Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
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
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.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
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:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
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:
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.
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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:
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
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
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:
To determine your budget, think about:
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.
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 9 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/
Other students also liked, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples, how to write a results section | tips & examples.
Last Updated: May 17, 2024 Fact Checked
Writing your own proposal.
This article was co-authored by Dave Labowitz . Dave Labowitz is a Business Coach who helps pre-entrepreneurs, solopreneurs/entrepreneurs, and team leaders start, scale, and lead their businesses and teams. Before beginning his coaching career, Dave was a startup executive who spent over a decade building high-growth companies. Dave’s “path less traveled” life includes adventures such as dropping out of high school, co-authoring a book in the Smithsonian Institute, and getting his MBA at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,006,124 times.
Writing a good proposal is a critical skill in many occupations, from school to business management to geology. The goal of a proposal is to gain support for your plan by informing the appropriate people. Your ideas or suggestions are more likely to be approved if you can communicate them in a clear, concise, engaging manner. Knowing how to write a persuasive, captivating proposal is essential for success in many fields. There are several types of proposals, such as science proposals and book proposals, but each following the same basic guidelines.
Proposals aim to inform the reader on a given topic and persuade the reader to take the requested action. When proposal writing, start with a firm introduction before stating the problem and your proposed solutions. Include a schedule and budget and finish with a strong conclusion.
Tip: Use your summary to show that you've conducted in-depth research to evaluate and understand the issue. Include only the information that's most relevant to your topic, and avoid writing a summary that's obvious to anyone in the field.
Avoid writing in jargon and using obscure abbreviations or needlessly complex language. Instead, write in plain, direct language as much as possible.
For example, instead of saying "rectification of a workplace imbalance," you could simply write, "let employees go."
Tip: Make the issue as relevant to the audience as you can. Tie it to their interest or goal as directly as you can. Make it specific to them, and avoid relying solely on generic appeal to emotions or values.
Tip: Stay away from vague or unrelated objectives! Include details, responsibilities, and time commitments for departments and individual staff.
To write a proposal, start with an introduction that clearly states the purpose of your proposal. Then, explain the problem at hand and why it needs to be solved right now. Go on to detail your proposed solutions to the problem and why you've chosen those solutions. Also, don't forget to include a schedule and budget. To conclude your proposal, briefly summarize the key points you want readers to walk away understanding. For help formatting and outlining your proposal, read the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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How to Write a Proposal in 10 Easy Steps [Templates Included]
You’re tasked with writing a proposal, and a lot is at stake.
Now is not the time to guess. What should you write? How can you appeal to the client’s deepest desires? How do you satisfy client expectations for your specific industry?
Now is the time to follow a proven process. We’ve analyzed millions of proposals sent with our software to see which tips and tricks actually have an impact on closing rates.
We’re covering all that and more.
Keep reading for our step-by-step guide that shows you exactly how to write a proposal simply by customizing the sections in one of our proposal templates . The right template will show you exactly what to include while helping you save hours on design and formatting.
What’s in this guide:
How to write a proposal in 10 easy steps, industry-specific proposal writing guidelines, 3 proposal templates, next steps: write your own proposal.
A proposal is a document that outlines a project or service to clarify the details and get agreement from all parties involved. Proposals typically include the overall service approach, important timelines, and key deliverables.
For best results, use proposal software instead of a PDF. This way, you’ll get important features for sales like e-signatures, brand and content control, and full visibility into the client’s viewing activity.
There are many different ways to structure a proposal . Through our research of successful proposals , we’ve found that the winning documents usually include these key sections:
Executive Summary
Deliverables
Terms and Conditions
Case Studies (or Social Proof)
Each proposal might name these key sections differently, or put them in a different order.
No matter the sections you choose, make sure you include a table of contents. If you use Proposify , the table of contents is automatically shown on the left-hand side, so clients can easily click around to review different sections again. As you might imagine, the pricing section is often viewed a few times before a decision is made.
While a proposal is used to pitch a new project or service (either to a client or internally to your boss), a report is designed to share details on a project that’s already taken place. Use reports to audit business operations or share the success of a marketing campaign.
Follow along with our step-by-step process, as we use our advertising proposal template . While the content of the examples is specific to advertising, this template can easily be adjusted to fit any industry or project type.
You can’t write a great proposal without a great pitch.
Take the time to understand what your client needs, what their goals are, what they’re concerned about, and what results they care about most.
If you’re pitching a project internally, be sure to talk with different stakeholders and members of your team.
Tips for discovery:
During discovery sessions , ask the appropriate questions to find out if the client is worth your time. Do they fit your ideal client profile? Are they ready to implement your solution? Set criteria to determine if this prospect is ready to even receive a proposal for you. And make sure to update your criteria over time as you learn more about your ideal client.
Proactively discover and handle objections . Ask the client about any concerns, hesitations, or times they’ve been burned by service providers before. This way, you know exactly what points to cover in your proposal.
Get verbal agreement from the client on your pitch and approach before putting it in writing with a proposal.
Kick off your proposal writing with a compelling cover page (also known as the title page). The visuals and style take center stage here—it’s your first impression after all. As for the text, you just need a proposal title and key details such as your company’s name, the client’s name, the date, and your contact information.
Our proposal example features a bright, bold design and all of the details you need. There’s no “one way” to do this right, as long as you’re following your brand guidelines.
Tips for creating cover pages:
Give your project a results-driven title that will immediately put the entire pitch and investment into perspective.
Make sure to choose a proposal template that matches the style of your brand, as it will be easy to change the colors and text later.
Now it’s time to write your cover letter. This is one of the most challenging proposal sections to write because it really sets the tone for the rest of your pitch.
The cover letter (also known as the executive summary) should do more than just provide an overview. This section must be persuasive enough to convince your client to read the rest of the proposal.
Appeal to their desires, hit their key pain points, and get them excited about the transformation you can provide. Make sure you’re crafting compelling, relevant messaging specifically for each individual buyer.
Tips for writing cover letters:
Make sure the copy is on brand. That might mean funny and irreverent or serious and formal.
Put the focus on the outcome of the service, whether that’s customer acquisition, improved facility safety, or a memorable event.
Before you move on to the project approach and pricing, it’s smart to tell the potential client a bit about your company.
This section could include basic information such as your founding date and the niche you focus on, as well as small business bragging rights, such as awards, average results, or audience reach.
If this is an internal pitch, you can write about your team instead of the entire company.
In our example proposal, there’s one page for a company bio and one page for company statistics that matter to the potential client.
Tips for writing company bios:
Even though this section is about you, find ways to make it about your prospective client. Include the company details that show that you can get them the results they’re looking for.
Get creative. Instead of just a wall of text, can you use icons or statistics to show who you are?
Make sure to save this section as a template to re-use it for future proposals. You don’t have to modify this for each client, but you might want to create slightly different company bios for different services (if you offer very different services).
We recommend that you include social proof immediately after your company bio section. This way, you use the words of your previous clients to back up the nice things you just said about yourself.
Social proof can be testimonials, mini case studies, reviews, and star rating averages.
If you’re doing creative or construction work, you might also want to include a couple of portfolio samples.
Tips for using social proof:
Match the testimonial or review to the pitch. Have a bank of testimonials to choose from so you can always pick the most relevant ones.
Be concise. You may want to trim or edit long testimonials so each one is under 50 words. Otherwise, prospective clients might not read them.
Continue to proactively collect social proof. Ask happy clients to write a testimonial or review you online
Now it’s time to sell your services. Create an approach section to showcase what you want you plan to offer the client.
There are so many different ways to write this section, as it really depends on what you’re pitching. You might break the work down into categories with bullet points or descriptions for each category. Or, you might write a few paragraphs describing your proposed solution and why you believe it’s the best fit for the client.
Tips for writing approach sections:
Consider giving this section a unique name, such as The Project Path , Our Plan , or Let’s Get to Work .
Beef it up with additional details. You might include a list of deliverables, a more detailed breakdown of the scope of services, or a timeline illustration with important milestones.
If you don’t have package options and there’s only one price listed, then this section should be very detailed. If there are pricing and service options, then this section will be simpler, and the following section will have the service breakdowns (per package options).
When writing proposals, make sure to give plenty of time and attention to the pricing section. All of the details and options you provide will help clients better understand what they’re getting.
We recommend naming this section "Your Investment" as it helps remind potential buyers of the investment they’re making in their business.
In our example below, you’ll see 3 package options on the first page of the pricing section. And then, the client can select their package choice on the second page. This will automatically update the total pricing of the proposal.
Tips for proposal pricing:
Use optional pricing when possible, such as packages, project lengths, or add-ons, because these methods are known to positively affect closing rates .
Make sure to clarify the different types of costs, such as hourly costs versus fixed costs for an event management pitch.
In Step 4, you created a bio for your company to sell your company’s expertise and prove that you have what it takes to succeed at the service you’re pitching.
Now it’s time to show your client the real humans they’ll be working with if they decide to work with you. Think of this as the “you’re in good hands” section.
Include the faces the client will interact with, making sure to specify your team’s unique talents and what they bring to the table.
Tips for writing team bios:
Only include bios for up to 6 people. You could write bios for the entire company (for a very small business), the executive team, or the people who will handle the account if the proposal is won.
Use this section to show off not only your credentials but your personality. Have fun with it, but as always, stay on brand. A formal proposal might skip the jokes and stick just to the accolades.
This section of the proposal should include the contractual details that will formalize the agreement. This way, you can send the business proposal, and you don’t have to also send a separate contract.
You might have multiple pages of legal clauses or a simple statement of work.
Tips for writing proposal contracts:
If the statement of work isn’t already clarified in the meat of the proposal, make sure to include it here.
Include a clause on refunds, cancellations, and project modifications.
Make sure to have your legal team help you craft the contract section so you know it satisfies your company’s requirements.
And lastly, you need to write your e-signatures page and add an e-signature for yourself and one for your client.
As soon as a client has chosen their pricing options, they can sign the proposal to begin the project.
Tips for adding proposal e-signatures:
Write a message above the signature that helps to seal the deal. Talk about how excited you are to get started and clarify what the immediate next steps will be after the proposal is signed.
Always sign your proposals before you send them! Our research shows that a proposal is more likely to close if you’ve already signed it by the time the client opens it.
Review your proposal analytics to know how to follow up with clients. For example, if a client hasn’t opened the proposal yet, remind them to do so. But if they’ve opened it several times, ask if they have any questions or if they would like to modify the project.
Every industry has its own proposal writing best practices. Here are some tips to consider.
When writing a software proposal, ensure you include ample information on how you will help the client implement and utilize your software. That might look like staff training sessions, custom integrations, a pilot rollout, etc.
In the construction industry, you will likely receive a request for proposals (RFPs) from large corporations and government agencies. So make sure you check the details of the RFP so that your solicited proposal covers all required information.
You typically need to include a very detailed pricing and timeline breakdown, and you might need to showcase your adherence to state and county requirements , whether for certifications, environmental protections, etc.
Marketing is all about results. You should include a couple of different formats of social proof, such as statistics with client results and testimonials. Marketing also requires a lot of creativity regardless of the channel, so make sure you showcase your company’s creative side with unique proposal headings and imagery.
When you’re writing a proposal for event management, catering, or some other service, you need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, make sure that you source testimonials from event attendees, not just your direct clients. Also, your pricing section should include the fixed costs (such as a venue) and the variable costs (like your team’s hours decorating the event or the venue’s bar tab at the end of the night). For any variable costs, provide an estimate that’s 10% higher that what you actually expect.
Proposify offers dozens of proposal templates to guide your writing and help you win deals. Here are some of our favorites.
Ready-made for the construction industry, this template includes previous projects to serve as portfolio pieces, a detailed project summary with items the client is expected to provide, and a project schedule.
While this template was created for accounting services , it can be easily modified to fit various consulting services. The top sections include the introduction letter, about us page, project summary with goals and service breakdown, and a detailed pricing estimate.
With this event catering proposal template , you’ll get a short and sweet introduction page, a longer company bio, a food showcase, event details (great for proactively handling any confusion or mix-ups), a theme moodboard, and a menu sample.
This proposal could be adapted for other types of creative work, such as photography, retail store decorating, or makeup services.
To write an effective proposal, you must start with a solid understanding of the client’s needs. This way, you can put their desired results and transformation front and center. Write a cover letter, project summary, company bio, and pricing table to clarify what the client will receive while also selling your company as the best solutions provider.
You can easily write a proposal using our detailed, beautifully designed proposal templates .
Ready to close deals faster? Start your free trial of Proposify.
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Table of Contents
Briefly, a proposal essay is an essay which puts forward an original idea, and then defends it through the use of well-backed up research and personal opinion combined to try and persuade whoever is reading it of the advantages\disadvantages of the idea.
Proposals are mainly found in three fields: education (it is a good way to teach and learn critical thinking), business (as a way of showing why particular moves would be a bad idea, or a good one, respectively), and economics, for much the same reason. This of course does not mean that they are limited to these areas – proposal essay writing is something which can be useful for many fields.
Much of the work which goes into a good proposal essay is done ahead of time; as the following paragraphs will show, being able to persuade others of your point of view is as much to do with the quality of the research being done, and the ways in which you pitch your argument as it does with the writing style. Writing is (it should go without saying) important, but it can only do so much.
Knowing the audience for your work is incredibly important – the audience will determine the overall tone of the paper, as well as possibly influence the types of sources which can and should be used to back up the arguments made in the paper itself. For example, if the paper is aimed at business people, then arguments should revolve around the financial benefits or drawbacks of the situation being proposed. Alternatively, academics should be tackled by using strictly academic sources and previous academic theories , whether to agree with them or disagree.
Don’t skip over the research. This is the most important part of the process, even more so than having polished writing; less than stellar writing and good research will stand up to scrutiny far more easily than perfect writing and a lack of research will. Good research also makes it more likely that the essay will fulfill its purpose in persuading other people to the point of view it discusses.
Before writing the essay, start by creating a list of your ideas, and forming them into an outline . This outline does not need to be fixed, but it will you to organize your thoughts and the essay so that they both flow coherently in the writing.
An introduction in an essay is how you introduce the topic to whoever is reading. Not only is it the place to lay out the arguments which you will be relying on throughout the essay, but also gives space for any necessary history or important people to be mentioned and discussed before the actual essay begins. The introduction is possibly one of the most important parts of the essay, as it sets up what is to come, and begins the work of persuading people of a particular point of view by convincing them to read on. Outside of an educational setting, proposal essays are generally only written as a means of solving a problem or showing one potential way to solve a problem. Therefore, they highlight the problem which they are attempting to solve within the introduction itself, so as to ensure that the audience understands.
Related: Why Order Essay Writing Service
An outline will be featured at the end of this article, which will show the relevant parts of a proposal essay – note that depending on the context, some parts may need to be taken out or rearranged to better suit what it is trying to convey.
The proposal should act as a statement of purpose, something which explains the purpose behind writing the essay. It can be anything from a few lines long to an entire paragraph – it depends on the length of the essay itself – but it should contain the problem\opinion\topic which is under discussion, and an explanation of why it is worth debating.
This is the paragraph where you lay out your first argument for or against the proposal. Make sure that the writing is good, clear, and doesn’t go off into unnecessary tangents. Similarly, make sure that everything is referenced properly, and prepare to back up every argument (including any follow-up arguments) with well-checked facts.
This should be the same as above, except with an entirely new argument.
Again, this should be the same as above, although many people use it as a means of expressing an opposing opinion to the one they hold. It is entirely up to the writer as to how to use this paragraph, though it should be noted that devoting time to debunking the more common arguments or opposing opinions in the essay will tell the audience that the research into the problem has been thorough and well-done.
The conclusion should not be a simple re-statement of the introduction, with all of the relevant history and essay points, but it should contain some elements of it all. You should include just enough to serve as a reminder of why the proposal was deemed appropriate in the first place, without any in-depth knowledge of the introduction. The main arguments being made in your proposal should also be reiterated. Once this is done, there are two ways in which a proposal essay can be ended, and it depends on what type of proposal essay was being written. If the proposal essay was written in an educational setting, then the conclusion should wrap up all the research done and deliver the final conclusion, along with any last pieces of information which might be appropriate at this stage. The other kind of proposal essay, the one did in a professional setting, should have several more strands to it.
For people who are giving a professional proposal essay : state the goal of the proposal, just to ensure that everybody who reads the essay knows what it is handling, and then focus on why the proposal will work, with reference to any previous moves in this direction, or any potential assets to the proposal which would particularly suit your audience.
20 expert methods to make your grant proposal stand out.
Grants are a critical source of funding for nonprofits, but drafting a proposal to secure a grant is challenging and highly competitive. To increase chances of success, a proposal must be clear, compelling and persuasive.
Below, 20 Forbes Nonprofit Council members explain how to elevate your proposal process and get one step closer to securing that grant for your organization. Follow their recommended approaches to take your applications to the next level.
Always tell as many success stories as possible, even if it can only be told on the cover or in the introduction. Successes demonstrate the organization's impact on a human level; this is where the mission can resonate the most. Decision makers naturally require explicit data-driven outcomes to better understand the financial ask, but what’s almost as important is ensuring they feel moved and inspired. - Lisa Rusyniak , Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.
Talk about the counterfactual point of what would happen in the absence of this grant. What would stay the same, get worse or change? Then, connect that answer back to how the grant will make a difference in the lives of those you are hoping to support in a way that would not otherwise be possible. - Caroline Whistler , Third Sector Capital Partners
Whether it’s a grant or other kind of solicitation, my one basic suggestion is to write explicitly to the requirement. Show the grant offeror that you understand the requirement, how you will meet the requirement with outcomes and how your approach has high value added. Too often, proposal/grant writers focus on the message they want to send as opposed to the requirements of the solicitation. - Pat Tamburrino , NobleReach Foundation
Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 4. establish a relationship prior to submission.
While not always possible, the most surefire way to ensure your grant proposal is successful is for its submission to be the culmination of a relationship already developed and a program already discussed rather than the launch of either. Through this approach, persuasion happens as part of conversations where you align and agree, thus taking the pressure off character limits and written words. - Patricia McIlreavy , Center for Disaster Philanthropy
A proposal for funding should cite data and research to clearly demonstrate the need and the impact the nonprofit can have in closing the opportunity gap. Presenting concrete evidence enhances credibility and persuades donors of the project’s significance and potential outcomes. In addition, keeping language succinct and clear is also advisable. - Randy Wong , Hawaii Youth Symphony
Grant-making institutions look for proposals that demonstrate institutional competency and experience in implementing impactful, mission-aligned programs. Demonstrate your organization's credibility, expertise and track record in delivering similar projects. Highlight successful outcomes you’ve achieved to establish confidence in your ability to effectively utilize funds and deliver results. - Michael Horowitz , The Community Solution Education System
I believe that the best strategy for grants is to tie them to long-term outcomes. Many corporations and foundations desire immediate impact or results, but real change takes time. Grantees should invest in organizations and ideas with a plan for growth and evolution over a period of years. This approach allows nonprofits to communicate funding needs for infrastructure and sustaining operations. - Terry Bowman , ReadWorks
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Proposed projects should accomplish the donor’s objectives and leave room for collaboration. For a competitive edge, mirror language from the original notice of funding opportunity, demonstrate an understanding of the donor’s priorities and speak directly to measurable, sustainable outcomes. Define what sets you apart and outline a solid value proposition for the donor’s investment. - Sharon Payt , International Justice Mission
We always build an outline for a grant proposal. Outlining forces you to clearly explain your project's purpose, goals and methods. Most of all, an outline creates a roadmap for the grant proposal, ensuring that information is presented logically and flows smoothly, allowing multiple team members to contribute and provide feedback, ultimately strengthening the proposal. - Erin Mote , InnovateEDU
Depending on your area of focus, there may be opportunities to seek state and federal funding. These funders typically look for organizations with solid track records and a thoughtful plan for sustainability beyond the initial funding. Having research and strong data that is verified by a third party is helpful, as is having strong relationships with community leaders and elected officials. - Tom Ulbrich , Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc.
Focus on the expected results. All nonprofits are seeking to do good work and have appealing missions. More and more funders today are focused on the impact their dollars will have on the community, not just the organization. That means moving beyond the process and focusing on clear interim and summative metrics. Like nonprofits, funders want to know they are making a difference. - Patrick Riccards , Driving Force Institute
Mirror the language of the funder. Every funder has particular focus areas or interests. Read their website, social media and funding announcements to pull out the main themes and even some phrases they use often. Use these back in the grant to ensure you pitch your work in a way that resonates and can be a significant first step in connecting with their mission and focus. - Matthew Gayer , Spur Local
It may sound simple, but speaking directly and concisely to the question the application is asking. Make sure that you are addressing the interests of the funders and connect how you are going to solve a problem or meet a need. - Jamee Rodgers , Urban Neighborhood Initiative
Craft a compelling grant proposal by aligning your project with the funder's goals. Clearly outline your organization's mission and track record of success while detailing the project's impact and outcomes to demonstrate how it will effectively utilize the funding. - James Dismond , Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
It's critical to align your mission and vision with the strategic focus of the grant funder. Too often, nonprofits apply for grants with guidelines that are clearly not consistent with the organization’s mission or the project’s deliverables. Your argument strengthens when you can bring together the goals and values of both the nonprofit and the funder to deliver a win-win outcome. - Victoria Burkhart , The More Than Giving Company
Anticipate the follow-up questions and answer those in the proposal. Put yourself in the place of the reviewer and answer the questions that may not specifically be on the application. For example, if they ask how many people will receive services, go a step further and give an example of a recipient and the impact on their life. - Kimberly Lewis , Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.
Grants should support, not supplant, more than 30% of your annual revenue. Be strategic with your mission's immediate impact, but also clearly outline how your mission makes a future impact on those you serve and the community as a whole. This shows a longitudinal pathway grant funders like because it shows you are planning to sustain with or without their individual grant. - Erin Davison , Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana
Clarifying the project's effects and outcomes helps you win. Emphasize measurable results and illustrate how grant funds will directly contribute to project goals to demonstrate project value and effectiveness. This helps grant evaluators comprehend your proposal and shows the possible benefits of their investment. Add data-driven facts and match your proposal with the funder's vision. - Jason Fields , Madison Region Economic Partnership
It can be easy to find a grant desirable merely for the price tag. However, the best-written, most persuasive grants come from a true passion for the objective. Sincerity and authenticity are palpable when the writer is in alignment with the goals of the proposal. Be discerning, and do not pursue grant funding if you are not in love with the project for the long haul of deliverables. - Tara Chalakani , Preferred Behavioral Health Group
Whether it’s a grant, major gift or corporate proposal, the key to persuasion is hidden in plain sight. Look at the stories the grant providers tell in their own annual reports, on their social media and on their websites. What questions do they ask in their application? Their language choices and narrative style all tell you exactly what will be most persuasive to them. - Cherian Koshy , Kindsight
Published: April 24, 2024
You’ve just wrapped up a call with a prospective consulting client. They’re interested in working with you. Congratulations! If you’ve found your way to this blog post, it’s safe to assume you now need to develop a consulting proposal for this client — and you need help doing so. That’s why I’m here.
In this post, I’ll explain what a consulting proposal is, and how to write one that your prospective clients can’t resist.
Table of Contents
How to write a consulting proposal, parts of a consulting proposal, consulting proposal template for sales, consulting proposal template for marketing.
A consulting proposal is a document that outlines the nature, scope, and timeline of a specific consulting project. Like a salesperson’s pitch to a prospect, a consulting proposal highlights the problem your prospective client is experiencing and positions you, the consultant, as the solution.
Many prospective clients request proposals before officially signing on the dotted line. Why? In short, a consulting proposal outlines your working relationship so both parties can stay aligned and understand the other’s expectations. Proposals aren’t paper formalities — they signify the start of an important client-consultant relationship.
This document will effectively take your conversations with the prospect into an active working relationship. That’s why it’s important to write a good proposal.
A good consulting proposal must have the following information:
It also includes contractual information such as fees and terms.
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Writing a consulting proposal will require a bit of pre-work. You’ll want to get to know your client’s needs and goals.
You can’t write an effective consulting proposal without chatting with your prospective client first. Do your best to set up a phone call for this conversation; if you can, meet in person. An email will suffice for getting to know your client and their consulting needs, but letting them see your face and/or hear your voice will help you build trust with them.
The better you understand your prospective client’s challenges and pain points, the more impactful your proposal can be.
While a consulting proposal template can help get the job done, the details in your proposals should not be one-size-fits-all; they should be tailored to each client and their needs. Don’t hesitate to follow up with additional phone calls or meetings to better understand your client and what they need from you.
Hiring a consultant is not a cheap investment, and you want your client to understand that they’re investing in you because you’ll deliver results. You don’t necessarily need to include a section titled “Value Proposition,” either.
Instead, get specific on how you’ll deliver. For example, you could mention how you’ll be increasing X metric, reducing Y negative outcome, or driving Z results for their business.
A successful proposal reflects the project scope and details to keep both parties aligned. Don’t forget to ask about your client’s ideal timeline, budget, expectations, and outcomes. These details are important for selling a prospective client on your services as well as giving your client a better understanding of how exactly you two will work together.
Knowing how to write a clear, concise consulting proposal can make or break your ability to convert prospective clients. Let’s review how to put together a winning proposal.
In consulting, a scope of work document ensures that the consultant and client are on the same page from the start regarding the precise work to be completed, by when, and for what investment.
Here’s what I typically see a scope of work document contain:
Client Details
Consultant Details
Project Summary
Milestones, Tasks, Process, and Timeline
Project Exclusions
Investment and Payment Terms
Other Terms
Here’s a consulting scope of work template that you can draw inspiration from.
Scope of Work
Company Name:
Company Representative:
Designation:
Alternate Company Representative (and Contact Details):
Consulting Representative:
This project will entail (enter details here in two to three paragraphs).
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Here’s an overview of the project’s tasks along with the corresponding deadlines:
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Milestone 3 | |||||
The scope of work defines the parameters of the project. Any tasks or services not explicitly specified within this document are considered outside the scope of the project.
In consideration of the milestones described above, (Client Company) shall pay (Consulting Company) the following fee structure for the project:
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Sample Invoice (Attach a sample invoice template for reference)
The payment terms are as follows:
Communication, Reporting, and Approval
General Contact Details
Client Company
Consulting Company
Communication Channels
This subsection outlines the communication guidelines for this project, which will take place via:
Periodic updates regarding the project progress will be given via:
The guidelines for milestone/task approval and final sign-off for the project are as follows:
Each party acknowledges that it has read this scope of work, understands it, and agrees to the terms and conditions.
Client Representative (On Behalf of ‘Client Company’):
Client Company:
Consulting Representative (On Behalf of ‘Consulting Company’):
Consulting Company:
Please read, approve, and sign this document by (insert date here). Once the scope of work is accepted, (Consulting Company Name) shall get in touch within two business days to set up an introductory call for the project.
Note : This template doesn’t constitute legal advice and is for general information purposes only. Before entering into a legal agreement, ask a lawyer to review your scope of work document prior to sending it to a client. This will help prevent issues from arising down the line.
Get started by writing an executive summary or introduction (also called a project summary). This section will include your client’s challenges or obstacles and how you intend to solve them. Simply put, this section summarizes the entire project.
There’s a good chance your client may be receiving proposals from other companies. You’ll need to show them that you’re the right person for the job and assure them they’re in great hands. Briefly describe how your experience will help the client achieve their goals.
While it may be tempting to hone in on your qualifications and experience, your consulting proposal should focus on what your client will get from working with you. You can add this information as a short (1-2 sentences) paragraph in your introduction.
Be as specific as possible about the value and outcomes your client can expect. For example, if your main objective is to increase traffic, say that and outline how. This will help you draft your project scope.
Avoid buzzwords and generic jargon. In fact, do your best to use the same words they did in your meetings — this will resonate with them and show you were listening.
Go back to your client conversation notes. Do they need a new marketing strategy, a new website, or advertising plan? What tangible products will they have once the project is completed? These will be your “deliverables” and you’ll want to include them in your proposal so the client knows exactly what they are getting out of the project. I’ll describe deliverables in more detail in the next section.
You’ll want to be up front with the client about how much the project will cost. Be clear about your fees and what they include. If you require specific payment structures like a deposit or installments on certain dates, explicitly explain them in this section of your proposal.
This section will specify exactly what terms and conditions the client is agreeing to should they decide to proceed. In addition to rates, this can include a timeframe for the project (start and end date), payment types accepted or any other terms you require.
When it comes to consulting proposals, quality matters much more than quantity. Keep your proposal as brief as possible to accurately describe the project scope and expectations. Don’t give your client a reason to stop reading your proposal and potentially view another consultant’s — instead, keep your proposal concise and engaging.
A consulting proposal is a two-way document, meaning both parties should have a say in the content it includes. As you develop your proposal, clarify any questions or concerns you have with your prospective client. When finished, send it to your client for review and feedback.
Consider building your proposal in Google Docs or a similar word processor in which your client can collaborate and leave comments or suggestions.
Now that I’ve covered how to write a consulting proposal more broadly, let’s break it down into parts.
The most effective consulting proposals follow an engaging and logical structure. In this section, I’ll discuss the anatomy of a well-written consulting proposal.
Begin your document by greeting your client.
A personalized greeting sets apart your consulting proposals from a generic proposal. When you treat your proposal as a personal letter, prospective clients are more likely to trust you and want to build a relationship with you. Use the client’s formal name (e.g., “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.”) unless you’re on a first-name basis.
In this section, write three to four sentences describing the nature of the project and the issues you want to solve.
Consider this section the introduction, or hook, of your proposal. Summarize the challenges your prospective client is facing and what value you can provide through your consulting services. In this section, you should also thank your client for considering you and give them a brief overview of what they can expect from the rest of the proposal.
You can also include one to two sentences introducing yourself and your business. While the proposal shouldn’t be focused on your work as a consultant, it never hurts to include a short section in which you explain why the client should choose you. Even if you pitched yourself during your initial prospective call, you can reiterate your key strengths and qualifications here.
Next, add three to five bullet points giving insight into the exact action items (or tasks) you’ll undertake to achieve the desired result.
This section is all about what you’ll be doing to carry out the project you outlined above. For example, if you’re being hired to review and analyze a client’s marketing strategies, this section would outline how long your phone calls or office visits will be, how many calls or visits you commit to each week, the length of each visit, etc. You can never be too detailed in the project scope section; it’ll only save you and your client a headache later.
In this section, you’ll want to list out three to five objectives for the project.
Now that you’ve covered both the purpose and scope of the project, it’s time to convince the client of the project’s value. What sort of results do you want your client to see after they’re done working with you?
Unlike the deliverables section below, which focuses on the actual “final products” you’ll be delivering, the objectives section focuses on the end result after those products are delivered. It’s important to put this as early as possible in your document so that your client is convinced they’re making a good investment.
Next, list out the concrete deliverable(s) the client will have once they’re finished working with you. Will it be a revamped website? A redesigned collection of brochures?
This section outlines the tangible, identifiable end “products” you will be providing your client as a result of the project. If the project scope describes “how,” the deliverables are the “what.”
Following the example above, while your project scope would be reviewing and analyzing marketing strategies, your deliverables may be a detailed analysis document, a presentation of proposed changes, or even a brand-new marketing plan (the specific details will vary depending on your client and their preferences and needs).
In this section, give a timeline for each specific action item you listed in the “Scope” section.
This section is incredibly important for setting expectations and creating boundaries with clients. If the project scope describes “how” and the deliverables outline the “what,” can you guess what the timeline section is? Ding, ding — it’s the “when.”
The timeline part of the proposal should outline specific project dates and deadlines for different parts of your project. Whether you’re making office visits, creating documents, or simply sending follow-up emails, try to detail every possible date in your proposal. At the very least, make sure you include the project start, final project deadlines, and any milestones in between.
Next, list out your consulting fees and what they include, as well as how and when you prefer to get paid.
If you recommend using a certain payment portal, include that information here. Similarly, if you require a down payment or staggered fee structure, don’t forget that information, too.
Here are some other tips to consider when creating this section of your proposal.
In this section, you’ll immediately ask for a signature from your prospective client. Include space for them to write the day’s date, their name, and their signature.
You’ll want to include this straight in the proposal, even if they’re still in the consideration stage, so that it’s easier to get approval. If you add the additional step of having to send a “finalized contract,” you risk unnecessarily elongating the process.
Last, include a strong call-to-action in your proposal. Leave your email for them to contact you as well. Give clear instructions in this final section so clients know how to move forward.
While each proposal should be tailored to each prospective client, it can be tedious to write out the entire document every time. This is where a consulting proposal template can come in handy.
Below you’ll find two consulting proposal templates: one for sales and one for marketing.
You can use this free consulting proposal template in Word or PDF format. The sections match up with what I covered above, but are worded a little differently to better align with sales.
Pro tip : If you use a template, don’t forget to double-check that all client-specific details are updated and correct.
Activity
Start Date
Completion Date
Content Audit
January 1
January 14
Technical Audit
January 15
January 31
Usability Tests
February 1
February 7
Content Plan Creation
February 8
February 28
Content Plan Review and Approval
March 1
March 7
Content Creation
March 8
April 30
Website Redesign
April 1
June 1
I charge fees per project based on the estimated time to completion.
You won’t have to worry about hiring freelance writers or finding a web developer. As your consultant, I’ll take care of that for you. All fees are inclusive of phone calls and emails.
Project Activity | Hours | Fee |
Content and Technical Audit | 30 | $900 |
Usability Tests | N/A | $200 |
Content Plan Creation | 30 | $900 |
Content Creation | 100 | $3,000 |
Website Redesign | 100 | $3,000 |
| $8,000 |
Please sign below.
[signature form]
Please return the signed document to me by Wednesday, December 6. I’ll touch base with you on Friday, December 8, to discuss this proposal. You can send me any questions and concerns at [email protected]. I look forward to working with you.
Now that you have an idea of what a sample consulting proposal looks like, I’m going to share some tools that can help with your next draft.
For more inspiration on how to write your proposal, I’d like to show you an example of an audio marketing company’s proposal.
Related articles.
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Methodology
Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.
What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .
There are five key steps to writing a literature review:
A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.
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What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.
When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:
Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
See an example
Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.
You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.
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Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .
If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .
Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.
Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:
You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.
Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.
You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.
For each publication, ask yourself:
Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.
You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.
As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.
It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.
To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:
This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.
There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).
The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.
Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.
If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.
For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.
If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:
A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.
You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.
Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.
The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.
Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.
As you write, you can follow these tips:
In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.
When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !
This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.
Scribbr slides are free to use, customize, and distribute for educational purposes.
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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Statistics
Research bias
A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .
It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.
There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:
Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.
The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .
A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .
An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .
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 Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, September 11). How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/
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A solid website proposal is imperative in ensuring that you and your client are on the same page.
Working for yourself as an independent service provider or freelancer can be an exciting step in a web developer’s career.
However, many would say one of the biggest downsides is suddenly having to spend so much of your time handling paperwork and client communications. Having a website proposal template can significantly streamline this process, allowing you to focus more on your actual development work and less on administrative tasks.
There are tools that can help freelancers with many of the more complicated management tasks, but client communication often needs a more personal touch. Writing a solid website proposal will not only help you to land the projects you’re really excited about , but it will make sure you and the client are on the same page from day one, avoiding frustrating miscommunications along the way.
A website proposal serves multiple purposes, and you need it to be clear and concise. Focus on the goals your proposal serves in order to write one effectively:
A website proposal should make all of the relevant information quick and easy to access. Clients should be able to get your contact info or identify which project your proposal references at a glance. You would be amazed at how frequently professional proposals are sent missing key information (like names, contact information, or dates). It’s also an easy place for clients to reference specific information, such as the timeline, during the course of the project.
You may feel like the information you include in your project proposal is repetitive. You likely have already had a discussion about what the client is looking for and what you’ll be able to do for them.
The purpose of writing that information into a proposal is to demonstrate to the client you’ve heard and understood their needs thoroughly enough for them to trust your approach. Having everything in writing will avoid miscommunications.
Your proposal is also your final opportunity to demonstrate your value to a client. An easy-to-read, aesthetic, and convincing proposal shows off the skills and judgment you’ll bring to their project. Clients are looking for attention to detail and will evaluate your proposal for its form as well as its content.
A contract outlines concrete commitments and compensation and comes with a legal obligation. A project proposal is intended to sell your services by demonstrating to clients you understand and are able to serve their needs. Though they overlap — both will discuss deliverables, timetables, and compensation — they ultimately serve different purposes.
Format your website proposal in clearly identified sections. It should be easy for a client to flip through and quickly find the information they’re looking for. In most cases, proposals should include the following information:
Basic information about you, your client, and the project should be easily accessible on your cover page. Think of it as a cheat sheet with contact information. You can feature your logo or a relevant graphic. Make it eye-catching, and avoid including too much information.
The cover page should consist of:
The problem statement is the why of the project. You should outline the problem you’ll be solving for your client or the opportunity your project will help them fulfill. This section will demonstrate to your client that you’ve listened carefully to them and understand their needs.
Make sure you outline not only what they need but why they need it. If you’re making a website for a local cafe, for example, you might specify that they’re hoping to grow their clientele beyond current foot traffic. They may need a website that’s search-friendly and shows their food and seating options in order to appeal to the local university students.
Outline exactly how the project you’re proposing will solve your client’s problem and benefit their business. A tip for writing an effective solution section — write as if you’re a member of their team convincing the decision-makers at their company to invest in the project. Use the company’s own language and framing to align with their approach and list specific benefits the project will bring to their company. Draw a direct line between your project’s features and outcomes, such as increased brand awareness, sales, or conversion.
If you’re trying to convince a client to try a new platform or migrate their site, you can use Webflow Pitch to help make the case for you and provide further information.
Webflow Pitch is our easy-to-use site that helps you create custom presentations to convince anyone in your life to use Webflow.
List clear deliverables to give both parties a clear understanding of what is (and isn’t) included in the project. This is the area you want to get very specific about. You can set clear boundaries from the beginning by outlining the exact scope of the project. Specify the number of revisions you’ll complete for the client and the process for receiving feedback.
Your deliverables list needs to include the essential elements of the website build and any additional parts of the project such as SEO work , setting up an online payment portal , or creating a blog . If you’re setting up your client with a no-code platform like Webflow, you can add a lot of value to your proposal by listing pages that can be templatized and offering basic training to their marketing team . Often the best way to do that training is just sending over a quick video of the process the marketing team can use as a reference.
The cost of the project is often the first thing your client will flip to when they receive your proposal. Make it clear and straightforward. The project budget should already have been discussed with the client, so the final ticket price shouldn’t come as a surprise for them.
Break down the major elements of your project and the overall cost of each piece. This could include the cost of setting up the online store, design work, or creating the more complex custom-coded elements your client needs. Keep in mind that you don’t need to justify your rate — just give an overview of the cost of the project elements. Resist itemizing too granularly — it may just confuse your clients.
If your client hasn’t fully decided the scope of the project they want, this is the place to pitch packages, such as comparing a full website redesign vs. a refresh.
Specify the timeline for the project. Give yourself a little padding for unexpected roadblocks. Make sure to include very specific windows for client feedback and revisions to avoid the project dragging on, and build in time for testing. Agree on a website launch date, and make that the north star for the overall project timeline.
Timelines to include:
Close the deal! Conclude your proposal with a brief and encouraging call to action and an easy way for your client to accept the project. You want to avoid the client having to search for your contact info or any burdensome tasks, like printing and signing a document, which might slow down or get in the way of getting the project confirmed.
If you’ve sent a PDF, enable digital signing. If you’ve created a website, include an “Accept Project” button. Make it easy and exciting for the client to get the project started.
Once you have written out the core text of your proposal, choose a format to deliver it to your client. You want to show off your creative eye while still clearly communicating the key information your client will need to make a decision. Whatever format you ultimately send, it can be a good idea to include an additional simple, downloadable PDF of the text. This ensures the client has easy access if they need to quickly reference the information in your proposal.
A PDF is the most traditional format for a project proposal. It has the benefit of being easy to access, easy to share, and easy to include illustrations and images in. You could opt to use a cloud-based program instead, but make sure your file is edit-locked (like a PDF) so the information in it can’t be accidentally altered or deleted.
Some businesses will want you to present your proposal in a meeting. A presentation format can also be a helpful format for clients who aren't especially technology literate and may need some additional hand-holding through the proposal process. Build a slideshow you can use to visually support your presentation and is also complete and self-contained enough to be sent to the client to refer back to afterward.
Your area of expertise is web development — why not make the proposal a web page? You can create a proposal site template with a no-code platform like Webflow in order to make new proposals quickly whenever they’re needed. You can also keep the proposal site confidential and secure by password protecting the page .
A proposal-as-website has the benefit of showing off your skills and giving you the opportunity to add life to your proposal with visuals and animations.
These four designers have made template sites that can be cloned as a great jumping off point for making your own.
Memberstack created this incredible client dashboard template that not only serves as a proposal, but includes useful additions like a site asset gallery, downloadable documents, and illustrative charts! It can also be used as a dashboard to communicate information to the client throughout the development process. This template also includes a secure login page for your client.
Aaron Cougle’s proposal template mimics the form of a PDF rather than feeling like an interactive site using animations and other features. This gives the template a professional feel which could be ideal for more traditional clients or larger companies. This template also includes a useful breakdown of fees when giving clients multiple project options.
Sidney Ottelohé has made templates for specifically either a Website Redesign Proposal or an eCommerce Proposal. This template uses engaging interaction illustrations, feeling fresh and contemporary. It is clear and easy to navigate, giving a potential client all the information they need to move forward with your project.
Erendi Rani’s template makes it easy for clients to sign on to your project and it includes a place for them to leave questions or comments. This is a great example of an effective call to action.
Most of the proposals you send during your career will contain similar elements. You can reuse layouts and even entire pages. Save yourself time and energy by making yourself a template you can customize for each new client.
If you’re using a PDF program to write your proposals, take an extra moment to create a templated master proposal for your own use. Keep your template, as well as current and past proposals, in an organized, accessible place for easy reference. If you’ve chosen to make a proposal site in Webflow, you can easily clone your project to create as many unique proposals as you need.
You can change your starting template over time to suit your needs more specifically. You may find you take on specific types of projects more frequently that have elements you want to add to the template. You may also find that certain approaches to pitching work better or worse for your target client. Use your proposal template to improve your website proposals over time, and keep landing on the types of projects you love doing.
Your logo here
Proposal date
Prepared by:
[your name]
[your contact info]
[their company]
[their contact info]
Detail the problem your proposal will be solving or the opportunity your approach will help your client attain.
Detail the project you will be completing for the client and how that project will solve their problem.
Pages that will be included in your website:
Features that will address your needs:
Here are the specific business benefits this project will bring your company and how.
Here is our proposed schedule for the site launch, including revisions and testing.
Deliverable
Beta site delivered
Feedback received
Website Launch Date
Number of days or Target date
Here is our price quote for the name of this project for their company name to be paid in this time frame .
Estimated cost
Total Project Cost: $
This is how you can initiate the name of this project !
[PDF e-signature here]
[Their name]
[Today’s date]
Contact [your name] at [your contact info] to discuss the project.
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1. Title Page: Include the title of your proposal, your name or organization's name, the date, and any other relevant information specified by the guidelines. 2. Executive Summary: Provide a concise overview of your proposal, highlighting the key points and objectives.
Writing a proposal essay, therefore, is an opportunity to demonstrate your analytical acumen and your capacity to think creatively. How to Write a Proposal Essay. Writing a compelling proposal essay requires careful planning, thorough research, and meticulous execution. Here are the steps to ensure your proposal essay stands out: 1.
7. Preparations Made. Show the audience that you know what you are doing. The more prepared you look the better your chances are to get the proposal passed (or get a better grade if it is for a class). 8. Conclusion. Do not restate your introduction here if you choose to mention the "history" of a certain proposal.
Plan: Structure your essay proposal outline with an introduction presenting the problem, body paragraphs proposing solutions supported by evidence, and a conclusion summarizing key points and emphasizing the significance of your solution. Draft: Write your essay clearly, avoiding jargon and ensuring logical arguments.
Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.
Research proposal examples. 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".
The CFP may ask you for an abstract, a proposal, or both. If you need to write an abstract, look for more information on the abstract page. If you need to write both an abstract and a proposal, make sure to clarify for yourself what the difference is. Usually the proposal needs to include more information about the significance, methods, and/or ...
Your proposal title should be concise and clear to indicate your research question. Your readers should know what to expect in the paper after reading the title. Avoid writing titles in a general perspective or phrases like "An investigation of …" or "A review of …" etc. Make it concise and well-defined. 2.
Write a proposal that discusses a problem you want to learn more about and that recommends a solution. The problem you choose must be a current problem, even though it may have been a problem for many years. The problem must also affect many people, and it must have an actual solution or solutions that you can learn about through research.
If you have a lot of supplementary materials, consider adding a sheet that lists them in the order in which they are attached. Putting It All Together. Now put the whole thing together: the cover sheet (if appropriate), the proposal itself, the budget and the supplementary materials. Add a cover letter if you wish.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write a proposal essay, it is important to understand what this assignment is all about. A proposal essay is an academic paper that identifies a problem and proposes a solution. It is a common assignment for students of social sciences, business, and management. ...
The good examples of proposal essay should. Have a clear topic - this should be identical or similar to the essay question asked by the university/college. Show the writer's passion for the subject - when writing essays, the writer's zeal and excitement are always evident.
Research Method. In the research proposal, you should go into depth about how you conducted your study. Explain your key research tools and the techniques you employed to get your results. If you conducted interviews, tell the reader about the subjects of your questions. Lastly, provide your analysis of the results.
The school, class, or institution you're submitting the proposal to will determine your proposal's format. Here's a general step-by-step guide for writing a proposal. Introduction: Start by introducing the issue you want to address to the committee. Present a firm introduction to enrapture the readers from the beginning.
oConsideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument) Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument. Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove themlater.
Research proposal examples. 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'.
6. Edit your work. Be meticulous in writing, editing, and designing the proposal. Revise as necessary to make it clear and concise, ask others to critique and edit it, and make sure the presentation is attractive and engaging as well as organized and helpful. [6] Have another set of eyes (or two) read over your work.
Come up with a thesis. Create an essay outline. Write the introduction. Write the main body, organized into paragraphs. Write the conclusion. Evaluate the overall organization. Revise the content of each paragraph. Proofread your essay or use a Grammar Checker for language errors. Use a plagiarism checker.
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Get verbal agreement from the client on your pitch and approach before putting it in writing with a proposal. Step 2. Create the cover page. Kick off your proposal writing with a compelling cover page (also known as the title page). The visuals and style take center stage here—it's your first impression after all.
Related: Why Order Essay Writing Service. How to Write the Main Part of a Proposal Essay. An outline will be featured at the end of this article, which will show the relevant parts of a proposal essay - note that depending on the context, some parts may need to be taken out or rearranged to better suit what it is trying to convey. The Proposal
Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
19. Be Sincere In Your Passion For The Project. It can be easy to find a grant desirable merely for the price tag. However, the best-written, most persuasive grants come from a true passion for ...
8. Ask for feedback. A consulting proposal is a two-way document, meaning both parties should have a say in the content it includes. As you develop your proposal, clarify any questions or concerns you have with your prospective client. When finished, send it to your client for review and feedback.
An abstract is a 150- to 250-word paragraph that provides readers with a quick overview of your essay or report and its organization. It should express your thesis (or central idea) and your key points; it should also suggest any implications or applications of the research you discuss in the paper. According to Carole Slade, an abstract is ...
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
Specify the timeline for the project. Give yourself a little padding for unexpected roadblocks. Make sure to include very specific windows for client feedback and revisions to avoid the project dragging on, and build in time for testing. Agree on a website launch date, and make that the north star for the overall project timeline.