing a healthy financial status, and more. Hence, it is essential to execute it well. Thus, the purpose of having a  business research  proposal. In this article, you will learn the importance of writing one. Scroll down below.

Business Research Proposal

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In this article, we have provided business research proposal samples and templates that are accessible anytime. These sample templates come with professionally written content and are preformatted in PDF and MS Word file formats for your convenience. Check them out now!

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Business research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting information related to a business problem or opportunity. There are several types of business research, each serving different purposes. Here are some common types:

• Aimed at exploring a new area or gaining insights into a phenomenon.
• Helps in understanding the basic nature of a problem.
• Focuses on providing an accurate description of a situation or phenomenon.
• Involves gathering data to characterize and define the subject of study.
• Investigates cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
• Aims to establish a cause-and-effect connection between two or more variables.
• Examines the statistical association between two or more variables.
• Does not imply causation but identifies relationships between variables.
• Involves collecting data from participants at a single point in time.
• Provides a snapshot of the situation or phenomenon.
• Involves collecting data from the same group of participants over an extended period.
• Helps to track changes or developments over time.
• Focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis.
• Involves the use of surveys, experiments, and structured observations.
• Emphasizes understanding and interpreting non-numerical data.
• Involves methods such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• Conducted by practitioners within an organization to solve specific problems.
• Involves a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
• In-depth analysis of a specific case or situation.
• Often used to gain a deep understanding of a particular phenomenon.
• Involves collaboration between different functional areas of a business.
• Aims to address complex issues that require input from multiple perspectives.
• Focuses on understanding market trends, customer preferences, and competition.
• Helps businesses make informed decisions about their products or services.
• Involves analyzing data from social media platforms to understand consumer sentiment, trends, and feedback.

These types of business research can be used individually or in combination, depending on the nature of the research question and the goals of the study.

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A business research proposal serves a vital role in research related to business. That is why it is only imperative to ensure that it follows the accurate procedure and should contain the relevant information. Using this allows you to outline the things to be done to gather the right data to be presented in a  research report . So, if you are writing a research proposal for your business and you don’t know-how, then you are on the right page. Below are simple yet useful tips on how to make an informative and effective business research proposal. Read below.

Begin writing your business research proposal by providing the business research title and a brief yet informative research overview. The title should be concise and triggers the curiosity of the management. As for the research overview, it should present the highlight of the research.

The next thing you need to put in your business research proposal is a precise and clear introduction. This section should identify what the research is all about, its scope, and its importance to the business. The introduction should also provide the objectives and sub-objectives of the business study that needs to be achieved.

After the introduction, the next thing you need to do is to present the data gathering procedure. In this section, you have to outline the activities that should be done for the process. And to this, you have to identify the appropriate data gathering methods, whether qualitative or  quantitative research . There are different methods and strategies that you can use. However, you should have to choose the appropriate methodology that will work on your business process.

The next thing you have to include in your business research proposal is the research questionnaire. The list of questions will help you collect relevant and useful data that will complete the research process. In presenting this information, you may use bullet points to make it organized and understandable. 

Finalize your business research proposal by writing a brief conclusion that summarizes the whole idea of your proposals’ content. In this section, you have to emphasize the importance and purpose of research for your business. Also, provide a statement of the several benefits and advantages that the company will gain from the research. 

Having an informative business research proposal is not useful if the people who will read it are not able to grasp the idea the proposal is providing. That is why it is essential to use only simple words and terms that are readable and understandable by your readers. The organization of thoughts is also important. It presents the right structure of information accordingly. 

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This table highlights some key aspects of both the advantages and disadvantages of business research. Keep in mind that the impact of these factors can vary depending on the specific context and industry.

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Researches that are related to businesses are essential for sustainability and success. According to an article from Medium, research is a critical component for businesses, specifically  market research . Hence, business owners should put enough effort into researching to secure a permanent and high spot in the market. And this is where a business research proposal comes useful—the first thing that management should have before research.

A business  research proposal  is a written document used by management for either marketing research,  accounting  research, etc. The business research proposal presents and justifies the purpose of the study to be conducted. This also outlines the ways on how business research should be conducted. The standard length for the business research proposal is two to three pages. Nonetheless, it should be informative and well-written.

There are two types of research proposals that are useful for businesses, organizations, as well as in academic, approval proposals and funding proposals. Approval proposals refer to a written document that is written before doing the actual research. On the other hand, a funding proposal refers to a written document that seeks research funds.

A research proposal must present the idea of what the research is about and its importance. Thus, it should include a clear research title, a research overview, an introduction, the questionnaire, data gathering methods, and a research timeline. These components are commonly used in business and academic research.

Begin a business research proposal with a concise introduction outlining the research problem, its significance, and the proposed methodology. Clearly state the objectives and expected outcomes to provide a solid foundation for the study.

Business research plays a crucial role in informing strategic decisions by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting relevant data. It guides organizations in understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and industry dynamics for informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

Ethics in business research involves adhering to principles of integrity, honesty, and fairness. It ensures researchers conduct studies responsibly, respect participants’ rights, and maintain confidentiality, fostering trust and credibility.

Business research is one of the most important components of a sustainable and successful business. With this, businesses or organizations will be able to grasp new ideas that they can use to enhance their operations and improve  marketing strategies . Hence, making sure that business research follows the standard format and obtains the necessary information. Thus, the use of a business research proposal to make the process comprehensive and effective.

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• Proposal Preparation

Types of Proposals

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Pre-Proposal Solicited Proposal Renewal and Continuation Proposals Limited Submissions Revised Budgets

Budget or SOW Update

Pre-Proposal

A pre-proposal (sometimes called a white paper, letter proposal, letter of intent, preliminary proposal, pre-application, or concept paper) is a short description of the proposed project. Usually, the purpose of a pre-proposal is to inform and interest the potential sponsor in the project, resulting in a request for a more detailed formal proposal. If the sponsor requires an institutional official to sign or submit the pre-proposal, please contact Sponsored Projects Services early in the preparation process to determine if the pre-proposal should be routed through UAccess Research subject to Internal Deadlines for Proposal Routing . 

A pre-proposal must be routed through UAccess Research for institutional approval prior to submission if it:

• Involves a commitment of University resources
• Includes a detailed budget
• Includes cost sharing or an exception to the University F&A Cost rate

It is not necessary to route a pre-proposal for institutional approval if it:

• Includes a total cost estimate without a detailed budget
• Is not expected to result directly in an award without a full detailed proposal

Solicited Proposal

Sponsors solicit formal proposals by publishing specific program announcements. These solicitations are often called Request for Proposals (RFPs), Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), etc. Researchers responding to the program announcement write the proposal to meet the sponsor’s program guidelines. Deadlines may recur annually or several times a year.

A response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) is one type of solicited proposal. Most RFP’s have a stated deadline and are one-time solicitations for specific needs of the sponsor, not expected to recur. The proposed project must respond to the specific work statement in the Request for Proposal.

Solicited proposals must be routed through the University proposal routing process prior to submitting the proposal to the sponsor.

Renewal and Continuation Proposals

A competing renewal proposal (also called a competing continuation ) is a request for continued funding of a project for which the funding or project period is about to terminate. Such proposals are similar to "new" proposals and must be routed and approved in the same manner.

Noncompeting continuation proposals, which request the next year’s funding within a multi-year grant, generally consist of a progress report, budget, and other relevant materials such as research results, reprints, vitae for new personnel, etc. They sometimes include a financial status report showing the unobligated balance for the current year. Generally, sponsors require the signature of the institutional official and investigators. Noncompeting continuation proposals are routed through UAccess Research, even if a budget is not required.

Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPR)  is a federal-wide uniform progress report format for use by federal agencies that provide sponsored funding. RPPR is also used for noncompeting continuations. These reports to NSF are now submitted through Research.gov . Information on how to file annual, final, and interim reports with the NSF is available at  About Research.gov Project Reporting .

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires use of the RPPR module to submit progress reports. Information is available on the NIH’s Research Performance Progress Report  and the Managing Projects - Progress reports section of this website.

Limited Solicitations

Occasionally, sponsors announce program funding opportunities limiting the number of proposals that may be submitted by each institution/applicant. Research, Discovery & Innovation  distributes the program announcements through the weekly e-news, The Current , and online . Faculty interested in submitting proposals should follow the limited submission pre-proposal process . The primary criterion for selecting proposals is the relevance to the program selection criteria and the potential for successfully competing in the sponsor’s competitive process. Faculty whose pre-proposals are selected as the institutional submission will be notified and must then prepare a complete application to submit to the sponsor. See Limited Solicitations for additional information.

Revised Budgets

When a sponsor wants to fund a proposed project at an amount different from that originally proposed, the sponsor asks the investigator to submit a "revised" budget supporting the amount to be funded. A revised budget must be routed through the University proposal routing process to document the signatories’ approval of the budget revisions. If the sponsor reduces the budget, the investigator must determine whether the originally proposed scope and objectives of the project can be met under the revised budget. If not, the investigator and sponsor must redefine the scope and objectives in writing before the University accepts the award.

If the original budget contained cost share or matching, the cost share or matching amount may need to change to reflect the budget revisions.  These changes need to be approved by the department head prior to routing the budget through UAccess Research .

Occasionally sponsors will request the Principal Investigator to revise the proposed budget before the time of award. The Preaward Services team needs to determine whether the revised budget needs to be fully re-routed through the UAccess Research System. Revised budgets that do not need re-routing still need to be reviewed by the Preaward Services team before being returned to the sponsor. 

Budget revisions requested by the sponsor for fully routed proposals must be re-routed if:

• The budget change is greater than 25%, increase or decrease
• The scope of work is changing
• Any changes to Key Personnel
• Any increase in cost share  

Example situations where budget revisions require re-route:

• The budget is changing 26% and the scope of work is staying the same
• The scope of work is changing but the budget is only changing 10%
• The budget is changing 30% and the scope of work is changing
• Principal Investigator is changing but the scope of work and budget are staying the same
• Cost-share is increasing

Revised budgets that do not need re-routing still need to be reviewed by the Preaward Services team before being returned to the sponsor.  

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• Leeds University Business School
• Research degrees

Writing a research proposal

When applying for a research degree  you will need to produce a document that outlines your proposed research topic and programme of research.

Watch our step-by-step guide on how to write your research proposal.

Viewing this page in China?  Watch on Bilibili .

Getting your PhD proposal right is a critical part of the application process. It is important that you communicate the right messages about why your research is important and why you are the person to carry it out. Quality rather than quantity is key to a good proposal. Below is an outline of the elements a research proposal might typically contain. 

Step 1: Create your title 

A clear and succinct description of your research to use as a working title. Include relevant keywords that relate to your research and ensure your title goes beyond just describing the topic. It should give a clear indication of your approach and research questions. 

Step 2: Write your introduction 

Explain your research problem and outline why the research is of value and where its originality lies. You should clearly explain how your research will address a real-world problem and how it will meaningfully contribute to the area of research. You’ll need to clearly define your aim and objectives, using concepts, theories and empirics. Remember, you cannot cover everything on the topic within a PhD so be specific about what you are seeking to explore. Typically, an overarching aim and 3 or 4 objectives works well, then use these to justify the major approaches you will take. Keep this between 250 and 350 words. 

Step 3: Write your literature review 

Demonstrate your knowledge of current literature surrounding your topic, and your ability to critically reflect on and select it. Ensure you identify existing research gaps or problems, and highlight how your research will contribute to it. You’ll need to provide a clear statement of your research question and thoroughly examine key recent academic contributions within your research areas. It’s crucial that you make your contribution clear. Your literature review should be between 1,200 and 1,400 words. 

Step 4: Outline your research method 

A well-developed methodology section is crucial. Clearly describe and justify your methodology and overall approach, to help you and potential supervisors determine the viability of your research. You’ll need to include data collection and analysis methods and techniques. Justify your approach and rationalise your choices by engaging with the literature on the pros and cons of your specific methodological choices. Keep it between 1,200 and 1,400 words. 

Step 5: Complete your references 

Any literature cited in the proposal should be listed at the end of the document. Use of the Harvard referencing style is preferred. Also include a clear timeline for completing key activities (literature review, analysis, writing up etc.). 

Step 6: Proofread your research proposal 

This is your opportunity to show how you can present information accurately, coherently and concisely.

Vedran Lesic talks about his experience of studying a research degree at Leeds University Business School 

Whilst there is no right or wrong way to produce a research proposal you may find our hints and tips useful.

Don’t produce a proposal for ‘mass consumption’ .

If you are applying to multiple institutions make sure you understand and tailor your proposal to the relevant research being undertaken there. Research the department you are applying to, its staff and the research they are undertaking related to your topic. Readers can easily spot if a proposal has been produced for mass consumption.

Keep things short and simple 

As a general rule, keep things concise. Use sentences that are 8-10 words long and avoid long, rambling paragraphs. You are trying to sell the importance of the study to potential supervisors, so be specific and don’t meander off topic.  

Avoid plagiarism 

This one should be obvious. Make sure that all of your work is your own, written in your own words. You need to ensure that the literature review and the way the contribution is defined and developed, as well as all other elements, are correctly cited using appropriate references and that they are written by you. If not, your application will not succeed. 

Let your passion for the topic shine through 

By constructing a clear and well-written proposal, your interest in the topic should be clear. Demonstrate your interest in the topic and what the study aims to achieve – this should include contributions to theory, but might also have practical applications such as recommendations for policy and/or practice. 

Write a Killer Business Proposal [Examples + Templates]

Even before starting your business, you, as an entrepreneur, need a business proposal that people won’t reject. 

A business proposal is a bridge between you and your clients. It’s an outline that makes your value proposition stand out and make your clients realize what they will miss without you and can achieve with your business. 

In this blog, we will discuss the very concept of a business proposal, its quintessential components, how to write one, what are its types with examples and templates to help you craft one.

What is a Business Proposal

A business proposal is a formal document presented to a prospective client or partner that outlines a proposed solution to a problem or a suggested course of action. It typically includes details about the company offering the proposal, the specific problem or opportunity being addressed, the proposed solution or approach, and the anticipated benefits or outcomes.

Let’s say you run a software company and want to win over a new client. You’d put together a proposal detailing how your software can help them overcome their challenges. It’s basically your written sales pitch, showing off what you can do and why they should choose you. Collaborating with a software development company can further refine and enhance your proposal, ensuring it meets the specific needs of potential clients effectively. 

It serves as a persuasive tool for you to communicate your expertise and value proposition to your clients. 

Types of Business Proposals

Depending on various objectives and needs, business proposals can be of the following types

• Formally Solicited Proposal

Informally Solicited Proposal

Unsolicited proposal, sales proposal.

Let’s discuss each one of these one by one.

Formally Solicited Proposal (RFP, RFQ & RFIs)

A formally solicited proposal is requested by a client or organization in response to a formal Request For Proposal (RFP) or Invitation To Bid (ITB). It’s the most common type of business proposal in the B2B markets. 

Example: A construction company submits a formally solicited proposal to a government agency in response to an RFP for building a new community center. The proposal outlines the company’s approach, timeline, costs, and qualifications for the project.

An informally solicited proposal is submitted to a potential client or organization without a formal request, but in response to a general inquiry or expressed interest.

Example: A marketing agency sends an informally solicited proposal to a local business owner who expressed interest in improving their online presence. The proposal outlines the agency’s services, past successes, and proposed strategy for the business.

An unsolicited proposal is submitted to a potential client or organization without prior request, in an effort to propose a new idea, product, or service. They usually present a compelling value proposition that clearly demonstrates how a specific product or service addresses a specific need the client might not have even recognized yet. 

Example: A software development company sends an unsolicited proposal to a manufacturing company, suggesting a new inventory management system to streamline operations. The proposal outlines the benefits, features, and potential ROI of the proposed solution.

A sales proposal is crafted by a seller or vendor to persuade a potential buyer to purchase their products or services.

Example: A software company creates a sales proposal for a potential client outlining the features, pricing, and benefits of their customer relationship management (CRM) software. The proposal includes a demo, pricing options, and testimonials from satisfied customers.

Components of a business proposal and how to write one step-by-step

As a best practice you need to get in a call or meet your clients to understand their requirements and find out what they are looking for. A few open-ended questions will help you understand that.

In case of an RFP you have an opportunity window to understand their requirements. Go through it and understand.

Now, since you have done your fact findings, it’s time to write your business proposal.

Here are some of the key components you need to include in your proposal.

Title page Executive summary Problem statement or needs analysis Title page Proposed solution Timeline and deliverables Benefits Methodology Pricing Conclusion

Let’s l discuss each one of these in detail.

The title page of a business or a dissertation proposal serves as the document’s introduction, providing essential details such as the proposal’s title, the name of the submitting entity, the date of submission, and contact information.

What to do: This page establishes the purpose and context of the proposal, setting the stage for the reader to understand its content. Including clear and concise information on the title page ensures professionalism and facilitates communication between the proposal’s creator and its audience.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a concise yet impactful section of a business proposal, offering a snapshot of the proposal’s main points, objectives, and benefits. 

It aims to capture the reader’s interest from the outset and motivate them to delve deeper into the document.

What to do: By highlighting the most critical aspects of the proposal in a compelling manner, the executive summary provides readers with a clear understanding of what to expect, emphasizing the value proposition and key outcomes. 

Problem Statement or Needs Analysis

It’s vital for articulating the specific issue or requirement that the proposal intends to tackle. 

It serves as a fundamental element by clearly defining the client’s challenges, pain points, or objectives that necessitate a solution. 

By effectively outlining the problem or need, stakeholders gain clarity on the issues at hand, paving the way for the proposed solution to be perceived as relevant and valuable.

Proposed Solution

It’s crucial to outline how your products or services directly address the client’s identified problem or need. 

This part of the proposal provides a detailed description of the solution you’re offering, highlighting its key features, benefits, and unique selling points. By clearly stating how your offerings meet the client’s requirements, you demonstrate your understanding of their challenges and your capability to provide an effective solution. 

Additionally, this section should emphasize why your proposed solution is superior to alternative options, showcasing its value proposition and potential impact on the client’s business. 

A compelling storytelling and a persuasive language are all that it takes.

Timeline and deliverables

Detailing the timeline and budget of the business proposal is created to outline the implementation process and associated expenses. 

This breakdown serves to provide clarity on the various stages involved in executing the proposed strategy, offering a roadmap for both the proposing party and the client. 

Additionally, the budget breakdown offers transparency by delineating the costs associated with each step, ensuring that all parties have a clear understanding of financial expectations. 

This section plays a crucial role in fostering trust and alignment between the parties involved, laying the foundation for a successful partnership.

Highlight the tangible advantages and outcomes that the client can expect from implementing your proposed solution. 

This part of the proposal outlines how your solution directly addresses the client’s needs and solves their specific problem, showcasing the value it brings to their organization. 

Use case studies, testimonials, or relevant data to provide concrete evidence of the benefits your solution has delivered to similar clients or in similar situations. 

This helps build credibility and trust with the client, demonstrating the real-world impact and effectiveness of your offering.

Methodology

It’s essential to outline the specific steps and strategies you will employ to implement the proposed solution effectively. 

This involves detailing the methodology or approach you will take to address the client’s needs and achieve the desired outcomes. 

You may break down the process into actionable steps, specifying timelines, milestones, and any key deliverables along the way. It’s crucial to provide clarity on how you will execute the proposed solution, including any special considerations or unique aspects of your approach that differentiate it from other alternatives.

It’s imperative to mention the financial aspects associated with implementing the proposed solution. 

This includes detailing the costs involved in delivering products or services, labor expenses, material costs, and any other relevant expenditures. 

Transparency is key, so providing a clear breakdown of costs helps the client understand the investment required. Additionally, you may offer different pricing options or packages to accommodate varying budgets or preferences.

Summarize the key points presented throughout the document and reaffirm the value proposition of your solution. 

This is an opportunity to emphasize the alignment between your solution and the client’s objectives, highlighting how it aligns with their goals and priorities.

Finally, encourage the reader to take action by moving forward with your proposal, whether it’s scheduling a meeting to discuss further details, signing a contract, or initiating the next steps in the engagement process. 

A clear call to action motivates the reader to make a decision and facilitates progress towards achieving mutual success.

Business Proposal Examples with templates

Some of the most iconic templates we liked and will endorse are listed below:

Sales Training

Image source

In this template, you have the option to start with by introducing your company. Then you go on explaining the effectiveness of your training. It’s to the point, precise, and directly coming to your aspirations you need for your sales team.

Why did we like it?

Apart from its visual appeal, what we like the most is its content layout.  It starts with testimonials showcasing how their rain program is appreciated by other businesses. A winning formula to establish credibility. 

Benefits and objectives are clearly stated in points. A very interesting layout for the methodology they will follow. Besides, clear cut pricing modules without any confusion. 

It’s  actually developed keeping in mind how important your time is and they have really respected that without any ambiguation. 

Recruitment

A very professional looking template you can’t miss. A bit traditional in its approach but does what it’s supposed to. The beauty of this template lies in its approach as to how it takes you to the CTA in a step-by-step manner. 

Read the beginning para and you realize you are reading the right document sent from the right source. Further down, you know why you should consider this proposal.

A couple of more pages, and you are perhaps ready to sign in.

What else more do you need?

Product Marketing

The best part is that it comes with a cover letter and an executive summary. It has incorporated the client’s requirements very clearly. 

Rest of the template follows a solid pattern of step-by-step approach elaborating how they are going to make it happen for their clients. 

A little longer but not without reasons. Every section and page has a narration that revolves around the client and their challenges and how these can be addressed in a methodical manner. 

Clarity is something that makes it go beyond any criticism. Neither from design  nor from content perspective.

A great treasure trove for marketers!

Final Words

A well-crafted business proposal can be the key to winning new clients. 

We have seen how important it is to understand the need of a business proposal and how to craft one step-by-step. We discussed all its crucial components. 

Besides, now that you have your go-to guide for creating an attention-grabbing proposal,  you can clearly outline the problem, presenting solutions, and showcasing the benefits.

With practical tips and real-life examples, you’ll learn how to tailor your proposal to each client and highlight your unique value proposition. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a business proposal?

A business proposal is a document designed to persuade a potential client or partner to take a specific action, such as buying a product, investing in a service, or entering into a partnership. It outlines the problem or need, presents a proposed solution, and details the benefits of choosing the offering.

What should be included in a business proposal ?

A comprehensive business proposal typically includes an executive summary, problem statement, proposed solution, benefits, methodology or approach, budget or cost analysis, and a conclusion. Additionally, it may incorporate other elements such as a title page, table of contents, and appendices.

How do I write a compelling executive summary?

To craft an engaging executive summary, focus on highlighting the key points, objectives, and benefits of your proposal succinctly. Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling overview of what your proposal aims to achieve and why it’s the best choice for them.

How do I determine the budget or cost analysis for my proposal?

When preparing the budget or cost analysis section, carefully consider all expenses associated with implementing your proposed solution, including labor, materials, and any other relevant costs. Provide a transparent breakdown to demonstrate the value of your offering.

What is the purpose of a business proposal?

The primary purpose of a business proposal is to persuade the recipient to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, entering into a partnership, or agreeing to a project. It serves as a strategic tool for effectively communicating your ideas, solutions, and value proposition to potential clients or stakeholders.

How to write a business proposal?

Writing a business proposal involves several key steps to effectively communicate your ideas and offerings to potential clients or partners. Start by researching your audience and understanding their needs. Then, craft a clear and concise executive summary to grab their attention. Outline the problem or opportunity, propose your solution, and highlight the benefits. Be sure to include relevant details about your company, qualifications, and past successes. Finally, close with a strong call to action, inviting the recipient to take the next steps.

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What Is a Research Proposal?

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• Writing the Research Paper
• Presenting the Research Paper

When applying for a research grant or scholarship, or, just before you start a major research project, you may be asked to write a preliminary document that includes basic information about your future research. This is the information that is usually needed in your proposal:

• The topic and goal of the research project.
• The kind of result expected from the research.
• The theory or framework in which the research will be done and presented.
• What kind of methods will be used (statistical, empirical, etc.).
• Short reference on the preliminary scholarship and why your research project is needed; how will it continue/justify/disprove the previous scholarship.
• How much will the research project cost; how will it be budgeted (what for the money will be spent).
• Why is it you who can do this research and not somebody else.

Most agencies that offer scholarships or grants provide information about the required format of the proposal. It may include filling out templates, types of information they need, suggested/maximum length of the proposal, etc.

Research proposal formats vary depending on the size of the planned research, the number of participants, the discipline, the characteristics of the research, etc. The following outline assumes an individual researcher. This is just a SAMPLE; several other ways are equally good and can be successful. If possible, discuss your research proposal with an expert in writing, a professor, your colleague, another student who already wrote successful proposals, etc.

• Author, author's affiliation
• Explain the topic and why you chose it. If possible explain your goal/outcome of the research . How much time you need to complete the research?
• Give a brief summary of previous scholarship and explain why your topic and goals are important.
• Relate your planned research to previous scholarship. What will your research add to our knowledge of the topic.
• Break down the main topic into smaller research questions. List them one by one and explain why these questions need to be investigated. Relate them to previous scholarship.
• Include your hypothesis into the descriptions of the detailed research issues if you have one. Explain why it is important to justify your hypothesis.
• This part depends of the methods conducted in the research process. List the methods; explain how the results will be presented; how they will be assessed.
• Explain what kind of results will justify or  disprove your hypothesis. 
• Explain how much money you need.
• Explain the details of the budget (how much you want to spend for what).
• Describe why your research is important.
• List the sources you have used for writing the research proposal, including a few main citations of the preliminary scholarship.

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How to Write a Business Proposal [Steps, Tips, & Templates]

You need to send a business proposal, and you want it to close. But how can you improve your chances?

Every year, we analyze the proposals sent with our software to discover what makes closing more likely. We used this research to craft this very guide .

To help you write better business proposals, we’ve curated the essential proposal format, a step-by-step process, plenty of templates to help you get started, and strategies for following up.

From images to esignatures, keep reading for data-backed insights into the most successful proposals.

What’s in this guide:

• What is a business proposal?
• Basic proposal format
• What to prepare before writing a business proposal
• How to write a business proposal in 7 steps
• 8 business proposal templates
• 5 ideas to take your business proposal to the next level
• What to do after you send a business proposal
• Using analytics for business proposal insights

A business proposal is sent by a salesperson or account manager to a prospective client in order to pitch a product or service. A great proposal should include an executive summary or cover letter, details on the project timelines and deliverables, what makes the company the right choice for the job, and pricing and payment details.

Business proposals are typically sent from one business to another for all sorts of different services, such as enterprise software subscriptions, interior design, accounting, marketing, event catering, etc.

The purpose of a business proposal is to:

Sell your product or service with details, client results, testimonials, etc.

Clarify what is and isn’t included in the proposal to accurately manage expectations

Layout terms and conditions to protect both parties

Lock in the deal right away with esignatures built into the proposal

Large corporations and government agencies will typically send out a request for proposal to competing companies and then choose the best (or cheapest) one.

A business proposal is very different from a business plan, because it is typically written to clarify a paid engagement between two companies. This might be a short project or a long contract. A business plan, on the other hand, is typically an internal document crafted to chart a businesses path forward towards goals, such as market expansion, revenue growth, new product lines, etc.

Types of business proposals

There are many different types of business proposals. They are typically broken down by industry.

Here are some common types of business proposals, by industry :

Real estate and construction

Professional services

Proposals can also be categorized based on the type of offering :

One-off projects

Recurring subscription

Ongoing service

Package options

Later on in this guide, we include a variety of proposal templates. Depending on what you selling, you might find it easier to begin with a template designed for your industry or for the type of offer you’re selling (such as a one-off project). So be sure to peruse through the previews of each proposal so that you can see which template will save you the most time.

Business proposal example

An excellent business proposal addresses the client’s pain points and showcases the proposed solution.

Here’s an example business proposal to inspire you. The accounting proposal kicks things off with an attractive cover page.

All in all, it includes the cover page, an executive summary letter, an about us section, team photos and bios, a project summary, a breakdown of the proposed services, a pricing section, onboarding steps, and a contract with esignatures.

The services breakdown offers a great example of how to categorize your services and provide hourly estimates.

After researching over 1 million proposals, we found that winning proposals are most likely to include all of the following.

Here’s the idea proposal structure :

1. Cover page

The cover page, also called a title page, should be kept simple. It prominently features a photograph or graphic design that is on-brand, you can use graphic design templates as a starting point. It also usually includes the project name, or the client name, as well as your company name. Some companies might include contact information on the cover page, while others will save that for a separate page.

Check out this cover page , which is bright, bold, and on-brand.

2. Executive summary

The executive summary is essentially your pitch.

It’s your shot at capturing the client’s attention and showing them that you have an approach that will exceed their expectations.

It’s typically written in paragraph form (1 to 3 paragraphs) but can also include a bulleted list for a more skimmable style.

Make sure that your executive summary includes:

A quick description of the client’s problem or starting point

How your company will serve the client and why you’re suggesting this unique approach

Why your company is the best choice (average results, unique selling propositions, differentiators, awards, etc.)

This content marketing proposal offers an excellent example of an executive summary. Though in this proposal, the section is instead titled “Focus and Objectives.” What makes it great is that it’s on brand, goal-oriented, personable, and skimmable.

3. Approach or solution

In this section, you write about your process and why you approach things the way you do. For example, a Facebook marketing agency might say that they believe that creative work is essential to advertising success, and that’s why they devote 90% of their time to developing videos, images, and copy.

Some companies will craft a custom approach section for each client, while others will re-use the section again and again. It all comes down to the number of services you offer and how much or how little you customize your work.

In corporate training, it’s essential to clarify your approach so the client knows why your system will be effective. In this training template example , their process shows the essential steps in their proprietary approach.

4. About the company

This is your chance to brag. In your company bio, be sure to mention all of the important things that set your company apart. That might include your management style, the talent you have on your team, your average client retention rate or contract length, and any accolades.

With their location, awards, and team structure, this About Us page is an excellent example of how to sell yourself with authority.

5. Deliverables

Use the deliverables section to summarize exactly what the client will receive from the engagement.

A TikTok ads management firm might include 15 ad creatives per month in their deliverables, for example. While an accounting firm might list the reports that will be sent weekly or monthly, along with the bookkeeping service.

In a construction project, on the other hand, the company might showcase the different milestones that the project will hit, and when these milestones are expected to be completed.

In this proposal , the Deliverables section is titled “Scope of Services,” and it includes a list of all of the services that the prospective client will receive. Deliverables are mentioned within the scope, including a logo, brand colors, business cards, and brand guidelines.

6. Social proof or work samples

No matter what you sell, prospective clients will want to know that you have the right experience for the job.

Social proof can come in the form of written testimonials and case studies, video testimonials and case studies, portfolio photographs, G2 and Capterra badges, and rating averages from Google, Trustpilot, or other review sites.

For an architecture firm, construction company, or website designer, work examples can prove more powerful than testimonials. Prospects want to see what you can do. This architecture proposal showcases the company’s work on a rehabilitation project.

The pricing section is of course the one that your clients will read again and again and deliberate over. That’s why it’s so important to make it clear, simple, and well-formatted.

Tables are a great way to showcase what’s included in the total project cost or to provide package options.

Similar to interior design and construction services, event planning typically includes both hourly costs and hard costs (for products and venues). Here’s an example of an event management proposal that includes a breakdown of the hourly work and the hard costs.

8. Terms and conditions

When you use modern proposal software , you can build a contract right into your proposal, eliminating the need for separate contract software.

Your proposal should include legal jargon that can protect both you and your client. You might have a statement of work and a master service agreement or terms and conditions.

In this website design proposal , there are 6 pages in total for the contract section. The potential client can easily click around to view all of these pages and share the proposal with their legal team if needed.

For proposals that are longer than 8 pages, it’s wise to include a table of contents. If you use Proposify as your proposal software, then every proposal will automatically have the table of contents on the left-hand side, making it easier for the potential client to click around and review important sections multiple times.

A lot goes into writing a proposal. Before you can get to the writing part, you need to prepare.

This means talking with the client to figure out their needs, using your experience to pitch the best project, and talking with colleagues who will be involved in the project to see if they agree on the services you plan to propose.

You might also need to talk with your legal department and ask them for a contract template that you can include at the end of the proposal so that when the client signs off, it's legally binding.

Everything you need to prepare to write a business proposal:

An understanding of the client's needs

Your determination of the best approach

Details that will get the client to say yes

Agreement with internal colleagues

The pricing options you want to offer

Knowledge of who needs to sign off

Legal contract language or templates

To be a good writer , you must be concise, specific, and detailed. It really is that simple. The more examples and details you provide, the better.

That said, it does help to follow a process so that you can be sure you’re providing everything that the decision-makers expect and more.

Here are the 7 essential steps for writing a business proposal:

Step 1. Determine the client’s needs

The first step is to figure out what your client needs.

As mentioned in our section on preparation above, you’ll need to speak with your client. If this is a new client, it might take two to five sales calls to collect all of the information you need. For an existing client, you can probably figure out what to include in their renewal proposal with just one call.

But of course, asking your client what they need isn’t enough. You need to use your expertise to choose the best solution for them, even if it’s not what they want or expect.

Step 2. Kick off your proposal with a template

Once you’ve done your due diligence, the next step is to choose a proposal template so you’ll save time on both writing and designing.

You can use a template that matches your specific business or click around to find one with all the sections and a design style you like. Even if it’s not created for your specific industry, it’ll be easy to update the content to match your service or product.

Check out our full library of proposal templates.

Step 3. Write the evergreen messaging about your company

It’s always smart to tackle writing section by section. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed.

We recommend starting with the sections that are relevant to your business and that can be reused again and again. Your value propositions should guide the content.

Tackle these sections:

The cover page

The approach section

The about us page and team bios

The social proof or portfolio pieces

By starting off with what makes your company special, you’ll break the ice during your writing process and also create your own custom template that you can use for further proposal writing.

Step 4. Craft the meat of the proposal (executive summary, approach, deliverables, etc.)

By now, you should have chosen a template and written your core company messaging.

Now it’s time to write the meat of the proposal.

In this step, you’ll be catering your proposal to the new client. A startup will require a different proposal than a small business, and the same goes for an enterprise.

Here are some of the things you might need to write:

The unique methodology or approach you’ll offer this client (if it changes per client)

The problem statement or executive summary

The client’s goals

The scope of work

The project process and timelines

The deliverables

You can fill in your template’s sections and take a peek at other templates to get inspiration and see if there are any additional sections or details you should add.

Step 5. Add in the project total or pricing options

Next, you should calculate your fees.

Depending on your business, you might add up flat rates, product costs, or hourly estimates to come up with a fixed project total. Or, you might present a price range that the project will likely fall between (making it clear that additional hourly costs could arise. Or perhaps, you’ll offer a pricing table with different options to choose from.

Step 6. Add legal terms and conditions and esignatures

When you use proposal software (instead of just a PDF or Google slides), you can add a contract directly to your proposal.

If you already have approved contract language from your legal department, you can simply add it to the contract section of your proposal in Proposify. If not, you’ll need to chat with your legal team or business lawyer to ensure you’re adding all the right stipulations.

Proposals with esignatures close 35% faster and are 426% more likely to be accepted. So be sure to assign an esignature both to yourself and your client.

Step 7. Finalize the design and review all of the content before sending

Now it’s time to review and finalize your proposal. Check for errors, places in the template you forgot to fill out, and wording that can be improved.

Make sure the graphic design is on point too. Switch out the template with your own brand colors and fonts. You can have a designer on your team handle this, or handle style customization yourself (with no design experience necessary).

The best way to write a business proposal? With a template of course.

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best templates for different types of businesses. And for each, we show you the proposal sections included to help you pick the right one for you.

Keep in mind that with any of these proposals, you can add and remove sections and also customize any page with text, headlines, images, videos, fee tables, and more.

1. Business consulting proposal template

This consulting proposal template can be used by any type of consulting firm.

Proposal sections :

Project Summary

Project Activities

Your Investment

2. Advertising Proposal Template

With this advertising proposal template, you can showcase your digital or traditional advertising services. The template includes TV, web, radio, and magazine, but you can update it to reflect your pitch.

Cover Letter

Who Are We?

Testimonials

Your Advertising Media Mix

3. Branding Proposal Template

Perfect for branding consultants, logo designers, and messaging strategists, this branding proposal template includes the project scope and timeline to help you clarify your process to potential clients.

Overview & Goals

Scope of Services

Sample Case Study

4. Commercial Lease Proposal Template

This commercial lease proposal template can be used for leasing office buildings, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and event spaces.

Our Process

Meet Our Team

Terms and Conditions

5. Construction Bid Template

Use this construction bid template for new construction projects or renovations. It includes a detailed cost estimate table and a required deposit.

Cost Estimate

6. Catering Proposal Template

This catering proposal template is perfect for corporate projects but can work for weddings or personal events as well. You can use it for conferences, luncheons, retreats, or any other type of event.

Introduction

Event Details

7. Corporate Photography Proposal Template

With a beautifully designed portfolio section and a very detailed pricing table and print options, this is the perfect template for corporate photography . It also includes tips for success, so clients know how to make the most of their photoshoot time.

What We Offer

Photography Packages

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8. Financial Services Proposal Template

You can use this financial services proposal template to pitch financial services like risk management, budgeting, and investment management.

Services and Fees

Looking to kick up your proposals a notch?

Try one of these smart ideas:

1. Make your pricing dynamic

Dynamic pricing means that clients can choose what they want and that will automatically change the project total that they sign off on.

Proposals with options and add-ons have a 35.8% higher closing rate . Try giving package options and including add-ons such as ancillary services or maintenance work.

2. Create graphic designs for timelines and processes

Winning business proposals often include informative visuals to help clients understand your process at a glance.

You could create a graphic for project phases, milestones, or big deliverables.

3. Get creative with your social proof

Client testimonials are an easy starting point when it comes to social proof.

But can you do better? Can you get more creative and stand out from other consulting firms?

Here are some ways to improve your social proof game:

Include visuals for your average ratings (for example 4 and a half stars filled in).

Add any badges or graphics available from review sites like G2 and Trustpilot.

Film professional case study videos and embed them in your proposal.

Create a screenshare video where you talk through your digital portfolio samples.

Include an informal video testimonial from your client.

Add a video showing your team at work (ie, on the job site, running a workshop, speaking, etc.)

Write mini case studies with before and after transformations, result data, etc.

4. Have an “excludes” section

Is there something that is definitely not included in your proposal? Do clients often assume it’s included or do they get confused?

If so, try adding a section that describes everything that isn’t included in the proposal. You could mention that you don’t offer these services, or state that they’re available at an additional fee (if you want to upsell them).

5. Include videos for introductions or complex concepts

When you add a video to your proposal, you increase its chances of closing by 41% .

Here are some video ideas to try:

Informal intros filmed with Loom

Professional videos of your team at work

Case study videos

Quick descriptions of complex deliverables, methodologies, etc.

You sent the proposal. Now what?

Here’s what to do next.

Sign it yourself

Make sure you sign the proposal right away (before your client opens it). This offers a more professional presentation and makes it more likely that your new client will add their signature too.

Be prepared to follow up

Project proposals don’t always close all by themselves. As any good salesperson knows, follow-up is essential.

With Proposify, you can set up automated reminders. When we analyzed over 1 million proposals sent with our software, we found that proposals with pre-scheduled reminders have a 35% higher closing rate than those without.

Make adjustments to the proposal to close the deal

It’s okay to make changes. In fact, proposals that get revised are actually more likely to close than ones that don’t. When a client asks for revisions, it means they’re interested.

You might need to adjust your proposal document for its scope, deliverables, timeframe, or payment schedules.

Save different proposal templates

After you’ve created one proposal, you should save it as a template and give it a name. You might also want to duplicate it and adjust it to create a new proposal template. For example, if you offer SEO services , you might want to have one proposal for an SEO audit and another one for your monthly SEO retainer.

Create email templates

You can also create and store email templates that will save you time in the long run.

Try creating different templates for sending, reminders, and thank yous. If you offer different types of services, you can craft a unique sending template for each one.

Get feedback from clients on both won and lost proposals

One of the best ways to improve is to take feedback. Whether you win or lose the proposal, find out why.

Here are some tips on how to do this:

Won - When you win a proposal, you might ask the client why they decided to move forward with you on their first strategy call. Or, have their account manager ask the same question and pass the info to you.

Lost - If a client doesn’t sign the proposal after 3 weeks, you can send a quick email with something like, “Just looking for some feedback. Can you let me know why you decided not to move forward? Thanks.”

In today’s digital world, a business proposal should be more than a formal document.

When you use the right tool to create and send your proposal, you should be able to gather important insights and trends.

Viewing metrics for a specific client

With Proposify, you can see the activity for every proposal. Know when clients are opening and viewing proposals so you can follow up in a way that matches their activity.

Average viewing metrics

Proposify also offers average viewing metrics that help you benchmark your views:

Total viewed

Average time to view

Average length of viewing

Average views per proposal

This is great for gauging how a new client compares with past activity.

Average closing metrics

You can also check your average closing rate and track it over time.

Check these closing metrics:

Closing rate

Try setting goals for improving your closing rate and then check your progress each month.

Insights by proposal type

Segment viewing and closing metrics by workspace, client name, or stream. A stream is a custom category that you can use for different service types, client industries, etc.

Growth trends

And lastly, you can check your growth trends to find out how much you’re earning in new contracts and existing contracts. This is great for seeing your past revenue growth and for forecasting.

Trends include:

New won proposals (chart)

Active income (chart)

Start with a solid understanding of your client’s goals and needs. Use a template to save time creating messaging and tables that will seal the deal. Then, try advanced techniques like dynamic pricing and videos to improve your closing rates even further.

Sign up for Proposify free for 14 days or get started with one of our templates .

Dayana Mayfield is a B2B SaaS copywriter who believes in the power of content marketing and a good smoothie. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/dayanamayfield/

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3.2 Types of proposals

Consider the situations in which proposals occur. A company may send out a public announcement requesting proposals for a specific project. This public announcement—called a request for proposals (RFP)—could be issued through websites, emails, social media, newspapers, or trade journals. Firms or individuals interested in the project would then write proposals in which they summarize their qualifications, project schedules and costs, and discuss their approach to the project. The recipient of all these proposals would then evaluate them, select the best candidate, and then work up a contract.

But proposals also come about much less formally. Imagine that you are interested in doing a project at work (for example, investigating the merits of bringing in some new technology to increase productivity). Imagine that you met with your supervisor and tried to convince her of this. She might respond by saying, “Write me a proposal and I’ll present it to upper management.” This is more like the kind of proposal you will write in a technical writing course.

Most proposals can be divided into several categories:

• Internal, external:  A proposal to someone within your organization (a business, a government agency, etc.) is an internal proposal. With internal proposals, you may not have to include certain sections (such as qualifications) or as much information in them. An external proposal is one written from one separate, independent organization or individual to another such entity. The typical example is the independent consultant proposing to do a project for another firm. This kind of proposal may be solicited or unsolicited, as explained below.
• Solicited, unsolicited: A solicited proposal is one in which the recipient has requested the proposal. Typically, a company will send out requests for proposals (RFPs) through the mail or publish them in some news source. But proposals can be solicited on a very local level: for example, you could be explaining to your boss what a great thing it would be to install a new technology in the office; your boss might get interested and ask you to write up a proposal that offered to do a formal study of the idea. Unsolicited proposals are those in which the recipient has not requested proposals. With unsolicited proposals, you sometimes must convince the recipient that a problem or need exists before you can begin the main part of the proposal.

Chapter Attribution Information

This chapter was derived by Annemarie Hamlin, Chris Rubio, and Michele DeSilva, Central Oregon Community College, from  Online Technical Writing by David McMurrey – CC: BY 4.0

Technical Writing Copyright © 2017 by Allison Gross, Annemarie Hamlin, Billy Merck, Chris Rubio, Jodi Naas, Megan Savage, and Michele DeSilva is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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How to Write a Business Proposal (Examples & Templates)

A complete guide to writing business proposals that land deals. Easy-to-follow steps, actionable examples, and insider tips from sales pros.

John McTale

11 minute read

Not a fan of writing business proposals? Few people are. After all, it puts you in quite a vulnerable position. You need to convince prospects to pick you and make them understand why you’re the perfect fit for their needs.

This guide will show you a simple step-by-step process you can follow to ace every business proposal you create. Plus, for every section of your proposal, you’ll get sample content you can take as a point of reference and use to score more deals.

First, see a business proposal example created with Storydoc:

Interactive

Static, plain-text proposals are a relic of the past. With Storydoc, you’ll get engaging, interactive proposals looking better than anything you’ve ever created. Rise above your competitors and give your customers a proposal they will be proud to show their boss.

What is a business proposal ?

A business proposal is a formal document devised by a company and delivered to a prospect with the purpose of securing a contractual agreement between the two parties. A good business proposal shows to your potential clients why your offer is the most beneficial to them. Before we dig deeper, if you just need a quick checklist, here it is. To learn more about a specific section just click on a desired item in the interactive table of contents and we’ll take you right there.

Here's how to write a business proposal:

Now, let’s go through each step and see some examples.

1. Create a title page

Starting with the basics. The title page of your business proposal needs to feel professional and inviting. Most importantly, though, make it feel as personal as possible. Include:

• The name of your business
• The subject matter of your proposal
• Your prospect’s name and job title
• Your prospect’s company logo
• Submission date

Business proposal title page example:

Jane Atkins ABC Company Inbound Marketing Proposal for Acme Corp

Submitted to: John Random, VP Growth Submitted on: May 5, 2023

Using your client’s logo is virtually a must. But you kick your title page up a notch by applying other elements of their branding, too: think colors, master visuals, and overall vibe. They will notice and appreciate it. These unique business name ideas will make you stand out from the crowd - your business name matters.

2. Include an interactive table of contents

One of the keys to success in business communication is setting up expectations and then meeting them. A table of contents achieves just that: you tell your readers exactly what they’ll find in your proposal. If you’re sending your proposal electronically, make the ToC clickable, with jump-to links to appropriate chapters of your proposal. It will make navigating through the document so much easier (much like we did with this piece, you're welcome!).

Speaking of electronic versions… Do your best to prevent your prospects from printing out your proposal. A 2020 study found that once someone prints your proposal, your chances of landing the deal shrink by 84%!

Sample table of contents:

Executive Summary

Assessment and Project Overview

Methodology - SEO Audit - Internal Linking Optimization - Digital PR Assets - Digital PR Outreach

Qualifications and Testimonials

Terms and Conditions

Agreement and Rollout Process

3. Write a compelling executive summary

As the name implies, an executive summary is a section that, well, summarizes the whole document. In business proposals, your executive summary should contain the essence of your value proposition: explain why you’re submitting the proposal, what makes your product or services relevant to the client’s specific needs, and how you’re going to tackle their problems. The key thing to remember? Don’t mistake an executive summary for an introduction. The summary is basically a shortened version of your whole proposal. Its purpose is to provide a busy reader ( who could be your prospect ’s boss, the titular executive) with an overview of your offer, clear enough for them to not have to read the proposal in full. If you want to learn more about writing executive summaries, specifically, see our dedicated guide: Executive Summary—Examples and Definition

Sample executive summary for a business proposal:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This proposal outlines a detailed plan of action aimed at maximizing the profits of Acme Corp by boosting the inbound organic traffic to your e-commerce store. As your company displays a very high on-site conversion rate and the online traffic you generate is highly monetizable, the best strategy for maximizing your revenue is boosting your SEO performance. Acme Corp is lagging behind its key competitors in most of the search performance metrics: domain rating, backlink quality , and, as a result, organic traffic. Applying basic SEO maintenance will result in a dramatic increase of relevant monthly visitors to your site, contributing to a substantial increase in revenue. In the second phase of the project, our team will enhance your online presence and earn high-quality backlinks through a data-driven digital PR campaign, further improving your domain rating and the consequent search engine rankings for the highest-converting keywords and phrases.

While executive summaries come at the beginning of business proposals, write this section last. Create the rest of your proposal beforehand, then “skim the cream:” compile the key bits into the summary.

4. Identify the problem and propose a solution

Here’s where the big guns come in. If you’ve managed to get them interested enough to reach this part, you’re halfway there. It doesn’t mean it gets easier at this point. Quite the contrary— This section, usually called “Assessment,” or “Project Overview,” is the meat and potatoes of your proposal. You need to make sure it tastes like Black Angus fillet mignon with gratin dauphinoise. Here are a few tips for making it powerful and convincing to your prospects:

• Focus on the grander scheme of things here. Paint a big picture, plant an idea: it’s not the time to get to the nitty-gritty yet.
• B2B buyers can smell generic from miles away. Do your best to customize this part to the exact needs of your customer, never use a copy-pastable template.
• Make it about them. Instead of “selling” your product or services, focus on the tangible business result they’ll get out of this. ROI is the most direct, hard-hitting metric after all.
• Don’t overuse jargon or highly technical terms. You’re communicating with a human, not an algorithm.
• It’s okay to use your sales deck as a point of reference. It’s what got them interested in the first place, so do rely on the same main message.

Sample project overview in a business proposal:

ASSESSMENT AND PROJECT OVERVIEW Acme Corp is currently looking for ways to bring more inbound traffic to the company website. As an e-commerce business with competitively priced, high-quality performance clothing, any traffic you generate is highly monetizable. Your current traffic sources mostly constitute direct (15%), AdWords (40%), and display ads (18%). Organic traffic acquisition has been heavily underperforming for your site. At the same time, both your key competitors, DoeSports and GreenWay, bring in twice as much organic traffic as you do through paid sources (via Ahrefs, and SimilarWeb analysis). This shows that SEO efforts can be highly profitable in your industry. Your e-commerce store suffers from a few easy-to-fix SEO issues that we will address immediately:

• Poor-quality backlinks from spam sites, low SEO health score, and irrelevant anchor text in internal links.
• Fixing these issues alone will boost your SERP positions by 5–10 places for highest-volume keywords, amounting to 5,000–8,000 more unique visitors per month.
• Considering your extremely high average conversion rate of 3% and an average conversion value of $75, those efforts will increase monthly revenue by at least $11,250.

Furthermore, in comparison to your competitors, AcmeCorp has a poor domain rating: 49, compared to 66 of DoeSports and 70 of GreenWay, indicating fewer relevant backlinks and weaker referring domains. Our team will acquire relevant, high-quality backlinks from key industry publications through digital PR and outreach campaigns based on unique data-driven studies. This will result in:

• A significant boost in your domain rating, directly contributing to all major search engines rankings.
• A projected boost in traffic to your website of further 12,000 visitors per month.
• Enhanced brand visibility.

Even at the stage of the deal where you send the proposal, don’t assume your customer understands what they’re buying and why they need it. You still need to get your sales message across: let your prospects understand the value attached to your price tag.

5. Explain your methodology

If the executive summary of a business proposal is the why , and the project overview, the what , here’s the part where you describe how . If you’ve nailed the previous sections, your prospect knows that your solutions are relevant to their problems and has a bird’s eye view of expected outcomes. It’s time to explain your methods for achieving what you promise to deliver. List all the deliverables they can expect from the project or service, together with a timetable and a list of dependencies detailing the deadlines or frequency of delivering specific items or milestones. How granular you are in this part largely depends on the duration of collaboration you’re discussing, and many other project-specific details.

Example #1:

If you’re writing an event video proposal, you’ll want to explain what the client can expect:

• Before the event (consulting your needs and ideal outcomes, auditing the venue, setting up lighting, and so on),
• During the event (how many videographers on site, exact timetable, total shooting time),
• After the event (post-production, sound and music, additional editing, total length of video material delivered).

Example #2:

If, on the other hand, your proposal refers to long-term marketing consulting contract, the description of your methodology will be more general:

• Month 1: identifying and fixing technical SEO issues (anchor text, internal linking, backlink quality).
• Month 2: auditing the site content and optimizing existing URLs for search engine performance using an SEO rank tracker tool .
• Month 3: automating the funnel, running A/B tests on form pages.

And so on… Let’s have a look at what it might look like in practice.

Business proposal sample—methodology:

METHODOLOGY

• Disavowing links from low-reputation websites
• Fixing critical issues on existing URLs
• Improving site speed
• Fixing errors in robots.txt
• Optimizing meta titles and meta descriptions
• Fixing errors in HTML tags

Internal Linking Optimization

• Identifying internal linking opportunities
• Creating SEO-friendly anchor text combinations
• Removing links to 404 URLs

Digital PR Assets

• Running unique surveys via OnePoll
• Creating data-driven content relevant to the audiences of industry online publications
• Creating shareable infographics depicting the findings of the study

Digital PR Outreach

• Identifying key leads in relevant industry websites
• Email outreach to our database of relevant contacts
• Passive link building via Google AdWords

6. Back up your proposal with proof of qualifications

Your business proposal might be visionary so far. Still, if it’s not credible, it will get you nowhere. The client might love your ideas. They might be beyond excited to see them come to life. But— They don’t know you. And remember the old saying: “Trust everybody, but always cut the cards.” (Yes, it’s a euphemism for “Trust no one, ever.”) How do you make them trust you? Show them you’ve done it before and you succeeded. Again, and again. List verifiable, measurable achievements you or your company can boast about and pepper those with social proof. See a few examples:

• Customer case studies,
• Testimonials,
• Certifications,
• Industry awards,
• Years of experience,
• Media mentions.

The ideal composition of those will depend on the type of project and the industry: If you’re a photographer, your client won’t care too much about the awards you might have gotten or what The New Yorker wrote about your solo show. They’ll want to review your portfolio to see if that’s the vibe they're into and hear from your past clients to check if you’re not a pain to work with. If, in turn, you’re writing a marketing business proposal, your best bet will be to emphasize examples of your past campaigns together with detailed key metrics you boosted for your clients. Writing a proposal in an informal tone? You can add a short “About Us” section. Introduce team members who would be working on the project and explain what makes them the best professionals available on the market for solving the particular problem in question.

7. Outline your pricing options

This is where things get rather technical. On the face of it, the pricing section seems fairly obvious. They might be in love with your solutions, but they don’t yet know if they can afford you. Pricing is a tricky part on your end, though. You don’t want to scare off your lead with a sky-high estimate; at the same time, you don’t want to undersell yourself. The best option is to go for an interactive pricing page where every type of service or activity has a separate price tag to it and your clients can easily select a package that suits their needs and meets their budget—ideally, the total price should get automatically calculated. Alternately, you can use an estimate generator , which is an effective tool for automatically calculating cost forecasts based on various criteria and input data. This tool is both affordable and consumes little computing resources, so you can get it along with the best laptop for the money in the $300-$500 range. If you don’t have such an option at hand, create a very specific pricing table that clearly identifies each item or service, as well as the invoice billing period. Here’s a practical example.

Sample pricing for a business proposal:

Remember, your goal is to make them comfortable with the pricing. Make them understand that your offer is not a cost but an investment worth every penny. A great way to achieve this is adding a live ROI calculator. It’s a perfect reminder of why they’re reading the proposal in the first place: to find a solution that will help them increase the revenue.

Below, you can see a sample ROI calculator created with our presentation maker tool :

Interactive ROI calculator example

8. Finish with terms and conditions + contractual agreement

Here’s a bad dream— The client loved your proposal, you’re midway through the project, and, all of a sudden, they’re refusing to make a second payment on your account. “We agreed on 30% upfront, and a full payment upon completion.” You know that’s not what you agreed on. Or do you? A proper business proposal comes with a detailed set of terms and conditions, together with contractual agreement at the bottom, helping both parties involved avoid any misunderstandings. In the terms and conditions, describe the timeline of the project, payment terms and schedule, cancellation policy (if applicable), and possible pre-agreement amendments to the proposal itself.

Sample terms and conditions for a business proposal:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Timeline Start date: June 1, 2023 End date: July 31, 2023 Total payment due: $11,150 40% of the total payment is due upon signing. 100% of the total payment is due upon project completion. After the final payment, any elements of text, graphics, photos, or other creative work created by ABC Company for Acme Corp are owned by Acme Corp. ABC Company retains the right to showcase their creative work done for Acme Corp as examples in their portfolio. Prior to signing the contractual agreement, elements of this proposal might be amended in cooperation with Jane Atkins, ABC Company.

At the bottom of your document, include a legal agreement clause and a space for signatures. Make it easy for them to make a decision without additional documents. Adding a date and signature space in a business proposal will help you close the deal faster. For maximum convenience, you’ll want electronic signatures enabled.

Sample agreement clause for a business proposal:

If you agree to the terms of this inbound marketing proposal, please sign in the field below. Your signature indicates that you enter into a contractual agreement with ABC Company that commences on the date signed below. [ date ] [ signature ] John Random, Acme Corp

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And that’s a wrap…

I hope this step-by-step overview of business proposal writing has straightened out any queries or doubts you might have had. For the final word, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind before you hit “send.”

Business proposal tips:

• Start with an outline.
• Never reuse old proposals.
• Use hard numbers whenever possible.
• Don’t shy away from your brand.
• Make next steps obvious.
• Re-read, proofread and edit.

Thanks for reading. Keeping my fingers crossed for your proposal!

Hi, I'm John, Editor-in-chief at Storydoc. As a content marketer and digital writer specializing in B2B SaaS, my main goal is to provide you with up-to-date tips for effective business storytelling and equip you with all the right tools to enable your sales efforts.

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Purpose and Types of Research Proposal

A research proposal is generally a document which proposes the various facets of a research project, usually magnifying topics based on science or academia. A research proposal can be solicited or at other times unsolicited. Often students wonder, what is the basic purpose of research proposal and what does it take for writing a research proposal in a non-conventional and substantial way? Research proposals focus on evaluating the charge and the potential impact which is required to carry out the proposed research plan in a strategic and coherent way. The fundamental “purpose of research proposal”  kingpins the areas of detailed studies and makes sure that the research proposal being drafted is feasible. 

Following a few of the “research proposal template” and “research proposal samples” can give you a potent idea of concocting your “research proposal format” and a briefing of the topic you have chosen for your research work. The “research proposal format” constitutes a few keynotes as

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Methodology
• Bibliography

The ultimate “purpose of research proposal” is to make your research paper spectacular by incorporating all the aforesaid elements which abide by the “research proposal format”. 

Before you head off and start planning, you need to know what kind of proposal you’re making. This will help you focus on the important elements of your document and know the level of detail you need to go into.

There are six types of proposal:

Formally Solicited

A formally solicited project proposal is made in response to an official request for a proposal. In a way, this is the easiest way to create a proposal for a new project, since the Request for Proposal (RFP) document will usually tell you exactly what the customer or audience wants and sometimes even directions for preparing the proposal.

RFP forms aren’t to be confused with project request forms though – the former is a way to directly react to specific needs and desires, whereas the latter is a way for higher management to request a project of their teams.

Therefore, for formally solicited proposals you should take a more structured approach. You have to respond directly to the contents of whatever rough details have been relayed to you, essentially turning feedback into a quantifiable project which you can then judge the worth of starting.

Informally Solicited

Informally solicited project proposals are the same as formally solicited ones, except the information they are based on isn’t set out in a specific document. This makes them a little harder to deal with (more research is involved in analyzing them) but you at least have a rough starting point.

It’s pretty much just a lack of detail that separates formal from informal – formal proposal requests have set details, goals, deliverables, and potentially even methods, while informal ones could be based on a conversation. If you’ve been asked for a proposal but haven’t been given any specifics, it’s an informally solicited one.

Again, the approach for this isn’t too different from a formally solicited one, but you’ll have to put in some extra legwork in defining details like the objectives and method, and in assessing how viable the whole thing is.

Unsolicited

Unsolicited project proposals are the project equivalent of cold calls – nobody asked to receive one, but (if you’ve done your homework) it can still provide a ton of value. These are proposals which are thought of by the person submitting them and can be inspired by anything, from a eureka moment in the employee’s daily work to a casual conversation with a customer.

Arguably these are the hardest proposals to write, as you’ll have to be extra persuasive (nobody asked for the proposal so they’ll need extra nudging). This means gathering more evidence than usual to prove the proposal’s worth and taking extra care when writing to make sure that it’s convincing.

Continuation

Continuation project proposals are by far and away the easiest to write, since these are essentially reminders/updates for ongoing (and already approved) projects.

Once an ongoing project has finished or outlived its usefulness (and support for it is going to be terminated), a renewal project proposal can be written to make the case for its continued support.

Much like continuation proposals, these are less about convincing the audience of the project’s worth by itself and more about showing why it’s valuable to continue doing it. This usually means weighing up the return benefits with the resources it takes to upkeep the practice.

It’s also good to compare the project you’re trying to get renewed support for with other continuing projects – this puts its worth in context of other ongoing efforts, and can indicate areas better suited to being discontinued.

Supplemental

A supplemental project proposal is required when you need to ask for extra resources for a project (beyond those originally proposed). The main aim when writing these proposals is to be able to justify the extra resources and produce updated estimates of what the project will now take to complete.

If the project’s scope is being increased to have a further reach then this will read as an extension of the original document with a focus on explaining the benefits of expanding the scope.

However, if problems or new information have arisen that mean the original goals require extra resources, you should instead focus on reiterating the benefits that the project will bring, explain why such problems and/or information weren’t seen in advance, and reassure the audience that the operation is still worth the investment.

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Business Proposal – Templates, Examples and Guide

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Business Proposal

Business Proposal is a written document that outlines a business idea or proposal for a specific project or opportunity. It typically includes details about the business’s products or services, target market, competition, marketing strategy, financial projections, and any other relevant information that can help convince the reader to accept the proposal.

Business Proposal Outline

Here is a general outline for a business proposal:

• Include the name of your business or project, your name or company name, and contact information.
• Provide a concise overview of your business idea, highlighting its uniqueness, market potential, and the key benefits it offers. It should capture the reader’s attention and provide a snapshot of the entire proposal.
• Introduce your business idea, explaining the problem or need it addresses and the value it brings to the market.
• Clearly state the objectives and goals of your business. This section should outline what you aim to achieve and the milestones you plan to reach.
• Conduct a thorough analysis of your target market, including its size, demographics, trends, and competitors. Highlight the unique selling points that differentiate your business from competitors.
• Describe your product or service in detail, emphasizing its features, benefits, and how it solves the problem identified in the market analysis.
• Outline your marketing and sales approach, including your target audience, pricing strategy, distribution channels, and promotional activities.
• Explain how your business will operate on a day-to-day basis. Discuss production processes, sourcing, logistics, and any relevant operational considerations.
• Introduce your team and key personnel, highlighting their qualifications, expertise, and roles within the business.
• Present your financial forecasts, including revenue projections, expenses, and profitability. Include a break-even analysis and a clear explanation of how the proposed investment will generate returns.
• Specify the amount of funding or resources you are seeking, along with a detailed explanation of how the funds will be utilized. If applicable, provide options for different investment levels.
• Summarize the key points of your proposal, reiterating the potential of your business and the benefits it offers. Express gratitude for the reader’s consideration.
• Include any supporting documents or additional information that will enhance the credibility of your proposal, such as market research data, product samples, customer testimonials, or legal documentation.

Business Proposal Template

Here’s a template you can use as a starting point for your business proposal:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to present a business proposal for [describe your business idea or project]. We believe that this venture holds great potential and would greatly benefit [Recipient’s Company] in achieving [specific goals or objectives].

• Executive Summary: [Provide a concise overview of your business idea, market potential, and key benefits.]
• Introduction: [Introduce your business idea, explaining the problem or need it addresses and the value it brings to the market.]
• Objectives and Goals: [Clearly state the objectives and goals of your business.]
• Market Analysis: [Provide a detailed analysis of your target market, including size, demographics, trends, and competition.]
• Product or Service Description: [Describe your product or service in detail, emphasizing its features, benefits, and how it solves the market problem.]
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: [Outline your marketing and sales approach, including target audience, pricing, distribution channels, and promotional activities.]
• Operational Plan: [Explain how your business will operate on a day-to-day basis, including production processes, sourcing, and logistics.]
• Team and Key Personnel: [Introduce your team and key personnel, highlighting their qualifications and roles within the business.]
• Financial Projections: [Present your financial forecasts, including revenue projections, expenses, and profitability. Include a break-even analysis.]
• Funding Request: [Specify the amount of funding or resources you are seeking, along with a detailed explanation of how the funds will be utilized.]
• Conclusion: [Summarize the key points of your proposal, reiterating the potential of your business and the benefits it offers.]

Thank you for taking the time to review our business proposal. We believe that our collaboration will be mutually beneficial and have a positive impact on the [specific industry or market]. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further at your convenience.

Please find attached any supporting documents that accompany this proposal. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].

We look forward to the possibility of working together and appreciate your consideration.

Business Proposal Example

Sure! Here’s an example of a business proposal for a fictitious company called “ABC Marketing Solutions” offering digital marketing services:

ABC Marketing Solutions 123 Main Street City, State, ZIP Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abcmarketingsolutions.com

John Smith Marketing Director XYZ Corporation 456 Elm Street City, State, ZIP

Subject: Proposal for Comprehensive Digital Marketing Solutions

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am pleased to present this business proposal on behalf of ABC Marketing Solutions. We have thoroughly evaluated your company’s marketing needs and are confident that our comprehensive digital marketing solutions can significantly enhance your brand visibility and drive targeted traffic to your website.

• Executive Summary: Our proposal outlines a tailored digital marketing strategy designed to meet XYZ Corporation’s specific objectives and drive business growth through increased online presence and customer engagement.
• Introduction: In today’s digital age, effective online marketing is crucial for business success. Our proposal aims to position XYZ Corporation as a leader in your industry by leveraging cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and strategies.
• Objectives and Goals: Our primary objectives are to increase website traffic, generate quality leads, and enhance brand awareness for XYZ Corporation. We will achieve these goals through a combination of search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and content creation.
• Market Analysis: Our research indicates that the online presence of XYZ Corporation is currently underutilized, presenting significant opportunities for growth. We have analyzed your target market and identified key demographics and online trends that will guide our marketing efforts.
• SEO : Optimizing your website to improve search engine rankings and increase organic traffic.
• PPC Advertising: Creating targeted ad campaigns to drive relevant traffic to your website.
• Social Media Marketing: Developing a strong social media presence on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to engage with your target audience.
• Content Marketing: Producing valuable and engaging content to attract and retain customers.
• Marketing Strategy: Our approach involves a multi-channel marketing strategy to maximize reach and engagement. We will develop a customized plan tailored to XYZ Corporation’s unique needs, ensuring that all marketing efforts are aligned with your brand identity and business goals.
• Implementation and Timeline: We will work closely with your team to implement the proposed marketing strategy. The timeline provided in our proposal outlines the key deliverables and milestones, ensuring a seamless and efficient execution.
• Investment and ROI: Our pricing is based on a transparent and competitive model, tailored to meet your budget and objectives. Our strategy is designed to deliver measurable results, and we anticipate a significant return on investment through increased website traffic, lead generation, and conversion rates.
• Conclusion: We are confident that ABC Marketing Solutions can provide the digital marketing expertise and support necessary to propel XYZ Corporation to new heights. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our proposal in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for considering ABC Marketing Solutions as your digital marketing partner. We are excited about the potential of working together to achieve your marketing goals. Please find attached supporting documents that further illustrate our capabilities and success stories.

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you and contribute to the growth and success of XYZ Corporation.

Jane Doe Founder and CEO ABC Marketing Solutions

Business Proposal Writing Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write an effective business proposal:

Understand the Requirements:

• Familiarize yourself with the requirements of the proposal, including any guidelines, formatting, and submission instructions.

Research and Planning:

• Conduct thorough research on the market, target audience, competition, and industry trends.
• Clearly define your business idea, objectives, and goals.
• Identify the unique value proposition of your business and how it addresses a specific problem or need in the market.
• Determine the scope of your proposal and the key sections you need to include.

Structure and Formatting:

• Create a clear and logical structure for your proposal.
• Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to improve readability.
• Ensure consistency in formatting, font styles, and spacing.

Executive Summary:

• Summarize the most important aspects of your proposal in a concise and compelling manner.
• Highlight the key benefits, market potential, and objectives of your business.

Introduction:

• Introduce your business idea and provide background information.
• Clearly articulate the problem or need your business addresses.

Market Analysis:

• Provide a comprehensive analysis of your target market, including its size, demographics, trends, and competition.
• Highlight your unique selling points and competitive advantage.

Product or Service Description:

• Describe your product or service in detail.
• Explain how it meets the needs of your target market.
• Emphasize the features, benefits, and value proposition.

Marketing and Sales Strategy:

• Outline your marketing and sales approach.
• Define your target audience and explain how you will reach and engage them.
• Discuss your pricing strategy, distribution channels, and promotional activities.

Operational Plan:

• Explain how your business will operate on a day-to-day basis.
• Detail your production processes, sourcing, and logistics.
• Address any operational considerations or challenges.
• Introduce your team and highlight their qualifications and expertise.
• Emphasize how their skills and experience contribute to the success of your business.
• Present realistic and well-supported financial forecasts.
• Include revenue projections, expenses, profitability, and a break-even analysis.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the financial aspects of your business.
• Clearly state the amount of funding or resources you are seeking.
• Justify the funding request by explaining how it will be utilized and the expected returns on investment.
• Summarize the key points of your proposal.
• Reiterate the benefits and potential of your business.
• Express gratitude for the reader’s consideration.
• Thoroughly proofread your proposal for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure the content is clear, concise, and well-organized.
• Seek feedback from others to improve the clarity and effectiveness of your proposal.
• Include any relevant supporting documents such as market research data, customer testimonials, or legal documentation.
• Ensure the attachments enhance the credibility and persuasiveness of your proposal.

Importance of Business Proposal

Business proposals are essential for several reasons:

• Clarity of Purpose: A business proposal helps you articulate and clarify your business idea, objectives, and goals. It provides a clear roadmap for your venture and ensures that all stakeholders have a common understanding of the project.
• Communication Tool: A well-written business proposal serves as a communication tool to convey your ideas, plans, and strategies to potential investors, partners, or clients. It allows you to present your business concept in a structured and professional manner, increasing your chances of securing support or partnership.
• Attracting Investment: Business proposals are often used to secure funding or investment for a project. Investors need to understand the potential returns and risks associated with the venture. A comprehensive and persuasive proposal can convince them of the viability and profitability of your business idea.
• Decision Making: Business proposals provide decision-makers with the necessary information to assess the feasibility and benefits of a project. By presenting a well-researched proposal, you enhance your credibility and increase the likelihood of gaining approval for your business idea.
• Planning and Strategy Development: Developing a business proposal requires thorough research and planning. It forces you to analyze the market, identify target audiences, assess competition, and develop effective marketing and operational strategies. This process ensures that you approach your business idea with a strategic mindset and a solid foundation.
• Competitive Advantage: A business proposal allows you to showcase your unique selling points and competitive advantage. It highlights how your product or service stands out from the competition and addresses the needs and preferences of your target market. This can give you a competitive edge in the market.
• Alignment of Stakeholders: A well-crafted business proposal brings all stakeholders on the same page. It ensures that everyone involved in the project, including team members, investors, and partners, understands the goals, objectives, and strategies. This alignment facilitates collaboration and effective decision-making.
• Evaluation and Improvement: Developing a business proposal requires you to critically evaluate your business idea and refine it based on market research and feedback. This evaluation process helps you identify potential challenges, risks, and areas for improvement, enabling you to make necessary adjustments and increase the chances of success.

Purpose of Business Proposal

The purpose of a business proposal is to persuade, inform, and convince the reader to take action or make a decision in favor of your business idea, project, or opportunity. Here are some specific purposes of a business proposal:

• Secure Funding or Investment: One of the primary purposes of a business proposal is to secure funding or investment for your business. The proposal provides the necessary information and justification for potential investors or lenders to understand the financial requirements, potential returns, and risks associated with the project.
• Obtain Partnership or Collaboration: A business proposal can be used to attract potential partners or collaborators who can bring value to your business. It outlines the benefits of a partnership, the complementary resources or expertise that each party can contribute, and the potential synergies and opportunities for growth.
• Win Contracts or Projects: When competing for contracts or projects, a business proposal serves as a competitive tool to differentiate your business from competitors. It showcases your capabilities, expertise, and track record, demonstrating why you are the best choice for the project.
• Present a New Business Idea: If you have a new business idea, a proposal allows you to present and communicate the concept to stakeholders, potential investors, or decision-makers. It outlines the market opportunity, the problem it solves, and how your idea brings value and innovation to the market.
• Outline a Strategic Plan: A business proposal can serve as a strategic plan for your business. It provides a roadmap and outlines the goals, objectives, strategies, and action plans required to achieve success. This helps align stakeholders and guide the implementation of the business idea.
• Seek Approval or Support: When seeking approval or support for a new initiative or project within an organization, a business proposal is used to present the idea and demonstrate its feasibility, benefits, and alignment with organizational goals. It helps decision-makers evaluate and make informed decisions.
• Communicate and Educate: A business proposal is a tool for effective communication and education. It allows you to convey your business idea, market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans in a structured and persuasive manner. It helps stakeholders understand the value, benefits, and potential risks associated with the business venture.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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What Are the 6 Most Effective Types of Business Project Proposals(+ Expert Tips)

When it comes to your business, getting sales and new clients are your lifeblood. That’s why it’s crucial to master writing and designing a professional business project proposal. And it helps to know the different types of proposal you may need to create.

A business proposal that's well-written and has a polished design can mean the difference between winning or losing potential clients. But what is a business proposal exactly? What should it include and how do you make sure your business proposal is effective? 

In this post, we’ll answer these questions. We'll also share what you need to know about most effective business types of proposals. Plus, we'll explain how to write and design a standout proposal that helps you close more sales. 

What Is a Business Project Proposal?

Businesses use business project proposals to convince others to buy their products and services. A business project proposal will identify the buyer’s pain points and present the right solution for those pain points. Different types of business proposals achieve different goals, as you'll see later on.

What Is the Purpose of a Business Project Proposal?

The purpose of the proposal is to inform potential buyers about your goods and services and to serve as a sales pitch that helps close the sale. Business proposals streamline the selling process and outline exactly what the project will entail, eliminating the scope creep later. 

For a quick guide on how to write a business project proposal, study this tutorial:

Why Use a Business Project Proposal?

If you and your prospective client are keen to work together, you may be tempted to skip the business project proposal. But that can be a big mistake. Having a written project proposal has several advantages. These include:

• Better planning. Preparing a project proposal forces you to do research, analyze the client’s problem, and think through a proposed solution. Lori Smith, CEO of Acu-Elligent and author of Winning Business Proposal Strategies for Success , says this helps you to plan better:

“You have to put forth the necessary efforts and resources to know client values, what you can deliver, and weaknesses of competitors, to develop a compelling blueprint or win strategy.” 

• Rock-solid documentation. A business proposal forms the basis for a contract between you and your client, sponsor, or partner. No matter how much you trust each other, it’s best to have everything you agreed on in writing. This can help prevent or even settle legal disputes.
• Improved project management. The proposal sets the phases, milestones, and steps of the project. This level of detail helps you keep track of progress to ensure the project is proceeding as planned. 

Find Great Business Project Proposals On Envato Elements

Writing and designing a business project proposal isn't easy. But the good news is that you don’t have to start completely from scratch. There are many business proposal templates available online. 

Professionally designed templates will save you time because they already have everything in place. All you've got to do is drop in your content. Each template also serves as a project proposal example that can guide you in writing a project proposal.

One of the best places to find  great business project proposals  is Envato Elements. It's a subscription-based marketplace with thousands of modern and  professional business project proposal templates . 

Download as many business project proposal templates as you want: all for a low-monthly fee. Besides business proposal templates, Envato Elements has thousands of other unlimited-use design assets such as:

• stock photos
• business card templates

Another place where you can find even more great business project proposal templates is GraphicRiver. 

This marketplace is part of Envato Market, a suite of marketplaces catering to various creative needs. On GraphicRiver , buy individual business project proposal templates on an as needed basis. 

6 Types of Commonly Used Business Project Proposals

We’ve just covered what business project proposals are and how you can save time with professional business proposal templates. Now let’s talk about what are the different types of business proposals. By knowing the difference between types of business proposals, you’ll know exactly which proposal to send to each client. 

There are six different types of business project proposals:

• formally solicited
• informally solicited
• unsolicited
• continuation
• supplemental

Let’s go over each of these below:

1. Formally Solicited Proposal 

Use this type of proposal when you're responding to an official request for proposal. In most cases, this will be the easiest type of proposal to write as the potential client or customer will specify what they're looking for. In some cases, they'll even outline what they want the proposal to cover.

2. Informally Solicited Proposal

This type of proposal is the same as the formally solicited proposal, but with one difference. The information in the proposal isn’t clearly specified in an official document or request. 

Typically, you’ll write this proposal when a client or customer is interested in what you've got to offer and asks for a proposal. Since the client doesn’t specify their needs, you’ll have to do more research on your part to analyze the client and understand what they're looking for. 

3. Unsolicited Proposal

The unsolicited proposal like a cold call. You could send an unsolicited proposal if you stumbled upon a potential client and think that your offer is exactly what they need. This is one of the hardest proposal types to write. You’ll have to do plenty of research upfront and be very convincing in how you present your project proposal ideas. 

4. Continuation Proposal

Send a continuation proposal when you want to send a reminder or an update about an ongoing project that’s already been approved. All you’re doing with this proposal is providing an update on the project and asking for approval to carry on with the project. These proposal types are the easiest to write unless the client wants major changes moving forward. 

5. Renewal Proposal

Use the renewal proposal after you’ve completed a project and want to make a case for continued support. When it comes to renewal proposals remember to provide convincing proof why it’s beneficial to continue with the project. 

6. Supplemental Proposal

Lastly, the supplemental project proposal is reserved for when you need approval for extra resources for the project. Provide reasons and justify why those resources are needed and create an updated estimate of what the project will take to complete.  

What Should You Include in a Business Proposal?

No matter what type of proposal you’re writing, there are common sections that should be included in every business project proposal. These include: 

• Title and table of contents . This is straightforward. The title and the table of contents provide a high-level overview of the proposal.
• Executive proposal summary . The summary should include the basic information about your company, your history, accomplishments, goals, and milestones.
• The description of the problem . In this section, you’ll provide a description of the client’s problem and provide a reason for them to find a solution.
• The proposed solution . In this section, you’ll outline exactly how you’ll solve their problem and provide them with all the necessary details they need to know.
• Project timeline and resources . After you explain the solution, add a section with the project estimated timeline and the resources you need to complete the project.
• Pricing and legal information . You’ll also need to provide them with the price, outline payment terms, and provide them with any required legal information.
• Terms and conditions . Don’t forget to include terms and conditions that summarize everything you've promised to deliver as well as the client’s responsibilities. 
• The acceptance and call to action . The last section should tell the client what the next steps are and make it clear how they can get started on the project. Include places for all the signatures as well as your contact information in case they've any questions. 

Your proposal should also make it clear to the potential client why you’re the perfect fit for the project by including this information: 

• what your business or company does
• the problem the potential client is facing
• the solution your company offers for that problem
• how your company will implement the solution to solve the problem
• how long the project will take
• the resources that'll be required
• the investment needed for successful project completion 

How to Write and Design Great Business Project Proposals in 2021

By now, you know the different types of business project proposals and what each proposal should include. Let’s tackle some writing and design tips that'll help you write a winning proposal in 2021 so you can confidently close more sales:

1. Research and Plan Your Project Proposal

The first step in writing and designing your business project proposal is to make a plan. The plan should include researching your client and their business. 

Research helps you understand the problems, the budget, the preferred timelines, and specific industry requirements. This ensures that your proposal will present them with the best possible solution. The tips in this article can help:

After you’ve familiarized yourself with the client and their problems, create an outline for your proposal. Make a note of all the sections you want to include and the points you want to cover. 

Learn more about proposals for freelancers and other creatives tutorial:

2. Clearly State the Problem

Once you've got a plan for your proposal, you need to clearly state the problem. This section has to make it obvious to the client what their pain points are and why they need to act on the problem. It should convince them to take action by relating the problem back to them, using their own words and concepts they can easily understand. 

3. Present a Compelling Solution

Now that your audience is aware of their problem and they know what happens if they don’t act, it’s time to present them with a solution. You’ll want to back this up with evidence and data. Show the benefits of the solution along with the steps necessary for the successful implementation of the solution. This will make it clear what they can expect throughout the entire project. 

4. Give Accurate Estimates

Your potential clients will also be interested in how long the project will take as well as how much it’s going to cost them. Include a section that gives accurate estimates of time, materials, expenses, and other resources needed.

Here's a tutorial to help you figure out what to charge:

5. Outline Next Steps

When you’re done writing out all the necessary sections of your proposal, conclude with a section that outlines next steps. This can include asking them to get in touch with you via phone or email, booking an appointment, sending over a signed proposal or similar. 

Be clear and concise here. As we mentioned earlier, include your contact information in case they've got any questions. 

6. Use Visuals

When it comes to the design of your proposal, include plenty of visuals. Photos, charts, graphs, icons, and infographics can help potential clients visualize how the project will go. It'll also make it easier for them to understand more abstract or complex concepts of the proposal.

7. Make Your Cover Engaging

Your proposal cover is the first thing potential clients will see. Make it more engaging by including a photo that relates to their project or a photo of your company. 

You can also include your logo. Use a bold font for the title to instantly capture their attention. 

8. Pay Attention to the Alignment

Your proposal will include both text and visual elements. Make sure they're properly aligned with the help of guides in your document.

Proper alignment will make the entire proposal more visually appealing by adding hierarchy to your design. Your project proposal format is important. Formatting issues like proper alignment make a difference.

9. Save Time With Templates

Save time on writing and designing your business project proposal by using professionally designed business proposal templates. These templates will not only have all the necessary sections, but they'll also have the basic layout and design elements. All you’ll have to do is add your content and then customize the template with your choice of colors and fonts. 

If you're creating your proposal in MS Word, consider these templates:

10. Proofread Everything

Our last tip is to proofread the entire proposal several times to ensure there are no grammar or spelling mistakes. Make sure that all the information is accurate and up to date, especially if you’re talking about your company history or about your client’s business. 

5 Tips to Make a Winning Proposal in 2021

Business proposals are constantly evolving. I've collected some of the top tips from experts who have either prepared many business proposals, or who review proposals as part of their role. Keep these tips in mind to increase your chances of winning that deal or grant.

1. Make It About Them

A common mistake is to make the proposal all about you. Carl Dickson, founder of PropLIBRARY , a huge web-based resource full of practical advice for how to write winning proposals, shares this advice:

“The biggest mistake people make is writing what they want to say instead of what the customer needs to hear in order to make their decision. They treat it like a brochure sent to unknown readers instead of a specific organization with known requirements. Instead, write from the prospective client’s perspective. Spend more time thinking about, researching, and discovering what matters to the customer than you do writing. Then make your case as to why what you are proposing is their best alternative for achieving their goals.”

2. Customize the Proposal

When you write from the prospect’s perspective, you'll find yourself customizing the proposal to them. People tend to rely too much on templates for content, and that can be another big mistake because it makes your proposal generic. If you begin with a template, it should be tailored to each client so that they feel like their needs and circumstances are being addressed.

Kristin Marquet, owner of a PR and branding firm in New York, has drafted more than 500 business proposals for clients since 2009. Her advice:

“My top tip is to provide a scope of work that is customized for the prospective client. A proposal should outline the project objectives, strategies, tactics, timeline, and budget while being specific to the client. I've seen other agencies use a one-size-fits-all approach when preparing their proposals, and that doesn't work as well as a tailored proposal.”

3. Include a Table of Contents

A practical tip is to include a table of contents. After more than 30 years of experience reviewing proposals for investment properties, real estate marketer Dave Kohl has observed that different prospects are interested in different parts of a proposal.

Even within the same company, if several people will be reviewing the proposal, each one will be reviewing different parts of the proposal. A table of contents helps each one find the section that’s most relevant to them.

 “Include a table of contents. This will allow people to get to the information that’s most important to them quickly. Some companies consider the financials to be more important than the execution, while some do not.”

4. Adopt an Editorial Mindset

Keep your proposals fresh by constantly reviewing, editing, and revising them. This is especially true if you produce a large volume of proposals and use templates. 

Michael Alexis is the CEO of TeamBuilding , a company that sent out thousands of B2B proposals in 2020 and won over 15,000 contracts. Alexis says:

“These proposal templates can quickly become legacy-documents within a business. They aren’t up-to-date or exactly what your current client needs. I recommend giving every proposal, or proposal over a certain value, a quick read over. A clear and accurate proposal will help you win deals.” 

Alexis observed that the most common opportunities for updating a proposal template include:

• outdated terminology, including the name of a product or service
• inaccurate words or phrases, such as references to meeting in person, when it isn’t possible during a pandemic.
• terms or provisions that are not relevant to the current scope of work

5. Follow Up

Don’t just send off your proposal and then cross your fingers and wait. Follow up with the prospective client in a way that shows you can deliver on what they’re looking for.

Jenn Morgan is a brand marketing consultant and founder of Radically Distinct , a strategic brand marketing agency. As such, Morgan writes about six proposals per month and has revamped hundreds of proposals for clients. Her top advice?

“The proposal is only one piece of the customer acquisition process. Don't rely on the proposal alone to win the deal. Go the extra mile and showcase case studies, follow up with happy customers, and make sure you hit every point of your unique value proposition.” 

Learn More About How to Prepare Your Proposal

Winning proposals is critical to getting the income or funding you want. Strengthening your proposal writing skills will pay off for the lifetime of your business or organization. As with most things, practice makes perfect. It also helps to track your results and analyze what makes some of your proposals succeed while others fail.

These articles are a good place to begin:

Write and Design an Effective Business Project Proposal

Writing and designing an effective business project proposal might seem daunting. But once you know what you need to include and which proposal type to start with, you’ll have a much easier time. 

Get a head start on your business project proposal with one of our professionally designed business proposal templates from Envato Elements if you need proposal templates and other creative assets regularly. 

Or, if you need a single business proposal template, choose one from thousands of modern business proposal templates from GraphicRiver.

Note: This article was originally published in July of 2020. It's been updated with help from Lexi Rodrigo . 

How to Write a Budget Proposal (+ Free Template)

Published: May 29, 2024

The first time I was assigned to write a budget proposal, I stared anxiously at a blank spreadsheet, wondering where to begin. What was a budget proposal supposed to include? Was there a specific structure to follow? How could I ensure it met all the necessary criteria?

My early attempts at writing a proposal taught me the challenges of building a convincing plan that turns rough ideas into fundable projects. I had to learn to align proposal details with business objectives and articulate the potential benefits in a way that resonated with stakeholders.

It was an overwhelming task at times — but with a strategic approach and a bit of guidance, my ability to synthesize financial data and communicate value gradually became second nature.

In this article, I'll guide you through how to write a simple budget proposal that delights your audience and secures funding. I’ll also provide practical tips, templates, and sample projects to streamline your planning process.

So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is a budget proposal, and why is it important?

The anatomy of a budget proposal, how to create a simple budget proposal, building my own basic budget proposal, 8 budget proposal best practices.

A budget proposal outlines the financial plans for a project or initiative, detailing the expected costs and resources needed for successful completion.

Budget proposals also show potential funders or stakeholders how their money will be spent and the tangible benefits their investment will achieve.

While the content of your budget proposal will change depending on your project’s parameters and specific goals, a well-crafted plan leads to benefits like:

• Stakeholder buy-in. Providing a transparent breakdown of anticipated expenses instills confidence and trust, encouraging stakeholder support or investment.
• Efficient resource usage. Outlining a clear resource allocation plan ensures that funds are directed to the areas where they are needed most.
• Risk mitigation. Applying a risk management framework helps proactively identify potential costs and contingencies, ensuring that the project remains on track and within budget constraints.
• Project tracking. Identifying key project milestones and benchmarks promotes informed decision-making, maintaining efficient and agile progress.

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Before you begin drafting your budget proposal, it's helpful to first familiarize yourself with its key components and overarching structure.

Knowing which strategic points to emphasize — and the order in which to present them — improves your ability to create a logical and compelling argument, while also ensuring you effectively communicate your project’s feasibility.

So, let's examine five critical sections found in every effective budget proposal, drawing on the structure used in Hubspot’s Free Budget Proposal Template .

7. Build a story.

Weave in a strong storytelling narrative that provides context, explains assumptions, and addresses any potential concerns or questions. This adds depth to your proposal and helps guide readers through the document.

Pro tip: Incorporate data visualization techniques, such as graphs or infographics, to complement your narrative and enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your budget proposal.

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Overview and key findings

Tracking cop28 progress.

• United States
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• European Union
• Middle East
• Japan and Korea
• Southeast Asia

Cite report

IEA (2024), World Energy Investment 2024 , IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-investment-2024, Licence: CC BY 4.0

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The world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels…, global investment in clean energy and fossil fuels, 2015-2024, …but there are major imbalances in investment, and emerging market and developing economies (emde) outside china account for only around 15% of global clean energy spending, annual investment in clean energy by selected country and region, 2019 and 2024, investment in solar pv now surpasses all other generation technologies combined, global annual investment in solar pv and other generation technologies, 2021-2024, the integration of renewables and upgrades to existing infrastructure have sparked a recovery in spending on grids and storage, investment in power grids and storage by region 2017-2024, rising investments in clean energy push overall energy investment above usd 3 trillion for the first time.

Global energy investment is set to exceed USD 3 trillion for the first time in 2024, with USD 2 trillion going to clean energy technologies and infrastructure. Investment in clean energy has accelerated since 2020, and spending on renewable power, grids and storage is now higher than total spending on oil, gas, and coal.

As the era of cheap borrowing comes to an end, certain kinds of investment are being held back by higher financing costs. However, the impact on project economics has been partially offset by easing supply chain pressures and falling prices. Solar panel costs have decreased by 30% over the last two years, and prices for minerals and metals crucial for energy transitions have also sharply dropped, especially the metals required for batteries.

The annual World Energy Investment report has consistently warned of energy investment flow imbalances, particularly insufficient clean energy investments in EMDE outside China. There are tentative signs of a pick-up in these investments: in our assessment, clean energy investments are set to approach USD 320 billion in 2024, up by more 50% since 2020. This is similar to the growth seen in advanced economies (+50%), although trailing China (+75%). The gains primarily come from higher investments in renewable power, now representing half of all power sector investments in these economies. Progress in India, Brazil, parts of Southeast Asia and Africa reflects new policy initiatives, well-managed public tenders, and improved grid infrastructure. Africa’s clean energy investments in 2024, at over USD 40 billion, are nearly double those in 2020.

Yet much more needs to be done. In most cases, this growth comes from a very low base and many of the least-developed economies are being left behind (several face acute problems servicing high levels of debt). In 2024, the share of global clean energy investment in EMDE outside China is expected to remain around 15% of the total. Both in terms of volume and share, this is far below the amounts that are required to ensure full access to modern energy and to meet rising energy demand in a sustainable way.

Power sector investment in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is projected to exceed USD 500 billion in 2024, surpassing all other generation sources combined. Though growth may moderate slightly in 2024 due to falling PV module prices, solar remains central to the power sector’s transformation. In 2023, each dollar invested in wind and solar PV yielded 2.5 times more energy output than a dollar spent on the same technologies a decade prior.

In 2015, the ratio of clean power to unabated fossil fuel power investments was roughly 2:1. In 2024, this ratio is set to reach 10:1. The rise in solar and wind deployment has driven wholesale prices down in some countries, occasionally below zero, particularly during peak periods of wind and solar generation. This lowers the potential for spot market earnings for producers and highlights the need for complementary investments in flexibility and storage capacity.

Investments in nuclear power are expected to pick up in 2024, with its share (9%) in clean power investments rising after two consecutive years of decline. Total investment in nuclear is projected to reach USD 80 billion in 2024, nearly double the 2018 level, which was the lowest point in a decade.

Grids have become a bottleneck for energy transitions, but investment is rising. After stagnating around USD 300 billion per year since 2015, spending is expected to hit USD 400 billion in 2024, driven by new policies and funding in Europe, the United States, China, and parts of Latin America. Advanced economies and China account for 80% of global grid spending. Investment in Latin America has almost doubled since 2021, notably in Colombia, Chile, and Brazil, where spending doubled in 2023 alone. However, investment remains worryingly low elsewhere.

Investments in battery storage are ramping up and are set to exceed USD 50 billion in 2024. But spending is highly concentrated. In 2023, for every dollar invested in battery storage in advanced economies and China, only one cent was invested in other EMDE.

Investment in energy efficiency and electrification in buildings and industry has been quite resilient, despite the economic headwinds. But most of the dynamism in the end-use sectors is coming from transport, where investment is set to reach new highs in 2024 (+8% compared to 2023), driven by strong electric vehicle (EV) sales.

The rise in clean energy spending is underpinned by emissions reduction goals, technological gains, energy security imperatives (particularly in the European Union), and an additional strategic element: major economies are deploying new industrial strategies to spur clean energy manufacturing and establish stronger market positions. Such policies can bring local benefits, although gaining a cost-competitive foothold in sectors with ample global capacity like solar PV can be challenging. Policy makers need to balance the costs and benefits of these programmes so that they increase the resilience of clean energy supply chains while maintaining gains from trade.

In the United States, investment in clean energy increases to an estimated more than USD 300 billion in 2024, 1.6 times the 2020 level and well ahead of the amount invested in fossil fuels. The European Union spends USD 370 billion on clean energy today, while China is set to spend almost USD 680 billion in 2024, supported by its large domestic market and rapid growth in the so-called “new three” industries: solar cells, lithium battery production and EV manufacturing.

Overall upstream oil and gas investment in 2024 is set to return to 2017 levels, but companies in the Middle East and Asia now account for a much larger share of the total

Change in upstream oil and gas investment by company type, 2017-2024, newly approved lng projects, led by the united states and qatar, bring a new wave of investment that could boost global lng export capacity by 50%, investment and cumulative capacity in lng liquefaction, 2015-2028, investment in fuel supply remains largely dominated by fossil fuels, although interest in low-emissions fuels is growing fast from a low base.

Upstream oil and gas investment is expected to increase by 7% in 2024 to reach USD 570 billion, following a 9% rise in 2023. This is being led by Middle East and Asian NOCs, which have increased their investments in oil and gas by over 50% since 2017, and which account for almost the entire rise in spending for 2023-2024.

Lower cost inflation means that the headline rise in spending results in an even larger rise in activity, by approximately 25% compared with 2022. Existing fields account for around 40% total oil and gas upstream investment, while another 33% goes to new fields and exploration. The remainder goes to tight oil and shale gas.

Most of the huge influx of cashflows to the oil and gas industry in 2022-2023 was either returned to shareholders, used to buy back shares or to pay down debt; these uses exceeded capital expenditure again in 2023. A surge in profits has also spurred a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), especially among US shale companies, which represented 75% of M&A activity in 2023. Clean energy spending by oil and gas companies grew to around USD 30 billion in 2023 (of which just USD 1.5 billion was by NOCs), but this represents less than 4% of global capital investment on clean energy.

A significant wave of new investment is expected in LNG in the coming years as new liquefaction plants are built, primarily in the United States and Qatar. The concentration of projects looking to start operation in the second half of this decade could increase competition and raise costs for the limited number of specialised contractors in this area. For the moment, the prospect of ample gas supplies has not triggered a major reaction further down the value chain. The amount of new gas-fired power capacity being approved and coming online remains stable at around 50-60 GW per year.

Investment in coal has been rising steadily in recent years, and more than 50 GW of unabated coal-fired power generation was approved in 2023, the most since 2015, and almost all of this was in China.

Investment in low-emissions fuels is only 1.4% of the amount spent on fossil fuels (compared to about 0.5% a decade ago). There are some fast-growing areas. Investments in hydrogen electrolysers have risen to around USD 3 billion per year, although they remain constrained by uncertainty about demand and a lack of reliable offtakers. Investments in sustainable aviation fuels have reached USD 1 billion, while USD 800 million is going to direct air capture projects (a 140% increase from 2023). Some 20 commercial-scale carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects in seven countries reached final investment decision (FID) in 2023; according to company announcements, another 110 capture facilities, transport and storage projects could do the same in 2024.

Energy investment decisions are primarily driven and financed by the private sector, but governments have essential direct and indirect roles in shaping capital flows

Sources of investment in the energy sector, average 2018-2023, sources of finance in the energy sector, average 2018-2023, households are emerging as important actors for consumer-facing clean energy investments, highlighting the importance of affordability and access to capital, change in energy investment volume by region and fuel category, 2016 versus 2023, market sentiment around sustainable finance is down from the high point in 2021, with lower levels of sustainable debt issuances and inflows into sustainable funds, sustainable debt issuances, 2020-2023, sustainable fund launches, 2020-2023, energy transitions are reshaping how energy investment decisions are made, and by whom.

This year’s World Energy Investment report contains new analysis on sources of investments and sources of finance, making a clear distinction between those making investment decisions (governments, often via state-owned enterprises (SOEs), private firms and households) and the institutions providing the capital (the public sector, commercial lenders, and development finance institutions) to finance these investments.

Overall, most investments in the energy sector are made by corporates, with firms accounting for the largest share of investments in both the fossil fuel and clean energy sectors. However, there are significant country-by-country variations: half of all energy investments in EMDE are made by governments or SOEs, compared with just 15% in advanced economies. Investments by state-owned enterprises come mainly from national oil companies, notably in the Middle East and Asia where they have risen substantially in recent years, and among some state-owned utilities. The financial sustainability, investment strategies and the ability for SOEs to attract private capital therefore become a central issue for secure and affordable transitions.

The share of total energy investments made or decided by private households (if not necessarily financed by them directly) has doubled from 9% in 2015 to 18% today, thanks to the combined growth in rooftop solar installations, investments in buildings efficiency and electric vehicle purchases. For the moment, these investments are mainly made by wealthier households – and well-designed policies are essential to making clean energy technologies more accessible to all . A comparison shows that households have contributed to more than 40% of the increase in investment in clean energy spending since 2016 – by far the largest share. It was particularly pronounced in advanced economies, where, because of strong policy support, households accounted for nearly 60% of the growth in energy investments.

Three quarters of global energy investments today are funded from private and commercial sources, and around 25% from public finance, and just 1% from national and international development finance institutions (DFIs).

Other financing options for energy transition have faced challenges and are focused on advanced economies. In 2023, sustainable debt issuances exceeded USD 1 trillion for the third consecutive year, but were still 25% below their 2021 peak, as rising coupon rates dampened issuers’ borrowing appetite. Market sentiment for sustainable finance is wavering, with flows to ESG funds decreasing in 2023, due to potential higher returns elsewhere and credibility concerns. Transition finance is emerging to mobilise capital for high-emitting sectors, but greater harmonisation and credible standards are required for these instruments to reach scale.

A secure and affordable transitioning away from fossil fuels requires a major rebalancing of investments

Investment change in 2023-2024, and additional average annual change in investment in the net zero scenario, 2023-2030, a doubling of investments to triple renewables capacity and a tripling of spending to double efficiency: a steep hill needs climbing to keep 1.5°c within reach, investments in renewables, grids and battery storage in the net zero emissions by 2050 scenario, historical versus 2030, investments in end-use sectors in the net zero emissions by 2050 scenario, historical versus 2030, meeting cop28 goals requires a doubling of clean energy investment by 2030 worldwide, and a quadrupling in emde outside china, investments in renewables, grids, batteries and end use in the net zero emissions by 2050 scenario, 2024 and 2030, mobilising additional, affordable financing is the key to a safer and more sustainable future, breakdown of dfi financing by instrument, currency, technology and region, average 2019-2022, much greater efforts are needed to get on track to meet energy & climate goals, including those agreed at cop28.

Today’s investment trends are not aligned with the levels necessary for the world to have a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and to achieve the interim goals agreed at COP28. The current momentum behind renewable power is impressive, and if the current spending trend continues, it would cover approximately two-thirds of the total investment needed to triple renewable capacity by 2030. But an extra USD 500 billion per year is required in the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario (NZE Scenario) to fill the gap completely (including spending for grids and battery storage). This equates to a doubling of current annual spending on renewable power generation, grids, and storage in 2030, in order to triple renewable capacity.

The goal of doubling the pace of energy efficiency improvement requires an even greater additional effort. While investment in the electrification of transport is relatively strong and brings important efficiency gains, investment in other efficiency measures – notably building retrofits – is well below where it needs to be: efficiency investments in buildings fell in 2023 and are expected to decline further in 2024. A tripling in the current annual rate of spending on efficiency and electrification – to about USD 1.9 trillion in 2030 – is needed to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements.

Anticipated oil and gas investment in 2024 is broadly in line with the level of investment required in 2030 in the Stated Policies Scenario, a scenario which sees oil and natural gas demand levelling off before 2030. However, global spare oil production capacity is already close to 6 million barrels per day (excluding Iran and Russia) and there is a shift expected in the coming years towards a buyers’ market for LNG. Against this backdrop, the risk of over-investment would be strong if the world moves swiftly to meet the net zero pledges and climate goals in the Announced Pledges Scenario (APS) and the NZE Scenario.

The NZE Scenario sees a major rebalancing of investments in fuel supply, away from fossil fuels and towards low-emissions fuels, such as bioenergy and low-emissions hydrogen, as well as CCUS. Achieving net zero emissions globally by 2050 would mean annual investment in oil, gas, and coal falls by more than half, from just over USD 1 trillion in 2024 to below USD 450 billion per year in 2030, while spending on low-emissions fuels increases tenfold, to about USD 200 billion in 2030 from just under USD 20 billion today.

The required increase in clean energy investments in the NZE Scenario is particularly steep in many emerging and developing economies. The cost of capital remains one of the largest barriers to investment in clean energy projects and infrastructure in many EMDE, with financing costs at least twice as high as in advanced economies as well as China. Macroeconomic and country-specific factors are the major contributors to the high cost of capital for clean energy projects, but so, too, are risks specific to the energy sector. Alongside actions by national policy makers, enhanced support from DFIs can play a major role in lowering financing costs and bringing in much larger volumes of private capital.

Targeted concessional support is particularly important for the least-developed countries that will otherwise struggle to access adequate capital. Our analysis shows cumulative financing for energy projects by DFIs was USD 470 billion between 2013 and 2021, with China-based DFIs accounting for slightly over half of the total. There was a significant reduction in financing for fossil fuel projects over this period, largely because of reduced Chinese support. However, this was not accompanied by a surge in support for clean energy projects. DFI support was provided almost exclusively (more than 90%) as debt (not all concessional) with only about 3% reported as equity financing and about 6% as grants. This debt was provided in hard currency or in the currency of donors, with almost no local-currency financing being reported.

The lack of local-currency lending pushes up borrowing costs and in many cases is the primary reason behind the much higher cost of capital in EMDE compared to advanced economies. High hedging costs often make this financing unaffordable to many of the least-developed countries and raises questions of debt sustainability. More attention is needed from DFIs to focus interventions on project de-risking that can mobilise much higher multiples of private capital.

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