If you’re a consultant, then you know writing a consulting proposal is the first step you need to take to land a new client. It’s a vital part of any relationship and can make or break it. This article will talk about what a consulting proposal is and how to write an effective one.
What Is a Proposal For?
A proposal is a formal document that a consultant sends to a potential client. It outlines the consultant’s steps to complete the client’s project and includes the consultant’s past projects and skills to establish why the consultant is well-suited for the project.
A good consultant proposal should also include the client’s expectations and the consultant’s conditions to perform the work. This is a formal document that helps both parties understand each other’s expectations. A good consultant proposal should be written after the client and consultant have discussed the project. This is different from a business proposal, which is usually focused on the details of the services the two parties intend to provide.
Elements of an Effective Consulting Proposal
An excellent consulting proposal should contain a logical structure to help the client make informed decisions. Follow these key sections to ensure all the critical information is accounted for.
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Straightforward Cover Page
A cover page is precisely what it sounds like – a cover for your proposal. It includes all of the details you need to include to establish your brand. Use this page to feature your logo and contact information, and information about the potential client.
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Brief Executive Summary
An executive summary is a brief overview of the proposal, which should contain a list of goals and the steps that the consultant will take to complete the work. It should also talk about the challenges that the client will face. Before writing a proposal, make sure you’ve already spoken to the client about the project. This will help you avoid writing lengthy and detailed documents and ensure everyone is on the same page.
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Define Outline and Scope of Work
Before you start writing a proposal, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you will do. For instance, if you’re going to create a new website for SEO, then make sure that you have a clear idea of how you’re going to implement the changes, whether you plan to optimize existing content or rewrite everything entirely. This step is essential to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected discoveries in the future. Having a clear idea of the project’s scope and what you’ll be doing from the start will help avoid any potential issues.
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Proposed Deliverables
This section is similar to the “scope of work” section, but it explicitly highlights the deliverables, which are the goals and actions that the consultant will complete. For instance, if you’re a freelance SEO consultant, your scope of work could include everything from creating a website to increasing website traffic. This section should also mention the exact results that the client will get from the work. It’s also essential to include all of the details that the consultant expects from the client, such as access to equipment and personnel and the time expected to complete the project.
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Cost and Timeline
Before you start writing a proposal, make sure that you have an outline of the project you will complete. It should also include an estimate of how much you’ll charge and how you’d like to be paid. It’s also important to set a competitive price to increase your chances of being picked, as many clients will receive proposals from multiple consultants. Before you start working on a project, make sure to include any additional costs that you might incur while doing the work. This will allow the client to quickly find out what will be added to the project and set reasonable expectations early on.
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Summarize and Conclude
A conclusion paragraph should summarize the proposal and list the main points you’re trying to make. It should also talk about the client’s steps to take to move forward.
A great consulting proposal should be an eye-catching piece of writing that grabs the client’s attention and convinces them to sign it. Even if they’ve already said yes, the deal isn’t done until they sign it. The only way to make a client want to work with you is by sending a proposal that they can’t resist. Before you start writing, think about where the client is in their current state and what they want to achieve, and tailor your proposal to highlight those areas.