How to Write Proposal Templates
Proposals are a necessary part of many careers, from website development to general contracting. Knowing how to tailor your proposal to effectively convince its intended audience is paramount to its effectiveness. Whether you're applying for a business grant or trying to sell your services, being clear, concise and professional is key to making a good impression. Using a proposal template will help ensure that you address each of these aspects and the process of writing any actual proposals quicker and more efficient.
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Instructions
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Create the format for a cover letter by including places for the date, your address, and your recipient's address. Beneath the space for the recipient's address, add a line with "Dear Recipient," keeping in mind that you will replace "Recipient" with the recipient's name when actually writing a proposal. Add a note that when you write the cover letter you will explain the reason you are sending them the proposal as well as why you want the opportunity to work with them or receive the grant. This information is often covered in one to three paragraphs.
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Create a heading called "Objective." Make all subsequent headings in the same style. Make a note that Objective will be a brief explanation of what you want to do, as either a business or an individual. For most types of proposals, do not exceed one paragraph for the Objective.
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Write "Goals" as the next heading. This will be used to explain what you think you can accomplish for your clients or with the grant you are seeking. This section can be written in paragraph form or with bullet points. You may choose to include bullet points as a reminder of this.
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Write a "Scope of Services" or "Procedure" heading. Write a note that this section will explain how you will approach the task and bring it to completion. When writing, be specific but brief. This section will likely have to be formatted with subheadings and bullet points. Feel free to include place-holder subheadings. Add a reminder to be certain you are thorough enough to appear competent and answer any questions the reader may have how you will achieve your goals.
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Create a "Benefits" section in which you will highlight all the possible ways the potential client can advance his business or the ways in which your services are superior to others. If you are applying for a grant, you will list all of the positive opportunities you will achieve from the money.
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Add a "Cost Analysis" or "Fees" section. This is where will you crunch the numbers for your reader. Show him how his business will prosper or how you can save him money if he chooses your services. Make clear where you fees arise from and the reasons for them. When possible, emphasize the reader's potential profitability. You can leave these reminders under the heading to help focus your writing when completing the "Fees" section on actual proposals.
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Offer a brief closing that thanks the reader for his time and suggests the next step he can take if he is interested in your services. Do not forget to include a space for you to sign the document and provide any professional titles you may have. You can leave a generic closing in place now, but tailor it for the actual proposal.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow your template to be adaptable to its audience.
Above all, keep in mind that you are making a professional argument. Do not retract from your credibility.
As you write different kinds of proposals, it may be helpful to keep several different types of templates that are more specific to various types of projects.
References
Resources
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Comments
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Very useful
