You’ve simply wrapped up a name with a potential consulting consumer. They’re inquisitive about working with you. Congratulations!If you happen to’ve discovered your solution to this weblog put up, it’s secure to imagine you now must develop a consulting proposal for this consumer — and also you need assistance doing so.
On this put up, I’ll clarify what a consulting proposal is and how one can write one which your potential purchasers can’t resist.
And for those who’re in a pinch and wish a listing, discover what you want via these hyperlinks:
What’s a consulting proposal?
A consulting proposal is a doc that outlines the character, scope, and timeline of a particular consulting venture. Like a salesman’s pitch to a prospect, a consulting proposal highlights the issue your potential consumer is experiencing and positions you, the guide, as the answer.
Many potential purchasers request proposals earlier than formally signing on the dotted line. Why? In brief, a consulting proposal outlines your working relationship so each events can keep aligned and perceive the opposite’s expectations. Proposals aren’t paper formalities — they signify the beginning of an essential client-consultant relationship.
This doc will successfully take your conversations with the prospect into an lively working relationship. That’s why it’s essential to put in writing a superb proposal.
A superb consulting proposal will need to have the next data:
- A abstract of the issues or challenges that your prospect is dealing with.
- An in depth account of the way you’ll clear up these issues.
- A listing of the outcomes you’ll search to attain for his or her enterprise.
It additionally consists of contractual data similar to charges and phrases.
Earlier than You Create a Consulting Proposal
Writing a consulting proposal would require a little bit of pre-work. You’ll need to get to know your consumer’s wants and objectives.
1. Chat along with your consumer in individual or over the cellphone.
You possibly can’t write an efficient consulting proposal with out chatting along with your potential consumer first. Do your greatest to arrange a cellphone name for this dialog; for those who can, meet in individual. An electronic mail will suffice for attending to know your consumer and their consulting wants, however letting them see your face and/or hear your voice will make it easier to construct belief with them
2. Perceive their challenges and wishes.
The higher you perceive your potential consumer’s challenges and ache factors, the extra impactful your proposal may be. Whereas a consulting proposal template might help get the job executed, the main points in your proposals shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all; they need to be tailor-made to every consumer and their wants. Don’t hesitate to observe up with further cellphone calls or conferences to higher perceive your consumer and what they want from you.
3. Spotlight your worth proposition.
Hiring a guide will not be an inexpensive funding, and also you need your consumer to know that they’re investing in you since you’ll ship outcomes. You don’t essentially want to incorporate a bit titled “Worth Proposition,” both. As an alternative, get particular on the way you’ll ship. For instance you may point out the way you’ll be growing X metric, lowering Y destructive final result, or driving Z outcomes for his or her enterprise.
4. Ask concerning the particulars.
A profitable proposal displays the venture scope and particulars to maintain each events aligned. Don’t overlook to ask about your consumer’s very best timeline, price range, expectations, and outcomes. These particulars are essential for promoting a potential consumer in your providers in addition to giving your consumer a greater understanding of how precisely you two will work collectively.
Realizing how one can write a transparent, concise consulting proposal could make or break your means to transform potential purchasers. Let’s assessment how one can put collectively a successful proposal.
Write a Consulting Proposal
- Write an govt abstract.
- Briefly describe why you’re the perfect for the job.
- Specify what the consumer can anticipate from the venture.
- Set up what your deliverables shall be.
- Verify and description the prices.
- Specify some other contract phrases and circumstances.
- Maintain the proposal concise.
- Ask for suggestions
1. Write an govt abstract.
Get began by writing an govt abstract or introduction (additionally referred to as a venture abstract). This part will embrace your consumer’s challenges or obstacles and the way you plan to unravel them. Merely put, this part summarizes your complete venture.
2. Briefly describe why you’re the perfect for the job.
There’s a superb probability your consumer could also be receiving proposals from different corporations. You’ll want to point out them that you simply’re the correct individual for the job and guarantee them they’re in nice arms. Briefly describe how your expertise will assist the consumer obtain their objectives.
Whereas it might be tempting to hone in in your {qualifications} and expertise, your consulting proposal ought to concentrate on what your consumer will get from working with you. You possibly can add this data as a brief (1-2 sentences) paragraph in your introduction.
3. Specify what the consumer can anticipate from the venture.
Be as particular as attainable concerning the worth and outcomes your consumer can anticipate. For instance, in case your primary goal is to extend site visitors, say that and description how. It will make it easier to draft your venture scope.
Keep away from buzzwords and generic jargon. In reality, do your greatest to make use of the identical phrases they did in your conferences — this may resonate with them and present you had been listening.
4. Set up what your deliverables shall be.
Return to your consumer dialog notes. Do they want a brand new advertising technique, a brand new web site, or promoting plan? What tangible merchandise will they’ve as soon as the venture is accomplished? These shall be your “deliverables” and also you’ll need to embrace them in your proposal so the consumer is aware of precisely what they’re getting out of the venture. We’ll describe deliverables in additional element within the subsequent part.
5. Verify and description the prices.
You’ll need to be up entrance with the consumer about how a lot the venture will value. Be clear about your charges and what they embrace. If you happen to require particular fee buildings like a deposit or installments on sure dates, explicitly clarify them on this part of your proposal.
6. Specify some other contract phrases and circumstances.
This part will specify precisely what phrases and circumstances the consumer is agreeing to ought to they determine to proceed. Along with charges, this could embrace a timeframe for the venture (begin and finish date), fee sorts accepted or some other phrases you require.
7. Maintain the proposal concise.
With regards to consulting proposals, high quality issues far more than amount. Maintain your proposal as transient as attainable to precisely describe the venture scope and expectations. Don’t give your consumer a cause to cease studying your proposal and doubtlessly view one other guide’s — as a substitute, maintain your proposal concise and interesting.
8. Ask for suggestions.
A consulting proposal is a two-way doc, which means each events ought to have a say within the content material it consists of. As you develop your proposal, make clear any questions or issues you may have along with your potential consumer. When completed, ship it to your consumer for assessment and suggestions.
Take into account constructing your proposal inGoogle Docs or an analogous phrase processor by which your consumer can collaborate and go away feedback or solutions.
Now that we’ve lined how one can write a consulting proposal, let’s break it down into elements.
Elements of a Consulting Proposal
The best consulting proposals observe an attractive and logical construction. On this part, we’ll talk about the anatomy of a well-written consulting proposal.
1. Salutation
Start your doc by greeting your consumer.
A customized greeting units aside your consulting proposals from a generic proposal. If you deal with your proposal as a private letter, potential purchasers usually tend to belief you and need to construct a relationship with you. Use the consumer’s formal title (e.g. “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Dr.”) until you’re on a first-name foundation.
2. Introduction
On this part, write three to 4 sentences describing the character of the venture and the problems you need to clear up.
Take into account this part the introduction, or hook, of your proposal. Summarize the challenges your potential consumer is dealing with and what worth you possibly can present via your consulting providers. On this part, you also needs to thank your consumer for contemplating you and provides them a quick overview of what they’ll anticipate from the remainder of the proposal.
You too can embrace one to 2 sentences introducing your self and your online business. Whereas the proposal shouldn’t be targeted in your work as a guide, it by no means hurts to incorporate a brief part by which you clarify why the consumer ought to select you. Even for those who pitched your self throughout your preliminary potential name, you possibly can reiterate your key strengths and {qualifications} right here.
3. Undertaking Scope
Subsequent, add three to 5 bullet factors giving perception into the precise motion gadgets (or duties) you’ll undertake to attain the specified outcome.
This part is all about what you’ll be doing to hold out the venture you outlined above. Specificity is essential right here — until you clearly define what you’ll be doing in your consumer, chances are you’ll expertise scope creep.
For instance, for those who’re being employed to assessment and analyze a consumer’s advertising methods, this part would define how lengthy your cellphone calls or workplace visits shall be, what number of calls or visits you commit to every week, the size of every go to, and so on. You possibly can by no means be too detailed within the venture scope part; it’ll solely prevent and your consumer a headache later.
4. Goals
On this part, you’ll need to checklist out three to 5 aims for the venture.
Now that you simply’ve lined each the aim and scope of the venture, it’s time to persuade the consumer of the venture’s worth. What kind of outcomes would you like your consumer to see after they’re executed working with you?
Not like the deliverables part beneath, which focuses on the precise “last merchandise” you’ll be delivering, the aims part focuses on the top outcome after these merchandise are delivered. It’s essential to place this as early as attainable in your doc in order that your consumer is satisfied they’re making a superb funding.
5. Deliverables
Subsequent, checklist out the concrete deliverable(s) the consumer may have as soon as they’re completed working with you. Will or not it’s a revamped web site? A redesigned assortment of brochures?
This part outlines the tangible, identifiable finish “merchandise” you can be offering your consumer on account of the venture. If the venture scope describes “how,” the deliverables are the “what.”
Following the instance above, whereas your venture scope could be reviewing and analyzing advertising methods, your deliverables could also be an in depth evaluation doc, a presentation of proposed adjustments, or perhaps a model new advertising plan (the precise particulars will differ relying in your consumer and their preferences and wishes).
6. Timeline
On this part, give a timeline for every particular motion merchandise you listed within the “Scope” part.
This part is extremely essential for setting expectations and creating boundaries with purchasers. If the venture scope describes “how” and the deliverables define the “what,” are you able to guess what the timeline part is? Ding, ding — it’s the “when.”
The timeline a part of the proposal ought to define particular venture dates and deadlines for various elements of your venture. Whether or not you’re making workplace visits, creating paperwork, or just sending follow-up emails, attempt to element each attainable date in your proposal. On the very least, be sure to embrace the venture begin, last venture deadlines, and any milestones in between.
7. Funding
Subsequent, checklist out your consulting charges and what they embrace, in addition to how and whenever you desire to receives a commission.
If you happen to advocate utilizing a sure fee portal, embrace that data right here. Equally, for those who require a down fee or staggered charge construction, don’t overlook that data, too.
8. Signature
On this part, you’ll instantly ask for a signature out of your potential consumer. Embrace area for them to put in writing the day’s date, their title, and their signature.
You’ll need to embrace this straight within the proposal, even when they’re nonetheless within the consideration stage, in order that it’s simpler to get approval. If you happen to add the extra step of getting to ship a “finalized contract,” you threat unnecessarily elongating the method.
9. Subsequent Steps
Final, embrace a powerful call-to-action in your proposal. Depart your electronic mail for them to contact you as effectively. Give clear directions on this last part so purchasers know how one can transfer ahead.
Whereas every proposal must be tailor-made to every potential consumer, it may be tedious to put in writing out your complete doc each time.
That is the place a consulting proposal template can turn out to be useful. Beneath you’ll discover two consulting proposal templates: one for gross sales and the opposite for advertising.
Consulting Proposal Template for Gross sales
You should use this free consulting proposal template in Phrase or PDF format. The sections match up with what we lined above, however are worded a little bit otherwise to higher align with gross sales.
Word: If you happen to use a template, don’t overlook to double-check that each one client-specific particulars are up to date and proper!
Featured Useful resource: Free Consulting Proposal Template
This proposal template consists of the next sections:
- Introduction: Describe the character of the venture and introduce your self and what you do.
- Goals: Checklist out the objectives for the venture.
- Method: Summarize your methodology for attaining the specified outcomes and checklist the precise duties you’ll undertake.
- Schedule of Undertaking Actions: The equal of a “Timeline” part, you’ll use this area to explain when venture duties shall be accomplished.
- The Staff: Checklist out any further workforce members, in addition to their {qualifications}.
- Your Funding: Structure in clear phrases what the consumer shall be paying for.
- Signatures: Seal the deal by inviting the consumer to signal immediately.
- Appendices: You probably have particular phrases and circumstances in your providers, embrace them right here.
Consulting Proposal Template for Advertising
Proposals are particularly important in advertising. With so many areas of specialization, channels, deliverable sorts, and metrics to maintain up with, you will must set expectations for the connection between you and the consumer.
A consulting proposal for advertising would possibly embrace a top level view of your strategic framework, the general objectives, and even perhaps the smaller milestones you need to be measured by. This free advertising proposal template is a good place to begin.
Featured Useful resource: Free Advertising Consulting Proposal Template
This proposal template consists of the next sections:
- Our Firm and Staff: On this part, you’ll give a radical overview of your online business by offering a listing of your providers and proposed workforce for the venture.
- Undertaking Scope: Summarize the venture in its entirety. You’ll write a brief abstract, a proposed answer, and an outline of projected outcomes.
- Undertaking Schedule: Checklist out the completely different levels of the venture with their begin and completion dates.
- Your Funding: Define what the consumer shall be paying for in an itemized desk.
- Contact Us: Give the consumer a chance to contact you by itemizing your data right here.
- Contract and Signatures: Streamline the method by inviting the consumer to signal immediately.
- Extra Supplies: If you wish to embrace case research, portfolio gadgets, or testimonials, embrace them right here.
Write a Consulting Proposal
Feeling caught? Let’s check out a pattern consulting proposal. To adapt this pattern in your personal use, merely substitute the mentions of the precise venture with what you’ll really be doing in your consumer.
Resort One
123 Resort Road, Workplace #123
Metropolis, State 12345
December 1, 20XX
Your Title
Consultancy Title
123 Consulting Road, Workplace #123
Metropolis, State 12345
Consulting Proposal
Pricey Mrs. Akingbola,
It’s a pleasure to work with you on the web site advertising venture we mentioned over the cellphone. I look ahead to rising your web site’s natural site visitors at a sustained scale, serving to you enhance bookings and reservations, and enhancing the underside line at your resort.
On this proposal, I’ll go over a quick venture abstract, cowl the venture’s scope, share deliverables, define a timeline, and provides extra particulars about your funding. I’ll additionally present some fast subsequent steps.
Abstract
The aim of this venture is to develop natural site visitors for Resort One’s web site. As a result of growing competitors, older content material advertising practices, and studies of a clunky consumer expertise, the enterprise has suffered from a marked lower in natural site visitors, which has diminished reservations and, subsequently, income.
My digital advertising consulting agency focuses on instances identical to yours. I’ve greater than ten years of expertise driving outcomes for small companies within the hospitality business. My final consumer, Resort Two, noticed a 233% enhance in bookings YoY after I labored with them.
Undertaking Scope
To develop natural site visitors and obtain sustained development, I shall be endeavor the next duties.
- Full a complete content material and technical audit of your complete web site.
- Perform usability checks on a consumer testing platform to verify what’s at present working and what’s not.
- Seek the advice of with you as I create a brand new and improved content material technique.
- Rent two freelance writers to rewrite your complete web site.
- Convey within the experience of an internet developer to design a contemporary and search-engine-optimized web site.
Goals
The aims of the venture are as follows.
- Publish related, keyword-optimized content material that drives extra customers to the reservation web page.
- Enhance the UX of the location each within the front- and back-end.
- Improve the typical rating for goal key phrases by a minimum of 2 spots.
- Get on the primary web page of Google SERPs for a minimum of 20% of the goal key phrases.
- Redesign your complete web site in order that it exceeds present design and value requirements.
Deliverables
You’ll obtain 5 deliverables from me.
- A PDF doc with my findings from the content material and technical audit.
- A presentation with findings from the usability checks and prompt enhancements.
- A brand new content material plan that shall be permitted by you previous to execution.
- An editable copy of each the rewritten and newly-written web site pages.
- A completely redesigned web site with the brand new content material and technical enhancements in place.
Timeline
The estimated completion time for your complete venture is six months.
| Exercise | Begin Date | Completion Date |
| Content material Audit | January 1 | January 14 |
| Technical Audit | January 15 | January 31 |
| Usability Checks | February 1 | February 7 |
| Content material Plan Creation | February 8 | February 28 |
| Content material Plan Assessment and Approval | March 1 | March 7 |
| Content material Creation | March 8 | April 30 |
| Web site Redesign | April 1 | June 1 |
Funding
I cost charges per venture primarily based on the estimated time to completion.
You received’t have to fret about hiring freelance writers or discovering an internet developer. As your guide, I’ll maintain that for you. All charges are inclusive of cellphone calls and emails.
| Undertaking Exercise | Hours | Payment |
| Content material and Technical Audit | 30 | $900 |
| Usability Checks | N/A | $200 |
| Content material Plan Creation | 30 | $900 |
| Content material Creation | 100 | $3,000 |
| Web site Redesign | 100 | $3,000 |
| Complete | $8,000 |
Signature
Please signal beneath.
[signature form]
Subsequent Steps
Please return the signed doc to me by Wednesday, December 6. I’ll contact base with you on Friday, December 8, to debate this proposal. You possibly can ship me any questions and issues at electronic mail@supplier.com. I look ahead to working with you.
Now that you’ve got an concept of what a pattern consulting proposal seems like, listed here are some instruments that may assist along with your subsequent draft.
Consulting Proposal Instance
For extra inspiration for how one can write your proposal, let’s check out this instance for an audio advertising firm.
This proposal is barely two pages lengthy, however it covers a number of floor regardless of its brevity. For starters, it’s received a nice greeting and introduction expressing thanks for the consumer’s consideration adopted by a one sentence venture abstract.
Including a background part describing the consumer’s ache factors in additional element can be a pleasant contact. The true star of this proposal although is the venture goal part (venture scope).
As an alternative of making a separate part for aims and deliverables, they’re mixed collectively. Every objective or deliverable is its personal bullet level. Beneath every of those objectives is the technique that shall be carried out to attain every objective.
The subsequent part clearly explains the seller’s price and charges, with a signature wrapping issues up on the finish.
Whereas this proposal lacks a radical timeline, it is a wonderful start line for smaller tasks.
Consulting Proposal Instruments
1. DocuSign
This software program has many options that may assist in consulting proposal creation. DocuSign can streamline settlement technology, analyze agreements, and retailer digital signatures in its cloud for paperless operations.
Whereas accessible for a free trial, you’ll pay as little as $10 monthly and the value can enhance relying on the dimensions of your organization.
2. Fiverr Workspace
It can save you time drafting with the Fiverr platform. Made to create custom-made proposals and contracts — with free templates to work with — you possibly can monitor the progress of a doc’s creation all the best way to amassing deposits at signing.
Fiverr is free for a single consumer, in any other case its Limitless plan is $18 a month for a number of accounts, and provides you extra management when modifying templates.
3. HelloSign
Recognized for being simple to make use of for even essentially the most un-tech savvy workers, HelloSign is a high quality device to gather and ship e-signatures. With quick implementation, it may be an amazing possibility for smaller companies.
HelloSign begins on the worth of $15 monthly for one consumer, or $25 for a number of customers.
4. Higher Proposals
Higher Proposals lives as much as its title with the provision of 160 lovely templates made for each desktop and cell units. With built-in signature and fee choices, this platform is a great tool for these seeking to impress new purchasers.
After a 14-day free trial, you can begin utilizing the software program for $19 monthly, or extra relying on the dimensions of enterprise performed.
Create a Consulting Proposal to Win Extra Purchasers
A well-written consulting proposal not solely serves as a guidepost for a consultant-client relationship, however it could possibly assist convert prospects into loyal, long-term purchasers. Implement these consulting proposal greatest practices and begin creating successful proposals in your consulting enterprise.
Editor’s observe: This put up was initially revealed in December 2019 and has been up to date for comprehensiveness.
