How can you create a winning proposal or quote?

1 Know your client

Before you write your proposal or quote, you need to research your client and understand their needs, goals, challenges, and preferences. This will help you tailor your offer to their specific situation and demonstrate that you have done your homework and care about their success. You can use various sources of information, such as their website, social media, reviews, testimonials, previous projects, or referrals, to learn more about their industry, audience, brand, and values.

2 Define the scope

The scope of your proposal or quote should clearly define what you will do for the client, how you will do it, and when you will do it. It should also specify what you will not do, what the client is responsible for, and what are the assumptions and constraints of the project. This will help you avoid scope creep, which is when the client requests additional work or changes that are not included in the original agreement. You should also include a disclaimer that states that any changes or requests outside the scope will incur additional fees or require a new proposal or quote.

3 Highlight the benefits

The benefits of your proposal or quote should explain how your work will help the client achieve their goals, solve their problems, or satisfy their needs. It should also showcase your value proposition, which is what makes you different from other digital copywriters and why you are the best choice for the project. You can use testimonials, case studies, portfolio samples, or awards to demonstrate your credibility, expertise, and results. You should also use persuasive language, such as action verbs, emotional triggers, and power words, to appeal to the client's emotions and logic.

4 Provide the cost

The cost of your proposal or quote should include the total amount that you will charge for the project or service, as well as the breakdown of the components, such as hours, tasks, or deliverables. You should also explain how you calculated the cost, based on your rates, skills, experience, and value. You should also mention any discounts, incentives, or guarantees that you offer to the client, as well as any payment terms, such as deposits, milestones, or deadlines. You should also be prepared to negotiate the cost if the client asks for it, but without compromising your quality or standards.

5 Add a call to action

The call to action of your proposal or quote should encourage the client to take the next step in the hiring process, such as signing the contract, making a deposit, or scheduling a meeting. It should also create a sense of urgency, by stating a deadline, a limited offer, or a risk of losing the opportunity. You should also thank the client for their interest, express your enthusiasm, and invite them to contact you for any questions or feedback.

6 Proofread and format

The final step of creating a winning proposal or quote is to proofread and format it. You should check your document for any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or syntax errors, as well as any inconsistencies, ambiguities, or inaccuracies. You should also use a clear and professional layout, font, color, and style, and include your logo, contact details, and signature. You should also use headings, subheadings, bullet points, tables, charts, or images to make your document easy to read and understand. You should also save your document in a compatible and accessible format, such as PDF, and send it to the client via email or a secure platform.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?