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Writing a web site proposal can be a daunting
task at first, especially for those that are new to the freelance
industry and have yet had to compose one but are keen to secure
a potential web project. All the typical questions come to
mind. What do I put in it? How long should it be? Do I include
my quote in it? What areas should I cover? What can I put
in it to increase my chances to secure the job?
I know when I was first approached by a client who was seeking
to have a website done, I had absolutely no idea where to
start, and I too was asking myself the very same questions.
I think while its important to ask yourself these questions,
it is also important to be mindful of your clients needs and
how best to address them. Also, it is equally important to
be able to identify the nature of the project itself and document
your proposal accordingly.
Firstly, by far the most important thing I have learnt since
having done numerous web site proposals for dozens of clients
myself, is to keep your web site proposal short, straight
forward, to the point, and most importantly - not full of
technical jargon. By keeping your proposal simple and to the
point, you are most likely going to find that the client will
be more responsive and you will increase your chances of securing
more work. Many make the unfortunate mistake of overdoing
it. Whilst writing a 500 page proposal and packing it full
of sales pitches and technical jargon might seem impressive,
in most cases the client won't even bother to read it. I mean,
does a client who is running an optometrist business really
need to know what version of IIS the webserver will be running?
- highly unlikely.
Sure, touch on technical aspects of the job, but keep it brief
and to the point. If the client is unsure they will usually
ask, but always offer them further assistance. Remember, a
web proposal is simply that, a "proposal". You should
only begin to elaborate further and in more detail once you
know that the client is interested in working with you. Typically
I submit no more than 1 to 9 pages, project depending. Sometimes
less, sometimes more. It depends on the users requirements
and the complexities of the task ahead, however again, you
want to be straight forward, to the point and direct.
Secondly I have found that by following a template strategy
works very well also. What I have made common practice, is
to simply do up a web site proposal, save it as a template
and ammend it where necessary by 'filling in the blanks' so
to speak, with each clients details and technical requirements
as needed. There are several advantages of doing this. Obviously
you will fast track the entire process by not having to write
up a new proposal each time, but most importantly you will
begin to follow a methodical approach and formalised workflow
strategy with each client. This approach ensures that you
expedite the process dramatically and streamline your business
methods.
Thirdly, professionalism. This is a big one. You want to really
make an impression on the client and convey yourself as a
total professional in every sense. I have been complimented
time and time again, by numerous clients, on how well my proposals
and other documents have been presented and I certainly believe
it has been due to this that I have landed more web development
work and made more money. I now pride myself in this area
and the continual remarks made by clients assures me I am
doing the right thing!
Lastly, in summary, if you are in the position of having to
write a web site proposal be sure to consider my website proposal template included in the documentation pack.
In it, contains a complete and comprehensive web design proposal
template that covers everything you need to include in a template
style format, ready to use. I have no doubts that as a freelancer
you will consider this documentation pack invaluable.
Best of luck to you.
John
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