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How to Write a Project Proposal and Present it to Stakeholders

Every manager or executive has at some point of their career the need to create a project proposal (or initiative, we will use both terms instinctively in this post). In this opportunity we will briefly define the concept, how to write it and more importantly how to present it to an audience. Persuasion is key. Being able to transmit the right message behind the proposal will help you engage your audience with your ideas.

What Is a Project Proposal?

A project proposal is a document that details a new project idea. Its main objective is to communicate the idea, and what is needed to make it happen. In its most basic form, it contains a title, initial and end dates, objectives, goals and the overall main achievement pursued at completion of the project.

Formal project proposals have clear sections that have been proven to effectively communicate a project idea. The basics include context about the problem or pain trying to solve, a high level action plan, and the required resources to execute it. We’ll give you more detail into how to write project proposal categories later on in this article.

Note that a business project proposal is not the same thing as a complete project plan , in terms of project management . The project proposal includes a lot of details in many of the same categories as a project charter or a complete project plan. However, it is not the same document. The project proposal is not a detailed execution plan. There are lots of details that may change between the proposal presentation and the final, approved project plan.

Types of Project Proposals

There are many different kinds of project proposals, since there are many different kinds of projects. For the sake of keeping the article with a reasonable length, we will exemplify Business Project Proposals.

Business project proposals range from formal to informal and vary greatly depending on the industry and company where they are defined. This article focuses on business project proposals, though a lot of the basics and recommendations also apply to different categories.

Situations that Require to Write a Business Project Proposal

Projects intake vary depending on the management frameworks applied by every organization. But there are common management practices that trigger the need for project proposals.

The most common place for project definitions and ideation is during Corporate Planning. Independently of the size of the organization, planning is a practice that every professional organization carries out. Could be defined as Corporate Planning, or just Growth planning, but the time of the year where executives prepare their forecast and plan for the future is the main event where initiatives are defined. In order to evaluate them objectively, project proposals are created. Based on the proposals, the executives decide which projects they will sponsor. With this in mind, it is important that the document is formal, informative, but also persuasive.

How to Write a Project Proposal

The following paragraphs describe the common sections of a professional project proposal document. Keep in mind that this guide does not pretend to be exhaustive and is understood that you’ll need to evaluate adjustments to this outline in order to make it work for your industry, field, and department.

Step One: Define the Purpose around a Problem or Pain

No executive team will approve or fund a project if it’s not solving a realistic problem, situation. While it may sound negative, in business a lot of decisions are made around addressing pains, both organizational and client-facing. This step aims to show stakeholders why your project is important and what are the stakes if they don’t approve it.

Since your problem statement is the very first section of your project proposal, it has to be strong. If you don’t make your audience start believing in the need for a new initiative at this point, it will be very hard to change their minds later on. Don’t exaggerate the problem, since that is easy to discover later on, but be emphatic about why this is a problem that needs fixing. Backup your claims with facts, figures, and business cases. The cost of “ not doing ” is also a strong argument.

Here are some questions to consider when defining the problem:

Step Two: Introduce The Solution

Now that you’ve hopefully convinced your audience of the existence of a problem, you now have to introduce the proposed solution. The next several steps will help you specify some of the more tangible components of the “how”. On this step, however, you’re still at the dazzling and inspiring stage.

That means your introduction to the plan should focus on its benefits.

How is this going to address the problem and what is your organization going to get out of it? Think increased profits, lowered costs, new products on the market, more satisfied clients, increased brand awareness, etc.

What is the anticipated impact of your project or idea? Focus on wide-ranging effects for a more impressive presentation.

Step Three: Specify Deliverables and Success Criteria

Deliverables are the results of your project. Think about it as the components, both tangible and intangible, that you’ll be delivering. Include the functions and characteristics of each deliverable, such as what it will do, how it will work, and what benefit it will have. Include details such as due date and key tasks required to successfully carry out each deliverable.

Alongside the definition of deliverables are the success criteria. It’s important to specify how you’ll know if each deliverable has been successfully created, as well as the project as a whole. Whenever you’re presenting objectives or criteria for evaluating success, use the SMART goals approach. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. You can try using a roadmap template to visualize these deliverables and delivery dates.

Step Four: Outline Project Resources

In order to execute a project, you will require resources. Generally in a project proposal you will divide this definition in two. First, an overall estimation of resources in a common language , financial . So you will translate every resource into budgeting terms and define an investment number. Then, you will break down these financials into: assets (i.e.: technology, infrastructure), human resources, services (i.e.: advertisement, consultancy).

Step Five: Outline your Schedule

In this section you will combine deliverables and resources to generate a high level roadmap. Main points to highlight are start and end of the project, delivery dates and resources usage times. In this way you will materialize the proposal in high level activities.

Step Six: Executive Summary

Once the detailed version of your project proposal is complete, it’s time to summarize it into an executive summary. This summary will include a high-level list of each key element of your proposal. The idea of the executive summary is to be able to summarize in one page all the proposal, in a way an executive can grasp the overall scope.

How to Present a Project Proposal to Stakeholders

Your project presentation will follow the basic steps detailed above. Here is a project proposal example structure using project proposal templates to help you get started on your presentation.

Slide 1: Cover Slide with Project Name

Like in all presentations, you don’t dive into the main part of the presentation without introducing the name of the project and yourself as presenter. Covers slides provide some visual stationary previous the presentation kick off. As a recommendation, set a project name that will make it memorable.

Slide 2: Table of Contents

Audience members will have an easier time paying attention if they know what to expect from your proposal presentation. See the following slide for a common project proposal table of contents format. When presenting it, do not dive into details. The agenda slide is aimed to set a mental state in the audience on the structure of the information will follow. It is a presentation best practice to prepare the audience.

Slide 3: The Problem

Summarize your problem statement in one or two sentences. Be BOLD . When creating this problem summary, make sure to touch upon what the problem is, why it is a problem, how this problem manifests, who this problem affects, and what is the fallout of this problem. Make sure your message is directed to the real pain to solve. Avoid repeating the detailed problem definition; the audience can drill down in the documentation for the facts behind your statements.

Slide 4: The Solution

As the first slide that formally introduces your projects proposal, this slide should briefly communicate what it is you are proposing to do. You can frame this slide in terms of the solution to the previously mentioned problem or you can introduce it as your plan. Either way, make sure this project introduction is no more than 1-3 sentences long. You’ll have time to specify other details in later slides. At this point of the presentation, your audience curiosity starts to peak, and you need to build your persuasive speech.

Slide 5: Goals and Benefits

For this slide, you want to briefly list the main goals for what you want to achieve with your project, as well as the top benefits your project will generate for the organization. While there may be a much larger list of these two components in your project proposal document, you’ll want to present the most important/relevant here. Try to group goals and benefits into categories. Remember that what you put on your PowerPoint slides is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your presentation. You can and should give more details in the spoken part of your proposal presentation.

Slide 6: Deliverables and Success Criteria

Without going into too much detail, list deliverables, due dates, and criteria for acceptance for your main deliverables.

Slide 7: Project Management Strategy

State the project management strategy you’re planning to use to manage the project. You can’t assume everyone in your audience will understand what each project management strategy entails, so you should also provide a brief description of your choice. These templates detailing the Scrum , Kanban , and Waterfall methodologies can give you ideas of how to summarize your chosen methodology.

Slide 8: Budget

The budget slide remains pretty simple. Report both the total budget you anticipate for the project as well as a general breakdown of the budget into the main categories. Providing the percentage of each category of the budget is helpful for stakeholders to conceptualize it. In the Project Proposal Presentation template we have included a project budget slide (in slide #9) with a data table that can be used to present the Budget information.

Slide 9: Project Requirements

Other than budget, what’s needed in order to complete your project? Will you need human resources, specific software, equipment, or a special location in order to execute your project? Add a simplified list here of the main requirements.

Slide 10: Project Proposal Timeline

You will not be able to present the entire project timeline in a simple project proposal presentation. However, you should present an overview of the timeline, including major phases and deliverables. Instead of presenting a simple chart with deliverables and dates, we recommend placing your timeline of deliverables and phases in an actual calendar. This puts your timeline in a visual context of quarters, months, or weeks, allowing audience members to have a clearer concept of how long this project will take.

Slide 11: Conclusion

Close your project proposal with a very short summary of the project, similar to what you wrote previously when introducing your solution. The point of this is to remind your audience of the overarching reason for this presentation, especially after going over potentially less-than-inspiring details like budget and requirements.

Slide 12: Thank You Slide

Don’t forget to thank your audience for listening to your project proposal. Add your contact information in case this project proposal is sent over email and reviewed individually.

Final Words

In this article we had reviewed the definition of project proposal, its main structure and a guide on how to present it to your stakeholders. For further reading about presentations skills , here is a guide to improving your public speaking skills that will help you present your project proposal even more effectively. Hope you had enjoyed the reading.

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Project Execution, Project Management, Project Planning Filed under Business

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8 Best Tips for Business Proposal Presentations [+Examples]

Updated: May 24, 2022

Published: February 16, 2022

Business proposal presentations are the culmination of a long sales process between you and your clients. If you don’t structure it correctly or take the time to craft one with care, you risk losing the client’s buy-in for your solution. So getting it right is essential.

In this article, we’ll look at several ways to improve your business proposal presentation (and pitch) and increase the odds that you’ll walk away with a new customer.

Business Proposal Presentation

A business proposal presentation is a document that outlines a business solution for a customer after a lengthy consultation process. It is presented to the customer in either PDF or PowerPoint format, and can be paired with a contract for immediate signing.

Other formats that may be accepted include Google Docs or Google Slides, but PowerPoint is the industry standard. The presentation is then delivered in person or through a video conferencing tool such as Zoom.

Rarely, if ever, is a business proposal presentation sent to the customer for asynchronous perusal. Rather, it’s presented live in a customer meeting . That will give you the opportunity to sell them even more on the solutions you offer and persuade them to make a decision within a reasonable time frame.

Free Business Proposal Template

Propose your business as the ideal solution using our Free Business Proposal Templates

• Problem summary
• Proposed solution
• Pricing information
• Project timeline

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

If you let the customer review the presentation on their own, it’s likely that they’ll lengthen the sales process and even put off making a decision.

When crafting your proposal presentation, there are a few quick best practices to keep in mind.

• Personalize the presentation . While it’s totally fine to reuse a PowerPoint presentation template , you don’t want to accidentally include another business’ name on the deck. So be sure to go through every slide and personalize it for the customer’s goals and pain points.
• Send a pre-meeting email with an agenda. To prepare your customer for the presentation, it’d be wise to send a pre-meeting email with a quick, scannable sales agenda detailing how the meeting will go. That way, you can set the right expectations and keep you both on track.
• Plan your in-person customer visit. If you’re meeting the customer in person, there will be a few more elements at play, such as an office tour and even a colleague introduction. That can quickly lead to lost time, so use this guide to plan a customer visit that stays on track and helps you effectively sell your solution.
• Pay attention to the design of the deck . Your clothes and demeanor may be in tip-top shape, but if your deck is messy and poorly designed, then the effectiveness of your points will be diminished. Use a PowerPoint template and check out a few sales presentation examples to inspire you.
• Keep the presentation short and precise. Keep your presentation as short as possible, about 15 to 20 minutes. The longer you speak to your clients, the less they’ll remember.

Now, it’s time for your presentation. Let’s go over how you can execute it flawlessly.

How to Present a Business Proposal

• Optimize your meeting time from the start.
• Have a clear agenda.
• Open up with the customer’s problems and challenges.
• Pause and ask questions.
• Lead with stories, not data.
• Don’t read off of your PowerPoint slides.
• Present your solution — and sell them a vision.
• Establish a clear follow-up timeline at the end of the meeting.

1. Optimize your meeting time from the start.

When presenting a proposal, it’s important to remember that your clients are busy. They have other meetings to attend, phone calls and emails to return, and problems to solve. Time is their most precious asset. Here are a few tips to optimize the time you spend with your customers:

• Arrive early . This is a no-brainer, but arrive to the meeting with at least ten minutes to spare, especially if it’s in person. Use this buffer to use the bathroom, rehearse your introduction, and even set up the meeting space.
• Rehearse setting up the projector or sharing your screen before the meeting . If you’re carrying out a meeting in person, you don’t want to waste ten minutes figuring out how to project your laptop’s screen. Carry several adapters with you and have a fail-safe plan, such as bringing a tablet with a copy of the presentation. If the meeting is over Zoom, practice sharing your screen so that your notes aren’t visible.
• Keep your introduction short. Leave space for banter and rapport, but keep your personal introduction short. Small talk should be reduced as much as possible — you shouldn’t spend twenty minutes talking about the weather, unless you sell a weather-related solution.

2. Have a clear agenda.

Your presentation must have a clear and compelling agenda, which you can share right at the start (in addition to having shared it over email before the meeting).

The meeting should begin with compelling reasons to consider your proposal and culminate with a specific request for the business. Here’s an agenda template you can use to structure your meeting:

• Challenge/Opportunity. Begin your presentation by illustrating the opportunity or challenge that your client is overlooking. Make sure it’s compelling enough to motivate your client to listen to the rest of your presentation.
• Benefits . Discuss the benefits that your client will achieve by adopting your solution. Use a customer case study or testimonial to support your point.
• Plan . Present your plan or options to resolve the client’s challenge/opportunity.
• Company . Briefly share your company’s background, including who your company helps with these issues.
• Recommend . Before closing your presentation, be sure to ask for the client’s business. You might close by asking the client, “Do you believe that the solution that I’ve presented will effectively help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals?”

In the presentation, include a few bullet points that outline these parts of the meeting, so that the client knows what to expect.

3. Open up with the customer’s problems and challenges.

As mentioned, you’ll begin the meeting with a challenge or opportunity. Don’t walk into the meeting and immediately start talking about yourself or your company or your products. If you do this, your client will immediately focus on cost and product features, often ending the meeting before you’ve had a chance to finish.

Instead, focus on re-emphasizing the customer’s challenges and pain points. Your clients want to know how they can beat their competitors, reach new customers, retain existing customers, and increase profit margins. But before you can sell them your product, you have to emphasize the graveness of the issue they’re facing and illustrate how their challenges will prevent them from achieving these goals.

For instance, if 30% of their customers are churning, and you sell a business solution that can help reduce churn, you might open up your presentation with how their revenue will continue to be impacted by this loss. This will emphasize the urgency of the problem and help you create a stronger pitch later.

4. Pause and ask questions.

After you’ve spoken for a few minutes, stop and ask your client a question. This is a great way to stay in control of the meeting while allowing your client to interact with the sales presentation.

Here are some questions that you might ask:

• Have I summarized your challenges correctly?
• Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d like to add?
• Am I right in saying that you want to solve this problem in the next quarter?

5. Lead with stories, not data.

While clients value data, they are also realistic about what data can — and cannot — tell them. They’ve seen many projects fail despite the glowing research results, and they’ve seen projects succeed despite the lack of any data to back it up.

So, introduce stories first, then the data to back it up. Come to the presentation armed with customer experiences and competitor moves. Your clients are far more interested in what other businesses like them have experienced and what their competitors are doing. They’re not all that interested in the latest research study, but you can use a study to support your points and lend credence to an anecdote.

6. Don’t read off of your PowerPoint slides.

Let the deck complement your points. If you read directly off the slides, you’ll quickly bore your customer, and the impact of what you’re saying won’t land.

Keep your slides simple, too, so that you’re not tempted to read off of them. Most slides are far too complex — too much text, distracting designs, and unrelated images.

You should only put one picture and one line of text on a slide. No more. Your clients can only absorb so much at once, and if they’re too busy trying to sort out paragraphs upon paragraphs on the screen, most of what you’ll say will be missed.

7. Present your solution — and sell them a vision.

After you’ve re-established the business challenge and spoken to the customer’s pain points, it’s time to present your product or service as a solution. But it’s important to not stop here — you have to also sell them a vision of what their business will look like after they take care of the problem.

Will they experience increased sales? Streamlined processes? Better customer retention? And what will that look like a few years from now? Don’t exaggerate, but don’t be afraid to show them how your product can create a much positive future for their business.

8. Establish a clear follow-up timeline at the end of the meeting.

This is maybe the most important part of your business proposal presentation. Tell your customer what will happen after the presentation, so that there’s no ambiguity regarding next steps.

We highly recommend establishing a clear follow-up date. Don’t say, “I’ll follow up in about a week.” Instead, try, “Is it okay if I call you on Friday, May 10th?”

We also recommend creating a timeline after the follow-up call. For instance, you might say you’ll call on a certain date, and then you’ll send the contract over using a tool such as PandaDoc , Qwilr , or Proposify . Your contract will be in your customer’s hand for a week, and then on the following Wednesday, you’ll follow-up once again to see if the customer has any questions.

Adjust this timeline depending on your customer, sales cycle length , and industry. Such a short timeline might not suit a product that costs thousands of dollars and requires a yearly commitment. However, it might suit a product that only costs a few hundred dollars a year.

Feeling stumped? No worries. Below, we share some business proposal examples you can glean inspiration from.

Business Proposal Presentation Examples

1. moving malta forward.

This compelling presentation proposes a metro system for the city of Malta. It opens with a “Case for Change” and uses graphics and visuals to argue for the creation of a metro in the city. While it is text heavy, it includes plenty of information for Malta’s government to make a decision. That’s why it’s important to know your audience. If you’re proposing to a gubernatorial entity, then being comprehensive is important.

2. The Big Picture

This is another presentation that argues for the urban development of a district. Its most notable feature is its “At a glance” spread, which shows an overview of the plan from top to bottom, down to the impact the proposed changes will have on the city. In the same way, you can include at an at-a-glance slide in your presentation.

3. AMW Tech

This deck presents a business as opposed to a product, but it does everything right: It opens with an agenda and closes with a call-to-action (“Keep in touch with us”). Even something as simple as providing your contact information can be enough to prompt your customer to continue the conversation.

4. Microsoft Advertising

This deck by Microsoft Advertising takes a slightly different approach: It starts with a quote from the Microsoft CEO, and then provides details about how the brand helps its customers. This works for a major brand like this one because the client may be interested in Microsoft as a whole as opposed to just one service. It’s important to know your audience in this respect, as well.

Creating a Compelling Business Proposal Presentation

Being able to effectively present proposals is key to your success. To be effective, get to the point and focus on vision and stories. Use PowerPoint or Keynote as supporting material and be sure to keep it short. Finally, your presentation should begin with compelling reasons to consider your proposal and culminate with a specific request for the business.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Propose your business as the ideal solution using this free template.

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Make a Winning Business Proposal Presentation in 11 Steps

Learn how to create business proposal presentations that stand out and win deals. Apply battle-tested best practices and actionable tips from sales pros.

9 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What makes a good business proposal presentation?

An outstanding business proposal presentation combines clarity, conciseness, and compelling storytelling.

It should be visually engaging, tailored to the audience's interests, and demonstrate a deep understanding of their needs, setting the stage for successful collaboration.

Your business proposal is your last chance to impress

Making a business proposal presentation is your money time at the end of a long, exhausting sales process with a prospective client. Losing your sale at this stage would be most painful.

It can be overwhelming when you realize how much is riding on this one proposal.

Sending out an ill-made business proposal puts you at risk of losing your client’s buy-in at the very last moment.

This situation is stressful for most people, but it doesn’t have to be. To make this process as stress-free as can be, I put together a guide on how to make a proposal presentation that will give you a leg up over your competitors.

Let's get started!

What does a business proposal presentation look like?

A business proposal presentation today goes beyond traditional slides filled with bullet points. It's a deck that blends text, compelling visuals, and even interactive elements like charts, graphs, and short videos.

This modern approach reflects how we engage with content in our digital age – visually and interactively.

Here's what a modern business proposal presentation looks like:

11 steps for making a winning business proposal presentation

Whether you’re selling products or services to prospective clients or pitching new ventures, business presentations are an everyday part of modern business.

Still, most business professionals don’t know how to do it right.

The reason why so many business proposal presentations fail is that not all elements of a successful business proposal presentation are in place. You can ensure your presentation impresses prospects every time by following the following best practices.

1) Do your research about the prospect

Before you set out to craft your business proposal presentation, you must conduct thorough research about the company you’re going to be pitching to.

Often, the difference between a knockout business presentation and a poor one is the level of confidence during the delivery. Carrying out a great deal of detailed research beforehand will give you the confidence needed to ace the presentation. Here's an example of how you can present your findings in a concise way:

The key pieces of information you need to get are:

What is the company size and sector?

What do their internal processes look like?

Who are the main decision-makers in the company?

Who are they selling their products and services to? Is it a B2B or B2C company?

What is your prospect’s most pressing problem?

What are they hoping to achieve?

What is your role in helping them reach these goals?

What is their allocated budget?

Have they ever used other industry solutions?

Finding the answers to these questions will ensure that your lead is qualified and allow you to bring up relevant insights during your presentation.

It will also make your prospect feel understood , which will capture their attention and boost your closing rate.

How to get information about your prospect

Making a discovery call

Visiting their website

Observing their social media accounts

Analyzing their competitors

B2B databases, such as G2 or Capterra

Data prospecting tools like ZoomInfo or Lusha

2) Personalize your proposal presentation

If you do your homework right and know who your potential client is, you will be able to deliver a tailor-made business proposal presentation.

Our research shows that by personalizing your proposal, you’re increasing the number of people who will read your deck in full by 68% as compared to generic presentations.

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Every single email that starts with “Dear Owner” or “Dear User” immediately goes to live in my Bin folder.

By including a personal note tailored to your recipient, you’re skyrocketing the chances of it living rent-free in their head instead.

4 main ways to personalize your business proposal presentation:

I) Add company-specific insights

This can be anything you learned while doing your research on the prospect or something they mentioned during a discovery call.

II) Include your client’s name and logo in every business proposal presentation

If you’re using a PowerPoint this means going in and manually adding the identifying info into the deck.

If you’re using Storydoc, then this can easily be streamlined for scale using dynamic variables that change specific info for specific recipients.

This feature swaps out your client’s details while the rest of your deck stays intact, and with a 10-second setup, you’re good to go.

Here's how it works:

III) Include your prospect’s branding

If you’re using PowerPoint, then you’ll have to go in and change the design and visuals in your deck to fit your prospect’s branding. Alternatively, you can use a DIY tool like Snappa’s SVG editor or Logo.com’s logo generator .

With Storydoc, you can automatically apply branding pulled from any given website just by providing the website address—including the brand’s colors and fonts.

This will make an impact on your prospect while requiring minimal effort on your part, let alone involving a designer.

IV) Keep your proposal relevant at all times

When choosing client stories to share in your business proposal, stick to companies from a similar field.

Show a deep understanding of your prospect’s industry, key pain points, and competitors. This will make it easier for them to visualize what your solution can do for them.

3) Use a battle-tested presentation structure

It doesn’t matter if you’re in the last stage of your sales pipeline or still moving prospects down the funnel.

There are some common elements each business proposal presentation needs to have in order to perform exceptionally.

In our usage data we see presentations with similar business proposal structures outperform the rest time and time again.

What to include in a business proposal presentation

8 essential slides of a business proposal presentation:

1. Title page: This should include essential information such as your company's name, the client's name, and logo, along with the submission date.

2. Assessment or project overview: Here, clearly define the client's problem or need and outline your proposed solution. This section establishes the context and purpose of your proposal.

3. Executive summary: Offer a concise summary of your proposal, highlighting your unique value proposition. For tips on how to write one, read our 101 guide .

4. Methodology: The how to your what and why . In this part, you should explain the methods you’ll use to deliver on your promises and include a list of deliverables with a projected timetable.

5. Pricing: Provide a clear, transparent breakdown of costs for your services or products. Offering multiple pricing options can cater to different client needs or budgets.

6. Proof of qualifications: Showcase your credibility with evidence of past successes. Include case studies, testimonials, relevant certifications, and any industry awards you've received.

7. Team: Introduce the key team members who will be involved in the project. Highlight their skills and roles to build trust and confidence in your team's capabilities.

8. Next step: Conclude with a call-to-action detailing the next step a prospect is supposed to take after viewing your business proposal presentation.

4) Maximize your impact with a compact presentation

You may feel that the more information you include in your business proposal presentation, the higher your chances of sealing the deal are. But it’s the exact opposite.

The busier people get the narrower their attention spans. I can assure you that when faced with a bulky document, your prospects will either skim through it or not bother reading at all.

It’s more constructive to keep your presentation short and concise by including only the information most relevant to your prospect and with the biggest needed to finalize their decision to buy.

5) Avoid complex information and jargon

Complexity adds to cognitive load and any additional bit of information makes it harder to decide.

The best strategy for your business proposal would be to bring up only the most important aspects of your product or service that came up during the sales process.

You don’t have the time or attention to tell them everything. So tell them what really makes a difference.

Don’t get too technical

No matter how great the technology behind your solution is, I can assure you that most of your clients don’t care about the details. They care about the outcome your solution brings them, and what it’s going to cost them in time and money.

Sounds harsh? Sorry, but that’s the reality.

We don’t buy the latest iPhone because it has a pro 12MP camera system or a lens with a ƒ/1.8 aperture and 120° field of view. We buy it because we can take holiday photos for Instagram that will make Debra from HR green with envy.

Your customers are no different. They don’t need to have the same level of knowledge about your solution that you do. You will only confuse them by bombarding them with technical details.

Write in simple words and sentences

The extent of the attention your proposal will likely get is similar to that of an 8th grader. If you know your solution inside and out, you should be able to explain it simply.

Practice answering these questions as if asked by an 8th grader:

What does your company do and what makes you best qualified for the job?

What are your customers’ main pain points?

What is your proposed solution and how are you going to tackle the prospect’s problems?

What is the project timeline?

How much will it cost the prospect?

What are the gains for a prospect by choosing to work with you?

Who are the main team members that are going to work on this project?

What relevant experience do you have?

Refine your unique value proposition

Always remember that your ability to stand out is limited to your ability to deliver a simple and crisp value proposition. Simple is easy to understand and most importantly makes it easier to choose.

But there’s more! No matter what your business does, your biggest competitor is the status quo , where buyers choose to do nothing at all.

Seth Godin said in his seminal book This is Marketing that sales or marketing professionals are agents of change. But change takes time and effort. It’s easy for buyers to stick to what they have, even if it no longer serves them.

When talking about your product or service, don't just explain the benefits. Also show your clients what they might lose if they don't choose you, and explain the opportunity cost of doing nothing.

Here's a great video explaining how to write a UVP statement:

6) Provide social proof

At this point in the buyer’s journey, your lead should already trust you. If they didn’t, they would not proceed beyond the demo or even book a demo.

So why add social proof again at this late stage?

Well, big expenses make most people’s knees shake. Even if the money is not their own, they will be judged by their procurement (your solution) and the business impact it generates.

You need to have past clients vouch for you, to prove that it’s not your first rodeo and that your buyers can count on you to deliver.

Here are different types of social proof our clients used in their decks.

First up, a classic client testimonial:

Then, client logos with the Capterra rating:

And a mention in a reputable industry publication:

7) Include case studies

Case studies are the dark horse of the business race. They’re the least used asset in B2B because of how work-intensive their production is. But, at the same time, case studies are the most effective type of marketing asset .

By not including a case study in your business proposal, you’re running the risk of potential clients finding out about your solution from other sources. Worst case scenario, those other sources are your competitors. If you feature a case study, you’re in control of the narrative. You can basically have your clients sell for you by covering the main value propositions in their own words.

Here's a case study example from our client:

8) Position yourself as a consultant rather than a seller

It’s mostly true that people hate being sold to, but they love to buy.

Most buyers prefer to avoid meeting with salespeople and follow the self-serve route because they fear that salespeople will pressure or manipulate them into buying the wrong thing.

Sales are already losing big to self-service. A McKinsey survey from 2020 suggests that 70% of B2B buyers now look kindly on making self-serve buying decisions, even when considering solutions costing $500K and more.

But there is a way sales can always stay one step ahead of self-serve, and 10 steps ahead of the competition—shifting from being salesy to being consultative.

This means knowing the concerns and needs of your buyer and delivering the information they need to make an informed decision, even if it means (hope you're sitting down) not buying your product or solution because it’s not a good fit.

This approach was pioneered by Anthony Iannarino , and you can read more about How to be truly consultative on his website The Sales Blog.

9) Add videos to your business proposal

In this day and age, purely static content just won’t cut it anymore . If your slide contains walls of text, most people will skip it and move straight to the next part, or the next proposal.

Out of all visual aid types, videos are the most compelling. People get distracted very easily, so having a video that conveys the same message really helps keep them engaged.

Presentation statistics based on our extensive user data support the claim that video brings a positive impact —if you include a video in your cover slide, 32% more people will interact with your presentation.

The findings are even greater for other presentation sections.

By embedding *any* video in your presentation, you can increase the average reading time by 37% and increase the CTA click-through rate by 17% .

This proposal is a great example of effective video use:

10) Make the next step clear to your buyer

Including a clear call to action at the end of your business proposal presentation is crucial. As obvious as this must sound to some, many businesses fail to do this effectively.

If a prospective client reads the entire business proposal, they’re clearly interested in your value proposition. They may be ready to seal the deal.

The worst thing that can happen at this stage is if they don’t know how to proceed. It’s like building a supermarket without a checkout counter.

Here's an example of a smart CTA:

What's not an effective call to action?

A text that tells your buyer to give you a call

An email link for requesting the documents needed for signing

Or a phone number they need to dial.

An effective call to action can be:

Embedding a calendar to let prospects book the next meeting

The option to download key documents (e.g. an NDA or a contract)

Sending prospects to explore more details about your solution (e.g. try out your tool or look at examples from your portfolio)

Embedding a digital signature for buyers to sign directly in your deck

An embedded payment module for buyers to pay directly from your deck

Here's another great example of a deck with an effective CTA:

11) Move from legacy design to modern design

Most guides teach you how to make a business proposal using PowerPoint presentations. But, b y sending your business proposal presentation in PPT format, you’re giving leads something they’ve seen 1000 times over.

With sales closing rates declining for the past 5 years in a row, it’s a major risk to cling to the old ways.

When we analyzed over 100,000 sales and marketing presentations , we discovered that giving prospects presentations that can only be read majorly kills engagement.

If you want to succeed and grow your win rate you’ll have to move up to dynamic interactive proposal decks.

By giving readers interactive elements to “play around” with, you’re increasing the chances of your deck being read in full by 41% and the average reading time by 146% .

This is what static vs interactive looks like:

How to create a business proposal presentation faster than ever with AI

Tell the AI assistant what kind of proposal you'd like to create.

Provide an overview of your company and your product or service.

Choose your preferred template .

Adjust the design to reflect your or your prospect’s branding in just a few clicks.

Add videos and dynamic storytelling content.

Personalize your business proposals for the specific buyer.

Integrate your sales tools into the deck, like Calendly or DocuSign .

Send the deck and see the data stream in.

Analyze your usage data to get deep insights into your sales process.

Optimize your decks based on what works and what doesn’t work for your prospects.

Interactive business proposal templates

We all know that putting together a proposal can be tough. It's like the final lap in a race where you've got to give it your all.

Interactive business proposal templates are like a roadmap, guiding you on how to structure your proposal so it looks professional and hits all the right notes.

The best part is that they're built to engage. Instead of sending over a standard document, you're bringing your proposal to life with dynamic animations, informative videos, and interactive elements.

Grab a template and see how it can transform your deck.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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How to Create an Effective Business Proposal Presentation: Top Tips for Success

Creating an engaging business proposal and presenting it in front of your potential clients might sound like a difficult task. Knowing what to focus on, how to organize the meeting and shape your approach shouldn’t stress you out.

With our comprehensive guide, you’ll see how easy it can be to create a winning proposal. We’ll also give you tips on how to build confidence in your presenting skills and nail every public speaking event, be it around your proposal or not. 

In this article, we’ll cover the proposal presentation creation process, how to best automate it and give you other tips on how to engage your audience. 

Create a great business proposal

Whatever your topic may be, the starting process is the same - research. You need to conduct thorough research into your topic, and your audience as well. 

The questions you need answered are:

• What problem are your clients facing?
• What are your client’s goals?
• How would they like you to go about helping them achieve those goals?
• Have your clients ever worked with any of your competitors before?
• How much budget can they allocate for this project?
• When do they expect to see results?

Once you conduct your research, you can start creating a proposal presentation. In order to speed up your proposal creation process, you’ll want to look into automation software. 

Better Proposals offers a variety of prewritten proposal templates that you can easily customize to your needs. This means that you won’t have to create your presentation from scratch. 

With our beautifully designed templates, you’ll have no problem showing your solution and the benefits you’ll bring to your clients in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone. 

How to structure your presentation

Start with a short introduction. The point of your presentation introduction is to ease your clients in by explaining to them that you’ve listened and understood their issues. They will want to hear about your process and how you’ll help them achieve their goals so make sure you’re not talking too much about yourself and your company. 

Once you’ve created your introduction, it’s time to focus on your process and timescales . This is the time to go into further detail and explain exactly which steps you’re going to take in order to help your client. However, make sure that you’re keeping it easy to understand. 

Your clients won’t have the same technical knowledge as you do, so make sure to explain everything in simple terms. As important as it is to talk about your process, it’s even more important to showcase the benefits. 

That’s how you sell your services - by talking about tangle results. If you’re providing website building, explain how it will lead to increased sales and market share. 

If you’re working with a team, make sure to explain what each member will be working on a week to week basis. 

Once you’ve presented your solution, it’s time to get to the price. If you already know your client’s budget, it will be easy for you to come up with a number. But that’s not all, the way you present your price is also very important. 

Make sure you’re not using the word price and try using words like investment and ROI instead. It will make your proposal stand out and won’t cheapen your offer. Moreover, it’s important to present your price as a single number. 

If you present a few different tiered price points, it will confuse your clients. They won’t know which package to choose, since they are looking to you to explain which steps are needed in order to help them achieve their goals. 

Don’t use your presentation to try and upsell your clients. That should be done once you’ve created a relationship with them and created some results with your solution. 

Add a great case study 

Once you’ve presented your solution and price, it might be a good idea to quickly present a few case studies. They will show how you helped a client in a similar position before. It will be a good way to win over the audience, especially if you think you’ve lost them after presenting your price.

A third-party’s quote about your company will build your credibility. Furthermore, it gives you the opportunity to present the benefits your clients experienced from working with you, as well as how quickly they reached ROI. 

Better Proposals’ templates come with a prewrite structure for case studies. We know what the clients want to see and hear, which is why we make sure to provide a visually pleasing layout. 

There is no need to go into detail on how much trouble your client was in before they started working with you. Nor should you talk about the process employed to help them achieve results. In most cases, this will be similar to the process you’ve already presented to the client, so don’t repeat yourself. 

Instead, focus on the results. By this we mean:

• The benefits the client experienced since working with you . Explain a few details - do they have more time now, have they managed to focus on other parts of their business and more?
• What short and long term goals did you help them achieve?
• When did they achieve ROI ?
• A quote from the previous client.

Case studies are a powerful strategy that can help you win deals and secure more revenue. 

How to end your proposal presentation

After that, make sure to outline the next steps as well as present your guarantee and terms and conditions. 

It might sound silly, but including a clear call to action is very important. Since you’ve already created a great proposal presentation, it would be a shame not to state what needs to happen next. 

Does your client need to send any materials, do they need to pay the first fee, is there a need for a team meeting?

Whatever needs to be done, lay it out in order to make it easy for everyone to understand. 

In the guarantee section, present what you could offer the client if anything goes wrong. A popular example would be to promise a free product or service if you don’t provide them with a finished product in the agreed-upon time frame. 

Personalize your proposal for the specific audience

While you’re creating your proposal presentation, you need to keep in mind who your audience is. You need to know their needs, wants, lifestyles and behaviour. However, not only do you need to know your audience, but their audience as well. 

Who are they selling their products and services to? Firstly, distinguish between a B2B, B2C and a combination of those two types of companies. After that look for any reports that focus on their industry. If you’re selling medical equipment, find out all you can about hospitals, private clinics and any upcoming trends in the market. In addition, identify your competitors and analyze their technological stack using the technographic data insights .

You need to be able to confidently present your proposal and that confidence will come from the amount of research you conduct. 

Analyze the previous efforts your client’s company has made in order to solve the problem. If you could explain to them why it didn’t work, it would further demonstrate your expertise and that you’re the perfect person for the job. 

When using Better Proposals, you can make sure you’ll never address your clients by the wrong name. With our custom merge tags , you can name your clients, their company and brand and automatically personalize your proposals. 

That way, even if you’re recycling your proposal presentations, you can rest assured knowing you didn’t leave the names of your previous clients. 

Send out the proposal before the presentation 

It’s a good idea to send out your presentation before the meeting. 

There are three reasons for that: 

• It will give your clients enough information to think about any questions they might have.
• You can utilize proposal analytics to see exactly what your clients are interested in and shape your approach accordingly.
• If your clients agree to your terms, they can sign them then and there using the digital signature option.

Better Proposals offers a great feature called proposal analytics. They show you when your proposals were opened, by who, if they were forwarded, signed and paid. 

You will also receive notifications via email for every action your client takes. Moreover, you’ll know exactly how much time did they spend on each of the chapters. 

This type of insight will help you understand which parts of your presentation to focus more on in the meeting. Did your client jump straight to the price or did they read every section? Once you analyze their actions, you’ll have a different perspective on your presentation. 

Focus on the problem you’re solving, not your offer

Don’t underestimate the power of benefits and value you can bring to your clients. That’s what they’re most interested in. We know that it’s tempting to focus on your offer and go into great detail about how you’re the best person for the job based on your price, approach, quality of work and more. 

As important as that is, make sure your primary focus is on the problem you’re going to solve and the benefits you’ll bring them. 

Your clients won’t be that interested in your features and other technical details. They want to hear what their future will look like if they start a business relationship with you. For example, if you’re selling a meal prep kit, it would make more sense to highlight benefits like - freeing up time in your customers' days, offering a variety of meal plans and more. 

Talking about the technical aspects of your business would only be interesting to potential investors or employees. That's why it’s important to focus on the value you’re bringing to the client. 

Arrive early in a neutral setting

The last tip we have for you is to meet the client in a neutral setting. Most of the time the client will want you to come to their office. Even though you’d want to accommodate your clients, meeting them in their office might be detrimental to your deal. 

Their office is a place with a lot of distractions. Anyone can walk in and ask for input on their own work, there are deliveries going on and the phones ringing off the hook. Offices are not known as quiet places and that is why you’d want to move the meeting to a more neutral setting. 

Our advice is to choose a hotel lobby. They are usually quiet during the workday, making them the perfect setting for a business meeting. 

It’s also important to come early. That way you can choose the perfect table, order a drink (nothing alcoholic though) and relax. If you get nervous about presenting, arriving early will help you set up and focus. 

Further tips we have for anyone presenting are: 

• Rehearse your presentation in front of your colleagues.
• Plan out your pauses and the points you’ll highlight.
• Make sure to connect with your audience, don’t just look at your materials.
• Think about the possible questions they can ask you in advance so that you can prepare answers.

If you win a deal right after the presentation, you’re already in the right place to celebrate. Once everything is done, you can seal the deal with a drink or two. 

The first rule of presentations is - to prepare. The more time and effort you put into your presentation, the more confidence you’ll have in your presenting skills. With our actionable guide, you’ll quickly be able to create a beautifully designed presentation that will help you win the deal. 

Make sure you start any proposal presentation with thorough research into your potential clients. You’ll have to know the answers to all your questions about the way you would implement your solution before you start writing the proposal. 

If you use Better Proposals, you’ll love how quickly and easily you can create a document that is easy to get through and engaging. Sign up for a free trial today and find out for yourself how much our platform can help you in the proposal process.

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How to Present a Business Proposal: The Complete Guide

Benjamin Reimann

Business proposal | business proposal presentation | how-to | sales tips | winning business, october 7, 2021.

It’s been three long months. You’ve done your research, toiled over every sentence, spent sleepless nights formulating the perfect business proposal. Surely, that should be enough, right?

Wrong. There is one more thing you need to do. And if you get it wrong, it could mean the last three months were for nothing — you need to do a business proposal presentation.

The one thing between your business and the finish line is a compelling presentation where you communicate the key points of your proposed solution. With so much riding on this, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry: by the end of this 8-minute guide, you’ll be an expert on how to present a business proposal.

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What Is A Business Proposal?

What is the purpose of a business proposal presentation, open with the problem or need, offer a solution and elaborate, finish with a call-to-action, discuss benefits over features., practice incessantly and get lots of feedback., anticipate and incorporate answers to the questions you’ll receive., ask questions throughout to involve the audience., use stories throughout your presentation., provide written copies on the day of the presentation., don’t lean on your slides as a crutch., building a slide deck your clients will remember, get your business off the ground today with pure proposals, how do i write a business proposal, what is in a business proposal, how long should a business proposal presentation be.

A business proposal is a document you present to a potential client or customers that details a solution to their problem. Typically, business proposals are written documents containing information about deliverables, performance metrics, budgeting projections, expected outcomes, and more.

You’re most likely to see business proposals in a business-to-business (B2B) setting, generally to win over business clients, suppliers, and partners. A proposal can be:

• Formally Solicited: Here, you’re given a list of requirements that you must follow to a tee.
• Informally Solicited: If the client isn’t entirely sure of what the problem or pain point is, they may put out an official request for your research and solutions.
• Unsolicited: These kinds of proposals are uncommon, but they have their place in sales and marketing funnels.

Often, the business proposal process is a laborious one. An in-person presentation tends to be the final barrier to overcome when trying to close a deal with a client.

Typically, after sending a business proposal document, you’ll be called in to deliver a presentation about the proposal. The presentation is where potential clients can finally see the human element of all the documents and spreadsheets they’ve been scanning thus far.

If you can’t communicate the contents of your business proposal clearly through a presentation, then there’s a good chance the days, weeks, or months you’ve spent preparing the proposal could go to waste. A well-delivered proposal presentation will inspire your audience to act then and there to accept your proposition.

How To Structure Your Business Proposal Presentation

The last thing you want is for your presentation to feel too robotic and formulaic. That said, there are a few essential points you should always hit on:

Let’s dive deeper into each one.

A common mistake is to start with a 30-second spiel about you and your company. The problem? Your audience (aka potential clients) probably doesn’t care about you as much as they care about their own company’s issues. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get past this: start by detailing their problems.

By opening with the customer’s needs vs. a self-introduction, you achieve three things:

• You demonstrate a vested interest in your clients’ success.
• You’re grabbing your audience’s attention by centering them in the presentation.
• You’ve set off a narrative structure by introducing the conflict. (More on this later).

Make sure to use facts, figures, and statistics here to drive your points home.

This will be the most comprehensive section of your presentation. Draw on the data from your written business proposal to flesh out this area, including information about project details, deliverables, performance metrics, budgets, talent, and more. It’s acceptable to follow the structure of your written proposal, but try to incorporate the details into a narrative format.

You should be going into this meeting with an ask in mind — signing a contract, purchasing a bundle, scheduling the next appointment. Ideally, your presentation leads towards this CTA, so you should make it easy for your audience to follow up: include your contact information on the slide, have printed copies of the contract on hand, etc.

Now that you have a basic idea of the structure of a business proposal presentation, let’s go over some tips to elevate your presentation from good to great.

7 Tips on How to Present a Business Proposal Presentation

Have you ever watched an Apple keynote delivered by Steve Jobs? Controversial as the man may have been, one thing is incontestable: he knew how to give a presentation. One of Jobs’ best tricks was to highlight benefits over features. Instead of telling you about the iPod’s internal architecture for data storage, he told you how many songs it could help you fit in your pocket. In your presentation, focus less on the technical specifications of your solution and more on the benefits it will give your client.

Anyone who’s ever winged a presentation with zero preparation knows how frustrating it can be — you know you could do better if only you had more time. Avoid those feelings by practicing as much as you can: in the mirror, in the car, and ideally in front of people who will give you honest and constructive feedback. That leads nicely into the following tip:

There’s a good chance you’ll offer your audience a Q&A period at the end of your business proposal presentation.To avoid getting caught off-guard, get questions from a practice audience in advance. If you can seamlessly mold the answers into your presentation, incorporate them. If not, it doesn’t hurt to have an appendix section at the end of your PowerPoint that you can use to address your potential client’s concerns. Speaking of questions…

Every effective presentation starts with a hook: a startling statistic, the start of a story, an exciting discovery, or a question for the audience. A common mistake is to stop there. You want your audience engaged throughout your business proposal presentation, after all. Include questions and tone shifts at various points in your PowerPoint to give your audience a chance to participate and engage.

Another powerful tool to keep your audience engaged is storytelling. Remember that narrative structure we mentioned earlier? Our brains are wired to process and recall information better if it’s framed in a story. The structure up above is a straightforward iteration of that: problem, solution, epilogue. You can also use smaller stories to add credibility during your presentation: customer testimonials, past achievements, and beyond.

It would be wrong to assume that every single person you’re presenting to has read the extended business proposal. That’s why it’s an excellent idea to have printed copies of the proposal ready and available when you give your presentation. It shows preparation and consideration for your client — a winning combination.

Technology is incredible. Unfortunately, it is also unreliable. You’ve probably been in a situation where technical difficulties have sullied, even ruined, a presentation or pitch. If you grow dependent on your slides to deliver the business proposal presentation, you’ll be in trouble if (and when) you run into computer issues. Construct your presentation so that it works without any slides — it’ll keep you prepared for the worst-case scenario.

So we’ve established that over-reliance on your PowerPoint presentation is a bad idea — but that doesn’t mean you ignore it entirely. Here are five tips for selecting, designing, and building an unforgettable slide deck:

Use consistent typography. Your slide aesthetics are a crucial part of conveying professionalism and thoughtfulness to your audience. Use a legible font (Sans Serif and some Serif fonts will do the trick) with enough contrast that viewers can read if they want to.

Follow a visually appealing color palette. A well-designed slide deck will flow seamlessly with your spoken presentation, but an ugly one will distract from your speech entirely. Keep it simple and stick to three to five colors that complement each other and your brand (or even your clients’).

Vary your slide layouts. Do your best to keep your PowerPoint visually interesting. Following the same format for every slide looks boring and comes across as lazy. Try slides with lots of whitespace and a central statistic, or one that’s entirely an image. On the subject of images…

Add distinctive images over generic ones. Your viewers will remember 65% of the details you provide when an image accompanies them. Unfortunately, that effect loses power when you use grainy, low-quality, and generic photos. Choose diagrams wisely — they should complement or clarify what you’re talking about, not just show it visually.

Don’t overload with text. When most people see a slide deck filled with text, they automatically start reading it. The result? They’re no longer paying attention to you. Don’t add a word-for-word transcript to your slide — instead, summarize the key points and expand upon them verbally.

You’ve got what you need to deliver a presentation that will amaze your client — all that’s left to do is present it! Show up early, speak with confidence, and have faith: you’re going to do great!.

By now, you’ve probably realized that the business proposal process is hard work. In all honesty, you probably just want to get back to the thing you love: your company.

That’s where we come in; here at Pure Proposals, our mission is to help your business thrive using PandaDoc to boost your sales, improve customer experience, and make proposals easier.

Curious to learn more? Chat with us today !

Frequently Asked Questions

Your first step is to determine what the company requires from you — is it a formally solicited proposal? If not, follow traditional conventions: a title page, table of contents, executive summary, statement of need, proposed solution, explanation of capacity, projected billing and budget, and final terms and conditions. Check out our dedicated post on “How to Write a Business Proposal” .

A business proposal contains information regarding a client’s issues or pain points and a proposed solution on how to solve them. Business proposals tend to be data-driven and well-researched, so they may contain diagrams, graphs, and spreadsheets too.

Depending on the situation, varying proposal lengths are appropriate. For a more casual context, a one-pager that covers the basics is all you need. A longer document (around ten pages) is a better fit in more formal settings, such as with prospective customers.

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How To Write A Project Proposal Presentation?

A project proposal is an initial step towards starting any project. Every manager or executive has to write a project proposal at some point. Every project proposal is planned and outlined strategically. This blog will help you to make an impactful project proposal presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

Presenting your ideas well is essential to gaining quick approval for projects, whether internal or external. Even the strongest elevator pitch is not going to work by itself. Writing a project proposal presentation enters the picture at this point. You must be able to deliver a proposal for a project effectively if you have the technology or product to show a particular investor. This blog will help you understand how to write a project proposal presentation quickly and how to compose it.

What is a Project Proposal Presentation?

A project proposal serves as a project management tool for outlining the goals and specifications of a project. It facilitates initial project planning framework agreement between organizations and external project stakeholders.

Its primary goal is to win over decision-makers. Because of this, a project proposal presents the main selling point of your endeavor to internal and external project stakeholders. The proposal aims to catch the interest of project sponsors and stakeholders.

Different Types of Project Proposal Presentations

Before learning how to make a project proposal presentation, you need to know that they are of different types. Here are some of the types in which you can give a presentation of a project proposal:

1. Solicited Project Proposal: 

A solicited project proposal is a formal document submitted in response to a specific request or invitation from an organization or entity seeking external project ideas or services. The one requesting issues a Request for Proposal (RFP). 

The proponents create a solicited project proposal presentation detailing their approach, expertise, timelines, and costs for addressing the outlined needs. Organizations evaluate and compare the proposals that describe their solutions and services before selecting them.

2. Unsolicited Project Proposal

In an unsolicited proposal, you create a proposal after carefully identifying the possible solutions for the problems. It’s unlike an RFP but something an investor didn’t ask for. These project proposal presentations are sent to potential clients without being asked for as a pitch or an introduction to investors or sponsors.

3. Informal Project Proposal

With informal project proposals, potential customers express interest in your offerings and ask to review your proposal. Since these are based on conversations rather than official requests, they frequently include all the required information. So they usually need much more research.

4. Renewal Project Proposal

A renewal project proposal presentation is a document that outlines plans for extending, updating, or continuing an existing project or service. These offers are made to potential customers to prolong the support for an ongoing project close to completion. The proposal typically includes reviewing the project’s past performance, achievements, and any necessary adjustments or enhancements for the renewal period. 

5. Continuation Project Proposal

A continuation project proposal is a document submitted to request for extension or continuation of an existing project beyond its initially planned time frame. It typically includes an assessment of the project’s progress, achievements, and the need for additional time to accomplish its goals. The proposal outlines the reasons for the extension, any adjustments to the project plan, and a renewed timeline to ensure the successful completion of the ongoing initiative.

6. Supplemental Project Proposal

A supplemental project proposal presentation is a formal request document submitted to propose additional work or modifications to an existing project. The use of this proposal arises due to changing project requirements, unforeseen challenges, or the identification of new opportunities during the project. The proposal details the scope of the supplemental work, its impact on the overall project, associated costs, and any adjustments needed in the project plan.

This section gives you some clarity on how to write a project proposal PowerPoint presentation. It outlines the blueprint of a comprehensive presentation, using a project proposal presentation example:

1. Understand Your Audience and the Problem you’re Solving:

Before diving into the content creation process, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of your audience. Identify their needs, concerns, and expectations to tailor your project proposal presentation accordingly. This ensures that your proposal addresses their specific requirements and resonates with them.

Persuade your reader with references and data. Among the inquiries to make are:

• What issue is your project trying to solve?
• What is known about this issue already?
• Who has previously tackled this issue, and what literature is available?
• Why can’t this problem be adequately addressed by previous research?

2. Define Clear Objectives:

Clearly outline the objectives of your project proposal presentation on PowerPoint or Google Slides . Whether seeking approval, securing funding, or gaining support, having well-defined goals will guide your content creation process and help you focus on delivering a persuasive message.

A few things to mention are:

• Your project’s mission statement
• Your project timeline, complete with significant checkpoints
• Roles and duties of the project team 
• A risk register outlining your risk-reduction strategy
• Deliverables for the project
• Tools for reporting that you’ll utilize during the project

3. Structure Your Presentation:

Create a well-organized structure for your presentation to maintain clarity and flow. Begin with an engaging introduction, followed by a detailed overview of the project, the problem it aims to solve, proposed solutions, and a compelling conclusion. Use visual aids, such as slides and graphics, to enhance understanding and engagement.

As you’re defining the structure of your presentation, be sure to incorporate the following:

• The outcome or goal of your undertaking 
• A schedule for the project’s deliverables’ readiness
• SMART objectives in line with the outputs you’re generating

4. Craft a Captivating Introduction:

Start your project proposal presentation with a hook that captures attention and sets the tone for the rest of the proposal. Clearly state the problem your project addresses and why it’s important. Establish a connection with your audience by highlighting the project’s relevance to their interests or goals.

5. Clearly Define The Project Scope:

Provide a comprehensive overview of your project, detailing its scope, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. Clearly articulate the timeline , milestones , and deliverables to give your audience a realistic understanding of what to expect.

6. Highlight The Value Proposition:

Emphasize the unique selling points and benefits of your project. Communicate how it addresses the identified problem and why it stands out from alternative solutions. Use data, testimonials, or case studies to bolster your claims and build credibility.

7. Develop A Realistic Budget:

Include a detailed budget that outlines the financial requirements of your project. Break down costs into categories and provide justifications for each expense. This demonstrates a thorough understanding of the financial implications and reinforces your credibility.

8. Address Potential Challenges And Risks:

Acknowledge potential challenges and risks associated with the project and outline mitigation strategies. Demonstrating a proactive approach to risk management reflects your preparedness and commitment to the project’s success.

9. Engage Your Audience:

Encourage audience interaction throughout your presentation. Incorporate opportunities for questions and discussions to address concerns, gather feedback, and foster a collaborative atmosphere.

10. Conclude with a Strong Call to Action:

Wrap up your presentation with a compelling conclusion reinforcing the project’s value and importance. Clearly state the desired action or decision you seek from your audience, whether it’s approval, support, or funding.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can create a project proposal presentation that informs and persuades, increasing the likelihood of successful project approval and implementation.

How To Present A Project Proposal Presentation?

Presenting a project proposal is an art that involves not just the spoken word but also the visual representation of your ideas. Each slide in your presentation plays a crucial role in conveying key information and building a compelling case for your project:

Slide 1: Title Slide

The title slide sets the tone for your presentation. Include the project title, your name or team name, and the date. Use visually appealing graphics or images related to the project to capture attention.

Slide 2: Agenda

Provide an overview of the presentation structure . This helps orient your audience and gives them a roadmap of what to expect. Clearly outline the key topics and sections you’ll be covering.

Slide 3: Introduction

Start with a compelling introduction. Highlight the problem your project addresses and why it is significant. Engage your audience initially, making them eager to learn more about your proposal.

Slide 4: Project Overview

Offer a brief but comprehensive overview of the project. Include key details such as the project’s purpose, goals, and objectives. Use visuals like charts or graphics to convey information succinctly.

Slides 5-8: Problem Statement and Need

Dedicate a few slides to articulate clearly the problem your project aims to solve. Provide data, statistics, or real-life examples to emphasize the urgency and relevance of the issue.

Slide 9: Solution

Present your proposed solution to the identified problem. Break it into key components and use visuals to illustrate how your project addresses the issues. Communicate the unique value of your solution.

Slides 10-12: Project Scope and Deliverables

Detail the scope of your project , including specific deliverables and milestones. Use visuals like timelines or Gantt charts to help your audience visualize the project’s timeline and workflow.

Slide 13: Budget

Introduce the financial aspect of your project. Break down the project budget into categories and provide a clear overview of the costs associated with each. Use graphs or pie charts to make the information easily digestible.

Slides 14-15: Risks and Mitigation

Acknowledge potential challenges and risks associated with your project . Demonstrate your awareness and preparedness by outlining mitigation strategies for each identified risk.

Slide 16: Team and Expertise

Introduce the key members of your project team and highlight their relevant expertise. This slide helps build credibility and assures your audience that you have the necessary skills to execute the project successfully.

Slide 17: Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrap up your presentation with a powerful conclusion. Reiterate the key points, emphasize the project’s value, and issue a clear call to action, whether it’s approval, support, or further discussion.

Tips On Giving A Project Proposal Presentation

Regardless of the type of presentation you deliver, your goal is to influence or wow the audience:

Define Your Agenda:

• Clarify proposal details for investors and clients.
• Address omitted RFP questions.
• Contrast your plan with rivals if requested.

Tell a Story:

• Introduce data, charts , and graphs with a narrative.
• Engage the audience by appealing to human nature.
• Enhance content through storytelling.

Think Lean:

• Apply lean thinking to enhance client relationships.
• Eliminate non-beneficial procedures in your presentation.
• Avoid jumping to long-term future estimates.

Construct an Eye-Catching Presentation:

• First, dress appropriately for the presentation you are about to give.
• A well-constructed presentation reflects positively on your company.
• Avoid hastily put-together presentations to maintain quality perception.

Ask Questions:

• Avoid excessive talking during the presentation.
• Engage the audience by posing questions.
• Boost your confidence and gather feedback through polls or direct inquiries.

ALSO READ: How to write an effective project charter?

Top 5 Project Proposal Templates

1. project proposal summary powerpoint template.

This template provides a concise and visually appealing overview of your project proposal, featuring key elements such as objectives, timelines, and budgetary considerations in a structured and professional format.

2. Project Proposal Presentation Template

The Project Proposal Presentation Template is designed for project leaders to propose new ideas to clients, investors, or business owners. Executives can also use it to propose their businesses to different investors. The marketing, product, and project management teams can use this presentation to propose new business or project ideas.

3. Project Management Lifecycle PowerPoint Template

Specifically designed to illustrate the phases and milestones of project management, this template guides stakeholders through the entire project lifecycle, emphasizing key stages, deliverables, and decision points for a comprehensive understanding.

4. Project Management Swimlane PowerPoint Template

This template employs a swimlane format to delineate responsibilities among team members or departments, offering a clear and organized visualization of tasks and workflows to enhance transparency and streamline project execution.

5. Business Proposal Deck PowerPoint Template

A sophisticated and customizable template for crafting compelling business proposals , this deck incorporates modern design elements to showcase essential details, including market analysis, value propositions, and financial projections, ensuring a professional and persuasive presentation.

Developing a project proposal is essential for connecting you, your group or organization, investors, and other stakeholders. Your greatest option for a concise, educational, and polished presentation is a project proposal presentation. As discussed above, making an eye-catching summary of your project will attract more interested outside collaborators and their encouraging comments.

You can also access SlideUpLift, one of the top platforms for presentation templates and tools to help with the presentation-making task. You can select from a wide range of carefully crafted templates for project proposals. SlideUpLift gives presenters the tools to make visually striking and memorable presentations, emphasizing customization, clarity, and aesthetics. 

How do I make a project proposal PowerPoint presentation?

To create a project proposal PowerPoint presentation, start by outlining the project’s goals, objectives, and key details. Utilize SlideUpLift’s Project Proposal templates for a professional look and incorporate visuals for clarity.

What is the step-by-step process for the presentation of a project proposal?

During the project proposal presentation, the presenter should introduce the project, present an overview, detail the methodology, present the timeline and budget, and conclude with a summary of key points.

What should I include in the presentation of a project proposal?

In a project proposal presentation, you should cover essential elements such as project goals, methodology, budget, and team details to provide a comprehensive overview for stakeholders.

How should I start a project proposal presentation?

Begin your project proposal presentation with a strong opening, clearly introducing the project’s name and purpose and highlighting its significance to capture the audience’s attention.

Where to find the best Project Proposal Presentation templates?

There are a variety of project proposal presentation templates available on SlideUpLift. Just find your desired template on SlideUpLift.com and download it.

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Home » How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write A Proposal

Writing a Proposal involves several key steps to effectively communicate your ideas and intentions to a target audience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Identify the Purpose and Audience

• Clearly define the purpose of your proposal: What problem are you addressing, what solution are you proposing, or what goal are you aiming to achieve?
• Identify your target audience: Who will be reading your proposal? Consider their background, interests, and any specific requirements they may have.

Conduct Research

• Gather relevant information: Conduct thorough research to support your proposal. This may involve studying existing literature, analyzing data, or conducting surveys/interviews to gather necessary facts and evidence.
• Understand the context: Familiarize yourself with the current situation or problem you’re addressing. Identify any relevant trends, challenges, or opportunities that may impact your proposal.

Develop an Outline

• Create a clear and logical structure: Divide your proposal into sections or headings that will guide your readers through the content.
• Introduction: Provide a concise overview of the problem, its significance, and the proposed solution.
• Background/Context: Offer relevant background information and context to help the readers understand the situation.
• Objectives/Goals: Clearly state the objectives or goals of your proposal.
• Methodology/Approach: Describe the approach or methodology you will use to address the problem.
• Timeline/Schedule: Present a detailed timeline or schedule outlining the key milestones or activities.
• Budget/Resources: Specify the financial and other resources required to implement your proposal.
• Evaluation/Success Metrics: Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate the benefits of your proposal.

Write the Proposal

• Grab attention: Start with a compelling opening statement or a brief story that hooks the reader.
• Clearly state the problem: Clearly define the problem or issue you are addressing and explain its significance.
• Present your proposal: Introduce your proposed solution, project, or idea and explain why it is the best approach.
• State the objectives/goals: Clearly articulate the specific objectives or goals your proposal aims to achieve.
• Provide supporting information: Present evidence, data, or examples to support your claims and justify your proposal.
• Explain the methodology: Describe in detail the approach, methods, or strategies you will use to implement your proposal.
• Address potential concerns: Anticipate and address any potential objections or challenges the readers may have and provide counterarguments or mitigation strategies.
• Recap the main points: Summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the proposal.
• Reinforce the benefits: Emphasize the positive outcomes, benefits, or impact your proposal will have.
• Call to action: Clearly state what action you want the readers to take, such as approving the proposal, providing funding, or collaborating with you.

Review and Revise

• Proofread for clarity and coherence: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure a logical flow: Read through your proposal to ensure the ideas are presented in a logical order and are easy to follow.
• Revise and refine: Fine-tune your proposal to make it concise, persuasive, and compelling.

Add Supplementary Materials

• Attach relevant documents: Include any supporting materials that strengthen your proposal, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
• Appendices: Add any additional information that might be useful but not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Formatting and Presentation

• Follow the guidelines: Adhere to any specific formatting guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.
• Use a professional tone and language: Ensure that your proposal is written in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Use headings and subheadings: Organize your proposal with clear headings and subheadings to improve readability.
• Pay attention to design: Use appropriate fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles to make your proposal visually appealing.
• Include a cover page: Create a cover page that includes the title of your proposal, your name or organization, the date, and any other required information.

Seek Feedback

• Share your proposal with trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their feedback. Consider their suggestions for improvement and incorporate them into your proposal if necessary.

Finalize and Submit

• Make any final revisions based on the feedback received.
• Ensure that all required sections, attachments, and documentation are included.
• Double-check for any formatting, grammar, or spelling errors.
• Submit your proposal within the designated deadline and according to the submission guidelines provided.

Proposal Format

The format of a proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements of the organization or institution you are submitting it to. However, here is a general proposal format that you can follow:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your proposal, your name or organization’s name, the date, and any other relevant information specified by the guidelines.

2. Executive Summary:

•  Provide a concise overview of your proposal, highlighting the key points and objectives.
• Summarize the problem, proposed solution, and anticipated benefits.
• Keep it brief and engaging, as this section is often read first and should capture the reader’s attention.

3. Introduction:

• State the problem or issue you are addressing and its significance.
• Provide background information to help the reader understand the context and importance of the problem.
• Clearly state the purpose and objectives of your proposal.

4. Problem Statement:

• Describe the problem in detail, highlighting its impact and consequences.
• Use data, statistics, or examples to support your claims and demonstrate the need for a solution.

5. Proposed Solution or Project Description:

• Explain your proposed solution or project in a clear and detailed manner.
• Describe how your solution addresses the problem and why it is the most effective approach.
• Include information on the methods, strategies, or activities you will undertake to implement your solution.
• Highlight any unique features, innovations, or advantages of your proposal.

6. Methodology:

• Provide a step-by-step explanation of the methodology or approach you will use to implement your proposal.
• Include a timeline or schedule that outlines the key milestones, tasks, and deliverables.
• Clearly describe the resources, personnel, or expertise required for each phase of the project.

7. Evaluation and Success Metrics:

• Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Identify specific metrics, indicators, or evaluation methods that will be used.
• Describe how you will track progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments as needed.
• Present a detailed budget that outlines the financial resources required for your proposal.
• Include all relevant costs, such as personnel, materials, equipment, and any other expenses.
• Provide a justification for each item in the budget.

9. Conclusion:

•  Summarize the main points of your proposal.
•  Reiterate the benefits and positive outcomes of implementing your proposal.
• Emphasize the value and impact it will have on the organization or community.

10. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
•  Attach any relevant documents that provide further information but are not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Proposal Template

Here’s a basic proposal template that you can use as a starting point for creating your own proposal:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to submit a proposal for [briefly state the purpose of the proposal and its significance]. This proposal outlines a comprehensive solution to address [describe the problem or issue] and presents an actionable plan to achieve the desired objectives.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I believe that implementing this solution will significantly contribute to [organization’s or community’s goals]. I am available to discuss the proposal in more detail at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

Yours sincerely,

Note: This template is a starting point and should be customized to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.

Proposal Sample

Here’s a sample proposal to give you an idea of how it could be structured and written:

Subject : Proposal for Implementation of Environmental Education Program

I am pleased to submit this proposal for your consideration, outlining a comprehensive plan for the implementation of an Environmental Education Program. This program aims to address the critical need for environmental awareness and education among the community, with the objective of fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability.

Executive Summary: Our proposed Environmental Education Program is designed to provide engaging and interactive educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. By combining classroom learning, hands-on activities, and community engagement, we aim to create a long-lasting impact on environmental conservation practices and attitudes.

Introduction: The state of our environment is facing significant challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. It is essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand these issues and take action. This proposal seeks to bridge the gap in environmental education and inspire a sense of environmental stewardship among the community.

Problem Statement: The lack of environmental education programs has resulted in limited awareness and understanding of environmental issues. As a result, individuals are less likely to adopt sustainable practices or actively contribute to conservation efforts. Our program aims to address this gap and empower individuals to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

Proposed Solution or Project Description: Our Environmental Education Program will comprise a range of activities, including workshops, field trips, and community initiatives. We will collaborate with local schools, community centers, and environmental organizations to ensure broad participation and maximum impact. By incorporating interactive learning experiences, such as nature walks, recycling drives, and eco-craft sessions, we aim to make environmental education engaging and enjoyable.

Methodology: Our program will be structured into modules that cover key environmental themes, such as biodiversity, climate change, waste management, and sustainable living. Each module will include a mix of classroom sessions, hands-on activities, and practical field experiences. We will also leverage technology, such as educational apps and online resources, to enhance learning outcomes.

Evaluation and Success Metrics: We will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Pre- and post-assessments will gauge knowledge gain, while surveys and feedback forms will assess participant satisfaction and behavior change. We will also track the number of community engagement activities and the adoption of sustainable practices as indicators of success.

Budget: Please find attached a detailed budget breakdown for the implementation of the Environmental Education Program. The budget covers personnel costs, materials and supplies, transportation, and outreach expenses. We have ensured cost-effectiveness while maintaining the quality and impact of the program.

Conclusion: By implementing this Environmental Education Program, we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in our community’s environmental consciousness and practices. We are confident that this program will foster a generation of individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and taking sustainable actions. We look forward to discussing the proposal further and working together to make a positive impact.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to Structure a Proposal

Starting a new proposal can be daunting, especially if you’re starting from scratch. What do you include? How do you organize it? Find out how to structure a proposal that will help you seal the deal.

12 min. read

(This article was originally published on 2/20/2018 and updated on 5/7/2021)

Starting a new proposal, especially when you want to deliver it to your hot lead as soon as possible, can feel like a daunting task. How do I format a proposal? What should I include? How long should it be? Where do I even start? I need more coffee. However, if you break your proposal writing process down into sections, it makes it less overwhelming. Keep reading to find out how to structure a proposal and which elements to include.

Structure of a proposal

1. proposal cover, 2. proposal executive summary, 3. your approach/solution, 4. project deliverables, 5. project milestones, 6. budget/your investment, 7. about us/team, 8. case studies/testimonials, 9. clients/references, 10. terms/conditions/next steps, proposal cover.

The cover of your proposal is the first thing that your sales lead will see, so it needs to make a good impression. It doesn’t have to be flashy (in fact, simple is usually better) but it must be well-designed. The proposal cover should include all the pertinent information like:

• Name of the project
• Any project reference numbers
• Name of the client and contact to whom you’re submitting
• Name of your company and contact info
• Date proposal was submitted

Make sure that any logos you use on the cover page, whether yours or your prospect’s, are high-quality, high-res versions that look sharp in the context of your cover. After all, the first thing a prospect sees shouldn’t be a fuzzy version of their logo in a white box that looks like an amateur cut-and-paste hack. Here are some proposal cover letter samples to get the ball rolling.

Proposal executive summary

Contrary to popular belief, the executive summary isn’t a summary of your whole proposal. It’s a summary of why your solution is the right one. It needs to outline why your prospective client should choose your company over the competition.

The executive summary in a proposal must be persuasive and focused on the benefits of your company/product/service, rather than descriptive and focused on the features. You’ll have an opportunity to outline features later in the body of the proposal.

Here’s what to include in your executive summary.

The introduction of your executive summary needs to be compelling enough to grab the reader’s attention right away and make them want to keep reading. This is the time to focus on the prospect, their issue, and the results they’re looking for; this isn’t the place to spotlight your company.

The challenge

The focus here is on the prospect and their challenge, not your team. After all, you can’t solve a problem that you don’t understand, and people won’t hire you if they think you don’t get it. Demonstrate your grasp of the situation; include some research or refer to related experience your company has had with a similar project.

The solution

This is where you highlight the solution your team has designed to overcome the prospect's business challenges. Outline how it will work and the benefits they can expect.

Keep this section fairly high level - they can read the specifics in the proposal - but provide enough detail to give your buyers a sense of relief and get them excited about the results to come.

Explain why your company, your team, or your product is the right choice for this situation; why you’re uniquely qualified to do this work.

Maybe you have lots of experience helping other companies with a similar issue; maybe it’s a special skill your team possesses, technology you’ve built, or approach you’ve adopted. Explain why your company specifically can make this a successful project and deliver the most favourable results.

Call to action

Since the purpose of an executive summary is to sell, now’s the time to close the deal before the reader even gets to page two.

This section is your chance to convince your prospect that their only chance for success is to hire your company. Remind them what differentiates you from the competition and reinforce the idea that your solution is the only one that will deliver results.

And finally, a little flattery goes a long way. Talk about why you and your team are excited to work with them on this project.

Some people claim that the executive summary should be 10% of your entire proposal, but we recommend keeping it to one page. If you’re working on an RFP there may be a set length you have to adhere to, so be sure to check out the guidelines.

Your approach/solution

The next section of your proposal details your approach to solving the client’s business challenges and the process involved. It’s important to be as specific as possible to this particular client and project. You don’t want them to think you sent a generic boilerplate proposal and just swapped out another prospect’s name for theirs. Even if this solution is one you sell to most companies, make the context of the proposal feel customized.

Project deliverables

The project deliverables section of your proposal should describe exactly what’s included in the proposal and what the prospect can expect to receive from you. If you were sending a marketing proposal, for example, here’s what your project deliverables section might

• Social media audit
• Competitive analysis
• Content strategy

It’s important that you have detailed descriptions for each deliverable. Don’t assume the reader already knows the scope of each one, or even what they mean. Providing detail and being clear will help avoid any misunderstandings about expectations later., plus they may not be the final decision maker and will need to show the proposal to other internal stakeholders

Project milestones

The project milestones section of your proposal is where you’ll break the project into phases.

Use this section to outline the events and deliverables involved with each phase, along with how long it will take, who is responsible for what, and what will be accomplished at the completion of each milestone.

Budget/Your Investment

The budget section of a proposal, also called the pricing section, is pretty self explanatory; it is an overview of your project fees and descriptions, which helps prospects understand exactly what they’re paying for. We recommend titling section “Your Investment” because it reminds buyers that they are making an investment in their company, not incurring a cost.

You might be wondering if it's necessary to include pricing in a business proposal. We were curious too, so we did a deep dive into over 2.6 million proposals in our database and discovered that 97.6% of proposals contain pricing information.

We also found that fewer fees are less overwhelming to potential clients, but if you have different pricing options, add-ons, and upgrades, interactive pricing is the way to go. In fact, the close rate for proposals with interactive pricing is 12.6% higher than those with static pricing.

Interested in learning what else makes a winning proposal? Download the State of Proposals 2021 to get the data behind the trends and strategies that close. You’ll gain insight into ideal proposal length , how to follow-up , whether or not you should discount your deals , and more.

About Us/Team

The About Us section of your proposal gives you the opportunity to show potential clients who you are as a company: what you do, why you exist, your expertise, and your unique selling proposition. Use this section to touch on all the various services or products you offer, not just the ones relevant to this proposal. It may be a chance to cross-sell your clients , or at least plant the seed in their minds of your range of abilities.

Don’t forget to show off your greatest resource — your team! Make your potential new client feel confident that they’re hiring the best by highlighting the experience and strength of your team members. Include pictures and bios of the key people who will be working on the project.

Your prospect doesn’t just want to see that you can complete their project successfully; they also want to know your company’s values so they can see for themselves that you’re reliable and will be someone they can work with for an extended period.

Case studies: social proof in proposals

Social proof like case studies and testimonials put the walk in the talk of your business proposals. Include examples of past projects with a written description of the problem you solved, and what the client thought of the results. Here’s what to include if you choose to use case studies in your proposals :

Provide context for the reader by briefly introducing the client company, what they do, and their industry.

Why did the client come to you? What problem did they need solved? Why did they choose your company to help them?

The approach

What did your team do to address the client’s problem? What was your process to develop a solution? Why did you decide that solution was the right one?

Explain the results your solution delivered to the client, ideally with hard numbers, but otherwise anecdotally. Describe how your team improved their situation, how it helped them achieve their goals, and how they are now positioned for a successful future. RESULTS ARE CRITICAL. If you can’t demonstrate positive results, don’t include the case study.

Clients/references

This section is optional, but you can use it to include a client list or contact information of people your prospect can contact for a reference on what it’s like to work with your business. Remember to check with your existing clients first before giving out their names or contact information.

Terms/conditions/next steps

Show your prospect how to proceed to close the sale. It could be a statement of work, contract for sign off, or even just a name and phone number to call. It’s usually a good idea to get a lawyer to help with the terms and conditions to make sure both you and your client are protected if this project goes awry.

Use esignatures to close proposals faster

Once you’re ready to capture your prospect’s signature, esignatures are the only way to go.

With over 97% of closing docs being delivered virtually, it’s clear that pen-to-paper signatures are a thing of the past. And that was true even before COVID — contrary to popular belief, esignatures have been legally binding for over 20 years now.

But beyond providing a means to bridge the gap created by the pandemic, esignatures make it much easier to get clients to sign off on your deals. And it shows; esignatures help increase deal close rates by up to 465% and help them close up to 66% faster, so it’s about time we quash any remaining electronic signature myths .

The bottom l i ne is that esignatures are no longer optional — they’re essential. They make the transition from prospect to client seamless, all while reducing clutter and shrinking your carbon footprint. But if you’re still not sold, let us show you why and how electronic signatures can help you close .

Beyond your proposal format, design is a major factor that can influence the outcome of your proposal. It can help communicate complex ideas more clearly, make documents easier to navigate, and set your closing docs apart from the competition. But most importantly, winning proposal design ensures that all elements of your proposal are driving towards a common goal: closing.

While every proposal is different, most follow a similar structure and flow. You may have to structure a proposal from scratch the first time, but once you develop a process, you can reuse some of the content and the proposal format to create proposals faster and still deliver a persuasive pitch.

If you’re still unsure about your proposal format, you can start with our business proposal templates to see how we structure proposals that close.

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• 2018/03/18/Making-a-presentation-from-your-research-proposal

Making a presentation from your research proposal

In theory, it couldn’t be easier to take your written research proposal and turn it into a presentation. Many people find presenting ideas easier than writing about them as writing is inherently difficult. On the other hand, standing up in front of a room of strangers, or worse those you know, is also a bewildering task. Essentially, you have a story to tell, but does not mean you are story telling. It means that your presentation will require you to talk continuously for your alloted period of time, and that the sentences must follow on from each other in a logical narative; i.e. a story.  

So where do you start?

Here are some simple rules to help guide you to build your presentation:

• One slide per minute: However many minutes you have to present, that’s your total number of slides. Don’t be tempted to slip in more.
• Keep the format clear: There are lots of templates available to use, but you’d do best to keep your presentation very clean and simple.
• Be careful with animations: You can build your slide with animations (by adding images, words or graphics). But do not flash, bounce, rotate or roll. No animated little clipart characters. No goofy cartoons – they’ll be too small for the audience to read. No sounds (unless you are talking about sounds). Your audience has seen it all before, and that’s not what they’ve come for. They have come to hear about your research proposal.
• Don’t be a comedian: Everyone appreciates that occasional light-hearted comment, but it is not stand-up. If you feel that you must make a joke, make only one and be ready to push on when no-one reacts. Sarcasm simply won’t be understood by the majority of your audience, so don’t bother: unless you’re a witless Brit who can’t string three or more sentences together without.

Keep to your written proposal formula

• You need a title slide (with your name, that of your advisor & institution)
• that put your study into the big picture
• explain variables in the context of existing literature
• explain the relevance of your study organisms
• give the context of your own study
• Your aims & hypotheses
• Images of apparatus or diagrams of how apparatus are supposed to work. If you can’t find anything, draw it simply yourself.
• Your methods can be abbreviated. For example, you can tell the audience that you will measure your organism, but you don’t need to provide a slide of the callipers or balance (unless these are the major measurements you need).
• Analyses are important. Make sure that you understand how they work, otherwise you won’t be able to present them to others. Importantly, explain where each of the variables that you introduced, and explained how to measure, fit into the analyses. There shouldn’t be anything new or unexpected that pops up here.
• I like to see what the results might look like, even if you have to draw graphs with your own lines on it. Use arrows to show predictions under different assumptions.

Slide layout

• Your aim is to have your audience listen to you, and only look at the slides when you indicate their relevance. 
• You’d be better off having a presentation without words, then your audience will listen instead of trying to read. As long as they are reading, they aren't listening. Really try to limit the words you have on any single slide (<30). Don’t have full sentences, but write just enough to remind you of what to say and so that your audience can follow when you are moving from point to point.
• Use bullet pointed lists if you have several points to make (Font 28 pt)
• If you only have words on a slide, then add a picture that will help illustrate your point. This is especially useful to illustrate your organism. At the same time, don’t have anything on a slide that has no meaning or relevance. Make sure that any illustration is large enough for your audience to see and understand what it is that you are trying to show.
• Everything on your slide must be mentioned in your presentation, so remove anything that becomes irrelevant to your story when you practice.
• Tables: you are unlikely to have large complex tables in a presentation, but presenting raw data or small words in a table is a way to lose your audience. Make your point in another way.
• Use citations (these can go in smaller font 20 pt). I like to cut out the title & authors of the paper from the pdf and show it on the slide.
• If you can, have some banner that states where you are in your presentation (e.g. Methods, or 5 of 13). It helps members of the audience who might have been daydreaming.

Practice, practice, practice

• It can’t be said enough that you must practice your presentation. Do it in front of a mirror in your bathroom. In front of your friends. It's the best way of making sure you'll do a good job.
• If you can't remember what you need to say, write flash cards with prompts. Include the text on your slide and expand. When you learn what’s on the cards, relate it to what’s on the slide so that you can look at the slides and get enough hints on what to say. Don’t bring flashcards with you to your talk. Instead be confident enough that you know them front to back and back to front.
• Practice with a pointer and slide advancer (or whatever you will use in the presentation). You should be pointing out to your audience what you have on your slides; use the pointer to do this.
• Avoid taking anything with you that you might fiddle with.

Maybe I've got it all wrong?

There are some things that I still need to learn about presentations. Have a look at the following video and see what you think. There are some really good points made here, and I think I should update my example slides to reflect these ideas. I especially like the use of contrast to focus attention. 

Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research

How to Make a Successful Research Presentation

Turning a research paper into a visual presentation is difficult; there are pitfalls, and navigating the path to a brief, informative presentation takes time and practice. As a TA for  GEO/WRI 201: Methods in Data Analysis & Scientific Writing this past fall, I saw how this process works from an instructor’s standpoint. I’ve presented my own research before, but helping others present theirs taught me a bit more about the process. Here are some tips I learned that may help you with your next research presentation:

More is more

In general, your presentation will always benefit from more practice, more feedback, and more revision. By practicing in front of friends, you can get comfortable with presenting your work while receiving feedback. It is hard to know how to revise your presentation if you never practice. If you are presenting to a general audience, getting feedback from someone outside of your discipline is crucial. Terms and ideas that seem intuitive to you may be completely foreign to someone else, and your well-crafted presentation could fall flat.

Less is more

Limit the scope of your presentation, the number of slides, and the text on each slide. In my experience, text works well for organizing slides, orienting the audience to key terms, and annotating important figures–not for explaining complex ideas. Having fewer slides is usually better as well. In general, about one slide per minute of presentation is an appropriate budget. Too many slides is usually a sign that your topic is too broad.

Limit the scope of your presentation

Don’t present your paper. Presentations are usually around 10 min long. You will not have time to explain all of the research you did in a semester (or a year!) in such a short span of time. Instead, focus on the highlight(s). Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.

You will not have time to explain all of the research you did. Instead, focus on the highlights. Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.

Craft a compelling research narrative

After identifying the focused research question, walk your audience through your research as if it were a story. Presentations with strong narrative arcs are clear, captivating, and compelling.

• Introduction (exposition — rising action)

Orient the audience and draw them in by demonstrating the relevance and importance of your research story with strong global motive. Provide them with the necessary vocabulary and background knowledge to understand the plot of your story. Introduce the key studies (characters) relevant in your story and build tension and conflict with scholarly and data motive. By the end of your introduction, your audience should clearly understand your research question and be dying to know how you resolve the tension built through motive.

• Methods (rising action)

The methods section should transition smoothly and logically from the introduction. Beware of presenting your methods in a boring, arc-killing, ‘this is what I did.’ Focus on the details that set your story apart from the stories other people have already told. Keep the audience interested by clearly motivating your decisions based on your original research question or the tension built in your introduction.

• Results (climax)

Less is usually more here. Only present results which are clearly related to the focused research question you are presenting. Make sure you explain the results clearly so that your audience understands what your research found. This is the peak of tension in your narrative arc, so don’t undercut it by quickly clicking through to your discussion.

• Discussion (falling action)

By now your audience should be dying for a satisfying resolution. Here is where you contextualize your results and begin resolving the tension between past research. Be thorough. If you have too many conflicts left unresolved, or you don’t have enough time to present all of the resolutions, you probably need to further narrow the scope of your presentation.

• Conclusion (denouement)

Return back to your initial research question and motive, resolving any final conflicts and tying up loose ends. Leave the audience with a clear resolution of your focus research question, and use unresolved tension to set up potential sequels (i.e. further research).

Use your medium to enhance the narrative

Visual presentations should be dominated by clear, intentional graphics. Subtle animation in key moments (usually during the results or discussion) can add drama to the narrative arc and make conflict resolutions more satisfying. You are narrating a story written in images, videos, cartoons, and graphs. While your paper is mostly text, with graphics to highlight crucial points, your slides should be the opposite. Adapting to the new medium may require you to create or acquire far more graphics than you included in your paper, but it is necessary to create an engaging presentation.

The most important thing you can do for your presentation is to practice and revise. Bother your friends, your roommates, TAs–anybody who will sit down and listen to your work. Beyond that, think about presentations you have found compelling and try to incorporate some of those elements into your own. Remember you want your work to be comprehensible; you aren’t creating experts in 10 minutes. Above all, try to stay passionate about what you did and why. You put the time in, so show your audience that it’s worth it.

For more insight into research presentations, check out these past PCUR posts written by Emma and Ellie .

— Alec Getraer, Natural Sciences Correspondent

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Proposal Template

Plan, structure, and deliver the perfect proposal presentation to your prospective clients.

Trusted by 65M+ users and leading companies

About the Business Proposal Presentation Template 

A Business Proposal Template is a framework for planning your upcoming proposal presentation. It allows you to address customer pain points, position yourself as a solution, and outline your product or service's scope and cost. 

Whether you’re a consultant pitching to a prospect or a sales team trying to get a new customer on board — this template will give you the structure to convince a prospective customer to buy from you. 

What should be included in a business proposal presentation? 

Typically speaking, a business proposal includes the following: 

Introduction and agenda

Overview of the problems or challenges your prospects face

How your product or service can solve their problems

Case studies and client testimonials

Budgets and pricing

Summary of the proposal details

An opportunity for questions and feedback 

There's no single format for a business proposal. It varies depending on several factors, such as what your business does, who your client is, and what they want. That’s why using Miro’s template is so helpful — it’s fully customizable. 

You can stick to our existing slide deck or add new presentation slides as you see fit. You can also customize the placeholder text in all the slides to create a compelling presentation for your prospective buyer. 

Tips for delivering a successful proposal presentation 

Put yourself in the shoes of your prospect. How would you feel if someone showed up and delivered a lackluster presentation? Chances are, you wouldn’t be impressed. 

The way you prepare for and deliver your presentation can influence your success. When done well, you’re far more likely to get a good response. To make sure you deliver a thorough and well-structured presentation, use these tips: 

Be prepared. Show potential clients you’re serious about working with them by being well-prepared. This means creating a thorough presentation with relevant and useful information. A proposal template is a great way to ensure you cover all your bases and don’t miss anything important. 

Engage your audience. You want to keep your prospects engaged and interested in what you’re saying, so think about your presentation style. For example, don't spend the entire presentation reading directly from the slides. Use them to guide you, but try to talk directly to your audience. 

Create an eye-catching presentation. The design of your presentation can also help keep your audience engaged. If you have visuals and images to support what you’re saying, you’ll have a better chance of holding their attention. 

Show prospects how you can solve their problem. Your prospects need to know that you understand the challenges they face. To do this, be sure to address their pain points and position yourself as the solution. That way, they can see exactly how working with you will make their lives easier and improve their business. 

Use data to back up your ideas. Show prospects that you’ve done your research and back your suggestions up with data. Use Miro’s charts to display this information or link externally to the data source. 

How to use the Business Proposal Presentation Template

Miro’s digital workspace is the perfect place for individuals or collaborative teams to draft ideas. Keep track of all your notes in one location and use them to inform your proposal presentation. 

When you’re ready to create your presentation, start by selecting this template. It’s free and easy to use, so you can start planning immediately. Then, follow these steps to create the perfect presentation. 

Step 1: Have a rough outline for your proposal

Before you start creating your presentation, you need a rough idea of the structure. Visualize each step of the entire proposal and the key points you want to get across. 

Step 2: Customize the proposal template

With a rough outline in mind, you can now start to customize our template to suit your needs. Add or remove slides, change their order, and edit the placeholder text to suit your presentation. 

Step 3: Add the information for your presentation

With the structure in place, you can now add content to the slides. Remember, you can add images, visuals, and charts to any of the slides. 

Step 4: Get feedback from peers

Share the presentation with team members and stakeholders to get feedback. Users can also add their suggestions directly into the template, making it easier for you to review their feedback and make the necessary changes.

Step 5: Deliver the presentation

To deliver the presentation, simply hop into presentation mode . This will put your presentation on full screen, and you can move through the slides using the arrow keys. 

How do you start a proposal presentation?

Most start with an introduction followed by the problem and the proposed solution, but it varies from business to business. You should do whatever works for you and your prospect. If you’re unsure where to start, use this template to guide you.

How do you end a business proposal presentation?

Wrap things up by plainly outlining how much the client will need to spend and what they’ll get for their investment. Then, open the floor to questions.

What is the most important section of a proposal?

The answer to this question is subjective. Some will say it’s the overview of customer pain points — others will say it’s the overview of pricing. Ultimately, every part of your proposal has a role to play. To deliver a successful presentation, all of the elements need to come together.

What are the features of a good proposal?

Effective business proposals are clear, concise, and show awareness. Your prospects don’t want to be confused by your presentation. They want to follow every step of the journey and feel like you understand their challenges. That’s why using a presentation template is so helpful. It provides you with the structure you need to create a clear presentation that includes all the key information.

Get started with this template right now.

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The Sales Presentation Template provides you with a straightforward, ready-to-go structure for your next sales pitch — all you need to do is plug in the information specific to your buyer and focus on your delivery.

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Use this Storyboard Presentation Template to visualize the structure, content, and flow of your presentation. Make sure that your presentation covers all the key points and hits the mark.

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Use our Project Presentation Template to provide an overview of your upcoming project. Get buy-in from investors, keep stakeholders in the loop, and show colleagues your plan of action.

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Use Miro’s QBR Presentation Template to give clients an overview of their business performance and show where you can add more value. Review your successes over the past 90 days and create a plan of action for the next quarter.

Marketing Proposal Presentation Template

The Marketing Proposal Template is a simple outline you can use to quickly and easily structure your next bid for a project.

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How to Write a Project Proposal (Examples & Template Included)

Table of Contents

What is a project proposal, types of project proposals, project proposal vs. project charter, project proposal vs. business case, project proposal vs. project plan, project proposal outline, how to write a project proposal, project proposal example, project proposal tips.

• ProjectManager & Project Proposals

A project proposal is a project management document that’s used to define the objectives and requirements of a project. It helps organizations and external project stakeholders agree on an initial project planning framework.

The main purpose of a project proposal is to get buy-in from decision-makers. That’s why a project proposal outlines your project’s core value proposition; it sells value to both internal and external project stakeholders. The intent of the proposal is to grab the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. Then, the next step is getting them excited about the project summary.

Getting into the heads of the audience for which you’re writing the project proposal is vital: you need to think like the project’s stakeholders to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.

We’ve created a free project proposal template for Word to help structure documents, so you don’t have to remember the process each time.

Get your free

Project Proposal Template

Use this free Project Proposal Template for Word to manage your projects better.

In terms of types of project proposals, you can have one that’s formally solicited, informally solicited or a combination. There can also be renewal and supplemental proposals. Here’s a brief description of each of them.

• Solicited project proposal: This is sent as a response to a request for proposal (RFP) . Here, you’ll need to adhere to the RFP guidelines of the project owner.
• Unsolicited project proposal: You can send project proposals without having received a request for a proposal. This can happen in open bids for construction projects , where a project owner receives unsolicited project proposals from many contractors.
• Informal project proposal: This type of project proposal is created when a client asks for an informal proposal without an RFP.
• Renewal project proposal: You can use a renewal project proposal when you’re reaching out to past customers. The advantage is that you can highlight past positive results and future benefits.
• Continuation project proposal: A continuation project proposal is sent to investors and stakeholders to communicate project progress.
• Supplemental project proposal: This proposal is sent to investors to ask for additional resources during the project execution phase.

A project proposal is a detailed project document that’s used to convince the project sponsor that the project being proposed is worth the time, money and effort to deliver it. This is done by showing how the project will address a business problem or opportunity. It also outlines the work that will be done and how it will be done.

A project charter can seem like the same thing as a project proposal as it also defines the project in a document. It identifies the project objectives, scope, goals, stakeholders and team. But it’s done after the project has been agreed upon by all stakeholders and the project has been accepted. The project charter authorizes the project and documents its requirements to meet stakeholders’ needs.

A business case is used to explain why the proposed project is justified. It shows that the project is worth the investment of time and money. It’s more commonly used in larger companies in the decision-making process when prioritizing one project over another.

The business case answers the questions: what is the project, why should it be taken up, who will be involved and how much will it cost? It’s therefore related to a project proposal, but the project proposal comes before the business case and is usually part of the larger proposal.

Again, the project proposal and the project plan in this case are very similar documents. It’s understandable that there would be some confusion between these two project terms. They both show how the project will be run and what the results will be. However, they’re not the same.

The project proposal is a document that aims to get a project approved and funded. It’s used to convince stakeholders of the viability of the project and their investment. The project plan, on the other hand, is made during the planning phase of the project, once it’s been approved. It’s a detailed outline of how the project will be implemented, including schedule, budget, resources and more.

All the elements in the above project proposal outline are present in our template. This free project proposal template for Word will provide you with everything you need to write an excellent project proposal. It will help you with the executive summary, project process, deliverables, costs—even terms and conditions. Download your free template today.

There are several key operational and strategic questions to consider, including:

• Executive summary: This is the elevator pitch that outlines the project being proposed and why it makes business sense. While it also touches on the information that’ll follow in the project proposal, the executive summary should be brief and to the point.
• Project background: This is another short part of the proposal, usually only one page, which explains the problem you’ll solve or the opportunity you’re taking advantage of with the proposed project. Also, provide a short history of the business to put the company in context to the project and why it’s a good fit.
• Project vision & success criteria: State the goal of the project and how it aligns with the goals of the company. Be specific. Also, note the metrics used to measure the success of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: There are always risks. Detail them here and what strategies you’ll employ to mitigate any negative impact as well as take advantage of any positive risk.
• Project scope & deliverables: Define the project scope, which is all the work that has to be done and how it will be done. Also, detail the various deliverables that the project will have.
• Set SMART goals: When setting goals, be SMART. That’s an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. All your goals would be defined by those five things.
• Project approach: Define the approach you’ll use for the contract. There are several different types of contracts used in construction , for example, such as lump sum, cost plus, time and materials, etc. This is also a good place to describe the delivery method you’ll use.
• Expected benefits: Outline the benefits that will come from the successful completion of the project.
• Project resource requirements: List the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., that you’ll need to execute the project if approved.
• Project costs & budget: Detail all the costs, including resources, that’ll be required to complete the project and set up a budget to show how those costs will be spent over the course of the project.
• Project timeline: Lay out the project timeline , which shows the project from start to finish, including the duration of each phase and the tasks within it, milestones, etc.

In addition to these elements, it’s advisable to use a cover letter, which is a one-page document that helps you introduce your project proposal and grab the attention of potential clients and stakeholders.

To make the best proposal possible, you’ll want to be thorough and hit on all the points we’ve listed above. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a persuasive priority proposal.

1. Write an Executive Summary

The executive summary provides a quick overview of the main elements of your project proposal, such as your project background, project objectives and project deliverables, among other things. The goal is to capture the attention of your audience and get them excited about the project you’re proposing. It’s essentially the “elevator pitch” for the project life cycle. It should be short and to the point.

The executive summary should be descriptive and paint a picture of what project success looks like for the client. Most importantly, it should motivate the project client; after all, the goal is getting them to sign on the dotted line to get the project moving!

2. Provide a Project Background

The project background is a one-page section of your project proposal that explains the problem that your project will solve. You should explain when this issue started, its current state and how your project will be the ideal solution.

• Historic data: The history section outlines previously successful projects and those that could have run more smoothly. By doing so, this section establishes precedents and how the next project can be more effective using information from previous projects.
• Solution: The solution section addresses how your project will solve the client’s problem. Accordingly, this section includes any project management techniques , skills and procedures your team will use to work efficiently.

3. Establish a Project Vision & Success Criteria

You’ll need to define your project vision. This is best done with a vision statement, which acts as the north star for your project. It’s not specific as much as it’s a way to describe the impact your company plans to make with the project.

It’s also important to set up success criteria to show that the project is in fact doing what it’s proposed to do. Three obvious project success criteria are the triple constraint of cost, scope and time. But you’ll need to set up a way to measure these metrics and respond to them if they’re not meeting your plan.

4. Identify Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

To reduce the impact of risk in your project, you need to identify what those risks might be and develop a plan to mitigate them . List all the risks, prioritize them, describe what you’ll do to mitigate or take advantage of them and who on the team is responsible for keeping an eye out for them and resolving them.

5. Define Your Project Scope and Project Deliverables

The project scope refers to all the work that’ll be executed. It defines the work items, work packages and deliverables that’ll be delivered during the execution phase of your project life cycle. It’s important to use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to define your tasks and subtasks and prioritize them.

6. Set SMART Goals for Your Project Proposal

The best mindset when developing goals and objectives for your project proposal is to use the SMART system :

• Specific – Make sure your goals and objectives are clear, concise and specific to the task at hand.
• Measurable – Ensure your goals and objectives are measurable so it’s obvious to see when things are on track and going well, and conversely, when things are off track and issues need to be addressed. Measurable goals make it easy to develop the milestones you’ll use to track the progress of the project and identify a reasonable date for completion and/or closure.
• Attainable – It’s important every project has a “reach” goal. Hitting this goal would mean an outstanding project that extends above and beyond expectations. However, it’s important that the project’s core goal is attainable, so morale stays high and the job gets done with time and resources to spare.
• Relevant – Make sure all of your goals are directly relevant to the project and address the scope within which you’re working.
• Time-Based – Timelines and specific dates should be at the core of all goals and objectives. This helps keep the project on track and ensures all project team members can manage the work that’s ahead of them.

7. Explain What’s Your Project Approach

Your project approach defines the project management methodology , tools and governance for your project. In simple terms, it allows project managers to explain to stakeholders how the project will be planned, executed and controlled successfully.

8. Outline The Expected Benefits of Your Project Proposal

If you want to convince internal stakeholders and external investors, you’ll need to show them the financial benefits that your project could bring to their organization. You can use cost-benefit analysis and projected financial statements to demonstrate why your project is profitable.

9. Identify Project Resource Requirements

Project resources are critical for the execution of your project. The project proposal briefly describes what resources are needed and how they’ll be used. Later, during the planning phase, you’ll need to create a resource management plan that’ll be an important element of your project plan. Project requirements are the items, materials and resources needed for the project. This section should cover both internal and external needs.

10. Estimate Project Costs and Project Budget

All the resources that you’ll need for your project have a price tag. That’s why you need to estimate those costs and create a project budget . The project budget needs to cover all your project expenses, and as a project manager, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to the budget.

11. Define a Project Timeline

Once you’ve defined your project scope, you’ll need to estimate the duration of each task to create a project timeline. Later during the project planning phase , you’ll need to create a schedule baseline, which estimates the total length of your project. Once the project starts, you’ll compare your actual project schedule to the schedule baseline to monitor progress.

Now let’s explore some project proposal examples to get a better understanding of how a project proposal would work in the real world. For this example, let’s imagine a city that’s about to build a rapid transit system. The city government has the funds to invest but lacks the technical expertise and resources that are needed to build it, so it issues a request for proposal (RFP) document and sends it to potential builders.

Then, the construction companies that are interested in executing this rapid transit project will prepare a project proposal for the city government. Here are some of the key elements they should include.

• Project background: The construction firm will provide an explanation of the challenges that the project presents from a technical perspective, along with historical data from similar projects that have been completed successfully by the company.
• Project vision & success criteria: Write a vision statement and explain how you’ll track the triple constraint to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Potential risks and mitigation strategies: List all risks and how they’ll be mitigated, and be sure to prioritize them.
• Project scope & deliverables: The work that’ll be done is outlined in the scope, including all the deliverables that’ll be completed over the life cycle of the project.
• Set SMART goals: Use the SMART technique to define your project goals by whether they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
• Project approach: Define the methodology that the project manager will employ to manage the project. Also, figure out what type of contract will be used to define the project.
• Expected benefits: Show how the project will deliver advantages to the company and define what these benefits are in a quantifiable way.
• Project resource requirements: List all the resources, such as labor, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project.
• Project costs & budget: Estimate the cost of the project and lay that out in a project budget that covers everything from start to finish.
• Project timeline: Outline the project schedule, including phases, milestones and task duration on a visual timeline.

Whatever project proposal you’re working on, there are a few tips that apply as best practices for all. While above we suggested a project proposal template that would have a table of contents, meaning it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is keeping the proposal to one or two pages max. Remember, you’re trying to win over stakeholders, not bore them.

Speaking of project stakeholders , do the research. You want to address the right ones. There’s no point in doing all the work necessary to write a great proposal only to have it directed to the wrong target audience. Whoever is going to read it, though, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Keep the language simple and direct.

When it comes to writing, get a professional. Even a business document like a project proposal, business case or executive summary will suffer if it’s poorly constructed or has typos. If you don’t want to hire a professional business writer, make sure you get someone on your project team to copy, edit and proof the document. The more eyes on it, the less likely mistakes will make it to the final edition.

While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, it helps to sweeten the pot by adding customer testimonials to the attachments. Nothing sells a project plan better than a customer base looking for your product or service.

ProjectManager & Project Proposals

ProjectManager allows you to plan proposals within our software. You can update tasks for the project proposal to signify where things stand and what’s left to be done. The columns allow you to organize your proposal by section, creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) of sorts.

When building a project proposal, it’s vital to remember your target audience. Your audience includes those who are excited about the project, and see completion as a gain for their organization. Conversely, others in your audience will see the project as a pain and something to which they aren’t looking forward. To keep both parties satisfied, it’s essential to keep language factual and concise.

Our online kanban boards help you think through that language and collaborate on it effectively with other team members, if necessary. Each card shows the percentage completed so everyone in the project management team is aware of the work done and what’s left to be done.

As you can see from the kanban board above, work has begun on tasks such as product documentation and design. Tasks regarding stakeholder feedback, ideation, market research and more have been completed, and there’s a good start on the engineering drawings, 3D rendering, supply chain sourcing and translation services.

A PDF is then attached to the card, and everyone added to the task receives an email notifying them of the change. This same process can be used throughout the life-cycle of the project to keep the team updated, collaborating, and producing a first-class project proposal. In addition to kanban boards, you can also use other project management tools such as Gantt charts , project dashboards, task lists and project calendars to plan, schedule and track your projects.

Project proposals are just the first step in the project planning process. Once your project is approved, you’ll have to solidify the plan, allocate and manage resources, monitor the project, and finally hand in your deliverables. This process requires a flexible, dynamic and robust project management software package. ProjectManager is online project management software that helps all your team members collaborate and manage this process in real-time. Try our award-winning software with this free 30-day trial .

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Blog Business

How to Write Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

By Aditya Sheth , Jan 25, 2024

The great Mark Cuban once said, “Sales cure all.” If a business doesn’t sell, it doesn’t make money and by extension the business fails. That’s why you need to write business proposals .

A well-written business proposal can often mean the difference between winning or losing a prospective client.

In this in-depth guide to creating business proposals, we show you how to close more deals, make more sales and crush your business goals — all by using easy-to-edit professional business proposal templates .

Here’s what this guide will cover (click to jump ahead):

What is a business proposal, what are the components of a business proposal.

• How to write a business proposal step by step

What should you include in a business proposal?

What are the types of business proposals, more business proposal examples + writing and design tips.

• FAQs about business proposals

Looking for a shortcut? Watch this quick video for an overview of everything to include in your business proposal:

A business proposal is a document designed to outline a business plan to convince potential client, investor or partner to engage in a business agreement with you or your company. It’s basically a sales pitch in writing to persuade potential clients to show them benefits of working with you or your company for their business success.

A business proposal outlines what your business does and what you can do for your client . It can be general like this business proposal example:

Or it can be more specific, like this business proposal template which focuses on proposing a project for the Newton Center Rail:

Or this business proposal sample, which presents a plan for a social media strategy and campaign:

To design a business proposal that holds the client’s attention, identify their pain points . Then provide your buyer with the right solution to alleviate those frustrations.

Working on a new project? These project proposal examples might come in handy for you.

The components of a business proposal can change depending on the field, company size and client needs. While details may differ, strong proposals typically introduce your company, explain the problem, offer a solution and its benefits, highlight your team’s skills, and outline timeline, cost and next steps.

How to write a business proposal step by step

Before you start creating your business proposal template, you need to understand the business proposal format. At a high level, your effective business proposal should include the following:

• Create a compelling business proposal title
• Build a table of contents
• Craft the executive summary
• Write a detailed problem statement
• Propose your solutions
• Showcase your team’s expertise
• Create a realistic timeline
• Present your payment structure
• Specify the terms and conditions
• Receiving the decision

Below, you can see business proposal examples that demonstrate how to include these 10 sections.

1. Create a compelling business proposal title

A compelling title could mean the difference between someone reading your proposal or ignoring it in favor of a competitor’s . 

What makes a good title page? Here are the essential elements to include: 

• Your name along with your company’s name
• The name of the prospect (or their business) 
• The date you’re submitting the proposal

The gray business consulting proposal template above contains all the details a prospect would want to know. The title also offers a strong tangible benefit to the prospective buyer. Honestly, “Who doesn’t want to grow their business?”

2. Build a table of contents

The table of contents is a fundamental part of every winning business proposal template. It makes your proposal scannable and easy to read.

The people you will be pitching to are usually C-level executives. These are busy people who don’t have time to read your entire proposal in one go.

That’s why most of the business proposal examples in this list include a table of contents.

Adding a table of contents to your document makes it easy for them to go through it at their own pace. They can also skim through parts of the proposal that they deem more important. You can see how this abstract business proposal template uses the table of contents:

You can also make your business proposal template easier to navigate by adding hyperlinks to the document, particularly in the table of contents. This way your clients can jump to specific sections without having to scroll through the entire document. 

It’s easy to add hyperlinks in the Venngage editor. Select the text you’d like to turn into a link, then click the link icon in the top bar. From there, select the page you want to link to! Then download your completed design as an Interactive PDF .

3. Craft the executive summary

The executive summary is a staple in all kinds of annual reports , leadership development plan , project plans and even marketing plans . It is a concise summary of the entire contents of your document. In other words, write a business proposal outline that is easy to glance over and that highlights your value proposition.

The goals of your executive summary are:

• Introduce your company to your buyer
• Provide an overview of your company goals
• Showcase your company’s milestones, overall vision and future plans
• Include any other relevant details

This gray business proposal example has a detailed yet short executive summary including some social proof in the form of clients they’ve worked with:

Take note of how precise this business proposal example is. You want to keep your executive summary concise and clear from the get-go. This sets the right tone for the rest of your proposal. It also gives your buyer a reason to continue reading your proposal.

Crafting an executive summary and keeping it concise and compelling can be challenging. but you can use an AI summarizer online to generate an executive summary. Such tools are trained on relevant AI models that can extract core points from a given text. You can get such a point either in bullet form or in abstract summary form.

Pro Tip: Try to write an executive summary such that, even if your prospective client doesn’t read the entire proposal (with a good executive summary, they most likely will), they should have a clear idea about what your company does and how you can help them.

4. Write a detailed problem statement

The point of writing a business proposal is to solve a buyer’s problem. Your goal is to outline the problem statement as clearly as possible. This develops a sense of urgency in your prospect. They will want to find a solution to the problem. And you have that solution.

 A well-defined problem statement does two things: 

• It shows the prospect you have done your homework instead of sending a generic pitch
• It creates an opportunity for you to point out a problem your prospect might not be aware they had in the first place. 

This bold business proposal template above clearly outlines the problem at hand and also offers a ray of hope i.e. how you can solve your prospect’s problem. This brings me to… 

5. P ropose your solutions

The good stuff. In the proposed solution section, you show how you can alleviate your prospective buyer’s pain points. This can fit onto the problem statement section but if you have a comprehensive solution or prefer to elaborate on the details, a separate section is a good idea.

Spare no details regarding the solution you will provide. When you write a business proposal, explain how you plan to deliver the solution. Include an estimated timeline of when they can expect your solution and other relevant details.

For inspiration, look at how this business proposal template quickly and succinctly outlines the project plan, deliverables and metrics :

6. Showcase your team’s expertise

At this point, the prospect you’re pitching your solution to likes what they’re reading. But they may not trust you to deliver on your promises. Why is this?

It’s because they don’t know you. Your job is to convince them that you can fix their problem. This section is important because it acts as social proof. You can highlight what your company does best and how qualified your team is when you write a business proposal for a potential client.

This free business proposal template showcases the company’s accolades, client testimonials, relevant case studies, and industry awards. You can also include other forms of social proof to establish yourself as a credible business. This makes it that much more likely that they will say yes!

Pro Tip: Attaching in-depth case studies of your work is a great way to build trust with a potential client by showcasing how you’ve solved similar problems for other clients in the past. Our case study examples post can show you how to do just that.

7. Create a realistic timeline

To further demonstrate just how prepared you are, it’s important to outline the next steps you will take should your buyer decide to work with you.

Provide a timeline of how and when you will complete all your deliverables. You can do this by designing a  flow chart . Or add a  roadmap  with deadlines. Pitching a long-term project? A timeline infographic would be a better fit.

If you look at this abstract business proposal template below, even something as simple as a table can do the trick.

The timeline is not always set in stone, rather it’s an estimation. The goal is to clarify any questions your potential client might have about how you will deliver for the underlying B2B sales process.

8. Present your payment and terms

On this page, you can outline your fees, payment schedule, invoice payment terms , as well as legal aspects involved in this deal. You can even use the  Excel Invoice Template  to create professional-looking invoices (including brand logo and other elements) and add them to this page.

The key to good pricing is to provide your buyer with options. A  pricing comparison table can help with this. You want to give your client some room to work with. Make sure you’re not scaring off your client with a high price, nor undervaluing yourself. 

Breaking up your pricing in stages is another great way to make sure your potential client knows what he’s paying for. Look at how this simple business proposal template does this:

The legal aspects can slot right into the terms and conditions section. Alternatively, you can add them to the signature section of the proposal to keep things simple.

9. Specify the terms and conditions

Summarize everything you have promised to deliver so far. Include what you expect from your prospective buyer in return.   Add the overall project timeline from start to end, as well as payment methods and payment schedule, incorporating these details into an online digital project management tool. This way, both of you will be clear on what is being agreed on.

This step is very important as it outlines all the legal aspects of the deal. That is why the terms and conditions section of your proposal needs to be as clear as possible.

I recommend consulting a lawyer or your legal team when working on this section of the business proposal. If you’re a business veteran and understand the legalities of your business, you can use the same terms and conditions across all your proposals.

10. Receiving the decision

The final step of this whole process. Your client has read your business proposal and they want to buy what you have to offer.

Add a small section at the end of your proposal to get the necessary signatures. This way, you and your client can sign the proposal and the partnership becomes official.

Be sure to also include your contact information in your business proposal template. It acts as a gentle prompt to your client to contact you in case they have any questions. A professional way of doig that would be to include an e-business card with your contact details, email i.d and any other social links you want to share. You can go through this article for the best digital business cards .

A business proposal usually aims to answer the following questions: 

• Who you are and what your company does
• The problem your buyer is facing
• The solution your company offers to alleviate the problem
• How your company will implement this solution effectively
• An estimate of resources (time, money, etc) required to implement the solution

You can see how this sample business proposal template covers the above points.

Notice how this proposal template addresses the same project like in one of the previous templates, but uses a completely different design style (more retro, while the previous business proposal template is more modern and minimalistic).

Generally, there are three types of business proposals:

1. Formally solicited 

A formally solicited business proposal is made when you respond to an official request to write a business proposal.

In this scenario, you know all the requirements and have more (if not all) information about a prospective buyer. You simply need to write the business proposal for your buyer to evaluate so you can begin the sales process .

2. Informally solicited 

Informally solicited business proposals are written when there isn’t an official request for a proposal. A prospective buyer is interested in your services and asks for a proposal so they can evaluate it.

An informally solicited proposal requires a lot more research from your end. These types of proposals are usually created out of informal conversations. They are not based on official requests which often contain more detail.

3. Unsolicited 

Think of this as a marketing brochure or a cold email . Unsolicited business proposals will often take a generic, one-size-fits-all approach to business proposals. Unsolicited proposals lack any understanding of the buyer or their requirements.

But with additional  market research , personalization and identifying customer pain points , you can propose a customized solution based on your buyer’s needs. This can be a very persuasive approach, such as in this business proposal example:

Now that you know how to write a business proposal, let’s look at how you can optimize your proposal to deliver results!

Below you’ll find some winning business proposal templates and examples to get you started. I’ve also included some design tips to keep in mind when you’re creating your next business proposal: 

1. Know your audience 

If you have some clarity on who your ideal buyer is — their pain points, their budget, deadlines, among other things — you’ve already won half the battle.

If you are a business that helps clients with everything from running giveaways or helping grow their blog , identify which customers to pitch. This is a sure-shot way to close the deal.

Mapping user personas  for your ideal buyer can help bring some clarity. It will also help you position your business proposal correctly. This improves the chance of your buyer moving your business proposal to the “Yes!” pile.

2. Put your brand front and center

If your company follows certain brand guidelines, incorporate them in your business proposal templates. Consider how business proposal examples like the one below highlight brand identity :

From the color palettes to the company logos , everything follows their brand guidelines. The result: a business proposal that’s consistent across the board.

Pro Tip: Switching this template to match your brand assets is actually pretty easy. Venngage’s My Brand Kit feature allows you to import your color palettes, logos as well as font choices. Any Venngage template can now be your template.

You can also consider this sample business proposal template:

App design companies sure do know their design. They did a phenomenal job keeping their brand colors consistent while opting for a black design. This unique color scheme also makes their white logo prominent throughout the proposal.

3. Try less text, more visuals

Have you ever read a proposal and thought to yourself, “Wow, this is all text and has no images, I love it!”? Yeah, me neither.

The free business proposal template below is a perfect example of the “less is more” principle. It does a phenomenal job of communicating what it needs to. By substituting some of the text with icons and visuals, you get a clean business proposal that’s much more scannable.

Want to keep things strictly professional? Instead of icons, you can always add your team’s headshots. This shows your buyer exactly who they’ll be working with.  

Check out this formal business proposal format for some inspiration:

4. Switch up your business proposal designs

It doesn’t hurt to go above and beyond once in a while. Jazz up your business proposal template with some extra colors. This helps make your business proposal more engaging. It also helps your buyers retain information faster.

The business proposal example alternates between black, white and grey backgrounds. It still manages to maintain consistency in its branding . Just switching up your backgrounds once in a while can also bring in some variety to an otherwise standard business proposal.

This SEO business proposal sample proves that it’s possible to switch up the colors in every other page. But it still maintains the same color scheme across the entire proposal just like a professionally designed website : 

Pro Tip: Not a color expert? Our guide on picking colors can help you pick the right color scheme for your proposals.

FAQ about business proposals

What is the purpose of a business proposal.

A business proposal aims to streamline the B2B sales process (which is often complex ) between you as a seller and a buyer.

It does this by serving the dual purpose of acting as a source of information. The proposal also acts as a sales pitch aimed at convincing your buyer why they should buy what you have to offer.

What are the best practices for business proposal design?

• Do a thorough spell-check. The goal of your business proposal is to convince your buyer why you’re the perfect person for the job. A proposal with typos or grammatical errors communicates the opposite. A thorough spell-check before you send your proposal is a must.
• Keep things clear and readable: Clarity is an important aspect that you have to ensure in your business proposal. If you want your proposal to hit home and make an impact on the buyer, you have to write it in an understandable way. To keep things clear and readable, there are a couple of things that you can do. You can, for one, take care to use easy wording and segmented sentences from the get-go. You can also try paraphrasing the hard parts of your proposal once you are done writing it.
• Let your brand shine. As discussed before, writing a business proposal is all about knowing your ideal buyer and focusing on their pain points. But that doesn’t mean your business proposal template has to be boring. Demonstrate how different you are compared to other companies. You can do this through your brand guidelines , by using more visuals, switching up your proposal design or showing off your personality in your writing . 
• Create a business proposal PDF. Downloading your business proposal in PDF format allows you to attach other collaterals with your business proposal. These can include a company explainer video or case studies showcasing the work done with past clients. Also, who doesn’t love saving paper?

How long should your business proposal be? 

The length depends on the scope of the work as well as the complexity of the project. Here is a one-page business proposal template:

Can your business proposal template really be one page? Yes, as long as you understand who your buyer is and their pain points. You should also have the ability to communicate everything your ideal buyer needs to know about your business in a succinct manner.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous how about just two pages? Often, clients prefer if you go straight to the point and avoid all the fluff.

For example, this green modern marketing proposal template wastes no time in getting down to brass tacks:

Need more inspiration? Check out this blog on the 5 marketing proposal examples that’ll help elevate your business.

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to deciding how many pages you should include in your business proposal template. And at the end of the day, “the only rules are the ones you set for yourself”.

At the end of the day, writing winning business proposals that sell is all about you understanding your buyer, their potential pain points and positioning yourself as someone who can alleviate those pain points. 

Now that you know how to write compelling business proposals, what are you waiting for?

Take action and start creating your own business proposals to close more deals and grow your business today!

More business communications templates + writing tips you might be interested in…

• 31 Consulting Proposal Templates to Close Deals
• 20+ Professional Business Letterhead Templates + Branding Tips
• How to Write a White Paper [Tips & Templates]

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• Project planning |
• 6 steps for writing a persuasive projec ...

6 steps for writing a persuasive project proposal

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives, and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders buy in to the initiative. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to write a project proposal so you can win approval and succeed at work.

All projects have creation stories, but they don’t start with someone declaring, “Let there be resources!” To move forward with a project, teams must submit a proposal to decision-makers within their organization or to external stakeholders. 

What is a project proposal?

A project proposal is a written document outlining everything stakeholders should know about a project, including the timeline, budget, objectives , and goals. Your project proposal should summarize your project details and sell your idea so stakeholders feel inclined to get involved in the initiative.

The goal of your project proposal is to:

Secure external funding

Allocate company resources to your project

Gain stakeholder buy-in

Build momentum and excitement

Project proposals vs. project charters vs. business cases

Project proposals and project charters serve different purposes in the project creation process, and it’s important to understand the difference between the two. While a project proposal takes place in the initiation phase of the project, the project charter takes place in the planning phase. 

As mentioned above, a project proposal is a persuasive document meant to convince stakeholders why the project should be carried out. A project charter is a reference document that defines project objectives, and it can’t be created until the project proposal is approved.

People also confuse the business case with the project proposal, but the business case also comes after the proposal. Once the project is approved through a proposal, a business case may be used to secure additional funding for the project.

Types of project proposals

There are six types of proposals you may encounter as a project manager, and understanding the different formats can be useful as you write yours. Each type has a different goal.

Solicited: You’ll send solicited proposals in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). An RFP announces a project in detail and asks for bids from qualified teams. Because you’re competing against other companies for this type of proposal, you must do thorough research and write persuasively.

Unsolicited: You’ll send unsolicited proposals without an RFP, meaning no one asked for your proposal. In this case, you won’t be up against other companies or teams, but you’ll still need to be persuasive because you have no knowledge of whether the stakeholder you’re pitching to needs you.

Informal: You may have a client send you an informal request for a project proposal, in which case you can respond with your project pitch. Because this isn’t an official RFP, the rules are less concrete.

Renewal: You’ll send renewals to existing clients in hopes that they’ll extend their services with your organization. In this type of project proposal, the goal is to emphasize past results your team has produced for the client and persuade them you can produce future results.

Continuation: You’ll send continuations as a reminder to a stakeholder letting them know the project is beginning. In this project proposal, you’ll simply provide information about the project instead of persuading the stakeholder.

Supplemental: Similar to a continuation proposal, you’ll send a supplemental proposal to a stakeholder already involved in your project. In this type of proposal, you’re letting the stakeholder know the project is beginning, while also asking for additional resources. You should persuade the stakeholder to contribute more to the project in this proposal.

The tone of voice and content of your project proposal will differ based on the type of proposal you’re sending. When you know your project goals, you can write your proposal accordingly.

How to write a project proposal

These step-by-step instructions apply to most project proposals, regardless of type. You’ll need to customize your proposal for the intended audience, but this project proposal outline can serve as a reference to ensure you’re including the key components in your document. 

1. Write an executive summary

The executive summary serves as the introduction to your project proposal. Similar to a report abstract or an essay introduction, this section should summarize what’s coming and persuade the stakeholder to continue reading. Depending on the complexity of your project, your executive summary may be one paragraph or a few paragraphs. 

Your executive summary should include:

The problem your project plans to solve

The solution your project provides for that problem

The impact your project will have 

You should only address these items briefly in your executive summary because you’ll discuss these topics in more detail later in your proposal. 

2. Explain the project background

In this section, you’ll go into the background of the project. Use references and statistics to convince your reader that the problem you’re addressing is worthwhile.

Some questions to include are:

What is the problem your project addresses?

What is already known about this problem?

Who has addressed this problem before/what research is there?

Why is past research insufficient at addressing this problem?

You can also use this section to explain how the problem you hope to solve directly relates to your organization. 

3. Present a solution

You just presented a problem in the project background section, so the next logical step in proposal writing is to present a solution. This section is your opportunity to outline your project approach in greater detail. 

Some items to include are:

Your vision statement for the project

Your project schedule , including important milestones

Project team roles and responsibilities  

A risk register showing how you’ll mitigate risk

The project deliverables

Reporting tools you’ll use throughout the project

You may not have all these items in your proposal format, but you can decide what to include based on the project scope . This section will likely be the longest and most detailed section of your proposal, as you’ll discuss everything involved in achieving your proposed solution. 

4. Define project deliverables and goals

Defining your project deliverables is a crucial step in writing your project proposal. Stakeholders want to know what you’re going to produce at the end of your project, whether that’s a product, a program, an upgrade in technology, or something else. As the stakeholder reads through your vision, this will be the section where they say, “Aha, this is what they’ll use my resources for.”

When defining your deliverables, you should include:

The end product or final objective of your project 

A project timeline for when deliverables will be ready

SMART goals that align with the deliverables you’re producing

While it’s important to show the problem and solution to your project, it’s often easier for stakeholders to visualize the project when you can define the deliverables.

5. List what resources you need

Now that you’ve outlined your problem, approach, solution, and deliverables, you can go into detail about what resources you need to accomplish your initiative.

In this section, you’ll include:

Project budget : The project budget involves everything from the supplies you’ll need to create a product to ad pricing and team salaries. You should include any budget items you need to deliver the project here.

Breakdown of costs: This section should include research on why you need specific resources for your project; that way, stakeholders can understand what their buy-in is being used for. This breakdown can also help you mitigate unexpected costs.

Resource allocation plan : You should include an overview of your resource allocation plan outlining where you plan to use the specific resources you need. For example, if you determine you need $50,000 to complete the project, do you plan to allocate this money to salaries, technology, materials, etc.

Hopefully, by this point in the proposal, you’ve convinced the stakeholders to get on board with your proposed project, which is why saving the required resources for the end of the document is a smart strategic move.

6. State your conclusion

Finally, wrap up your project proposal with a persuasive and confident conclusion. Like the executive summary, the conclusion should briefly summarize the problem your project addresses and your solution for solving that problem. You can emphasize the impact of your project in the conclusion but keep this section relevant, just like you would in a traditional essay. 

Tips for writing an effective project proposal

Following the steps listed above will ensure your project proposal has all the right elements. But if you want to impress your readers and win their approval, your writing must shine. In addition to the above, a project proposal includes:

Know your audience

As you write your proposal, keep your audience (i.e. the stakeholders) in mind at all times. Remember that the goal of the proposal is to win your audience over, not just to present your project details. For example, if you’re creating a new editing tool for a children’s publishing house, can you determine whether your stakeholders are parents and appeal to their emotional side when persuading them to buy in to your product?

Be persuasive

Persuasion is important in a project proposal because you’re hoping your audience will read your proposal and do something for you in return. If your reader isn’t intrigued by your project, they won’t feel inclined to help you. If you describe your editing tool but don’t mention the many features it will offer, how it will benefit clients, and its positive impact in the industry, your audience will wonder, “Why should I care about this project?” 

Keep it simple

While you should go into detail on your problem, approach, and solution, you shouldn’t make your project proposal overly complex. This means you can discuss the project plan for your proposed editing tool without discussing what codes the engineers will use to make each feature work. 

Do your research

A successful project proposal includes thorough research. Be prepared to back up your problem—and solution—with reputable sources, case studies, statistics, or charts so you don’t leave your audience with questions. When writing your proposal, put yourself in the reader’s shoes and ask:

Why is this a problem?

How is this a solution to the problem?

Has anyone addressed this problem before?

What are the project costs?

If you can answer these questions, then you’ve likely done enough research to support your proposed initiative.

Use project management tools to strengthen your project proposal

Good project proposals require team collaboration . With the right management tools, your team can communicate, share information, and work together on one shared document. 

When you store all your project information in one place, it’s easy to access that data when you need it. Project proposals stem from well-organized and properly planned projects, which is why project management software is a key resource to effectively write a project proposal. Ready to get started? Try Asana .

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• Starting the research process
• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Present Research Proposal Convincingly and Effectively

Correct research proposal presentation is essential in getting your research approved.

Why Is a Proposal for Presentation Important?

A presentation is an essential component that will help you showcase your research from the best angle. It is a roadmap that shows your central research question, how you will find the solution, and what awarenesses and issues stand in your way. A way to present research proposal writing in the form of a paper is essential, but it sets limits on your abilities to demonstrate the content to the audience.

Having a set of slides is good because it is more understandable than writing. Showcasing your future project using graphics and tables is even better because the information becomes more convincing and coherent. Sometimes, the presentation allows individuals to say more than they could do when writing a research plan. Let’s move on and discover how to make research proposal presentation.

4 Steps to Create a Great Thesis Proposal Presentation

When you present your project, you literally sell it to the officials, proving its value and importance within the whole field. That’s why it’s essential to consider valuable points when working on the project. So, below are points to follow when preparing research proposal presentation.

• Show the topic knowledge. Your task is to present fresh ideas and show how well you know the subject. By doing so, you demonstrate how well you studied the topic and understand what should be added to the existing gaps.
• Structure your content. It works the same as with writing and should flow logically. You should smoothly move from one part to another, showcasing all aspects of your research. Also, ensure your presentation proposal does not contain information that does not belong to the topic.
• Use bulleted lists. It makes the writing readable and makes it easy for the audience to absorb the information. Moreover, writing huge sentences on slides has negative impact, so consider using bulleted lists as an alternative.
• Add visuals. Writing too much text is not good, as it is hard to perceive many words on slides visually. Add graphs, images, and infographics to make the information easier to understand. Nevertheless, keep enough ample space not to overload the slides.

Research proposal PowerPoint format allows you to be more creative using tools to compose and deliver the information. Start working beforehand to select the proper background, fonts, and visuals to ensure your slides look great. Still, if you find it difficult to complete the task, asking someone for assistance is a good decision. Consider getting professional help writing research proposal from our experienced pros.

What Should Research Proposal Presentation Consist Of?

When presenting the concept of your study, you should understand what it consists of and what is the purpose of each part. You will understand how to write a presentation proposal. Stick to this plan. Use it like a template, and make sure you include all the needed information. Another great idea is to use dissertation proposal guidelines provided by your institution. Besides, you can look for samples and check how others handle such a task.

Tips to Effectively Present Research Proposal

The concept you create should be impressive and informative. Everything should be focused on your study, showcasing the topic, highlighting its importance, and saying what you expect to achieve. That’s why you should make your thesis proposal presentation a visual aid that helps the audience to understand you. Below are some tips to help you.

• Limit the amount of text on each slide. Focus on writing key phrases only.
• Create contrast by using different colors for text and background to enhance readability. The best combo is a “light text-black background.”
• Use simple design solutions and avoid flashy transitions because they may distract the audience.
• Don’t create too many slides. Decide how many slides you need in each part of your PhD proposal presentation, and don’t go beyond this number.
• Do not read from slides. The visual content is for the audience, so you should give them additional information.
• Avoid templates. There is no need to fit your original proposal for presentation into already-made structures.

To ensure the final version looks good, show it to someone who hasn’t seen it before. With feedback from an independent viewer, you will understand whether everything looks good or not.

How to Present a Research Proposal and Defense It

Simply switching the slides and repeating all the information is not enough. The purpose of the proposal defense is to convince the audience that your research is significant, fundamental, and worth investing in. Those who will listen to you won’t be very interested in research projects. So, how to present a research proposal in a way that makes them listen?

You have to be confident and stick to your agenda. Make notes about what you will say at each stage of the defense. Left the most significant information on the slides, supplementing it with additional abstracts during the demonstration. Keep the pace and show one slide per minute. Rushing is not what’s needed since you aim to show the research project’s significance.

The ability to answer audience questions is another essential of how to make a proposal presentation. Be ready for this because the committee may want to test how well you know your research topic. An unclear answer or a typical “I don’t know” can negatively impact their decision. Practice before the official demonstration and ensure you are confident enough to defend a presentation without notes.

Get Assisted in Creating a Proposal Presentation

Creating a proposal presentation is a responsible task because you are showcasing your future research, explaining why it’s important and how it will close the existing gaps in the field. It requires a deep analysis, which takes lots of time and effort and may be challenging for some individuals.

However, it’s not a problem for our specialists. As well as providing professional thesis writing services , we assist customers with presentation creation. Our experts carefully investigate the topic, do in-depth research, and find relevant data. Moreover, they can help you select research topics, offering unique niches that match your interests.

Contact us anytime you want to achieve outstanding quality and get the writing task done on time.

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• How companies communicate financial performance is changing

IFRS 18 aims to deliver more consistent, comparable and transparent information

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Global IFRS Institute

A more structured income statement

MPMs – Disclosed and subject to audit

Greater disaggregation of information

• Next steps  

The way companies communicate their financial performance is set to change.  

Responding to investor calls for more relevant information, IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements 1 will enable companies to tell their story better through their financial statements. Investors will also benefit from greater consistency of presentation in the income and cash flow statements, and more disaggregated information.  

So what does this mean for companies’ financial reporting? Essentially, companies’ net profit will not change. What will change is how they present their results on the face of the income statement and disclose information in the notes to the financial statements. This includes disclosure of certain ‘non-GAAP’ measures – management performance measures (MPMs) – which will now form part of the audited financial statements.  

IFRS 18 marks a step towards more connected reporting. Financial statements that include relevant and consistent information will afford users better information on companies’ financial performance. 

IFRS 18 brings three categories of income and expenses, two income statement subtotals and one single note on management performance measures. These, combined with enhanced disaggregation guidance, set the stage for better and more consistent information for users – and will affect all companies.

Gabriela Kegalj KPMG global IFRS presentation leader

Under current IFRS ® Accounting Standards, companies use different formats to present their results, making it difficult for investors to compare financial performance across companies. 

IFRS 18 promotes a more structured income statement, as set out below. In particular, it introduces a newly defined ‘operating profit’ subtotal and a requirement for all income and expenses to be allocated between three new distinct categories based on a company’s main business activities.

All companies are required to report the newly defined ‘operating profit’ subtotal – an important measure for investors’ understanding of a company’s operating results – i.e. investing and financing activities are specifically excluded. This means that the results of equity-accounted investees are no longer part of operating profit and are presented in the ‘investing’ category. 

IFRS 18 also requires companies to analyse their operating expenses directly on the face of the income statement – either by nature, by function or using a mixed presentation. Under the new standard, this presentation provides a ‘useful structured summary’ of those expenses. If any items are presented by function on the face of the income statement (e.g. cost of sales), then a company provides more detailed disclosures about their nature.    

Companies often use ‘non-GAAP’ information to explain their financial performance because it allows them to tell their own story and provides investors with useful insight into a company’s performance.  

IFRS 18 now requires some of these ‘non-GAAP’ measures to be reported in the financial statements. It introduces a narrow definition for MPMs 2 , requiring them to be: 

• a subtotal of income and expenses; 
• used in public communications outside the financial statements; and 
• reflective of management’s view of financial performance. 

For each MPM presented, companies will need to explain in a single note to the financial statements why the measure provides useful information, how it is calculated and reconcile it to an amount determined under IFRS Accounting Standards.

To provide investors with better insight into financial performance, the new standard includes enhanced guidance on how companies group information in the financial statements. This includes guidance on whether information is included in the primary financial statements or is further disaggregated in the notes. 

Companies are discouraged from labelling items as ‘other’ and will now be required to disclose more information if they continue to do so. 

Now is the time to get ready to report under the new standard, which is effective from 1 January 2027 and applies retrospectively. It is available for early adoption. 

• Assess the impacts on your financial statements. 
• Communicate the impacts with investors.  
• Consider how the new requirements impact financial reporting systems and processes. 
• Monitor any changes in the local reporting landscape.  

Our high-level guide, available shortly, will help you understand the new accounting standard and assess the impacts for your company. And look out for our First Impressions publication, which will provide more information on the new standard, including our detailed insight and illustrative examples. 

1 IFRS 18 replaces IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements .

2  IFRS 18 defines management performance measures (MPMs); these measures are currently commonly known as non-GAAP measures, alternative performance measures (APMs) or key performance indicators (KPIs).

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