Proposal Software?

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38
Just curious what everyone is using to write up proposals for web design and other online marketing services? I'm currently using just a word doc template but I'm looking for something more professional now that we're starting to grow. I'd prefer something that didn't have a monthly fee and would help speed up the proposal process.

Thanks
Patrick
#offline marketing #proposal #software
  • No one has a proposal software package they could recommend?
  • I too use the word and then convert to pdf and send it to my clients. That is the cheapest option ever.
  • Same here. Word then I either send the Word version or convert it to pdf. Depends on what they have.
  • Check out Proposable , https://www.proposable.com/

    It's web based and offers a lot of features to incorporate rich media into the proposals. They are sent via email right from the site and you are notified when they open it and are viewing it etc.
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  • I just wanna say "Keep it simple".
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    • Yup, just make it word > PDF. No reason to do more work than you have to.
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  • A beautiful proposal is not going to make any difference if your prospect views what you offer as a commodity.

    I have sold things worth $100,000s with simple Word doc/pdf proposals; it's not how pretty it is, but how good a job you do uncovering why this person wants to do business with you.
  • I send the quote in pdf, I ask them to fill up the website questionnaire in word format... I think that is all we need. It is really simple. There is no need of involving complexity.
  • Go with simple and readable proposal with word on doc or pdf documentation. Write best offers and great deal as per your business profile requirements which can easily attract your business client easily.
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  • Thanks everyone. I like the KISS method. I guess I'd like to find a good template then I could use. I feel the one I have isn't that great. Does anyone have one they could send me or know where I could buy just an outline/template?

    Thanks
    Patrick
    • [1] reply
    • Yes, I am also sending the client quote in pdf, then questionnaires in words document. And that's it. Nothing too fancy.

      But for client that I really wanted the business from, I will create a sample site to convinced them too. That will be on wordpress or sometimes just photoshop.
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  • I think the content and the way it is presented is most important and not the format (although they do have to open it if it is digital so PDF is best).

    I have made proposals for over 1 million Euro with a video and a PDF and it worked. It is more important to find out what your prospect wants and needs, what they respond to emotionally as well as logically and what impulses you should use to get you piont accross and push the right buttons. Establishing value and what it will do for them is very important. You need to look at you and your offer through thier eyes and ask yourself what would make me say YES if I were them.

    Hope this helps.
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    • I am also looking for a better solution. Let me be clear though. I am not as concerned about being pretty. I just feel that in this day and age there should be a simpler way then having to manually create a proposal in word and then making it a PDF.

      With all of the tablets and smartphones out here I'd love to see a portable solution that can also be accessed from computer as well.
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    I don't use any proposal software.I use word document and then convert it to pdf.When I write proposal I am careful about my word,politeness,and clear feature of proposal.Not too much of talking not less , I am always professional.
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  • if you are looking for automation your proposal or tender development and want to produce and manage high quality documents which will allow you to reduce the time taken. i would suggest rfp proposal software from globalkap Sales Force Automation, Sales Proposals Software for Tenders who's solution has been used for over 18 years. help your sales or proposal and tender writers win the work.
  • I use Chris Rivers proposal template which is a word document template and it works great. It also allows you to present 3 bundled options that gives your client some choices. I do not know the name of the product offhand right now but just find his website online and it is there.
  • I use QuoteRoller.com. For me it is the best app to write proposals!
  • I have been using Freshbook.com for years. Great software and billing components.
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    • Freshbooks for proposals? Hmm. Been using it a couple years and I Didn't know they had that component. Good to know.
  • For creating professional proposals give a visit to SWproposal.com.

    A great tool to create software development proposals . Added to which it also provides
    features like CRM functionality and scheduler for time management purpose.
  • Sroll down & Ask yourself the questions on page 2 of this PDF checklist

    Struggling To Get Your Business Proposals Accepted? - Grow Your Business Club

    Hope it helps



    whatever you do....Stick the word DRAFT on the cover of your proposal to encourage feedback from the recipient, and send it recorded delivery post to them
    not by email (as all your competitors send by email - stand out)

    regards


    Fraser
    • [1] reply
    • I am using Dreamviewer and it is best for me. I am using it from last 5 years. First I used Micromedia and now I am using Adobe DV 6
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  • A nice professional looking proposal is mutually exclusive from uncovering and delivering value. A pretty proposal won't help if you don't deliver value, NOR does a sloppy unprofessional proposal even if you do provide/uncover value.

    Do BOTH.
  • I hear ya on wanting to automate this process, but honestly there's not much out there. I keep my proposals pretty simple. A couple guys here have already hit the nail on the head. You can tell them whatever... but if they don't view YOU as a commodity it won't matter what you propose, unless they VALUE what you have to say.
  • some software names are:
    Sofon Guided Selling,
    ClientSky,
    SalesEdge,
    Starta Enterprise System,
    RFPMonkey
  • Proposals don't sell.

    The best proposal system is to send personalized emails with a pricing document using your autoresponder.

    You should be building a list as you collect leads.

    And create automatic follow ups that prompts the prospect to call you throughout the sales cycle. AW Pro tools is a great way of segmenting suspects from prospects, sending CTA emails to ONLY the interested leads and drip feeding content to the rest.

    Matthew.
    • [1] reply
    • I'm biased, since of course I use my own proposal software (Mimiran Online Proposals). You can set up as many templates as you like, send out nice looking proposals with proper pricing, offer your customers different choices, and get notified when someone is reading them (my favorite part).

      Also, if you want pointers on how to write proposals, how to price them, and more, check out the blog.

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  • 38

    Just curious what everyone is using to write up proposals for web design and other online marketing services? I'm currently using just a word doc template but I'm looking for something more professional now that we're starting to grow. I'd prefer something that didn't have a monthly fee and would help speed up the proposal process. Thanks