10 Best Proposal Examples [With Critical Critiques]

Earning more business starts most often with an effective proposal. Preparing a winning proposal means writing for the client and providing a clear, valuable solution to their problem.

For every Request for Proposal (RFP), there are good and bad proposals. To understand how to improve your submissions, we have reviewed ten great examples.

These examples are prepared by proposal software companies. All are free to view without registration.

In this article, we will review these examples highlighting both the best practices used and common mistakes to avoid. If you are looking to create a winning business proposal for your company we suggest taking our proposal writing training course. 

 1. Digital Marketing Proposal

This proposal is effective because it provides a clear, specific solution to the client’s problems. It opens with a value-oriented executive summary. The scope of services provides brief but informative summaries of the offered services.

The very first paragraph states the specific benefits to the client. “... we are confident we can significantly increase your site traffic, customer engagement, and on-site conversions.” The timeline and the budget, persuasively phrased as ‘Your Investment’ are straightforward and easy for the client to understand and decide upon.

The case study placement is a bit distracting, as it could be included near the end with the About Us section.

 2. Financial Services Proposal

The flow and content of this proposal are strong, with one significant exception: the About Us section.

While the About Us and Team sections do add value, the client is most interested in the solution. If the solution is appropriate, then the people behind it are the next consideration. The first-page executive summary should be a convincing and specific overview for the reader. This section along with proposed service details, timelines and budget are read in depth. The About Us sections are simply skimmed.

Whether using a software or your company’s template, present the client with the most important information first. Make it easy for the client to understand and see the value in your company's proposal.

3. Web Design Proposal

This document clearly outlines the process for implementing the proposed services. The financials are broken down so the client can understand unit, hourly, and subscription costs.

However, the About Us and Team sections come just after the introduction. Ensure the solution sections come first.

 4. Engineering Services Proposal

Here, the Project Background sections clearly outline the work process for the client. Each task is clarified and seems to respond to specifications of an RFP. Using client specifications to prepare a proposal makes it easier for the reader to understand how your solution directly solves their problem. This section is strong and should come just after the executive summary.

However, the introductory summary should include more persuasive and specific language.

As noted previously the Introduction and Team sections should fall towards the end of the proposal. Always lead with the benefit to the client. It’s not about your business. The focus should be how your business can help the client.

 5. CRM Implementation Proposal

The introduction or executive summary uses convincing language and bullet points to highlight the value. It could be improved by shifting the language from general CRM best practices to how the company can specifically offer them based on this proposal.

Again, the About Us section should come after the proposal benefit-to-client details. 

6. Freelance Writing Proposal

A sleek web-based proposal that includes specific offerings and clarification of the value. The Introductory letter and Executive Summary have strong, persuasive elements that refer to specific client needs. These two elements could be combined to strengthen the first section.

7. Insurance Services Proposal

A brief proposal that covers a range of offerings. Nice overall use of white-space to allow the reader to skim and find the important information. The lengthy paragraphs could be shortened to increase readability and add to the white-space.

Remember what we said about About Us?

8. Interior Design Proposal

 A visually compelling document suited for the industry. Bumping up the Project Showcase section would improve proposal flow.9. Graphic Design Proposal

A simple but effective proposal. The introduction focuses on client needs (and would be more specific in a real-world document).

Credentials, Testimonials, Selected Works should come after the Project Summary.

10. Project Management Proposal

A thorough, understandable proposal that breaks down the process and pricing. The content highlights the company’s knowledge of client needs and their value proposition.

However, the executive summary leaves much to be desired. Every sentence should be persuasive and specific, whereas this text is uninspiring and unclear.