Writing a proposal that actually convinces someone to work with you isn't simple. You might have amazing products or services, but if you can't pitch them the right way to potential clients, all that hard work goes nowhere.
Your proposals need to convince people, show you've done your homework, highlight what makes you valuable, and look good. In this article, we'll show you how to create the perfect business proposal that turns leads into paying clients.
What is a business proposal?
A business proposal is basically a document that tries to convince someone to hire you. It's one of the most important sales tools you have for selling what you offer. Most industries use proposals to show why you're the right choice for a job. It's your chance to prove you know what you're doing and explain exactly how you'll solve the client's problem.
The best proposals cover everything important. The more effort you put into your proposal upfront, the easier it is to close the deal. You won't need to spend as much time on follow-ups and answering questions later. Every good proposal needs a clear layout with an intro, explanation of how you'll help the client, timeline, proof you've done this before, your price, a clear next step, and your terms. Winning proposals usually have about 7 sections, and each section should add value and follow this order.
Step 1: Have a good discovery conversation first
Before you even start writing, you need answers to all your important questions. The discovery call is super important for understanding what your client really needs. You need to figure out what they actually want.
Sometimes clients can't explain their problems clearly because they don't know the technical terms. Or maybe they have a goal but they're going about it the wrong way. Lots of people think social media is important but believe that getting likes automatically means making money.
When you hear something like that, you need to have a real conversation. Explain what realistic results look like and what short-term goals make sense to focus on first.
Ask the right questions
The two most important things you need to know are why and how much. Why are they trying to fix this problem right now? Why did they choose your company? What's their budget? How much money are they losing because this problem exists?
The more you know, the easier writing your proposal becomes. Budget talks are especially important. If you're not sure what to charge, get the client to tell you their budget during this conversation. If that feels awkward, try giving them a range instead of asking for one exact number. Once you have all this info, you're ready to write.
Step 2: Build a proposal focused on what you deliver
Now you understand your client and what they need. Time to create a proposal just for them. With Wonit, you can build great-looking proposals in minutes by talking to AI. Just explain your project in normal language and you'll get a professional proposal right away.
Focus on value, not tasks
Your proposal should focus on the long-term value you're creating. Let's say you're a copywriter. Don't focus on how many hours it takes to write their content. Focus on what that content will do for them over time.
You're not just selling website words. You're selling content that brings in new customers, builds a community around their brand, and helps them show up better in search results.
Start by describing their problem and goal using their exact words. This shows you're on the same page and you're not blaming anyone. Then go deeper into how your process works. Talk about the real value your service creates for them. The best way to do this is by sharing a story about another client you helped in a similar situation.
Step 3: Add proof from other people
Social proof is the one part of your proposal where someone else does the talking. It's powerful because a third person is backing up your skills by sharing how fast they made their money back and how much easier their life got after working with you.
Show real results
You can include reviews from past clients, do a quick interview with them, or show a full case study. Whatever you pick, explain how quickly your clients saw results. Try to add a photo or video of the client too.
This proves to your potential client that you're perfect for their job because you've already done it successfully. You've hit goals like theirs and avoided problems along the way.
Step 4: Make it look professional
You don't want to send a basic one-page document that leaves your client confused with more questions than answers.
Use the right tools
That's why using good proposal software matters. With Wonit, you don't need to know anything about design. The platform uses AI to handle all the design and layout choices for you. Every proposal looks perfect on phones and computers automatically.
Pick the right tone
While creating your proposal, think about who's reading it. Pay attention to how you sound. When talking about your plan and skills, use confident language. Don't say things like "we think" or "we hope." Instead say "we know" or "we predict."
When you get to the social proof section, you can be more emotional and understanding. Use positive words here and avoid negative phrases.
Step 5: Price it the right way
The pricing section might be the hardest part to write. First tip - don't call it "pricing." Call it something like "investment" instead. That way it doesn't feel like you're just handing them a bill.
Keep it simple
If you're unsure what to charge, figure that out during the discovery call. Another tip - give them one clear price. Research shows that offering multiple packages usually backfires because clients get confused.
Choose value-based pricing
Also, price based on value instead of hourly rates or commission. Hourly rates might feel safe because you get paid for every minute worked, but they don't motivate you to work efficiently. Commission-based pricing does motivate speed, but there are too many things outside your control that could hurt your commission. That's why value-based pricing works best.
Value means the total worth your client gets from your services. To price this way, you need to know exactly how much value you're creating for them.
Conclusion
Writing a proposal that convinces people doesn't need to be hard when you follow these five steps. Start with a solid discovery conversation to understand what the client needs and can afford. Focus on the actual value you deliver, not just tasks. Add strong proof from other clients to build trust. Create something that looks professional and is easy to read. Price based on the value you create, not hours worked.
Ready to turn weeks of proposal work into minutes? Get early access to Wonit today and start building stunning proposals with built-in terms and conditions, AI-powered content, and everything you need to close deals faster.