<aside> <img src="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" alt="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Estimated Read Time: 4-5 Minutes
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Today we’re talking proposals (not the wedding kind, although once we’re done, you might want to marry us for breaking this down in such simple terms). As a freelancer, the ability to write clear, to the point proposals that communicate aspects of upcoming projects well is vital to moving deals along and securing clients. Let’s talk about how you can do this in greater detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LWgiSvgnm8&feature=youtu.be
The first act of writing a proposal that clicks involves researching clients. Delve into their business like you're exploring a new city. Visit their website, social media profiles, understand their products, services, and target audience. It's like getting to know someone you found on the internet before you meet them in person.
If your client is a startup looking to enhance their online presence, find out their existing digital strategies and how they engage with their audience:
It's about getting to know them inside out so you know what they’re all about. This will help you prepare an offer that’s customized to fit their requirements.
Every role comes with a script and every project comes with requirements. Read and reread them like they're your favorite book. Understand the scope, deadline and budget of the project you’d like to land, and don't forget to note down any questions you might have. Think of this step as your dress rehearsal before the final performance.
A good monologue can steal the show, and a good introduction can seal the deal. Start as you mean to go on. Make it all about you - highlight your experience, skills, and achievements. Introduce yourself in a way that makes them go "Wow, this is the person we need!" Just remember not to complicate things; keep the jargon to a minimum.
Let's say you're a web developer. Instead of saying, "I am a web developer with five years of experience," make it more compelling:
"For the past five years, I've been helping businesses increase their online visibility with tailor-made, user-friendly websites that convert visitors into customers. I don’t just fill your funnel with leads, I deliver them to you at the very last stage where all you need to do is give them a call to action to get their business."
The start of your proposal has to draw clients in as if it’s the start of a story.
Next, reveal your master plan. How will you complete the project? What tools and techniques will you use? Be specific. Avoid vague or general statements. The client should feel like they're in good hands and that they can count on you to deliver results. They should have a clear understanding of what to expect from you.
A detailed breakdown of your services and pricing makes up the core of your proposal. Include a list of deliverables and milestones. Break down the pricing into specific tasks or hours worked. This helps the client understand what they're getting for their investment.
Suppose you're a content writer bidding for a project to create blog posts. Your proposal should break down:
This gives the client a clear understanding of where their investment is going. You could say something like: "For a 1,000-word blog post, I charge $200. This includes in-depth topic research, drafting, up to two revisions, and SEO optimization to help your blog posts rank better on search engines."
Show, don't just tell. Include relevant work samples in your proposal. These samples should be in line with the project and represent your best work. If you don't have relevant samples, consider creating a test project to demonstrate your skills, or just fall back on the work that got you your best feedback thus far to spotlight what you can do.
This is where you highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). What sets you apart from the competition? It could be your niche expertise or your knack for delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines. Be sure to highlight this in your proposal.
Perhaps you’re a graphic designer who specializes in creating designs for sustainable brands. Highlight this:
"As a graphic designer with a deep passion for sustainability, I specialise in creating eco-conscious designs that resonate with your brand's values. This expertise allows me to align my design process with your mission, delivering designs that not only look good but also feel good."
After submitting your proposal, it's crucial to follow up with the client. It's a gesture that shows you're serious about the project. Consider writing something like:
“Hi [Client's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I'm just touching base to see if you had a chance to review my proposal. I'd be happy to provide further clarification or discuss any aspects in more detail. Looking forward to hearing from you."
Remember to maintain a respectful tone during follow-ups, and address any questions the client might have about your proposal.
So there you have it – a step-by-step guide to writing a proposal that wins over international clients. Put these steps into action and watch as your business climbs new heights. Happy proposal writing!
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Proposal writing part 2: The client’s POV
Proposal writing part 2: The client’s POV
<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 5
Ready to take your freelancing game to the next level? Then it's time to talk about scaling your business! This section of our Masterclass is all about helping you grow and thrive as a freelancer. We'll cover everything from managing multiple clients and upselling your services to dealing with imposter syndrome and tracking expenses.
We know that growing your business can feel overwhelming, but with our fun and easy-to-read articles, you'll be a pro in no time. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to new heights, head to this section to start scaling!
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<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 6
You know what they say - in freelancing, you're not just selling your skills, you're selling yourself. That's why we've dedicated an entire section of our Masterclass to helping you build a brand that's uniquely you. In this section, we'll show you how to build a personal brand that stands out from the crowd, master the art of phone marketing, and craft the perfect elevator pitch. We know that putting yourself out there can be nerve-wracking, but with our easy-to-follow articles, you'll be well on your way to personal branding success.
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