How to Write a One-Page Proposal

Mary Cullen

Table of Contents

Don’t skimp on preparation.

  • Structuring a one-page proposal

Writing a one-page proposal

  • Formatting is your friend

One-page proposal template

Proposals are an essential tool for winning new business. Writing a persuasive pitch summarizes the value of your offering, how you can resolve your client’s challenges, and reflects the relationship between your organizations. Proposals can range in size and format, but a form that is growing in popularity is the one-page proposal . This brief bid is useful when a client requires the entire solution at a glance. It can be used as an overview before proceeding to a more in-depth proposal, or it may be a stand-alone document that enables sign-off on new work. 

Summarizing a proposal on one page is far more complicated than it sounds. This article will outline how to prepare for the one-pager, the critical sections to include, writing and formatting guidance, and a template to support your proposal development.

Many people confuse a short document with one that’s easy to write. However, it is difficult to include all the necessary information in just one page. Thoughtful preparation is required to ensure the proposal uses every word and square inch effectively. 

Collecting and organizing ideas is the first step, and this process is made easier through the use of mind-mapping software. Mind-mapping allows a freeform collection of all the elements that should be considered in the proposal. Once the ideas are collected, they can be organized and prioritized. This process is valuable both when preparing it on your own or with a team. I recommend Mindmeister for its accessible interface and collaboration options. Mind-mapping will result in a clear outline of your proposal that will clarify the writing process.

The preparation process requires a keen understanding of your potential client. Review the various elements you’ve collected in your mindmap for their relevancy and interest to your client. For example, certain clients want a vision of their company after your work is complete. Others prefer to see only specific deliverables without any fluff. This audience analysis is a valuable filter to identify the information and sections that appeal to your customer.

Are you interested in improving your proposal writing skills? Check out our proposal writing course .

Structuring a one-page proposal  

Each proposal must be unique to your client. The following elements are items that are typically included in a one-page proposal. However, this framework should be modified to include what is relevant to your audience. 

proposal-course-writing

Win more business with strong proposal writing skills.

Our Proposal Writing Course includes instructor feedback & coaching to review any proposal you write.

Selling starts with the title

Your proposal title should be a persuasive summary of an already short document. If you’re writing a one-page proposal, your audience is likely extremely busy. Your reader’s attention is in-demand, and the proposal title’s job is to pique their interest about your offer. 

The Why: Overview 

The overview provides a summary of the proposal. This section should outline the objectives and strategy of the business deal, the products or services you will render, and how they will solve your client’s problems. A persuasive pitch identifies your value proposition and how your work will make your customer’s business more productive, efficient, or otherwise improved. This section should make it obvious to your client why they should say ‘yes!’

The What: Scope 

Each proposal promises a new vision for your client. This vision should be compelling and engaging, but it must also be realistic. Outlining the scope sets a clear boundary of what the client can expect within the contract.

This section may also lay out the roles and responsibilities of your company and your clients. The proposal may be contingent on receiving access to data, platforms, or personnel to enable the project. 

The How: Deliverables 

What will your client receive in exchange for their agreement? Items may be tangible products or intangible services. Product deliverables are typically straightforward to outline. Service deliverables can be more challenging to define. Therefore, it is even more important to clearly and succinctly describe services to avoid any confusion on contract fulfillment. For example, in a social media proposal, the number of posts or level of engagement could define a deliverable. In a safety training proposal, the number of students trained or the production of a tailored training manual could be the metrics. 

The When: Timeline

Clarity on timing is essential to meet client needs and to ensure your ability to deliver. The timeline can be framed relative to contract signing, set by specific dates, or in phases based on client approval. Any format can be acceptable, so long as it’s specified. If appropriate, this section may be integrated with the deliverables.

The How Much: Financials

Financials are the heart of any proposal. Clients want to know exactly what this offer will cost. Budgets can be presented in a diversity of formats, so choose one appropriate for your client and industry. 

Some writers see one-page proposals as an opportunity to simplify the budget as a lump-sum amount. However, customers can balk at a sizeable total because they do not know the value of all individual elements — balance brevity with transparency in preparing this critical section. 

The Fine Print: Contract

This section should explain how to accept the proposal. It may indicate how to request a more in-depth proposal or include an area to sign with approval. In addition, it should include any key legal or taxation information.

One-page proposals often require assumptions to maintain conciseness. These assumptions could cover access, the current status of the client’s business, your subcontractor availability, or any other item. Identifying these assumptions in this section enables these items to be reviewed and accepted by your client. 

The Who: Contact 

One-page proposals are typically provided to customers familiar with your company and therefore do not need an extensive company introduction. This section should include your client’s contact person, contact information, and a brief company overview or website link.  

In any proposal, the ‘About Us’ section should take a back-seat because the core of the proposal is about the client, not yourself. Company information is relevant but should be brief. For example, direct links to your corporate website that includes a strong portfolio and compelling testimonials does not use valuable real estate and is always available. 

Once your mind-mapping has produced a clear structure and outline, the writing process should be relatively straightforward. In a one-page proposal, there is no room for fluff. The content must be included in a way that is both convincing and concise. 

Business writers often find it more challenging to write brief documents compared to more extensive reports. The constraints of one page require each phrase to be carefully thought through, and each sentence to be actively supporting the pitch. It is easy to write a convincing document if all the information you could possibly want to include is included. Brevity is an art and a powerful one. 

If your text continues beyond one page, review each section for content that is duplicative or extraneous. Look for opportunities to combine similar concepts into a singular sentence with more powerful phrasing. A helpful editing technique is to leave the document for a few hours or a day, and then read it from your client’s perspective. This fresh angle can quickly identify passages that need revision or deletion.

Formatting is your friend  

Formatting is vital for an aesthetically pleasing one-page proposal. These documents include a lot of information, and careful formatting allows the reader to absorb it quickly.

For an accessible one-pager, consider these formatting tips:

  • Use whitespace to separate sections, avoid the page from feeling busy, and guide the reader’s eye through the document. 
  • Use two or three columns in some areas to present relevant information in parallel. 
  • Graphics, photos, or icons can support your proposal’s message while also breaking up blocks of text.
  • Tables or charts can be used to summarize text and emphasize key points. 
  • Test that your proposal is truly on one page with a preview by printing or saving it as a PDF document.

The following template puts the structure and formatting together for a framework for a one-page proposal. Feel free to use and refine this template to build your bid and attract new business.

The Title: The Most Important Phrase Objective Summary of the proposal that will get a ‘yes!’ from your client. Make sure to include a clear, short statement of how you will uniquely solve the client's problems. Scope Defining what the proposal will cover. Deliverables Timeline Investment Deliverable #1 Description Delivery Date #1 Budget Item #1 Deliverable #2 Description Delivery Date #2 Budget Item #2 Deliverable #3 Description Delivery Date #3 Budget Item #3 Contract Guidance on how to accept the contract and any assumptions or stipulations the client should consider. We’re Here for You Sales representatives name and direct contact information A one-liner about your company and a link to the corporate website.

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One-Page Business Proposal Writing Guide (+ Templates)

Learn to write a compelling one-page business proposal. Discover the best one page proposal outline and format and get one page business proposal examples.

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9 minute read

How to write a one-page business proposal

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Short answer

What makes a successful 1 page business proposal?

A successful one-page business proposal is concise, clearly outlines the value proposition, and addresses the client's needs. It should include key details like objectives, solutions, and a call to action, all while being visually appealing.

If you include too little or too much information, you risk losing clients

Creating a one-page business proposal forces you to boil down your pitch to its essentials. It's a delicate act of choosing what's absolutely necessary and what can be left out.

If it's too packed, you risk losing clarity; too thin, and you might miss convincing potential clients.

Let me show you how to strike the perfect balance.

What to include in a 1 page business proposal?

Executive summary: Start with an introduction of your business and what you stand for. It's your chance to grab the interest of potential clients right away.

Problem statement: Identify the specific problem or challenge the client faces. Show that you understand their situation and are ready to help.

Solution: Explain concisely how your service or product will address the issue. Make it clear and direct.

Benefits: Outline the advantages of your solution. Focus on what’s in it for them, like increased efficiency, cost savings, or better performance.

Pricing structure: List your prices or fees transparently. Clients appreciate upfront and clear cost information.

Timeline: Give a realistic timeline for when they can expect results. This demonstrates your commitment and organization.

Call to action: Finish with a motivating call to action that encourages them to engage further, whether it's a meeting, a trial, or another contact point.

One-page business proposal templates

Starting from a blank slide when you need to squeeze your entire value proposition into one page can really drag on.

Save your time for more important things with one-page business proposal templates .

We analyzed 100K+ presentation sessions to see what works and what doesn't, and optimized these templates for maximum engagement based on the insights.

This way, you can be sure you're always putting your best foot forward.

Just grab one from the library below.

How to write a 1 page business proposal

Writing a one-page business proposal is an exercise in precision and strategic communication.

You need to capture the essence of your offering and align it closely with your potential client’s strategic goals and current challenges.

This focused approach ensures that every word on the page works towards persuading the client of the unique value you bring.

Here’s how you can do it in several easy steps.

1) Create a catchy title and warm introduction

Start with a title that clearly shows what you're offering. Follow up with a friendly introduction that briefly explains how your proposal will help the client achieve their goals.

This is your chance to make a strong first impression, so keep it lively and engaging.

2) Prioritize key messages in your executive summary

Focus on the essential messages that directly impact the client’s decision-making process.

Start by identifying the top benefits your service or product offers that align with the client’s objectives or pain points.

Structure your proposal to lead with these strengths, ensuring they are immediately clear and compelling.

3) Discuss the problem and your solution

Based on your initial research, give a clear description of the client’s challenges and how you’ve tailored your solutions to meet these needs.

This shows you're not just selling something; you're offering a genuine solution to make their life easier.

Great example of a problem-solution framework:

Problem and solution slide example

4) Clearly define what you’ll deliver

List exactly what the client will get from you, breaking it down into clear outcomes or milestones.

Explain how each piece will contribute to their success and provide a timeline for when they can expect these benefits.

Example of a timeline slide:

Timeline slide example

5) Explain your pricing simply

Explain your pricing clearly, breaking down the costs for each key part or stage of the project and highlighting the value provided by each segment.

This helps the client understand exactly what they're paying for and the direct benefits they can expect, making the costs more justifiable and transparent.

Great example of a pricing slide:

Pricing slide example

6) Make every inch of your proposal count

You've got limited space, so make every part of your proposal count. Use headings and bullet points to keep things neat.

Think about including links or expandable sections online to give more detail without overcrowding the page.

7) Back it up with solid data

Wherever you can, use numbers to back up your claims. Use graphs and charts to visually represent how your solution can increase efficiency, reduce costs, or drive revenue.

Ensure these visuals are integrated seamlessly within the text to support your narrative without overwhelming the page.

Great example of a data visualization slide:

Data visualization slide example

8) Use testimonials wisely

Include one or two powerful testimonials that resonate with the target audience's needs.

Choose testimonials that speak directly to the outcomes you’re promising. Position them near your solution and benefits sections to strengthen credibility and trust.

9) Refine your call to action

End with a clear, compelling call to action that guides the client to the next step, whether it’s a meeting, a demo, or a request for more information.

Make it easy for them to engage further with minimal effort, increasing the chances of a positive response.

Effective call to action example:

Next steps slide example

Successful one-page business proposal examples

In this section, we explore one-page business proposal examples that are exceptional at getting their main points across quickly and clearly.

These examples highlight the strategic use of space and design to share important information, ensuring that every word on the page works hard to engage and persuade prospective clients.

Business plan one-pager

I really liked how this one-pager steered clear of just dumping loads of text on me. It smartly mixed in some visuals, which kept things lively and engaging.

However, the dark colors caused the different sections to blend together a bit too much, which sometimes made it tricky to tell them apart. But, I could easily replace those with something that's easier on the eyes, so it's not too much of an issue.

Business model one-pager

When I was looking through this one-pager, I tried to put myself in the shoes of a potential investor. Normally, business plans are easy to follow along when you know the industry inside out, but if you don’t, it can suddenly feel like a bit of a struggle.

That's why I really appreciated the narrator slide that guided me through everything. The interactive charts and graphs were a great feature too; they made understanding the data seem as easy as pie.

Startup business plan one-pager

I really liked the scroll-based design of this startup business plan because it allowed me to take it in at my own pace. It was clear and straightforward, guiding me smoothly through the essentials.

The only tweak I'd suggest is shortening it a bit to keep it true to a one-pager format, saving the more detailed sections for a full presentation deck.

Sales one-pager

I absolutely love this one-pager because it blends efficiency with personalization so well.

Using dynamic variables like {{first_name}} or {{company}}, you can adapt it quickly for different users, which is super helpful when you need to scale up without losing that personal touch.

The tabbed layout also does a great job of keeping everything organized and easy to read.

Business case one-pager

I'm a big fan of how this document makes efficient use of its space with multi-column text. It helps keep everything compact yet clear.

Plus, the timeline slide that quickly showcases the key aspects of the offering? It's a really effective way to communicate value quickly.

Strategic plan one-pager

I really value how this one-pager combines a clear narrative with solid data to outline the organization's goals.

Ending with a strong call to action makes it even better, as it smoothly nudges the reader towards taking action.

Simple company one-pager

This one-pager has won me over with its clean presentation of essential company info. The ability to automatically pull in branding from your website and ensure a consistent style across the document is a feature I find incredibly handy.

General business one-pager

The CRM integration on this one-pager makes personalizing communications so easy, which is why it stands out for me.

The layout adjusts automatically as you add content, ensuring the document always looks polished and professional.

Startup product one-pager

I’m genuinely excited about this one-pager because it showcases product features in such a lively and engaging manner.

Being able to embed videos and play them right in the document provides a dynamic view of what the product can do, which is way more impactful than just reading about it.

Social media plan one-pager

This one-pager clicks with me because it clearly lays out the typical challenges of managing social media and then rolls right into how its services can solve those problems.

Including solid data to support the benefits offered makes it all the more convincing.

Project proposal one-pager

This project proposal one-pager is brilliant at getting its message across quickly and clearly. The strategic use of highlighting to draw attention to key areas ensures that you don’t miss the essential details.

The structured layout, including a timeline and budget overview, makes understanding the full scope of the project straightforward.

Marketing plan one-pager

I really love this marketing plan one-pager for its sharp market analysis and use of data visualization. It breaks down complex market data into clear, engaging visuals that make trends and metrics instantly understandable.

What stands out to me is the narrator slide, which guides you through the proposed solution step-by-step.

Business consulting proposal one-pager

What I particularly love about this consulting proposal one-pager is that it makes everything clear and accessible.

It outlines the project details in such a structured way that potential clients can easily understand what’s being offered and the expected results, which sets a solid foundation for successful partnerships.

Best one-page proposal format

Traditionally, one-page proposals were squeezed into dense PDFs or PowerPoint slides. They were tough to get through and didn’t engage readers effectively.

Now, interactive formats have changed the game. They offer a scroll-based design that spreads out the information, making it more dynamic and accessible.

This newer style captures attention more effectively and makes proposals more interactive and enjoyable by incorporating elements like videos and clickable links.

Most popular one-page proposal formats:

Here's what a static deck looks like versus an interactive one:

Static PPT example

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Blog Business How to Write Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

How to Write Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

Written by: Aditya Sheth Jan 25, 2024

How to Write Winning Business Proposals

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:

general business proposal template

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

simple business proposal project proposal template

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

social media marketing business proposal template

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

Gray Business Consulting Proposal Template Cover Page_Venngage

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:

Creative Social Media Business Proposal Template 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. Ensuring your business plan format follows a clear structure can greatly enhance readability and comprehension for potential investors or partners.

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 .

Proposal-ToC-Example

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:

Gray Business Consulting Proposal Template About Us

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. 

Texture Business Proposal Template

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 :

Sales Plan Proposal Table Template_Venngage

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.

business proposal qualifications section

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.

Abstract Business Consulting Proposal Template Timeline_Venngage

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:

Bold Business Proposal Template Pricing Page_Venngage

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.

Modern Business Proposal

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 .

Orange-Simple-Project-Proposal-Template

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.

business project proposal template

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:

corporate 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 :

content marketing plan business proposal example

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:

Example of a Business Proposal

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.

Social Media Plan Proposal Template

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:

Red Human Resources Consulting Proposal Template Team

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.

Simple Business Proposal Example

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 : 

SEO Marketing Proposal

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:

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:

Project Business Proposal

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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One-Page Business Plan Templates with a Quick How-To Guide

By Joe Weller | April 6, 2020

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In this article, we’ve gathered a variety of free, one-page business plan templates for you to download in Excel, Word, and PDF formats. 

Included on this page, you’ll find a one-page business plan template for a service business , business plan template for a product business , business plan for a real estate agent , a Lean business plan template , and more. To help get you started, we’ve also included an example of a one-page business plan , and  a quick guide on how to create your one-page business plan .

One-Page Business Plan Template

sample one page business proposal

Download One-Page Business Plan Template

Excel  | Word  |  PDF | Smartsheet

Use this one-page business plan template — designed to be simple, organized, and easy to use — to immediately get started on your plan. Write down your thoughts and key ideas as you decide if your business concept is viable, and adjust it as circumstances change. You can also use this template as a basis to build a more detailed and elaborate plan.

One-Page Business Plan for a Service Business Template

One Page Business Plan For A Service Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for a Service Business Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This business plan template is designed specifically for businesses that provide a service. The one-page plan provides space to list the essential information about your strategy, including the service you offer, the problem you are solving for customers, your mission and vision statements, target audience, staffing requirements, key objectives, and much more. This template also includes a timeline at the bottom for you to add key milestones.

One-Page Business Plan for a Product Business Template

One Page Business Plan For A Product Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for a Product Business Template

Use this one-page template to develop a strategic roadmap for your organization’s product offerings. This template provides space for you to include a business overview, a description of your target market, your competitive advantage, a list of marketing channels and materials you plan to utilize, as well as your pricing strategy, distribution channels, and success metrics. You can also use the visual timeline of milestones at the bottom to enter key dates and events.

One-Page Business Plan for Real Estate Agents Template

One Page Business Plan For Real Estate Agents Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Real Estate Agents Template

This one-page business plan template is created for real estate agents to set objectives and put together an action plan. Enter your overarching goal at the top of the template, and establish three high-level activities you need to complete to achieve the goal. The template also includes a strategic action plan that breaks down each high-level activity into tasks and deadlines, with an accompanying visual timeline to ensure you stay on track.

One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template

One Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organizations Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Nonprofit Organization Template

This one-page business plan is designed for a nonprofit organization, with space to detail your mission, vision, and purpose statements, as well as who you serve, the problem(s) you solve, and programs and resources you offer. Additionally, the template includes space to detail your financial plan, marketing activities, costs, and more.

One-Page Business Plan for Startup Template

One Page Business Plan For Start Up Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Startup Template

This one-page business plan template is intended for an entrepreneur or a small startup business to document a plan as they determine if an idea is feasible. This template provides space to describe the problem and solution, the product or service, the target customer, existing alternatives, the unique value proposition, a marketing and sales plan, success metrics, and other information. You’ll also find room to detail sources of funding and how the funds will be used.

One-Page Business Plan for Small Business Template

One Page Business Plan For Small Business Template

Download One-Page Business Plan for Small Business

Use this one-page small business plan template to outline the essential aspects of your business strategy. Provide details on your organization’s vision, mission, product or service offering, and management team. Then identify the target audience, market size, competitor offerings, and your competitive advantage. This plan also includes room to detail your marketing and sales strategy, key objectives, and financial plan.

One-Page Lean Business Plan Template

One Page Lean Business Plan Template

Download One-Page Lean Business Plan Template

This one-page template uses a Lean approach to develop your business plan. Use this customizable template to detail the crucial elements of your strategy, including a brief business and industry overview, your product or service offering, options from your competitors, and your competitive advantage. Plus, this template includes room to detail your marketing plan, success metrics, financial plan, and a visual timeline of milestones.

One-Page Business Planning Template with Timeline

Simple Business Planning Template with Timeline

Download One-Page Business Planning Template with Timeline

Excel | Smartsheet

Use this business planning template to organize and schedule key activities for your business. Fill in the cells according to the due dates, and color-code the cells by phase, owner, or category to provide a visual timeline of progress.

One-Page Business Plan Example

One Page Business Plan Example

This one-page business plan covers all the essential elements and offers a visually appealing presentation. Information for each aspect of the plan is concise, with details about the business mission, management team, product offerings, key marketing activities, competitors, and financial projections. This plan also provides links to additional resources so that stakeholders can easily find information to support the specifics of the plan.

How to Write a One-Page Business Plan (with Sample Outline)

A one-page business plan takes a standard business plan and extracts the fundamental aspects, then condenses the essential information down to one page. To determine the key elements to emphasize in your one-page plan, consider the type of business you operate, as well as the financial (and other resources) needs of your business.

To streamline your business plan into a one-page document, follow the steps below.

  • Create a simple outline for your plan using bullet points. Below, you’ll find an example of an outline for a one-page business plan. You can add or remove sections according to the needs of your business. 
  • Business mission
  • Problem you are solving
  • Funds needed (if applicable)
  • Product or service positioning statement
  • Unique value proposition
  • Target customers
  • Market size
  • SWOT analysis
  • Direct competitors
  • Existing alternatives
  • Competitive advantage
  • Key marketing strategy (e.g., channel or method that will yield the best results)
  • Key sales strategy
  • Specialized equipment or facilities
  • Staffing requirements (e.g., key personnel, skills, and training needs)
  • Distribution method
  • Sales projection
  • Profit and loss projection 
  • Gather all your findings on your business and industry.

Compile all the current information you have gleaned from market research, interviews, surveys, and various teams in your business (e.g., the marketing and finance teams). Comb through each document and extract the information that is fundamental to your business’s operation and relevant to the bullet points on your outline.

  • Write two to three brief sentences for each main bullet point.

Once you create your outline and gather information, write two to three sentences for each main bullet point that expands on and summarizes the sub-bullet points for that section. For example, the plan summary section could say the following:

Donny’s Food Truck will offer a variety of fresh food at an affordable price in a convenient location. Increased traffic in the Hungry Town area, combined with severely limited dining options, provides an opportunity to offer customers a quick, nutritious meal at a competitive price. A food truck with the necessary equipment has already been acquired, so we are seeking $200,000 to cover wages, emergency repairs, and licenses needed to fund our first year of operations.

  • Ensure you are able to support all the information provided in your plan.

Since a one-page plan omits many of the details provided in a traditional business plan, be sure you have market research and other supporting documentation on hand to show stakeholders in case they have questions as they review your plan. In addition, make sure you thoroughly understand the supporting information and know how to restate it in your own words before you disburse the plan. 

  • Ensure your plan answers all the vital questions .

At a minimum, an effective one-page business plan should answer the following questions:

  • What product or service do we offer?
  • Who will use the product or service?
  • What problem does our offering solve?
  • How will the product or service get to our customers?
  • What alternatives do our customers use, and why are we superior?
  • What is our unique value proposition?
  • What strengths and opportunities can we use to our advantage?
  • What resources do we need to get up and running?
  • What will our sales look like for the first few years?
  • When do we expect to be profitable?

In addition to the steps provided above, you can save time and get started on your plan by downloading one of the templates provided on this page. You can also check out “ Free Executive Summary Templates ,” which can serve the same purpose as a one-page business plan.

Benefits of a One-Page Business Plan

Organizations and stakeholders can unite behind a strategic direction when they have a business plan in place. Developing a traditional business plan can be a daunting task, so many entrepreneurs, small startups, graphic designers, freelancers, and consultants find a one-page business plan a less intimidating place to start. 

Creating a one-page business plan benefits your organization in the following ways:

  • Push you to prioritize and focus on key ideas.
  • Enable your audience to quickly scan and grasp the core concepts of your plan.
  • Allow you to easily share and pitch your business idea to prospective investors and stakeholders (e.g., email attachment, single piece of paper).
  • Accelerate business setup, especially businesses that don’t need a loan or investment to get going.
  • Provide a solid starting point to expand upon at a later time.
  • Enable you to document your thoughts and ideas to see if you have a feasible plan.

Tips for Creating a One-Page Business Plan

Now that you know how to create a one-page plan and the benefits in doing so, here are some tips to get you started:

  • Set a time limit (up to one hour) to focus and work on your plan.
  • Use a one-page business plan template (you can choose from the options above), or refer to the sample outline provided on this page.
  • Ensure your plan details only the core aspects that are fundamental to running and operating your business. 
  • Remember that this is a living document — continue to revisit and adjust it as strategies and objectives change.
  • Expand on your plan as your business size and needs grow. 

When the time comes that you need more space to lay out your goals and strategies, choose from our variety of free simple business plan templates . You can learn how to write a successful simple business plan here . 

Visit this free non-profit business plan template roundup  or download a  fill-in-the-blank business plan template  to make things easy. If you are looking for a business plan template by file type, visit our pages dedicated specifically to  Microsoft Excel ,  Microsoft Word , and  Adobe PDF  business plan templates. Read our articles offering  startup business plan templates  or  free 30-60-90-day business plan templates  to find more tailored options.

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How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

Meredith Hart

Published: December 05, 2023

Here's what every new business owner needs: an extra 8 hours in the day, an endless supply of coffee, and, most importantly, a really strong business proposal.

how to write a business proposal: image shows a person holding a pen and another person typing on a laptop

A business proposal can bridge the gap between you and potential clients. Done correctly, and it will outline your value proposition and persuade a company or organization to do business with you.

Here, we'll take a look at the various kinds of business proposals and go over how to write one. We’ll also see some ideas and examples to help guide yours.

Know exactly what you need? Jump to one of the following sections:

What is a business proposal?

Types of business proposals, how to write a business proposal, business proposal templates, business proposal example, tips for writing a business proposal, business proposal ideas.

A business proposal is a formal document that’s created by a company and given to a prospect to secure a business agreement.

It's a common misconception that business proposals and business plans are the same. However, a proposal helps you sell your product or service — not your business itself.

Think of it this way: instead of assisting your search for investors to fund your business, a proposal helps you seek new customers.

Follow Along With HubSpot's Business Proposal Template

business-proposal

Download the Template for Free

There are two types of business proposals: unsolicited and solicited.

  • Unsolicited Business Proposals : With unsolicited business proposals, you approach a potential customer with a proposal, even if they don't request one, to gain their business.
  • Solicited Business Proposals : Solicited business proposals are requested by prospective clients so that they can decide whether to do business with your company.

In a solicited business proposal, the other organization asks for a request for proposal (RFP). When a company needs a problem solved, they invite other businesses to submit a proposal that details how they'd solve it.

sample one page business proposal

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.

Fill out the form to get your template.

Whether the proposal is solicited or unsolicited, the steps to create your proposal are similar. Make sure it includes three main points:

  • A statement of the organization's problem
  • Begin with a title page.
  • Explain your why with an executive summary.
  • State the problem or need.
  • Propose a solution.
  • Share your qualifications.
  • Include pricing options.
  • Summarize with a conclusion.

Before writing your business proposal, it's crucial you understand the company. If they've sent you an RFP, make sure you read it carefully, so you know exactly what they want.

I recommend having an initial call or meeting with any new clients to ensure you fully understand their objectives. Ask open-ended questions to understand not just what they want, but why they want it.

Once you've done your research, it's time to begin writing your business proposal. While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a business proposal, there's several elements most proposals include. (I designed this example business proposal using Canva .)

1. Begin with a title page.

You have to convey some basic information here. Introduce yourself and your business. Be sure to include:

  • Your company's name
  • The date you submitted the proposal
  • The name of the client or individual you're submitting the proposal to

Your title page should reconcile engagement with professionalism. I think of it as your first tone-setter, so you need to make sure yours is sleek, aesthetically appealing, and not too "out there."

Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right:

How to Write a Business Proposal: Business Proposal Example Title Page

The executive summary details exactly why you're sending the proposal and why your solution is the best for the prospective client.

Specificity is key here. Why are you the best choice for them?

Like a value proposition, your executive summary outlines the benefits of your company's products or services and how they can solve your potential client's problem.

After reading your executive summary, the prospect should offer a clear idea of how you can help them, even if they don't read the entire proposal. Here's what one should look like:

How to Write a Business Proposal: Sample Executive Summary

3. State the problem or need.

This is where you share a summary of the issue impacting the potential client. This is your opportunity to show them you understand their needs and the problem they need help solving.

How to Write a Business Proposal: Example Event Overview

In the example above, I included several signals to showcase my expertise – that I've been in the photography biz for 10 years, that I've worked with over 500 clients, and that I've been featured a number of publications. 

As you approach this section, focus on presenting yourself as an authority. Consider leveraging tools like:

  • Case studies
  • Client testimonials
  • Relevant awards
  • Industry accreditations

6. Include pricing options.

Pricing is where things can get a bit tricky, as you don't want to under or over-price your product.

How to write a business proposal: Include Pricing Options

The pricing section of your proposal could include:

  • A detailed pricing breakdown, including packages, tiers, and add-ons or optional services
  • How product features and benefits align with pricing choices
  • Pricing for different needs and budgets
  • How your pricing compares with competitors
  • An FAQ section to respond to anticipated objections and explain your pricing strategy

7. Summarize with a conclusion.

After sharing the above information, simplify it all into one final section.

  • First, briefly summarize the proposal. Be sure to share your qualifications and why you’d serve as the best choice.
  • Then, to prompt further conversation, confirm your availability to go over the next steps.
  • At the end of the proposal, the goal is to have the client ready to work with you. So, be sure to offer your contact information for easy follow-up.

In need of some inspiration before you begin writing? Here are example business proposal templates from popular business proposal software companies you can use to help create your proposal.

1. HubSpot's Free Business Plan Templates

HubSpot Business Proposal Template

Download these Templates

We know how crucial a great business proposal is to your and your client’s success. That's why we've compiled 2 Free Business Proposal Templates for you to use and customize for any of your projects.

You'll gain access to a concise, one-page template (pictured above), as well as a longer template for you to refine your plan and proposal.

Download the templates now to get started on building your proposal.

What We Like

The one-page template is clear, straightforward, and easy to read — without skipping on the key elements of a business proposal. This format is especially useful for busy clients who appreciate brevity and clarity.

2. Web Design Proposal

Business Proposal Templates: Web Design

With advertising on social networks projected to reach $82.23 billion dollars in 2025 , it's in your business's best interest to have a plan for growing your client's social media presence.

To help you in that effort, the information in this social media marketing proposal includes an executive summary to help introduce your high-level ideas, an assessment of the client’s company to show your diligence, and a breakdown of billing to show how your company charges for posting, content creation, and analytics.

This template includes all the bells and whistles of a social media proposal packaged in a fun yet professional design. It also includes helpful writing instructions under each section.

8. Content Marketing Proposal

Business Proposal Templates: Content Marketing

Business proposal templates are helpful places to get started, but what should your business proposal look like when it's complete? This template should inspire you.

When pitching your content marketing services to clients, this template can help you organize your ideas. While it walks you through initial objectives and how to communicate your prospected results, one of the most helpful parts of this template is the pricing ideas it gives you when charging for your services.

In the business template example below, Social Portal Consulting (SPC) pitches a marketing proposal to Graphic Bean. At first sight, this proposal appeals to the creative. I recommend going a step forward and designing the layout in your or your client’s brand colors.

Business Proposal Example: Social Media

Besides the design, the social media icons quickly tell the prospect what platforms Social Portal is pitching. Because we see Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest icons, the client instantly knows that this proposal doesn’t include LinkedIn, YouTube, or other platforms.

While maintaining its design, this example outlines Social Portal Consulting’s plans efficiently. It begins by providing insight into Graphic Bean and its goals before elaborating on how SPC can leverage its expertise to help them achieve them.

This business proposal template includes an easy-to-follow timeframe for goals and objectives while keeping the client abreast of how payment will happen across the project.

Overall, this is an excellent example of how to combine the elements of social media marketing into a creative and concise business proposal. Finally, we'll leave you with some business proposal ideas to get you started on your own.

  • Start with an outline.
  • Keep it simple.
  • Stay on brand.
  • Quality control.
  • Include data and visuals.
  • Add social proof.
  • Use a call-to-action.
  • Create a sense of urgency.
  • Make the decision for them.
  • Incorporate video into your proposal.
  • Include up-sell and add-on opportunities.
  • Clarify your terms and conditions.
  • Include a space for signatures to document agreement.
  • Create a table of contents.

1. Start with an outline.

If you want to produce a thoughtful, effective business proposal, you need to have some idea of what you're hoping to achieve with it.

Before I dive into writing a proposal, I always outline the major sections of the proposal that I want to include. That way, I can stay focused and make sure my message stays intact as I write.

Use these free business proposal templates to make sure that your outline includes everything you need.

2. Keep it simple.

Ultimately, there's no definitive blueprint for how long a business proposal has to be. Yours should be however long it takes to convey the information you want to get across.

That said, I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity, especially when it comes to business proposals. Keep your sentences short and simple, and avoid including too much business jargon.

You want anyone who picks up your proposal to make sense of it. So, be straightforward and don't get too fancy. Aim for substance over flash.

3. Stay on brand.

Don't be afraid to let your company's personality shine through in your proposal. Stay true to your brand and show the client what sets you apart from your competitors.

4. Quality control.

I've made it a habit to add an editing/QA step in my writing process. During this step, I do a quick spelling and grammar check before hitting send.

So, as you draft your proposal, and after checking for the basics, keep scanning this document until it's just right.

Check to make sure your proposal:

  • Meets client needs and expectations
  • Highlights your value proposition
  • Is well-structured and easy to read or skim
  • Complies with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements
  • Looks professional and engaging

5. Include data and visuals.

You want your business proposal to capture your prospect's attention and help set you apart from any other ones they might have received. One of the best ways to do that is to include hard, quantitative data that helps stress the value of your business.

Use relevant, compelling figures that highlight what you have to offer. This can establish authority and make your proposal more convincing. It also helps to include visuals such as charts and graphs to enhance your proposal.

6. Add social proof.

From my experience, you can only be so convincing when you're personally talking up how great your business is — which is why adding social proof is key to establishing credibility.

At the end of the day, prospects are skeptical. They may not take you at your word. But they'll likely trust peers and fellow customers. That's why including elements like customer quotes and testimonials can go a long way.

7. Use a call-to-action.

I've learned that the best proposal in the world can only take you so far if you don't clearly define the next steps. That's why you have to make sure the reader knows what to do after reading your proposal.

A clear call-to-action is the best way to get there.

Define and highlight exactly what they should do to act on the interest your proposal has generated. Without that guidance, you might leave your reader in limbo.

HubSpot customers : Use this CTA builder to create powerful customized CTAs.

8. Create a sense of urgency.

No one wants to feel as if they missed out on a great opportunity. From my experience, prospect tend to drag their feet and put off making a decision if there isn't a sense of urgency.

So, as you create your business proposal, your goal should be to add a degree of urgency. When prospective clients read your business proposal they should feel that the best time to sign up for your service is now .

One way I accomplish this is by stating short and long-term goals for their business. They'll have to wait for the long-term goals, but I make the short-term goals so enticing that they'll be ready to begin a collaboration.

9. Make the decision for them.

Craft your copy in a way that seems like saying "no" to the proposal would be stepping over dollars to pick up pennies. Your offer should go above and beyond their expectations. Do everything in your power to remove friction and objections along the way.

10. Incorporate video into your proposal.

If you're creating an online proposal using document file formats like PDF, add multimedia elements. This will enhance the proposal experience, make your document richer, and keep them engaged.

Try adding a video at the beginning as an intro to your proposal. Or, put a video in the project breakdown to verbally discuss some of the more confusing parts.

Extras like this can make an impression. This tip works especially well with prospects who are visual or auditory communicators.

Pro tip : HubSpot Video makes it easy to record and embed video into a website or email for a big proposal boost.

11. Include up-sell and add-on opportunities.

They say you won't receive unless you ask. And readers won't explore the upper tiers of your solutions if you don't give them the opportunity.

So, share some upsells and add-ons about your business that they can act on. Call out a specific pain point and how this extra can add value.

With this step, balance is important. Show them everything your business has to offer without overwhelming your recipient.

12. Clarify your terms and conditions.

Your business proposal should include details on your project timeline and payment schedule. This summary is basically what you and the client agree to if they accept your proposal.

How to write a business proposal: Example Terms and Conditions

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What Are Current Assets? Definition + Examples

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

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sample one page business proposal

  • Sales Career
  • Sales Process
  • Sales Software
  • Sales Management
  • Sales Report
  • Account Management

How to Write a One-Page Proposal for Sales + Template

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sample one page business proposal

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A one-page proposal is a single-page document that outlines the value and terms of a deal you’ve discussed with a potential buyer. It serves as an effective alternative to a full-blown proposal when the deal terms are simple, the price tag is small, there’s an existing client relationship, and more. In some cases, it can also serve as a precursor to a larger proposal, and it's best created using a customizable template.

While it's fine using a generic template, consider custom-designing your one-page proposal to help it stand out. Hire a designer on Fiverr, which is a gig-based marketplace with expert designers offering custom proposal designs starting at five dollars. Hire a proposal design pro to create a one-page proposal you can update and send to each prospect as a PDF. Check the top options here:

How a One-Page Proposal Works

A one-page proposal is a document sent during the business proposal stage of your sales process outlining the deal terms with a prospective customer. A one-pager typically includes the following sections: proposal scope, project overview, deliverables, cost, timeline, terms, next steps, and contact information. It’s used when a longer proposal isn’t needed and can be sent physically, as an email attachment, or in the body of an email itself.

One-page proposals are used to close deals quickly with a comfortable prospect when robust lead nurturing isn’t needed. One-pagers differ from full business proposals in that they’re scaled-down with much of the same information. The one-pager leaves out elements that you would’ve included in a full proposal, like your business’s credentials or executive summaries. This reduction in information is generally makes it easier to create and understand, so they speed up the sales cycle.

A one-page proposal is best for the following scenarios:

  • Your Offer Has a Small Price Tag:  If the cost is small in relation to the prospect’s revenue, they may not need a full proposal. Think of a freelance writer offering $1,000 worth of articles.
  • You Have a Strong Relationship With Your Prospect:  This goes for current or past clients who know/trust your business as well as new prospects who you've effectively nurtured. 
  • Your Project Scope Is Straightforward:  If your project is easy to understand, one page might be all you need to clarify the specifics. Think of selling a product such as 50 desks. 
  • Your Prospect Asks for Just One Page:  Sometimes your prospect wants a one-page document that outlines the project because they just need an at-a-glance summary of terms.

If this doesn’t sound like your situation, consider using a full-length business proposal so you can include more information for the prospect in the document. Learn how to craft one in our article on how to create a business proposal — it comes with a free template that you can customize.

Free One-Page Proposal Template

Here’s a free one-page proposal template that you can download in multiple formats and edit to fit your needs. It’s completely customizable and designed to be personalized to your client. We’ve incorporated corresponding and written out examples from the template within the steps to writing a one-page proposal.

One page proposal template infographic 2023

Standard One-Page Proposal Format

Even though your one-page proposal should be personalized to each prospect or customer, all one-page proposals follow a standard format. This format includes sections such as your project scope and overview, deliverables and cost, terms, next steps, and your contact information. Your one-page proposal should include the following sections, customized to your specific recipient:

Title & Subtitle

Project scope & overview, deliverables, timeline & pricing, project deal terms, next steps & contact info.

Your title and subtitle should be intriguing and engaging but also clearly communicate what your recipient is about to read. Don't get complicated here — keep it short and to the point.

sample one page business proposal

The scope of your proposal should give a high-level overview regarding what your one-page proposal will cover and who it's intended for. The project overview gives a summary of your project or deal you're proposing. These elements can be included together in one section or broken out in their own sections.

sample one page business proposal

Next, outline the deliverables of your proposed solution along with the timeline for those deliverables and the associated costs. The easiest way to express this is in a table format with each deliverable listed along with a timeline and cost. Then, sum everything you've listed to get a total timeline and cost.

sample one page business proposal

After the deliverables, timeline, and costs have been stated, outline the deal terms of your proposed solution. This should include payment terms as well as any other terms you want your customer to agree to.

sample one page business proposal

With your full proposal outlined in a single page, conclude with an actionable CTA outlining next steps, such as scheduling a meeting to review or signing the contract. Then, sign off with your contact information to make things professional.

sample one page business proposal

With clear and concise messaging, all of the above components can fit onto one page. Since you’ll be drafting this proposal with limited space, it’s important to make each component as effective and efficient as possible. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to write the best one-pager including further insight into these components with examples.

How to Write a One-Page Proposal

An effective one-page proposal should result in a closed deal. Each proposal will be personalized to each new prospect, and the details you include should change with their needs. But regardless of who’s receiving it, there are eight steps to follow to ensure your proposal answers all of the questions on the buyer’s mind. Here are the steps to writing a one-page proposal, using screenshots from our template throughout as examples:

1. Compile Information for Your Proposal

First, identify everything you know about your deal, including information about your client, your solution, the timeline, what you need from them, and more. Don’t hold back. This process will help you organize and prioritize details before sitting down to actually write your proposal. That way you’ll avoid running out of space on the document. Distilling all the knowledge about a deal into one page is trickier than it sounds.

Now, with all the information in front of you, start to highlight or underline the details that are most relevant and interesting to your prospect. To help you select this information, think about the key questions your prospects want answered before they agree to start paying you. Answering these will speed up the deal by decreasing the number of follow-up objections or questions they have.

Your one-page proposal should resolve the following questions for your prospect: 

  • Needs Fulfillment: Does this product or service meet our specific needs? 
  • Timeline: Does the timeline of implementation work for us? 
  • Pricing: What’s the cost, and is it feasible and fair? 
  • Deliverables: What exactly will I receive? 
  • Expectations: What does the seller expect from me in this business relationship? 
  • Strategy: Does the seller’s approach or strategy make sense?

And don’t forget to think about yourself and what you need out of the agreement, especially if you’re using the one-page proposal as a legally binding contract. Specifics like how and when you’ll be paid and any rules you want the prospect to follow should also earn a highlight or underline. Now, let’s start actually creating your one-page proposal using this vital information.

2. Write an Intriguing Title

Your prospect is likely busy, especially if they are a high-level executive who asked you to send them just one page. Take that into account when crafting a title. Use it to give them context about what this document is. Also, use the title to summarize the rest of the proposal, as a  proposal letter  might do for a 10-page proposal. Lastly, make it appeal to their interests. Of course, doing all this in just one phrase is no easy task. But have no fear, we’ll help you out.

First, let’s look at a boring one-page proposal title: “Business Proposal for {ABC Company} .” While that works for a subtitle, the title above it is the first thing your prospect will read, so it should spark their interest. Make use of the limited space you have and create an intriguing title that answers the busy prospect’s one vital question: “Why does this matter to me?” Do this by writing the specific value or solution you’ll be providing the prospect. 

Here are some examples of turning lifeless titles into ones that nearly dance off the page. 

Dead Title:  Prop-Tech Proposal for ABC Living Title:  Slashing Your Violation Fines With Compliance Monitoring Software

Dead Title:  Sales Training Business Proposal for XYZ  Living Title:  Training Your Reps to Open 50% More Sales Opportunities

Dead Title:  Marketing Consulting Proposal Living Title:  A Content Marketing Plan for Increasing Quality Traffic to {Website}

You can use this title as a heading for the one-page proposal itself, or even as the email subject line if you’re sending it via email. You can add a subtitle below to explain exactly what the document is or add any more information you might think is critical for the prospect to see right away.

One-Page Proposal Title Example

Title example

3. State the Scope of the Proposal

Tell the prospect what this short proposal will cover. This paragraph acts as an introduction and agenda. It should be about two sentences long. The first sentence will tell them what you’ll help the prospect accomplish or what solution you provide. This includes your value proposition that has been customized to your prospects’ needs.

The second should describe what elements are included in the proposal. It’s essentially just giving the reader context so that they know what to expect as they read through. This will answer a question on the prospect’s mind: What’s this document going to tell me?

One-Page Scope of Proposal Example

Scope of proposal example

4. Give an Overview of the Project

Now give a summary of the project. This overview should tell the prospect what problem you’re solving for them, how you’re going to do it, and the main benefits they’ll receive after your service or product is delivered in full. This paragraph of about 3-4 sentences (aim for under 200 words) should give the buyer a sense that you fully understand their unique objectives and that you have a solid approach for achieving them.

This section should answer two big questions for the buyer:

Be sure to make this section about them rather than yourself. Hone in on the main pain point that makes their blood boil. And, to really speak to their heart, bring up phrasing that they used when telling you about the issue in your past conversations. Also, speak about the solution using similar terminology from when you shared it with them in your presentation or side-talks.

One-Page Proposal Project Overview Example

Project overview example

5. Create a Deliverables / Timeline / Estimated Pricing Table

You don’t necessarily need to portray this information in a table, but it’s a great way to save space. In one table, you’re able to say exactly what the prospect will receive, when they’ll get it, and how much they’re going to pay for it. Plus, this way, you break up the pricing into smaller parts of the whole, assigning costs to each deliverable or phase of the service. This breakdown makes the overall cost easier to understand and therefore accept.

Now let’s discuss these three portions of your table so that you understand the key points to include and how to customize each one to fit your unique business situation.

  • Deliverables: Description of the tangible product or an intangible service the prospect will receive for their payment.
  • Timeline: Use a curated timeline that is personalized to your specific project that shows the prospect how long it’ll take for the solution to be implemented. 
  • Pricing: Define costs as clearly as possible. In service-based businesses, make any potential fluctuations known to the prospect so they understand why estimated pricing may change. 

One-Page Proposal Deliverables, Timeline, and Pricing Example

Deliverables, timeline & pricing example

6. Outline Your Terms & Conditions

These are the rules of the agreement you and your prospect will be held to. It outlines what you expect from the prospect, primarily in regards to the payment. Stipulate how you’d like to be paid and if recurring payments are required, on what dates. Also, if you need access to certain accounts or want them to follow any rules, such as communicating with you only by email, include this in the terms section. 

This is also where you can include any industry-specific terms to the proposal. Since this is just a one-page proposal, many companies use an attached contract to do the heavy lifting for the legal aspects of the deal, so they’ll just include the payment terms here.

One-Page Proposal Terms Example

Terms example

7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action

Finally, make your call-to-action. If you have a separate contract you want them to sign, tell them where it’s located and give any necessary information about how to sign it. The contract will give more specific terms about the legal aspects of the deal, which the proposal may only summarize. If you’re working in a corporate environment with high-priced solutions, you might have contracts that are much longer than the one-page proposal.

If you want to learn more about how to use these two documents together, read Matt Olpinski’s article on the  difference between contracts and proposals . If you’re using this one-page proposal as a contract, add a space or line for them to sign and date the document — either physically or using electronic signature software . Clearly state that this will be a legally binding contract once signed.

One-Page Proposal CTA Example

CTA example

8. Include Contact Information

Give your prospect an easy way to contact you should they have any questions or to learn more about your business. At the bottom of the document, write your name, your business’s name, and your contact information. Letting your prospect know you’re their main point of contact throughout this process helps build trust in the partnership.

On the next line, link to your company’s “about us” page. If you have client testimonials, a portfolio, or case studies you’d like the prospect to see, link out to these pages in this section. This will help show your credibility in the eyes of the prospect. 

One-Page Proposal Contact Info Example

Contact info example

Following these defined steps will help you create a catchy and effective one-page proposal for your prospects. If you want to explore more resources for one-pager templates and examples, we've gathered the 5 best situational proposal examples below. Check them out along with our best practices and you'll be able write up your own one-pager in no time.

5 Best One-Page Proposal Examples

Before you write your own one-page proposal, take a peek at some examples. From these, you’ll gain inspiration, ideas, and strategies that you can then apply to your own proposal. Let’s dive into these proposal examples and see why they work:

Generic One-Page Proposal Example

One page proposal - Generic one page proposal example

We’re showing you  PandaDoc’s one-page proposal example  because we like the way it’s structured. It begins with an executive summary, much like the project overview we recommend in our own template. The proposal then uses a creative way to express the deliverables the prospect will receive; in a table, it puts them up against the specific client challenge they’ll solve.

This example is also relevant for businesses using upfront billing or ramped payment plans. Note that in their payment schedule, they ask for 25% of the total payment upon acceptance of the contract and half upon delivery of the first product. 

One-Page Project Proposal Example

one-page project proposal example

We like  SlideTeam’s one-page proposal example  for a construction project because of its flattering and creative design. It’s full of images, icons, and photos that make the document come alive. We also appreciate how the proposal expresses the project timeline using a table that lists key tasks, explanations of those tasks, and the start/end dates. This helps the prospect visualize what to expect.

One-Page Service Proposal Example

one-page service proposal example

SlideTeam’s one-page proposal example  for marketing services takes a unique approach to the proposal's project overview section; instead of writing it out in a paragraph, they use a flowchart that tells the prospect the main purpose of the project, the objectives it’ll achieve, and the positive results. Lastly, they hit the buyer with the high-level impact the project will have on their business.

One-Page Research Proposal Example

one-page research proposal example

This one-page research proposal example from Northwestern University can be used as an outline when creating your own single-page proposal for a research project. This differs from a generic one-page business proposal in that the sections are somewhat unique, and the info you include will be specific to your proposed research.

One-Page Funding Proposal Example

One-Page Funding Proposal Example

Check out this one-page funding proposal example from SlideTeam , which uses an NGO (non-government organization) fundraising scenario as an example. Even though it's for NGOs, anyone looking to fundraise, whether it's for a nonprofit or a for-profit business, can benefit from this example.

These examples cater well to specific scenarios depending on your product or service. Feel free to take your favorite parts of each to make your own customizable proposal. While you’re crafting your one-pager, consider the following best practices to ensure you’re writing a strong proposal.

Top 3 One-Page Proposal Tips

There are some best practices that can set your proposal apart from the competition. Let’s go over three of the most impactful proposal tips: use smart formatting, employ copywriting tactics, and leverage proposal management software.

Format Your Proposal

Use copywriting tactics, buy proposal software.

In this type of proposal, you have to fit a lot of key points into one page. Proper formatting techniques will be your friend in this task. Smart formatting also ensures that the page seems clean and calm rather than messy and busy. This makes the reading experience more pleasant for the prospect so they have positive emotions while thinking about your product or service.

Here are some formatting tactics:

  • Use White Space to Separate Sections: This keeps the page from looking messy.
  • Use Tables or Flowcharts to Split up Sections:  For example, if you include deliverables and timeline sections, consider putting them next to each other in a table rather than in paragraphs.
  • Include Images:  Photos, graphics, or icons can help break up walls of text while also adding a more appealing look to your proposal.
  • Ensure It’s One Page:  Before sending your proposal, download it as a PDF and preview it.

These formatting methods will help you fit everything that’ll help close the deal onto the page.

Copywriting is sales in the written word. In longer form sales documents, like the proposal, copywriting tactics keep the reader engaged and excited to keep reading. They also make sure the sales messaging is clear and easy to understand. Here are a few tricks of the trade.

  • Make It About Them:  Use “you” far more than “we,” especially in your project overview.
  • Use Short Sentences:  This keeps the momentum up and ensures high comprehension. Some readers can get lost in a long sentence.
  • Avoid Fluff:  Include only the words that are necessary to get your point across.
  • Use the Active Voice:  This is when a subject of a sentence does an action. In the passive voice, the subject is acted upon: “Money is saved by the software.” Active voice increases the force of your sentences: “The software saves you money.”

These copywriting tactics should help you keep the prospect’s eyes open wide with interest and moving down the document.

Proposal management software refers to web-based platforms designed to automate and streamline proposal creation, management, and analysis of effectiveness. They also come with one-page proposal templates you can download, edit, and send. Then, you can track each proposal’s close rates and improve them over time. Read our article on the best proposal management software to learn more about how they work and to choose the right one for you.

However, if that sounds like too much and all you need is a software platform that enables you to include esignatures on your proposals, we recommend electronic signature software. These tools allow the recipients of your one-page proposal to easily add their signatures to the digital document from their laptop, mobile device, or tablet. To learn more, check out our guide on the best esignature software .

Once you create a template or completed one-page proposal using proper formatting and copywriting techniques and you get used to your new software, you'll have an easier time creating one-page proposals for future prospects and clients.

Bottom Line: One-Page Proposal

Sending a well-crafted one-page proposal has the opportunity to be the final sales action you take to close your deal. In just one page, it can drive home the value of your solution and illuminate the specifics of the project, thereby making the prospect feel ready to sign. If the prospect has any questions, be there to answer them and help them gain clarity. Read our guide on how to close a deal for steps and strategies to get your prospect to commit to the purchase.

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Sales | How To

How to Write a Business Proposal (+ Template & Examples)

Published February 27, 2023

Published Feb 27, 2023

Jess Pingrey

REVIEWED BY: Jess Pingrey

Bianca Caballero

WRITTEN BY: Bianca Caballero

This article is part of a larger series on Sales Management .

Free Business Proposal Template

  • 1 Determine Sales Proposal Requirements
  • 2 Gather Necessary Information
  • 3 Design Your Proposed Solution
  • 4 Calculate Pricing
  • 5 Draft Your Proposal
  • 6 Edit Your Proposal Draft
  • 7 Send Your Proposal
  • 8 Follow Up With Your Recipient
  • 9 Best Practices in Writing Sales Proposals
  • 10 Bottom Line

A business proposal is a document sent to a prospective client that outlines a firm’s product or service offerings. It also explains how you will provide a solution, the cost, timeline, and qualifying information, such as your background and prior work experience. In this article, we outline eight steps for how to create a business proposal, offer a free proposal template, and provide best practices for writing proposals.

Creating a sales proposal can feel tedious, especially if you’re drafting it from scratch each time. We’ve created a free template that you can use as a resource for your sales proposal.

FILE TO DOWNLOAD OR INTEGRATE

Free Sales Business Proposal Template

A screenshot of Fit Small Business' Sales Business Proposal Template cover page

Thank you for downloading!

💡 Quick Tip:

Use ClickUp for free to see your entire sales funnel in one place.

  • ✓ Free forever, unlimited users
  • ✓ Manage all leads, emails and tasks
  • ✓ Create presentations, lead forms, and contracts
  • ✓ Professional workspace templates

After you’ve downloaded our free template above, you can now customize it according to your business needs as you follow the steps to writing a proposal below:

1. Determine Sales Proposal Requirements

The first step in learning how to write a business proposal is knowing what needs to be included. Government agencies, public universities, and large corporations typically use requests for proposals (RFPs). These are formal solicitation requests for products or services in which the requirements are normally laid out line by line and must be followed precisely.

If you are writing a proposal for a potential customer undergoing your unique sales process , include things a decision-maker would like to see. For instance, pricing, timelines, and the proposed solution regarding quantities and the mode of product or service delivery are critical purchasing factors enclosed in the document.

Pro tip: ClickUp is a free-forever project management tool that helps teams:

  • Create professional proposals
  • Collaborate with shared tasks and team chat
  • Assign tasks to teammates

Visit ClickUp

ClickUp project management board (Source: ClickUp )

2. Gather Necessary Information

Gathering essential information and materials for your proposal can be complex because each potential client may want different details. This could demand other personnel to get involved in pulling the documents and information needed. For instance, some may only request the price and proposed solution, while others will ask for your background story, client reference lists, and work samples to show you’re qualified.

While learning how to write a proposal for business purposes, you may have to dig around your file database for company information, employee biographies, marketing materials, and pricing sheets. Keeping all resources needed for a proposal in one place makes this process easier. Use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track your proposal progress and acquire what’s needed to draft it in one place.

Pro tip: HubSpot is a popular CRM platform that lets you monitor opportunities using sales pipelines and store documents—all in one system. You can utilize the Sales Documents feature to store, share, and customize templates and materials you’ll need for your proposals.

A screenshot of HubSpot's deals and opportunities pipeline

HubSpot’s deals and opportunities pipeline (Source: HubSpot )

A screenshot of HubSpot's sales documents library

HubSpot’s Sales Documents library (Source: HubSpot )

3. Design Your Proposed Solution

Your proposed solution involves the processes, materials, product quantities, and personnel required to fulfill the offerings or address your customer’s problem statement. Additionally, it should be included in the scope of work section in the proposal. For businesses that only provide a product, such as equipment for a manufacturing plant, this step could be as easy as knowing the quantity and having a logistics plan for delivery and installment.

For more service-based businesses, such as business consultants or content development services, there will likely be more steps and deliverables to complete the work. Regardless of your business, you can use the five W’s and an H methodology to construct a proposed solution that addresses your prospect’s primary pain points:

  • Who: Who will be involved, do the work, manage, and be a point of contact for the prospect?
  • What: What solutions or products will be delivered, and what resources, processes, or technology will be used?
  • Where: Where will work be done or delivered to?
  • When: When will the work start and be completed, what are the key milestones throughout the project, and when is each deliverable expected to occur?
  • Why: Why did you choose this particular solution for this customer’s needs?
  • How: How will work be done, managed, and checked for high quality and customer satisfaction?

For example, a business-to-business (B2B) content writing business might be trying to address a statement of needs issued by a client: “We would like to express thought leadership on the topic of the Zero Trust Cybersecurity Framework.” In this case, the business could use the solution in this business proposal example:

The objective of this business proposal is to demonstrate how ABC Writing Agency can promote the thought leadership of Cybersecurity Corp. for the Zero Trust Security Model. We believe the best course of action is to research and copyright a branded e-book (roughly 4,000 words) regarding Zero Trust Security, the details of the solution, its benefits, and the modern-day security challenges it solves (what) with the final product completed in August 2022. (when) The e-book will use your logo and branding scheme to convey your personal grasp on the subject and thought leadership using a series of direct quotes and statistical callouts. (why)

To ensure high-quality work and client satisfaction, we will begin with an initial call to construct a detailed outline discussing the sections, style guides, tone, and to retrieve direct quotes. Following an initial draft, multiple rounds of edits will take place between Cybersecurity Corp. and ABC Writing Agency to develop a final draft. (how)

The project will be led by our senior editor, Collin Buchanan, and content manager, Jake Cunningham, who comes from the world of cybersecurity. Our team will utilize and manage freelancers experienced in writing e-books on technical topics to research and copyright the asset. (who) All work will be completed by us virtually and delivered via Google Docs. (where)

4. Calculate Pricing

Once you know how you’ll provide your product or service, the next step in writing a proposal is formulating the costs to specify in the document’s pricing section. This is one of the toughest steps because of all the factors that need to be considered, such as product cost and other expenses. That’s why it is critical to accurately communicate your costs to avoid losing a deal for overcharging—or worse—winning a deal with significantly underestimated costs.

As you price everything, you can either do a flat fee, hourly rate, per-unit charge, or some combination of the three. Sometimes, it’s best to work backward by establishing your desired probability first in the form of a percent like 20% profit or a flat dollar amount such as $10,000 above the work cost.

For example, you want to make a 20% profit on the work for an equipment installation job for a manufacturing business, and you’re pricing using a flat fee. You’ve itemized the costs as the following:

  • 1 x $80,000 manufacturing equipment = $80,000
  • 3 installation/delivery employees x 5 hours x $32 per hour = $480 wages
  • $480 employee wages x 7% employer payroll tax = $33.6 payroll tax
  • $480 employee wages x 20% benefits and workers’ compensation = $96 benefits and compensation
  • $200 for the delivery truck and gas = $200 for delivery costs

When you add all the itemized expenses, the total cost for this installation job will be around $80,809. To get the total, you need to charge this customer to meet your desired profitability, and multiply it by 20% to get $16,162. Add that to your total cost ($80,809 + $16,162), and $96,971 is the flat fee you will charge for the installation job.

Pro tip: Struggling to visualize your pricing process? Try using these seven free estimate templates . Designed for various business types, these templates allow you to outline and itemize the costs of providing work to share with your customers to help win more deals easily.

5. Draft Your Proposal

Now that you know your proposal requirements, have gathered the necessary information, determined the proposed solution, and calculated pricing, you are ready to draft the document. Following along with our free template, your draft will consist of the following elements:

The title page leans more toward showing the professionalism of your business than providing information. There should be a specific title establishing the purpose, such as “ABC Writing Agency Proposal for Cybersecurity Corp. to Promote Thought Leadership on Zero Trust Security.”

Also, be sure to indicate who the proposal was prepared for in terms of the decision-making person and their company name. Add your logo to the front and the contact information for the primary point of contact for your business so they can contact you with further questions.

Table of Contents

Use a table of contents to break down each part of the proposal for business so they can easily navigate through it. Because of the digital age we live in, we recommend linking your table of contents electronically to each associated section. That way, those reading your proposal can go to any part of the document by clicking on the table of contents.

Executive Summary

The executive summary takes everything in your proposal and compresses it into one paragraph. Essentially, if a reader reads this section, they should be able to grasp the general idea of your solution. Here’s a business proposal example using the content writing example above:

With over 10 years of experience in writing high-quality marketing assets, we are eager to assist Cybersecurity Corp in its endeavor to promote thought leadership on Zero Trust Security. We plan to achieve this by writing a comprehensive e-book using engaging copy, stat callouts, and direct quotes from your leaders to help associate the security framework with your brand.

Company Background

Here’s your time to talk about your inception story, mission statement , founding purpose, and company history. You can also provide biographies and professional pictures of your company founders, leaders, and key personnel that might be involved in the work you provide.

This is also the time to express your unique selling proposition . In other words, addressing the question “why choose us” over competitors. Lastly, if you’ve had any recognition or won any company awards, this is the section to highlight those successes.

Scope of Work

This section correlates with creating your proposed solution in step three as you present it in an actionable business plan. Describe the work that will be completed and the tangible deliverables associated with it.

In this small business proposal example, we see how a content writing business might construct a scope of work:

We will provide content writing services to create predetermined marketing assets for Cybersecurity Corp. This includes researching online data for usable information, interviewing subject matter experts (SMEs) for additional insights and quotes, copywriting drafts, inserting callouts, and making edits per revision requests made by Cybersecurity Corp. Deliverables for the scope of work above include:

  • 1 x outline developed by ABC Writing Agency and approved by Cybersecurity Corp.
  • 1 x drafted e-book (max. 4,000 words) delivered by Google Doc

No matter how long your scope of work is, it’s crucial to avoid industry or technical jargon that the general audience may not understand. Take the time to review the scope of work and translate any statements that may be misunderstood or confusing.

Be sure to indicate how long you expect it to take to complete the entire scope of work. It’s also a good idea to provide estimates for each milestone or individual deliverable you set. Whenever possible, present the information visually to help your reader absorb it better. Below is a sales proposal timeline example for a sales consulting business and its milestones.

Pricing or Price Estimate

For this section, take the price calculation you did in step four and present it to the potential customer. While you should itemize it to show where the price comes from, avoid adding your desired profitability, as that should be private to your business. Make sure it’s clear as to how each item is priced, whether that be hourly, per unit, or a flat fee.

This section should also be used to explain payment expectations, e.g., when invoices must be paid by, how much money is required upfront vs after work is completed, refund policy, and if other billable expenses can be included automatically or require client approval.

Be upfront with your estimate if you don’t know how many units you’ll need or how many hours it will take to accomplish your business offering. Provide an explanation and an estimated range.

Conclusion, Terms & Appendix

The final sections should include additional information that could be useful to your prospective client. A conclusion should express your gratitude for the opportunity and explain the next steps to move forward. Terms (or terms and conditions) can be added in a proposal or in the service agreement to cover legal aspects of a working contract, like contract dispute policies, confidentiality, rules on subcontracting, etc.

The appendix is optional but would utilize visuals or supplemental documents to enrich your proposal. For instance, you might include links to sample work, a client reference list, or a catalog of options for materials or software vendors from which the client can choose.

6. Edit Your Proposal Draft

Once you have completed the first draft of your proposal, run it by multiple departments to ensure it is comprehensive and accurate. Some things to consider as you review it for potential revisions:

  • Has strong readability: The proposal uses appropriate style, tone, and structured sentences to create a clean flow of information understood by the specific reader.
  • Avoids grammar and technical errors: The proposal avoids punctuation, spelling, or other errors related to proper writing mechanics.
  • Addresses requirements: The proposal contains all the information and sections required to meet the reader’s or customer’s needs and objectives.

Use editing tools such as Grammarly to evaluate your business proposal writing for enhanced quality. Grammarly lets users upload text into a system to check for grammar and spelling mistakes as well as for engagement and readability of content. There’s also a plagiarism check feature to evaluate the text to billions of pages online. You can even adjust style preferences when subscribing to Grammarly Business to ensure it meets all your goals.

A screenshot showing an example of Grammarly Business' in-line writing suggestion

Grammarly Business’ in-line writing suggestion (Source: Grammarly Business )

Pro tip: Use graphic design tools like Canva to give your sales proposal the professional touch it needs. Canva is a user-friendly platform with thousands of free templates for presentations, marketing materials, social media posts, and proposals for business. Users of all design skill levels can easily turn regular copies into visual masterpieces.

A screenshot showing several business proposal templates in Canva

Canva’s sales proposal templates (Source: Canva )

7. Send Your Proposal

Now that your proposal is drafted, edited, and has the aesthetics it needs, it’s time to send the document for review. More formal submissions for RFPs may require that you submit them in person, electronically, or both, so review those provisions carefully before sending them in.

Some sales plans incorporate unsolicited proposals to new leads to present problems they didn’t know existed with viable solutions they could offer. In these cases, they use the proposal to get their foot in the door and create sales opportunities.

When taking this course of action, it’s important to add context to the unsolicited proposal. For instance, in a sales email , briefly introduce yourself, your business, and what services you provide. Furthermore, indicate why you wanted to send a proposal to them specifically and let them know they can reach out if they wish to discuss it further.

8. Follow Up With Your Recipient

Even after you send a proposal, the process is not over. Make time to follow up to confirm the contact received the proposal and see if they have any questions. Because of the proposals’ details, there are usually other clarification steps in the procurement process, such as interviews, client meetings , or sales presentations before work begins.

We recommend using a customer relationship management (CRM) system with task management capabilities to ensure sales reps don’t forget to reach out to a prospect after a proposal is initially sent. A CRM like Pipedrive lets you design and assign tasks to team members from within a project. You can also create projects that are linked to open or won deals.

Pipedrive’s project and task management feature (Source: Pipedrive )

Best Practices in Writing Sales Proposals

Now that you know the steps in how to write a business proposal, there are a few tips you can practice and maintain to produce thoughtful and effective proposals.

Keep It Simple

When learning how to make a business proposal, remember to write short, simple sentences. While there is no strict rule on the business proposal format or length, make sure it is straightforward and easy to understand. Avoid loading it with too much business jargon and fancy words. Instead, strike the sweet spot between conveying essential information and ensuring anyone who reads it can understand it.

Outline Major Sections & Pertinent Information

The first thing to do when learning how to do a business proposal is to outline all the major sections of your document. This should also include all the pertinent information that you want to get across. The business proposal outline will help you stay focused on the main points of the document and keep your ideas from drifting away.

Add Data & Visuals

Capture your prospect’s attention by including quantitative data and figures highlighting your offerings and the value of your company. For example, you can show your month-on-month sales trends as proof of your stellar performance. Adding visual elements like charts and graphs can also help make your proposal more engaging.

Increase Credibility With Social Proof

Assert your company’s credibility. Many prospects won’t readily believe your claims about your business and are most likely to trust the word of their own peers and other customers. To help build your credibility and gain their trust, include social proof, such as reviews and testimonials from your own customers.

Use a Call to Action (CTA)

After the prospect reads your proposal, direct them to the next step. Use a call to action with a verb that defines what they should do to act on their interest in your proposal. Examples of CTAs are “Subscribe today” or “Download this guide now.” You can also use a CTA with a no-obligation statement like “Sign up, it’s free” for prospects who perceive risks in taking action.

Another excellent idea when adding CTAs is to create a sense of urgency to make your prospect feel that now is the best time to subscribe to your service. Some people are motivated to do something right away for fear of missing out (FOMO). That said, phrases like “Limited-time offer” and “On sale now for 20% off” can trigger action from prospects.

Stay True to Your Brand

Each company has a different brand voice and personality. Staying true to your business brand is a great way to stand out among your competitors. For instance, if your company sells baby clothes, it is best to use language that parents with babies can relate to, like “cute and cuddly” or “snug and comfy.” Use a more formal tone of voice in your proposal if you are selling office wear.

Bottom Line

Many business owners and sales managers would like to standardize their proposal-writing system. However, it can be tricky to address the unique needs of every solicited and unsolicited opportunity to get the correct information in order and present their proposed solutions. Our how-to sales proposal examples and free template will help you streamline your bidding process to win more deals.

About the Author

Bianca Caballero

Find Bianca On LinkedIn

Bianca Caballero

Bianca Caballero is a subject matter expert at Fit Small Business who covers Sales and Customer service topics. Prior to working at FSB, she was in field sales and territory management. When she launched her career as a writer, she worked with companies from the US, Australia, and China. At present, she uses her 12+ years of writing experience to provide FSB readers with the best answers to their questions.

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One Page Business Plan for Word, PDF

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Template Highlights

  • Eight (short) sections: Business Opportunity, Industry Analysis, Target Market, Company Description, Timeline, Marketing Plan, Financial Plan, and Funding Requirements.
  • Easy instructions for each part.
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Why all businesses should create a business plan

For startups and enterprises alike, there are many reasons to create a one-page business plan. For example, it can help you:

  • Show your progress and how you intend to grow : Your business plan lists vital information on your company, such as your goals, market research results, and success milestones.
  • Determine a realistic budget to ensure success : If you don’t create a proper plan, you might underestimate fixed and variable costs and, therefore, lack the financial capacity to succeed.
  • Provide concrete information to potential investors : By having a detailed business plan in place, you’ll be able to effectively convey your business goals to internal stakeholders, and you’ll stand a better chance of winning over investors.
  • Fulfill the requirements for securing a business loan : Many financial institutions won’t even consider giving you a loan without seeing your plan.

Should you create a business plan from scratch?

You can do this, but it’s often more hassle than it’s worth. If you’ve never made a business plan before, you’ll need to do a lot of research on what to include and ensure you create a professional and eye-catching document.  If you download our free one-page business plan template, you’ll save time and ensure you cover every relevant detail.

How to use the one-page business plan template

Here are the steps for filling out our template:

  • Enter your contact details to download the template in Microsoft Word or as a PDF.
  • Gather your relevant business documents, such as market research results and financial statements, in case you need to include details from them.  
  • Add information to all the fields, including Company Description, Target Market, Industry Analysis, Implementation Timeline, Funding Required, and Financial Summary.
  • Get feedback from business partners, employees, or other parties to ensure that all information is correct and up to date.
  • Proofread to ensure there are no errors. These look unprofessional, leaving a bad impression of your business.  
  • Save your business plan in various locations and formats. This helps you share your plan with stakeholders via email or present it at company meetings.

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One page business plan.

One-Page Business Plan Template

This brief business plan template encourages you to stick to your core message and provide investors with just the information they need to know about your new venture.

The Business Opportunity

What is the problem your business will solve? Focus on the customer’s needs.

Give your elevator pitch. Be succinct, clear, and persuasive.

Be sure to include your value proposition -- What do you offer that no one else does?

Industry Analysis

List key factors for success in your industry.

Who is your main competition?

Company Description

Identify important facts about your business:

• Founding date

• Mission statement

• Type of organization

• Core strengths

• Main leadership

Target Market

Describe your customer segments.

Will you serve a particular geographical area?

Implementation Timeline

Provide a brief summary of how you will roll out the business. Consider depicting the different phases in a diagram. You can use the timeline below as a template.

Marketing Plan

Describe what methods you will use to acquire new customers.

Why would your target market prefer your product or service to another option?

Financial Summary

Cost Structure: What are your fixed and variable costs?

Revenue Streams: How will your business make money?

Funding Required

Present the amount of funding that you are seeking from investors and how it will be used.

HubSpot Tip: Be sure to edit and review your plan for typos before distributing it. Errors in a short document can be distracting to the reader and make you look unprofessional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should i create a business plan, what types of companies need a business plan, how do i write a one page business plan, what should my business plan focus on, is this template free, can i edit this template, related tags:.

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One-page business plan FAQ

What is a one-page business plan?

The one-page business plan is a simplified version of traditional operational plans that focuses on the core aspects of your business. While it may be a shorter business plan, it still follows the structure of a standard business plan and serves as a beefed-up pitch document.

There’s really not a lot of difference between a single-page business plan and a good executive summary. In fact, as you create a more detailed plan you may even be able to use it as your executive summary .

Who should use a one page business plan?

A one-page plan is useful for business owners that are mulling over ideas, just starting, actively managing, or looking to grow a business. It can help validate a business idea, work as an internal strategy document, or as a flexible management tool that can be adapted over time.

How do I write a business plan on one page?

You can use the one-page business plan template, or a tool like LivePlan that saves you time by guiding you through each step of writing your one-page plan and pitch.

Why choose this one-page business plan template?

There are a few key features that make this one-page business template more functional and effective than your average template.

Written by planning experts: This one-page business plan template wasn't just thrown together. It was crafted by seasoned planning experts with a combined 40 years of experience writing and reviewing business plans. Throughout this template, you find their expert tips and tricks, along with detailed instructions.

Works with other Bplans resources: Need additional guidance to write your business plan? Our free one-page business planning guide is built to support this template—giving you even more detailed walkthroughs for each section.

What is included in this one-page business plan template?

This template includes definitions, guidance, and examples to complete your one-page business plan. After downloading the template, you'll receive instructions for how to fill out each of the following sections:

Identity What does your company do or offer and to whom?

Problem worth solving What challenges does your company solve?

Our solution How does your company solve those challenges?

Target market Who makes up your target audience? Who are your ideal segments, personas, or customers?

Competitive landscape Who are your competitors? What makes them successful in your industry?

Sales channels How will you get your product/service to customers?

Marketing activities How will you get your product/service in front of potential customers?

Revenue What goods/services will drive revenue?

Expenses What items will cost you money?

Funding required Have what funding total you need front and center to clearly display what you are asking from investors.

Milestones What projects or tasks must be completed in order to reach your goals?

Team and roles Who is a critical part of your internal team (name/role)?

Partners and resources Who else is supporting your venture/business?

Can you print out this template?

This is a printable business plan template that can be downloaded and printed no matter which format you choose.

Why should you start with a one-page business plan?

There are plenty of good reasons why your first step should be writing a one-page plan.

1. It’s faster Instead of slogging away for hours, days, or even weeks tackling a formal business plan—the one-page format helps you get your ideas down much faster. It removes the complex formatting,

2. A great format for feedback Need quick feedback from business partners, colleagues, potential customers, or your spouse? Provide them with a one-page plan instead of a lengthy in-depth version for better results.

The one-page plan is more likely to be read and reviewed. And since all of your business information is available at a glance, you’ll receive far more valuable and timely feedback.

3. Easy to update Entrepreneurs never get things right the first time. You’ll constantly be learning and receiving feedback—requiring you to iterate and revise your business concept. Instead of updating a large document every time, you can do it in minutes with a one-page plan.

4. Direct and to-the-point Learning to communicate your ideas clearly and directly is critical. You need to be sure that anyone can really understand the essence of your business. Delivering your entire business concept on a single page is a great way to practice this, as it forces you to be succinct.

5. Works as an idea validation tool Initially, your business is just a set of assumptions that you need to validate. Do your potential customers have the problem you assume they have? Do they like your solution and are they willing to pay for it? What marketing and sales tactics will work?

As you validate these assumptions, you leave them in your plan. But, assumptions that end up being wrong will quickly fall off the page.

6. Becomes an outline for your detailed plan By “detailed” we don’t mean “long.” If you do need to create a detailed business plan document for investors or business partners, you can use your one-page plan as your core outline. You will just expand and provide more details for each section.

7. No one really reads long business plans A common problem with traditional business plans is that they are simply too long and overly complex. Even when investors ask for a detailed document, chances are that they won’t actually read every word. They may read certain sections, but often just want to see if you’ve thought through the details of your business, how it will operate, and how it will grow.

8. Useful for any business stage A one-page plan is useful for business owners that are mulling over ideas, just starting, actively managing, or looking to grow a business. It can help validate a business idea, work as an internal strategy document, or as a flexible management tool that can be adapted over time.

Is there a better way to write my one-page business plan than with this template?

While this template will help you get started, using the #1-rated business planning software, LivePlan has step-by-step guidance, support from our business planning experts, and powerful planning tools like AI-powered writing assistance, automatic forecasting, industry benchmark data, and more.

Can someone write your business plan for you?

If you're still struggling to write your business plan even when using a template, you can look into hiring a professional business plan writer. We even have a free resource to help you ask just the right questions to make sure you find the right plan writer.

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Proposable

Proposal Templates > One Page Proposal Template

One Page Proposal Template

When you need  to get a proposal out quick, or just need a bare-bones template to work with, our one page proposal template will get you kickstarted in minutes. Customize, deliver, and track your proposal, then get it signed with built-in eSignatures.  

sample one page business proposal

Writing a 30-page long business plan can look like a huge hassle if you are just starting with your business. You might even feel like skipping the planning process altogether.

But you don’t have to. There’s a quick and easy solution to your problem.

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Free One Page Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

  • Fill in the blanks – Outline
  • Financial Tables

With the help of a page-long plan, you’ll neither have to spend days planning your business nor skip the planning process completely.

A business plan can be of great help to your business, and a one-page plan can become your plan’s foundation as you expand your business.

Read on to find out everything about a one-page business plan.

How Can a One-Page Business Plan Help You?

A one-page business plan can help you with the following:

  • It can help you understand the market you are getting into.
  • It can help you set clear and precise goals for your business.
  • It gives form and structure to your business idea.
  • It acts as a foundation stone for your business model.

And most importantly, a page-long plan can be written in a short time.

Although you’ll eventually need a detailed and comprehensive plan in the future, a one-page plan is a good place to start.

One Page Business Plan Outline

This is the standard one-page business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

  • What will you sell?
  • Who will buy it?
  • How will your business idea help people?
  • What will you charge?
  • How will you get paid?
  • How else will you make money from this project?
  • How will customers learn about your business?
  • How can you encourage referrals?
  • The project will be successful when it achieves these metrics
  • Specific concern or question #1
  • The proposed solution to concern #1

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Now, let’s understand in detail what you should write each section of this business plan.

How to Write a One Page Business Plan?

Though, you might wonder, is it even possible to fit all the details about a business on just one page?

It surely is. Also, it is a more compact and faster way of writing a business plan.

The following sections will help you write a compact and well-rounded business plan:

This section would consist of a brief overview of all that your business stands for. It would mainly include your vision and mission statement.

As your business plan is going to be super short, you need to sum up this section in two to three lines. Remember to be as clear and precise as possible.

For example, if you are a fashion designer, your business’s overview might look like this.

“ We design clothes to give something new and something special to everyone.”

Target Market

Including information about the target market is crucial for any business plan.

Knowing your target market not only helps you serve them better, but also helps you in streamlining your marketing efforts.

You can separate your target market based on age, gender, income, geographical location, and occupation.

Market Needs

Before you enter any market, it is a good practice to evaluate how valid your business idea is.

Also, what market needs does your product or service fulfill? In this section, you’ll precisely cover the market gap that exists. And how do you aim to fulfill it with your product or service?

Writing this section helps you understand how much optimization your product needs. And if it is needed in the market at all.

Marketing Plan

A marketing plan is immensely helpful for any business.

It helps you decide how you will reach out to your target audience and how you’ll convince them to buy your product or use your service.

It is also important to evaluate whether your marketing campaign would resonate with your target audience or not.

Obstacles/Challenges

This section would consist of the potential market threats that your business would have to face, and how would you overcome them.

For this section, you can carry out a SWOT analysis and include its results in your plan.

Knowing the threats that exist in the market helps you in being better prepared while facing them.

Having milestones to achieve helps you keep better track of your business journey.

Milestones give you something tangible to work upon. Hence, you become more organized and motivated.

Moreover, it also helps you in knowing whether you are working in the right direction or not. In this way, it helps you steer clear of roadblocks and dead ends in your business journey.

Competition

Before you enter any industry or market, it is important to analyze your competitors .

Include what are their strengths and weaknesses. Also, include what sets you apart from them and would help you create your unique place in the market.

Funding Needs

The financial section consists of the funds you’ll need to keep your business going. Writing this section clearly and backed with strong facts can help you in getting funded.

Especially when you are just starting, getting funded can act as a big plus.

Download a sample one-page business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go;  download our free one-page business plan pdf  to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your one-page business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

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One Page Business Plan Summary

All in all, summing up your entire business idea on a single page is very much possible and feasible.

A plan can give form and structure to your idea even if it is only a page long.

After getting started with Upmetrics , you can copy this sample one-page business plan template into your business plan and modify the required information and download your one page business plan pdf or doc file.

It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing a business plan.

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About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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  5. One Page Business Proposal Template in Word, Apple Pages

    sample one page business proposal

  6. Business Proposal

    sample one page business proposal

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  1. Lean One page Business Plan Presentation

  2. 1. HTML Template Overview

  3. One-Page Business Plan: Simplifying Your Path to Success

  4. One Page Business Plan

  5. One Page Business Plan Template

  6. One Page Business Plan: Business Model Canvas with SCORE

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  1. How to Write a One-Page Proposal [with Template]

    Test that your proposal is truly on one page with a preview by printing or saving it as a PDF document. One-page proposal template. The following template puts the structure and formatting together for a framework for a one-page proposal. Feel free to use and refine this template to build your bid and attract new business.

  2. One-Page Business Proposal Writing Guide (+ Templates)

    Writing a one-page business proposal is an exercise in precision and strategic communication. You need to capture the essence of your offering and align it closely with your potential client's strategic goals and current challenges. This focused approach ensures that every word on the page works towards persuading the client of the unique ...

  3. How to Write an Impressive One-Page Proposal for Sales & Business

    Turn any bit of text or an object into a hyperlink that directs the prospect to further documentation like financial projections, market research, competitive analysis or a multi-page proposal. To add a hyperlink, select text or an object and click "Actions" in the top bar. Choose a hyperlink and input the URL. 7.

  4. How To Write A One-Page Proposal

    1. Title. As with any document, a strong title is a must-have. In a one-page proposal, your title doesn't need to be cute or catchy, but it should convey accurate information about your proposal and your recommended solution. Strong titles can be difficult to come by, so many companies use simple titles like:

  5. How to Write a Business Proposal (Examples + Free Templates)

    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 .

  6. Free One-Page Business Plan Templates

    This one-page business plan template is intended for an entrepreneur or a small startup business to document a plan as they determine if an idea is feasible. This template provides space to describe the problem and solution, the product or service, the target customer, existing alternatives, the unique value proposition, a marketing and sales ...

  7. How to Write a Business Proposal [Examples + Template]

    Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right: 2. Explain your "why" with an executive summary. The executive summary details exactly why you're sending the proposal and why your solution is the best for the prospective client. Specificity is key here.

  8. How to Write an Impressive One-Page Business Plan [Including ...

    Here are the key elements of a one-page business plan: The executive summary, business opportunity, value proposition, team members, industry analysis, target market, marketing plan, revenue model, implementation time, financial summary, funding requirements and contact information. To design a startup one pager, you should create an outline ...

  9. How to Write a One-Page Proposal for Sales + Template

    Here are the steps to writing a one-page proposal, using screenshots from our template throughout as examples: 1. Compile Information for Your Proposal. First, identify everything you know about your deal, including information about your client, your solution, the timeline, what you need from them, and more.

  10. How to Write a One-Page Business Plan [2024 Guide]

    Here are the eight necessary sections to include when developing your one-page business plan. Try and keep each section limited to 1-2 sentences or 3-4 bullet points to ensure that you stay within one page. It's always easier to add more later rather than cutting back from lengthy sections.

  11. How to Write a Business Proposal

    Provide a detailed budget and payment structure. Include quotes from satisfied clients or references and evidence of your track record. Write a conclusion and appendix. Visme's proposal templates come with pre-made sections to make the proposal creation process easier and more efficient.

  12. How to Write a Business Proposal (+ Template & Examples)

    Download as Google Doc. After you've downloaded our free template above, you can now customize it according to your business needs as you follow the steps to writing a proposal below: 1. Determine Sales Proposal Requirements. 2. Gather Necessary Information. 3. Design Your Proposed Solution.

  13. Business Proposal: How-to Guide, Templates & Examples

    A business proposal is a document that aims to secure a business agreement. Whether printed or digital, a business proposal is written by a business and offered to a prospective customer. In many cases, the prospective customer is also a business that's looking for the best B2B solution. The purpose of a business proposal varies.

  14. Free One Page Business Plan Template for Word

    How to use the one-page business plan template. Here are the steps for filling out our template: Enter your contact details to download the template in Microsoft Word or as a PDF. Gather your relevant business documents, such as market research results and financial statements, in case you need to include details from them.

  15. How to write a business proposal: Examples and Templates

    It's the most common type of business proposal in the B2B markets. Example: A construction company submits a formally solicited proposal to a government agency in response to an RFP for building a new community center. The proposal outlines the company's approach, timeline, costs, and qualifications for the project.

  16. One Page Proposal Template

    Used 5,092 times. Reviewed by Dmitry Ivanouski. AI assistant included. Download PandaDoc's one-page sales proposal template for free. There are pre-written sections for the overall proposal, pricing, product descriptions, and more.

  17. How To Write An Effective Business Proposal

    To create an effective business proposal that persuades the recipient to take action, include these key components: Title page and table of contents: Begin with a professional title page that ...

  18. Free One-Page Business Plan Template (Word, PDF)

    The one-page business plan is a simplified version of traditional operational plans that focuses on the core aspects of your business. While it may be a shorter business plan, it still follows the structure of a standard business plan and serves as a beefed-up pitch document.. There's really not a lot of difference between a single-page business plan and a good executive summary.

  19. One Page Proposal Template

    A business format sample or business proposal template free download will provide insights, outlines, and other design elements that can get your idea juices flowing when it comes to creating a document that meets your needs. It is also essential that you use one that makes sense for your company. For example, client-side software service ...

  20. 20 Best Business Proposal Examples & Templates to Use

    The template includes data widgets and a detailed list format to present your business services best. The pricing page features a three-tier pricing structure with corresponding services, making it easy to compare options. 3. Mobile Video Game Development Business Proposal Example.

  21. How to Write a Business Proposal with Examples

    Proposal title. Date of submission. Company information (company logo, company name, etc). Your name, title, and contact information. Client's name, title, and contact information. A cover page is the very first thing that your prospective client will see when they open your business proposal.

  22. One Page Business Plan: Guide & Template (2024)

    A one-page business plan can help you with the following: It can help you understand the market you are getting into. It can help you set clear and precise goals for your business. It gives form and structure to your business idea. It acts as a foundation stone for your business model. And most importantly, a page-long plan can be written in a ...

  23. One Page Proposal Template

    Everything in this proposal template is geared towards keeping the proposal information short, sweet and to the point! Change colors, fonts and more to fit your branding. Access free, built-in design assets or upload your own. Visualize data with customizable charts and widgets. Add animation, interactivity, audio, video and links.