Sales Proposal Tips Based on How Buyers Read
Buyers read more of your proposal than most sales teams think. Here's what the data says keeps them going, and what we'd do about it.
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Notes on proposal design from Closewell Studio.
Notes on
Notes on
proposal design.
Short notes on how big deals get decided and how we design proposals around it. What buyers read first, what they forward, and what we'd do again.
Notes from the studio.
Short notes on how big deals get decided and how we design proposals around it.
31 notes
Why it mattersWriting a Competitive Sales Proposal When Others Are Bidding
Most of a big buying decision happens when you're not in the room. Here's what that means for the proposal you send.
Why it mattersHow to Write a Winning Proposal for a Seven-Figure Deal
A seven-figure deal gets read by a committee, most of whom never met you. Here's how each section of the proposal should work for them.
Old way vs new wayInteractive vs PDF Proposal, and What the Old Way Costs You
The Word doc, the PDF export and the late-night email attachment still run a lot of big deals. Here's where that process breaks, and what to keep.
ComparisonsCanva Proposal Templates vs a Custom-Designed Proposal
A Canva proposal template is fast, free and fine for a lot of deals. Here's where it runs out when the deal is big and the buyer is comparing you to everyone else.
ComparisonsPandaDoc vs Proposify vs Qwilr vs a Custom Proposal
PandaDoc, Proposify and Qwilr are all good proposal software. Here's what each one is best at, what it costs, and when a big deal needs something they don't sell.
ComparisonsGamma and AI Proposal Generators vs a Designed Proposal
An AI proposal generator can give you a decent first draft in minutes. Here's what that draft can't know about your deal, and where a designed proposal picks up.
How-toHow to Write an RFP Response That Makes the Shortlist
Getting shortlisted on an RFP is close to a coin flip, even for experienced teams. Here's how to build a response the evaluators can score fast and the decision makers remember.
How-toThe Proposal Pricing Page That Keeps a Buyer Reading
Buyers go to the price first, then decide whether the rest of your proposal is worth reading. Here's how to build a proposal pricing page that keeps them going.
How-toAn AI Proposal Workflow for Sales Teams
A step-by-step AI proposal workflow your team can run on every deal. Deal notes go in, a solid first draft comes out, and a person still owns the strategy.
IndustriesThe SaaS Sales Proposal Built for an Enterprise Buyer
An enterprise software deal gets read by operations, finance, IT, legal and procurement. Here's how to structure a SaaS sales proposal so each of them finds what they need.
IndustriesWhat Agency Retainer Proposals Get Wrong About the Buyer
Most agency retainer proposals open with the agency. The buyer is trying to picture the next twelve months, so that's where the proposal should start.
IndustriesThe Construction Bid Proposal Is Overdue for a Redesign
A construction bid proposal gets read by people who have to live with the job. Lead with phasing, schedule and risk, and the rest gets easier to approve.
IndustriesThe Consulting Proposal That Looks Worth the Fee
Consulting fees are hard to justify because the client is paying for thinking they haven't seen. The proposal is where you let them see it.
IndustriesHow to Write a Sponsorship Proposal Brands Say Yes To
Most sponsorship decks sell the event. Brands buy what the event does for them, so build the proposal around their goals, their audience and what they walk away with.
PricingWhat Proposal Design Costs and When It Pays for Itself
Proposal design can cost nothing or thousands. Here's what each option runs, checked on each company's own site, and the simple math we'd use to decide.
How-toThe Proposal Executive Summary Is the Page That Gets Read
The executive summary is the page the person who signs is most likely to read. Here's how to write one they can repeat in the meeting you're not invited to.
How-toWhen to Follow Up on a Proposal, and What to Say
Most proposal follow-ups just remind the buyer you're waiting. Here's how to make each one useful to the person selling for you inside the company.
Why it mattersSales Proposal Mistakes That Quietly Cost Big Deals
Most lost deals never come with a reason. Here are the proposal mistakes we see most often on big deals, and what we'd do instead.
Why it mattersYour Proposal Has to Win Over the B2B Buying Committee
Big deals get approved by a group, and most of them never meet you. Here's how to write a proposal that works for every person who has to say yes.
How-toWhere Case Studies in a Proposal Do the Most Work
The case study section usually sits at the back, and buyers skim it. Here's how to pick proof for this buyer and put it where it does the most work.
How-toA Business Proposal Layout Built Around the Buyer
Good content can still lose in a bad layout. Here's the order, structure and design we'd use so every reader finds their way through.
IndustriesHow to Write a Government RFP Response Evaluators Can Score
A government RFP gets scored against published criteria. Here's how to read the solicitation the way the evaluator will, and build a response that's easy to score.
IndustriesThe Managed Services Proposal a CFO Will Approve
Managed services proposals are usually written for the IT lead. The CFO is the one approving a multi-year contract. Here's how to write for both.
IndustriesThe Commercial Real Estate Proposal That Wins the Assignment
Every broker in the running has comps, a marketing plan and a team page. Here's how a commercial real estate proposal stands out to the owner deciding.
IndustriesWhat Shippers Look For in a 3PL Proposal
A shipper picking a logistics partner is handing over every customer order. Here's how a 3PL proposal earns that trust beyond the rate table.
Hiring helpHiring a Proposal Design Agency? Ask These Questions First
Not every proposal design agency writes, and not every one builds for a single buyer. Here are the questions we'd ask before hiring one, including us.
Hiring helpProposal Writing Services vs Keeping It In-House
Most proposals should stay in-house. A few shouldn't. Here's our honest read on when outside help pays off and how to split the work.
Hiring helpWhat Working With Us on a Custom Sales Proposal Looks Like
From the first conversation to the link you send your buyer, here's exactly how we build a custom sales proposal and what we'll need from you.
Hiring helpIs a Custom Proposal Worth It on Your Next Deal?
A custom proposal costs real money, and nobody should spend it on every deal. Here's how we'd decide, including the deals where our answer is no.
Hiring helpWhat You're Paying For With RFP Response Services
RFP help ranges from software to freelance writers to full bid teams. Here's what you should be paying for, and how to tell which kind your bid needs.
Newsletter
One note a month.
A short email once a month. One thing we learned on a proposal and what we'd do again.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
Notes from the studio.
Short notes on how big deals get decided and how we design proposals around it.
31 notes
LatestWhy it mattersSales Proposal Tips Based on How Buyers Read
Buyers read more of your proposal than most sales teams think. Here's what the data says keeps them going, and what we'd do about it.
Why it mattersWriting a Competitive Sales Proposal When Others Are Bidding
Most of a big buying decision happens when you're not in the room. Here's what that means for the proposal you send.
Why it mattersHow to Write a Winning Proposal for a Seven-Figure Deal
A seven-figure deal gets read by a committee, most of whom never met you. Here's how each section of the proposal should work for them.
Old way vs new wayInteractive vs PDF Proposal, and What the Old Way Costs You
The Word doc, the PDF export and the late-night email attachment still run a lot of big deals. Here's where that process breaks, and what to keep.
ComparisonsCanva Proposal Templates vs a Custom-Designed Proposal
A Canva proposal template is fast, free and fine for a lot of deals. Here's where it runs out when the deal is big and the buyer is comparing you to everyone else.
ComparisonsPandaDoc vs Proposify vs Qwilr vs a Custom Proposal
PandaDoc, Proposify and Qwilr are all good proposal software. Here's what each one is best at, what it costs, and when a big deal needs something they don't sell.
ComparisonsGamma and AI Proposal Generators vs a Designed Proposal
An AI proposal generator can give you a decent first draft in minutes. Here's what that draft can't know about your deal, and where a designed proposal picks up.
How-toHow to Write an RFP Response That Makes the Shortlist
Getting shortlisted on an RFP is close to a coin flip, even for experienced teams. Here's how to build a response the evaluators can score fast and the decision makers remember.
How-toThe Proposal Pricing Page That Keeps a Buyer Reading
Buyers go to the price first, then decide whether the rest of your proposal is worth reading. Here's how to build a proposal pricing page that keeps them going.
How-toAn AI Proposal Workflow for Sales Teams
A step-by-step AI proposal workflow your team can run on every deal. Deal notes go in, a solid first draft comes out, and a person still owns the strategy.
IndustriesThe SaaS Sales Proposal Built for an Enterprise Buyer
An enterprise software deal gets read by operations, finance, IT, legal and procurement. Here's how to structure a SaaS sales proposal so each of them finds what they need.
IndustriesWhat Agency Retainer Proposals Get Wrong About the Buyer
Most agency retainer proposals open with the agency. The buyer is trying to picture the next twelve months, so that's where the proposal should start.
IndustriesThe Construction Bid Proposal Is Overdue for a Redesign
A construction bid proposal gets read by people who have to live with the job. Lead with phasing, schedule and risk, and the rest gets easier to approve.
IndustriesThe Consulting Proposal That Looks Worth the Fee
Consulting fees are hard to justify because the client is paying for thinking they haven't seen. The proposal is where you let them see it.
IndustriesHow to Write a Sponsorship Proposal Brands Say Yes To
Most sponsorship decks sell the event. Brands buy what the event does for them, so build the proposal around their goals, their audience and what they walk away with.
PricingWhat Proposal Design Costs and When It Pays for Itself
Proposal design can cost nothing or thousands. Here's what each option runs, checked on each company's own site, and the simple math we'd use to decide.
How-toThe Proposal Executive Summary Is the Page That Gets Read
The executive summary is the page the person who signs is most likely to read. Here's how to write one they can repeat in the meeting you're not invited to.
How-toWhen to Follow Up on a Proposal, and What to Say
Most proposal follow-ups just remind the buyer you're waiting. Here's how to make each one useful to the person selling for you inside the company.
Why it mattersSales Proposal Mistakes That Quietly Cost Big Deals
Most lost deals never come with a reason. Here are the proposal mistakes we see most often on big deals, and what we'd do instead.
Why it mattersYour Proposal Has to Win Over the B2B Buying Committee
Big deals get approved by a group, and most of them never meet you. Here's how to write a proposal that works for every person who has to say yes.
How-toWhere Case Studies in a Proposal Do the Most Work
The case study section usually sits at the back, and buyers skim it. Here's how to pick proof for this buyer and put it where it does the most work.
How-toA Business Proposal Layout Built Around the Buyer
Good content can still lose in a bad layout. Here's the order, structure and design we'd use so every reader finds their way through.
IndustriesHow to Write a Government RFP Response Evaluators Can Score
A government RFP gets scored against published criteria. Here's how to read the solicitation the way the evaluator will, and build a response that's easy to score.
IndustriesThe Managed Services Proposal a CFO Will Approve
Managed services proposals are usually written for the IT lead. The CFO is the one approving a multi-year contract. Here's how to write for both.
IndustriesThe Commercial Real Estate Proposal That Wins the Assignment
Every broker in the running has comps, a marketing plan and a team page. Here's how a commercial real estate proposal stands out to the owner deciding.
IndustriesWhat Shippers Look For in a 3PL Proposal
A shipper picking a logistics partner is handing over every customer order. Here's how a 3PL proposal earns that trust beyond the rate table.
Hiring helpHiring a Proposal Design Agency? Ask These Questions First
Not every proposal design agency writes, and not every one builds for a single buyer. Here are the questions we'd ask before hiring one, including us.
Hiring helpProposal Writing Services vs Keeping It In-House
Most proposals should stay in-house. A few shouldn't. Here's our honest read on when outside help pays off and how to split the work.
Hiring helpWhat Working With Us on a Custom Sales Proposal Looks Like
From the first conversation to the link you send your buyer, here's exactly how we build a custom sales proposal and what we'll need from you.
Hiring helpIs a Custom Proposal Worth It on Your Next Deal?
A custom proposal costs real money, and nobody should spend it on every deal. Here's how we'd decide, including the deals where our answer is no.
Hiring helpWhat You're Paying For With RFP Response Services
RFP help ranges from software to freelance writers to full bid teams. Here's what you should be paying for, and how to tell which kind your bid needs.
Newsletter
One note a month.
A short email once a month. One thing we learned on a proposal and what we'd do again.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
Notes from the studio.
Short notes on how big deals get decided and how we design proposals around it.
31 notes
LatestWhy it mattersSales Proposal Tips Based on How Buyers Read
Buyers read more of your proposal than most sales teams think. Here's what the data says keeps them going, and what we'd do about it.
Why it mattersWriting a Competitive Sales Proposal When Others Are Bidding
Most of a big buying decision happens when you're not in the room. Here's what that means for the proposal you send.
Why it mattersHow to Write a Winning Proposal for a Seven-Figure Deal
A seven-figure deal gets read by a committee, most of whom never met you. Here's how each section of the proposal should work for them.
Old way vs new wayInteractive vs PDF Proposal, and What the Old Way Costs You
The Word doc, the PDF export and the late-night email attachment still run a lot of big deals. Here's where that process breaks, and what to keep.
ComparisonsCanva Proposal Templates vs a Custom-Designed Proposal
A Canva proposal template is fast, free and fine for a lot of deals. Here's where it runs out when the deal is big and the buyer is comparing you to everyone else.
ComparisonsPandaDoc vs Proposify vs Qwilr vs a Custom Proposal
PandaDoc, Proposify and Qwilr are all good proposal software. Here's what each one is best at, what it costs, and when a big deal needs something they don't sell.
ComparisonsGamma and AI Proposal Generators vs a Designed Proposal
An AI proposal generator can give you a decent first draft in minutes. Here's what that draft can't know about your deal, and where a designed proposal picks up.
How-toHow to Write an RFP Response That Makes the Shortlist
Getting shortlisted on an RFP is close to a coin flip, even for experienced teams. Here's how to build a response the evaluators can score fast and the decision makers remember.
How-toThe Proposal Pricing Page That Keeps a Buyer Reading
Buyers go to the price first, then decide whether the rest of your proposal is worth reading. Here's how to build a proposal pricing page that keeps them going.
How-toAn AI Proposal Workflow for Sales Teams
A step-by-step AI proposal workflow your team can run on every deal. Deal notes go in, a solid first draft comes out, and a person still owns the strategy.
IndustriesThe SaaS Sales Proposal Built for an Enterprise Buyer
An enterprise software deal gets read by operations, finance, IT, legal and procurement. Here's how to structure a SaaS sales proposal so each of them finds what they need.
IndustriesWhat Agency Retainer Proposals Get Wrong About the Buyer
Most agency retainer proposals open with the agency. The buyer is trying to picture the next twelve months, so that's where the proposal should start.
IndustriesThe Construction Bid Proposal Is Overdue for a Redesign
A construction bid proposal gets read by people who have to live with the job. Lead with phasing, schedule and risk, and the rest gets easier to approve.
IndustriesThe Consulting Proposal That Looks Worth the Fee
Consulting fees are hard to justify because the client is paying for thinking they haven't seen. The proposal is where you let them see it.
IndustriesHow to Write a Sponsorship Proposal Brands Say Yes To
Most sponsorship decks sell the event. Brands buy what the event does for them, so build the proposal around their goals, their audience and what they walk away with.
PricingWhat Proposal Design Costs and When It Pays for Itself
Proposal design can cost nothing or thousands. Here's what each option runs, checked on each company's own site, and the simple math we'd use to decide.
How-toThe Proposal Executive Summary Is the Page That Gets Read
The executive summary is the page the person who signs is most likely to read. Here's how to write one they can repeat in the meeting you're not invited to.
How-toWhen to Follow Up on a Proposal, and What to Say
Most proposal follow-ups just remind the buyer you're waiting. Here's how to make each one useful to the person selling for you inside the company.
Why it mattersSales Proposal Mistakes That Quietly Cost Big Deals
Most lost deals never come with a reason. Here are the proposal mistakes we see most often on big deals, and what we'd do instead.
Why it mattersYour Proposal Has to Win Over the B2B Buying Committee
Big deals get approved by a group, and most of them never meet you. Here's how to write a proposal that works for every person who has to say yes.
How-toWhere Case Studies in a Proposal Do the Most Work
The case study section usually sits at the back, and buyers skim it. Here's how to pick proof for this buyer and put it where it does the most work.
How-toA Business Proposal Layout Built Around the Buyer
Good content can still lose in a bad layout. Here's the order, structure and design we'd use so every reader finds their way through.
IndustriesHow to Write a Government RFP Response Evaluators Can Score
A government RFP gets scored against published criteria. Here's how to read the solicitation the way the evaluator will, and build a response that's easy to score.
IndustriesThe Managed Services Proposal a CFO Will Approve
Managed services proposals are usually written for the IT lead. The CFO is the one approving a multi-year contract. Here's how to write for both.
IndustriesThe Commercial Real Estate Proposal That Wins the Assignment
Every broker in the running has comps, a marketing plan and a team page. Here's how a commercial real estate proposal stands out to the owner deciding.
IndustriesWhat Shippers Look For in a 3PL Proposal
A shipper picking a logistics partner is handing over every customer order. Here's how a 3PL proposal earns that trust beyond the rate table.
Hiring helpHiring a Proposal Design Agency? Ask These Questions First
Not every proposal design agency writes, and not every one builds for a single buyer. Here are the questions we'd ask before hiring one, including us.
Hiring helpProposal Writing Services vs Keeping It In-House
Most proposals should stay in-house. A few shouldn't. Here's our honest read on when outside help pays off and how to split the work.
Hiring helpWhat Working With Us on a Custom Sales Proposal Looks Like
From the first conversation to the link you send your buyer, here's exactly how we build a custom sales proposal and what we'll need from you.
Hiring helpIs a Custom Proposal Worth It on Your Next Deal?
A custom proposal costs real money, and nobody should spend it on every deal. Here's how we'd decide, including the deals where our answer is no.
Hiring helpWhat You're Paying For With RFP Response Services
RFP help ranges from software to freelance writers to full bid teams. Here's what you should be paying for, and how to tell which kind your bid needs.
Newsletter
One note a month.
A short email once a month. One thing we learned on a proposal and what we'd do again.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
One note a month on proposal design.
One note
One note
a month.
A short email once a month. One thing we learned on a proposal and what we'd do again.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.
What are you bidding on?
Tell us the deal in a line. We'll read it and come back with a plan and a price.
Try
- Live web proposal and PDF
- From $5K
- 50 percent to start
What are you bidding on?
Tell us the deal in a line. We'll read it and come back with a plan and a price.
Try
- Live web proposal and PDF
- From $5K
- 50 percent to start
What are you bidding on?
Tell us the deal in a line. We'll read it and come back with a plan and a price.
Try
- Live web proposal and PDF
- From $5K
- 50 percent to start
What are you bidding on?
What are you
bidding on?
Tell us the deal in a line. We'll read it and come back with a plan and a price.