How to write a client proposal that’s an obvious YES

Say yes to the… form  The client journey you provide started the second a lead clicked on your website, landed on your social media profile, saw you in a tik tok video, found you in a YouTube video, etc.  

By the time you send a proposal to a potential client, they’ve reached a point where it’s time for them to make a decision on whether they want to move forward with you or find someone else.  This one document is crucial.  Keep reading to learn how to write the perfect client proposal that’s practically guaranteed to get that YES! 

The proposal is the bridge between curious and booked.  

1: Personalized welcome message

The very first section in your proposal needs to say hello to your client - using their name.  In a world where technology and automations are running rampant, we still need to keep a personal touch.  Heck, because of automations, it’s CRUCIAL to keep that personal touch!! 

If you’re using Dubsado, this is super easy to do with smart fields.  After you welcome them by name, leave a short message reiterating their pain points from your previous conversations and how you can help them.  Let your qualifications quietly drip into this section while keeping it about them. 

Bonus: Some business owners even go so far as to record a short video message, personalized for each client.  Simply record yourself and upload a video at the top of the proposal. Keep it short & sweet - under a minute. 

2: A clear solution with deliverables.

What’s it for?

Offering a solution for money is the whole point of a proposal!  What’s the scope of the work?  Your client needs to understand in the most simple terms what they’ll get, when they’ll get it and how much it’ll cost.

In Dubsado, you need to set up package templates first, then add the packages to the proposal template.  Notice the words *TEMPLATES* - With each new project added to your Dubsado account, you’ll add a COPY of each of these templates.  You can customize each form, package, etc once it’s added to a project without changing the master copy.   

Create a package template: Go to Templates > Packages > Add Package to create a new one.  Include the price, simple outline of what is included, tax and name of the package.  

Add it to the proposal template: Go to Templates > Forms > your proposal.  Add the package element to the form, tap on the box and select the package you want to include.  If you want to include options, then add a container box element, change the columns of the container to reflect the number of packages you want to include, and then tap the + for each column to add a package element.  

3: Next steps. 

What do they need to do and what does it look like moving forward? 

I actually suggest that every time you send any kind of communication to your client, you share the map with them.  Let them see what’s ahead and where the next stop on the journey is.  Consider this an extension of your deliverable or scope of work - don’t skip it on your proposal!  

What does this look like?  My favorite way to do this is is with a timeline.  Timelines are great because you can be more specific with the WHEN,  while still keeping it simple and easy to digest. Providing a clear timeline will answer questions before they’re asked, eliminate confusion, detail the steps involved. 

Last thing - Don’t be fancy here.  Draw a timeline that a 3rd grader would understand.  

4: Relative, simple and easy to navigate.

Confused minds don’t buy.  Keep your proposals uncluttered and free of anything that doesn’t support the overal purpose of it.  Too many sections can be distracting.  Definitely don’t include any outside links that would steer the reader away from your proposal.  

You want to keep their eyes on this page and lead them down it in a logical matter.  The client journey you provide started the second they 

5: Bundle this up 

You know how when you’re out running errands, you kinda want to take care of everything you can while you’re out?  Especially if you’re going to a side of town you don’t normally frequent.  Or you’ve got a full week and no time to waste.  

Booking clients is a lot like that.  Hear me out.  It’s CRUCIAL to your business to make it easy for clients to book with you.   One huge way of doing this is to condense time and eliminate unnecessary steps.  Hand them everything they need on a silver platter, all at the same time.  

Dubsado makes it super easy to not lose anyone in the booking process by allowing you to bundle up your proposal, contract & invoice.  Simply go to the settings section of your proposal and toggle on both of those other features and select the appropriate contract.  

Just a heads up, this will create an empty invoice for your client that will immediately fill in when the proposal is submitted.  So don’t worry if you notice you have an empty invoice or blank spots on your contract where the smart fields are.  Your client needs to submit their selection first. 

6: Optional: 

There are more sections that you *could* add into your proposal, but only if it adds value and makes sense to your business.  

• Frequently asked questions:  My suggestion is to keep FAQ’s off if they’re an exact duplicate of what’s on your website.  If you have more specific questions that are geared towards the buying process or client journey and answer hesitations, then yes, include them.  

• Testimonials: I love sprinkling in one in a small (but powerful) section of its own, or create a section with 3 or 4 in a row with images of either the project or the client.  Please make sure the testimonials are relevant to the services listed on the proposal! 

• About you: Drop in a qualification in the welcome message at the top for sure.  If it makes sense for you to add a more in depth About section, then keep it simple and as short as possible.  Only relevant information that pertains to this client, this particular service, and the solution you provide.

Do’s

• Keep it simple

• Make it easy to get the YES

• Include clear steps or a timeline

• Briefly explain the booking process

• Show social proof/demo expertise

• Outline the scope

• Follow up if they don’t submit

Don’t’s

• Ask for unnecessary information

• Add any outside links

• Make it complicated

• Use generic wording

• Turn it into a brag fest

• Overpromise or have vague deliverables

• Be pushy

Crafting a winning proposal that resonates with your clients can be a daunting task, but by following these simple guidelines, you'll be able to write a proposal that ticks all the right boxes. 

Make sure your proposal is personalized and tailored to the needs of your client, and that it's easy to navigate and uncluttered. Clearly present your solution and outline the next steps, so that your clients know exactly what they can expect from working with you. With a well-crafted proposal, you'll be able to convey your expertise & professionalism and set the stage for a successful collaboration with your clients. 

Want more help with your forms? Got it.

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