1 Learn the concept
A marketing proposal is an important tool for selling your skills. It shows a client that you understand their problem and have a plan to solve it. A good proposal is clear, specific and focused on the client's goals, not on you. This lesson covers the elements every proposal needs and how to present your price and process.
2 See it in action
- Summary of the client's problem and goal.
- Your approach and the steps you will take.
- Deliverables, timeline and what is included.
- Price, payment terms and how to accept.
Worked example
A one-page proposal outline
Goal: help Green Thumb Landscaping book more spring jobs.
Approach: refresh the homepage, write three service pages and set up an enquiry form.
Deliverables and dates: homepage copy by 7 March, service pages by 14 March, form live by 17 March.
Price: $1,200 fixed, half to start and half on delivery. Two rounds of revisions included.
Close: "Reply to accept and I will send the invoice."
3 Study an example
Example scenario
A freelancer's one-page proposal opens with the client's goal, lists three deliverables with dates, shows the price and ends with a signature line. The client says it was the clearest proposal they received.
4 Apply it and download
- Pick a real or imagined client.
- Draft each proposal section in a sentence or two.
- Complete the proposal template.
Worksheet Proposal templateOpen, print or save as PDF