Business proposals outline how your business can solve problems and which products and services you offer. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to create a business proposal.
Getting clients and securing deals is crucial for your business to succeed. A well-crafted business proposal is a key part of this process.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to create solid and compelling business proposals in 2025. 📈
What are business proposals?
A business proposal is a business document that explains clients’ needs and how your company can address those needs. You can use this document to gain new clients.
These are some of the key questions you should address in your business proposal:
- Who are you? What does your business do?
- What problems are your potential clients facing?
- What solution does your business offer?
- How will your business implement the solution? What benefits will the solution provide?
- How much money, time, and resources do you estimate will be required?
Different types of business proposals
Business proposals can be divided into three categories:
Unsolicited business proposals
Unsolicited business proposals are not requested by a potential client. This type of proposal is often used to market a new product or service or to introduce a company to a new market. Unsolicited business proposals are generally more challenging to write than solicited proposals because you have to convince the potential client that they need the solution that you’re proposing.
Informally solicited business proposals
Informally solicited business proposals are made after casual conversations with a potential client. This means you don’t have a lot of information about the client and their problem, so you should do a lot of research to set up a comprehensive and well-informed proposal. In these situations, you’re usually not competing with other business when providing your proposal.
Formally solicited business proposals
You’ll make a formally solicited business proposal as part of a request for proposal (RFP). The RFP outlines specific criteria and expectations from the client. A formally solicited business proposal must be detailed, addressing all the specified requirements. The goal is to present a tailored solution that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the client’s needs and a commitment to delivering value. You’ll most likely be competing with other businesses.
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How to write a business proposal, step-by-step
Before you create your business proposal, it’s important to get a good understanding of the client’s business and their needs. If they’ve solicited a business proposal via a request for proposal, make sure to review it thoroughly.
You can even suggest a call or meeting with the potential client to ensure you understand their goals and to ask any follow-up questions you may have. This also demonstrates that you’re committed to providing them with a good solution.
Once you have enough information, you can write your business proposal. While there’s no one-size-fits-all method, most proposals are made following these steps:
1. Create your title page
Start with a professional title page that provides some basic information about you and your business. Ensure that the title page is well designed, fits your business brand, and that it’s free of spelling mistakes.
Here are some tips for what you can include on the title page:
- Your name
- Your company’s name
- The URL of your website
- The date you submitted the proposal
- The name of the client and the project you are making a proposal for
2. Write an executive summary
The executive summary highlights the key points of your proposal and benefits of your solution.
Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and make sure that you explain what problem you’re addressing, the proposed solution, and the value it will bring to the client.
3. Outline the client’s problem
To win clients, you have to demonstrate a thorough understanding of their problem. Define the challenge they’re facing, the impact of that challenge, and the goals they’re looking to reach. This also demonstrate that you understand the context, listen attentively, and have an attention for detail.
4. Present the proposed solution
Present your solution, and the strategies, and tools you’ll use to address the client’s problem. Use visuals like diagrams, flowcharts, or infographics to enhance the client’s understanding and keep them engagement.
5. Establish a clear timeline and pricing
Provide a detailed project timeline, breaking down the phases, milestones, and deadlines. It should align with the client’s expectations and demonstrate your ability to manage the project effectively. Clearly outline the pricing structure: the project costs, expenses, and any additional charges.
6. Showcase your expertise and past successes
Build trust and credibility by highlighting your company’s qualifications and experience in addressing similar problems.
Share case studies, testimonials from satisfied clients, and relevant certifications or awards. This bolsters your reputation and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.
7. Summarise
Wrap up your proposal by providing a brief overview of the proposed solution and the timeline and costs. Provide them with your contact information and underline that you’re available to discuss the next steps and answer any questions they might have.
Business proposal example
Below is an example of a business proposal outline:
- Executive summary: This is a brief overview of the proposal, highlighting the key elements of your solution and its benefits.
- Problem statement: This section clearly defines the client’s problem or challenge.
- Proposed solution: This section explains how your company’s solution will address the client’s problem.
- Timeline and milestones: This section outlines the project timeline and key milestones.
- Pricing and costs: This section details the pricing structure and any associated costs.
- Qualifications and experience: This section highlights your company’s experience and expertise in solving similar problems.
- Contact information: Provide contact details for the person or team submitting the proposal.
