Business proposals are formal documents that persuade prospects to do business with you. They showcase your team’s skills, expertise, reputation, services, and associated costs to help clients evaluate your company. With so much on the line, it’s easy to see why creating the perfect proposal is vital to your sales success.

Keep reading to learn about the 10 elements of a successful sales proposal. Then, learn how you can simplify the process by using proposal creation software.

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Elements of a Winning Business Proposal

A winning business proposal includes several key elements. Be sure to include these elements in each proposal you create.

1. Cover

The cover of your proposal is the first page your potential clients see. It doesn’t have to be flashy, but it needs to be well-designed. Start by having clear, quality logo images for both your company and the proposed client. Also, include the following items:

• The project name
• The prospect’s name and contact information
• Your company name and contact information
• The submission date

2. Executive Summary

The executive summary provides an overview of why your team and services are valuable to the client. Begin your executive summary with an introduction of the prospect’s needs and your ability to solve them. Follow this with your understanding of the specific challenges they need assistance with and your solution.

Keep your summary specific and no more than 10 percent of your entire proposal. It should include the following information:

• Introduction
• Challenge
• Solution
• Proof of concept
• Call to action

This information ensures your prospective client recognizes your ability to help them reach their desired outcome.

3. Products and Services

Outline the products and services you are proposing in an easy-to-read table format. Break down the details of each service, including the costs and delivery timeframes.

4. Project Milestones

Milestones are ways to help keep a project on track. They identify when activities are completed and what comes next. They include specific completion dates, so your client knows how long each part takes. Also, list the teammates who will be responsible for each milestone and what they’ll accomplish.

5. Budget

The budget is the most important part of your proposal. It’s where you outline the total investment your client will need to make and your standard payment terms. Outline each cost associated with the project and clarify what is and isn’t included in your proposal.

6. About Your Team

Your prospective clients deserve the best, which is why you should let them know all of your qualifications. The “About Your Team” section is one of the only places where you can explain who your company is and what sets you above the competition. It defines your company values, beliefs, skills, and solutions, so your prospect will feel comfortable working with you for an extended period.

Include biographies, pictures, social media links, and any other information to explain why this partnership would be beneficial for everyone involved.

7. Case Studies and Testimonials

Testimonials showcase what other customers think about your company. It’s also an opportunity for those with limited knowledge about your company and solution to hearing first-hand accounts of your capabilities. They should include the following information:  

• Background: Who the company is and what problems they need to solve
• Challenges: The solutions they needed and how you achieved them
• Approach: Your team’s methods and why they worked so well
• Results: How your solution improved the situation and helped deliver results

8. Clients and References

You can add this optional section if you want to include your client list and contact information. Remember to check with existing clients before you reveal their details. These references can lead to faster contract closures and help fuel the prospective client’s confidence if used properly.

9. Terms and Conditions

Clearly define the terms and conditions to ensure good customer service and assure your potential client that nothing will be left to interpretation. A detailed explanation of your terms and conditions enables you to manage your client’s delivery time and payment method expectations without any surprises in the future.

10. Call to Action

Your call to action is what you want the client to do next. Usually, it means asking them to approve the proposal. But, it could also be having them sign up for a free trial or request more information. Whatever it is, make sure it’s clear and easy to do.

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Use Proposal Software

The days of boring Microsoft Word documents and generic proposal templates are over. Consumers want and need more than just a list of products, services, and costs to consider. They want inventive, interactive, and detailed information tailored for the needs and growth of their own business.

So how do you create a proposal that will entice a prospective client to work with you? Are other tools available to help you breathe life into your proposals?

Luckily, the answer to this question is a resounding yes! With the help of software tools like the Zomentum sales acceleration application, you can easily create professional, interactive, and tailored proposals for your specific audience. Not only does Zomentum Grow help you build an exceptional proposal, but it also saves you time and money in the long run.

Create Top-notch Proposals

When crafting a winning proposal, include the 10 essentials outlined in this post and do so in a clear and concise way. To simplify your proposal creation process, use Zomentum Grow to create proposals easily that stand out from the competition and impress clients. With Zomentum Grow, you can deliver a proposal that will win more business and help grow your bottom line.