A proposal title page is the first impression you make on your potential client or funder. It should be clear, concise, and professional, and include the key elements that showcase your project and your qualifications. In this article, you will learn what are the essential components to include in a proposal title page, and how to format them for maximum impact.
The project title is the most prominent element of your proposal title page. It should capture the main goal, scope, and value of your project in a few words. Avoid vague or generic terms, and use keywords that relate to your client's needs and expectations. For example, instead of "Website Development Project", you could write "Redesigning ABC Company's Website to Increase Conversion Rate and Customer Satisfaction".
Captivate your client with numbers or a shared vision of what her/his everyday life could look like after the proposed solution is implemented.
WIIFM- What's in it for me? This important element is necessary to connect with potential readers and convert curiosity into an engagement. If you can relay the importance and relevance of a proposal at first glance, your battle to win the reader over is well on its way.
In many cases, we have to comply with the client's requirements as outlined in the ITB. while this may seem minor requirement, it seriously impact the evaluation process.
Project title is the most crucial part to include in the proposal title page and that should be to-the-point and not revolving around anything else.
A proposal title page should include several key elements to ensure it looks professional and provides essential information at a glance: Title of the Proposal: Clearly state the subject or focus of the proposal. Subtitle (if any): Add additional context or specificity. Prepared for: Name of the client, organization, or entity the proposal is intended for. Prepared by: Your name or the name of your organization. Date: The submission or preparation date of the proposal. Contact Information: Include phone number, email, and address for follow-up. Company Logo: Adding a logo helps in branding and makes the document look official. Reference Number (if applicable): Any reference or proposal number for tracking purposes.
The project subtitle is optional, but it can help you provide more details or context for your project title. It should be shorter and less prominent than the title, and support the main message you want to convey. For example, you could add a subtitle like "A Comprehensive and User-Friendly Solution for Online Marketing and Sales".
Creating an impactful and punchy subtitle gives your organization the opportunity to differentiate itself from the outset. It should communicate your service offering in clear, concise and compelling, and should peek the interest of the evaluation team. Here are two examples: "Elevating your people's health journey." "Delivering mobility solutions that drive retention and growth."
The next element to include is your name and the name of your organization, if applicable. This shows who you are and what you do, and establishes your credibility and professionalism. You can also add your logo, if you have one, to enhance your brand identity and recognition. Make sure your name and organization are clearly visible and legible, and use a consistent font and style throughout your proposal.
Another important element to include is the name and the organization of your client or funder. This shows that you have done your research and that you are addressing them specifically and personally. It also helps you avoid confusion or mix-ups if you are sending multiple proposals to different clients or funders. You can also add their logo, if they have one, to show respect and appreciation.
If you are applying for a specific fund, mention that so the Funder knows. If there is room (this only a title page) show how you can help the funder achieve their goal, help make them look good, it's not about you as much as you might think!
The last element to include is the date and the version of your proposal. This shows when you prepared and submitted your proposal, and helps you track any changes or updates you make along the way. It also helps your client or funder to organize and compare different proposals they receive. You can use a simple format like "September 15, 2021 - Version 1.0" or "Submitted on September 15, 2021 - Revised on October 1, 2021".
Version control is essential. The proposal must unambiguously indicate the specific revision of the document to which it pertains, as there may be modifications, most likely due to updated client requisites concerning scope, timeline, and other pertinent factors. Consequently, subsequent iterations of the proposal may emerge. The date is also relevant since each proposal has an associated validity period.
READ THE RFP REQUIREMENTS. Often, the customer will have prescribed information that must be included on the title page. If you fail to include this required documentation, you could be instantly disqualified from the procurement effort. Imagine spending weeks or months on a project, only to be kicked out of the process because your title page didn't follow the rules. This is why "compliance" is one of the key terms within the proposal writing world (compliance + cost + relevance ... get all of those right, and you'll win the work).
I always tell contractors to cut out the "blah blah". This is not the place to discuss how tightly knit your team is or that you all gather and sing kumbaya every Friday. Only include facts that will benefit you in the overall evaluation. Evaluators do not have time to swim through lots of unnecessary information. Plus it takes up your space limitations.
In title page following things should be mentioned briefly and precisely. 1. List of covering parts 2. Input or source 3. Outlet requirement and end use 4. Design Technology and Type
The number one rule is to respond to all the requirements as stipulated on the award solicitation documents and stick to the page number limits, font and font size, and page format. No more, no less.
Two additional thoughts: - Imagery - work with your graphic designer to choose appropriate imagery. It could relate to the services you are proposing, your client's business, or your win themes. Make sure any imagery you use in the rest of your proposal (e.g., section divider pages) is congruent with your title page. - Title/subtitle - consider incorporating into your footer as subliminal messaging to the evaluator.