Submitting a proposal to a prospect is a substantial substep in starting a freelance business. Overlooked most of the time, this is important for this is a huge deciding factor for conversion. It is the first impression that potential clients have of you and your work. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential elements and techniques on how to write a freelance proposal that converts. Capturing clients’ attention, and securing more work for you.
Proposal Structure
When it comes to crafting a winning freelance proposal, understanding the structure is key. A well-structured proposal not only showcases your skills and expertise but also helps in conveying your message effectively.
There are various templates available online that can serve as a starting point for creating your proposal. You can choose a template that fits your freelance business and customize it accordingly. However, keep in mind that the elements listed below should be included in your proposal.
| Proposal Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Cover Page | Add your business name, client name, project title, and date. |
| Executive Summary | A brief overview of the project, emphasizing the key points. |
| Scope of Work | A detailed description of the project, what you will deliver, and the timeline. |
| Pricing and Payment Terms | A clear outline of the pricing and payment terms for the project. |
| About You | A brief overview of your skills, experience, and credentials. |
| Client Testimonials | Include any testimonials or references from previous clients. |
| Call to Action | Encourage the client to take the next step, whether that’s accepting the proposal or booking a call. |
Remember, a well-structured proposal not only helps in presenting your ideas but it can also serve as a blueprint for the project. Make sure to customize your proposal for each client and project you are pitching for maximum impact.
Cover Page
Let’s start with the cover page.
Put your name at the top of the page, followed by your contact details such as your phone number, email address, and any updated social media profiles or website.
Below your contact information, include the client’s name and their contact details. Make sure this is accurate and personalized.
Lastly, don’t forget the date when you’re submitting the proposal. This helps you and your prospect track the timeline of the proposal.
Executive Summary
The executive summary or the introduction is the most important part. This is where you catch your client’s attention and persuade them to keep reading. To create a persuasive introduction, consider the following tips:
- Begin with a hook: Start your proposal with a statement that grabs your client’s attention. This could be a startling statistic, a compelling question, or a bold statement that addresses their pain points.
- Determine the problem: Next, show your understanding of your client’s needs by addressing the problem that they are trying to solve. This shows that you have done your research and are invested in their success.
- Offer a solution: Once you have determined the problem, propose a solution that shows how you can help your client achieve their goals. Be specific and use examples to demonstrate your expertise.
- Highlight your unique value proposition: Finally, expound on why you are qualified to deliver this solution. This could include your skills, experience, or track record of success.
Scope of Work
After crafting a compelling executive summary, discussing the scope of work is next.
Describe the main goals of the project. It is important to impart what is the client trying to achieve with your freelance services.
Add tasks and deliverables you will provide as part of your freelance services. Use bullet points or a numbered list to outline for clarity.
Additionally, depending on the project, mention the expected timeline for the project. Include key milestones or deadlines, if applicable.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Adding a section that talks about the pricing and payment terms is also a must.
This can include total project cost, payment schedule and method, estimated additional cost, discounts, if any, and expiration date.
This will help the client swiftly assess if they have the budget for your service.
About You
Now it’s time to showcase your skills and experience in a way that persuades clients to choose you. The key is to emphasize your expertise and past successes to build trust and credibility.
Here are effective tips:
- Focus on relevant experience: Make sure to highlight experiences that are relevant to the project at hand. Tailor your description to showcase how your skills and experience can benefit the prospect’s needs.
- Use metrics and data: If possible, use data and metrics to back up your claims. For example, if you have increased website traffic for a client, include the percentage increase to depict your success.
- Showcase your unique value proposition: Convey what makes you stand out from other freelancers. Clients want to decide why they should choose you over others, so make sure to articulate your selling points.
Client Testimonials
Another section to include is client testimonial.
Showcasing testimonials from clients adds to your credibility as an effective freelancer. It is proof that you really deliver according to what you promised in other proposal sections.
Make sure that testimonials are relevant to the services you offer, highlighting your strengths and capabilities.
Call to Action and Follow-Up
To seal the deal, you need to include a strong call to action that prompts the client to take the next step.
It should be specific, clear, and actionable. It can be a request for a follow-up meeting, a proposal review, or a contract signing. Whatever it is, make sure it aligns with your proposal’s objectives and leaves the client with a clear understanding of what to do next.
Remember that most clients receive multiple proposals, so it’s essential to follow up to keep yourself top of mind. Send a personalized thank-you note and ask if they have any additional questions or concerns. You can also offer to provide additional information or samples of your work.
To increase your chances of winning the project, don’t be afraid to follow up multiple times if necessary. Just make sure you’re polite and respectful of their time.
Conclusion
There you have the tips on how to write a freelance proposal that converts!
With these tips, you’re sure to see growth in your freelance business. Although it is not as easy as it appears to be, know that challenges are normal, especially in a highly competitive freelance market. Just be consistent and everything will pay off.