How to Write a Website Development Business Proposal: Ten Ways to Stand Out
Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2024 8:00 am
You're great at certain things as a freelancer or small web development company.
He has a knack for coding and a keen eye for aesthetics that will ensure his clients' websites meet their needs.
You know you can deliver on time and on spec, but how do you communicate this to your potential customers?
The truth is that a website development proposal should be more than just an explanation of what you will do for the client; it is a sales document that should persuade your potential buyer that your business is one that truly understands them and can deliver.
To help you achieve this, here are 10 ways to make your website proposal stand out from the crowd.
A person sitting with a laptop, thinking about customer engagement tips: Know your Customer, It's All About Them, Don't Forget the Value, Tell a Story.
1. Start your marketing
The Association of Proposal Management Professionals has a separate qualification for the first phase of a proposal, known as Capture .
They have separated out pre-proposal activity to emphasize that excellent client relationships are the foundation of successful proposals.
The most important thing you can demonstrate to your clients is the value you bring to the project, and that message should be consistent in every interaction you have.
Make sure your marketing reflects the service and finished product they can expect from you (you'll find tips on how to improve your marketing here .)
2. Know your customer
Take time during the sales process to get to know your client and their exact requirements, not only technically but also what their goals are for the website.
What "pain points" do they have around their current solution that you can address?
You may find that your customer is unable to answer many of the questions and that is why they are calling you for the solution, if that is the case then your ability to step in and support them 100% of the way is a key selling point.
See also: 10 Questions to Ask Your Client Before Making a Proposal .
3. Know your competition
If possible, ask your potential client who else they are considering – it is unlikely that you will be the only company they have asked to introduce you to.
For freelancers and small businesses, you may be competing with “free” web development packages offered by companies like WordPress and Wix.
He has a knack for coding and a keen eye for aesthetics that will ensure his clients' websites meet their needs.
You know you can deliver on time and on spec, but how do you communicate this to your potential customers?
The truth is that a website development proposal should be more than just an explanation of what you will do for the client; it is a sales document that should persuade your potential buyer that your business is one that truly understands them and can deliver.
To help you achieve this, here are 10 ways to make your website proposal stand out from the crowd.
A person sitting with a laptop, thinking about customer engagement tips: Know your Customer, It's All About Them, Don't Forget the Value, Tell a Story.
1. Start your marketing
The Association of Proposal Management Professionals has a separate qualification for the first phase of a proposal, known as Capture .
They have separated out pre-proposal activity to emphasize that excellent client relationships are the foundation of successful proposals.
The most important thing you can demonstrate to your clients is the value you bring to the project, and that message should be consistent in every interaction you have.
Make sure your marketing reflects the service and finished product they can expect from you (you'll find tips on how to improve your marketing here .)
2. Know your customer
Take time during the sales process to get to know your client and their exact requirements, not only technically but also what their goals are for the website.
What "pain points" do they have around their current solution that you can address?
You may find that your customer is unable to answer many of the questions and that is why they are calling you for the solution, if that is the case then your ability to step in and support them 100% of the way is a key selling point.
See also: 10 Questions to Ask Your Client Before Making a Proposal .
3. Know your competition
If possible, ask your potential client who else they are considering – it is unlikely that you will be the only company they have asked to introduce you to.
For freelancers and small businesses, you may be competing with “free” web development packages offered by companies like WordPress and Wix.