Business Proposal Template
Pitching a product or service to a new business client.
- Executive summary, problem and solution
- Three pricing options to tick
- Why us and terms
- Acceptance block for both sides
Word & PDF · Free
Business Proposal Format and Free Proposal Templates
The standard business proposal format, six free proposal templates you can edit in Word or print as PDF, and a filled-in agency proposal to copy. No signup, no email gate.
4.8/5 on G2 · Trusted by 1,850+ agencies & freelancers in 40+ countries · Updated October 2026What is a business proposal format?
A business proposal format is the standard order of sections a seller uses to pitch work to a client: executive summary, the client's problem, your solution, scope and deliverables, timeline, pricing, terms and a way to accept.
Following one order keeps proposals easy to scan, compare and approve. A proposal template is that format with the layout already built, so you write about the client instead of designing a document. For a project-by-project outline, see the project proposal format.
- Six proposal templates plus a filled sample
- Editable Word (.docx) and print-ready PDF
- Pricing table with options the client can tick
- Free for commercial use, no email required
- Works in Google Docs and Pages too
Download a Free Proposal Template
Pick the proposal that matches the work. Each one comes as an editable Word file and a PDF.
Project Proposal Template
One-off client projects with a scope, timeline and budget.
- Objectives and scope, with out-of-scope
- Timeline table by phase
- Budget table with a total
- Risks, assumptions and team
Freelance Proposal Template
Freelancers pitching a project with a deposit and options.
- About me and the client's goals
- Approach and deliverables
- Three pricing options
- Next steps to book the project
Agency Proposal Template
Agencies pitching a monthly retainer to a new client.
- Case study and strategy
- Starter, Growth and Scale packages
- Team and onboarding plan
- Minimum term and notice
Consulting Proposal Template
Consultants proposing an assessment or advisory engagement.
- Situation and objectives
- Methodology and phases
- Fixed, hourly or retainer fee options
- Assumptions
One-Page Proposal Template
Small jobs and quick follow-ups after a call.
- The goal in one sentence
- What you will do and when
- Two pricing options
- Acceptance on the same page
Working in Word? See every template on the proposal template in Word page, with Word-specific tips. Pitching a single project? Start from the project proposal format.
Sample Business Proposal: A Filled-In Example
Not sure what a finished proposal looks like? This sample is the agency proposal filled in for a content and paid social retainer between two fictional companies.
- Proposal number PR-2026-009, valid for 30 days (dates in MM/DD/YYYY)
- Executive summary, case study placeholder and a three-part strategy
- Starter $1,800, Growth $3,200 and Scale $5,500 a month, with Growth ticked
- 3-month minimum term and 30 days' notice after that
- Acceptance block for both sides
Business Proposal Format: Sections in Order
Most client proposals follow this order. Short proposals merge sections; long ones add a table of contents.
| Section | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cover details | Proposal title, client, your business, date and valid-until date | PR-2026-009, valid until 11/11/2026 |
| Cover letter | A short personal note on why you are writing (optional) | Thanks for the call on Tuesday |
| Table of contents | Only for proposals longer than about five pages | Built from Word heading styles |
| Executive summary | The client's goal, your recommendation and the result | More online orders from a monthly content program |
| Problem and objectives | The client's situation in their words, and what success looks like | Traffic but few repeat orders |
| Solution and approach | How you will solve it, by phase | Content, paid social and monthly reporting |
| Scope and deliverables | The outputs, with an out-of-scope line | 12 posts and 4 reels a month |
| Timeline | Phases with weeks or dates | Start 11/02/2026 |
| Pricing | Fixed, hourly, retainer or packages, with payment terms | Starter, Growth and Scale packages |
| Proof | A case study, results or client logos | One similar client story |
| Terms | Validity, minimum term, revisions and changes | 3-month minimum |
| Acceptance | Where the client chooses an option and signs | Signed by the Head of Marketing |
Need wording for each section of a single project? The project proposal format has a filled sample and section-by-section guidance.
Proposal in Word, PDF or Online: Which to Send
The sections are the same in every format. What changes is how you edit it and how the client accepts it.
| Format | Best for | Acceptance | Editing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word (.docx) | Proposals you tailor for each client | Client signs a printed or PDF copy | Fully editable, Track Changes for edits |
| Sending the final version by email | Sign on paper or with a PDF signing tool | Not editable, so the prices cannot change | |
| Google Docs | Teams that write in Google Drive | Download as PDF, then sign | Upload the .docx and open with Google Docs |
| Online link | Seeing when the client opens it and getting a fast yes | Client accepts and e-signs in the browser | Edit in the proposal software before sending |
Proposal vs. Quotation vs. Contract vs. Scope of Work
Four documents that follow each other in a sale. Send each at the right stage.
| Document | When | Binding? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal | After the first call | Usually not, until accepted | Explains your approach and options to win the work |
| Quotation | When the scope is agreed | Yes once accepted, until it expires | A fixed price. See the free quotation templates |
| Scope of work | Once the proposal is accepted | Yes, when attached to a signed contract | Details deliverables and responsibilities |
| Contract | Before work starts | Generally yes, once signed | Sets the legal terms. See the contract templates |
Taskip keeps the proposal, quote, contract and invoice on one client record: send the proposal as a link, collect an e-signature, then invoice from it.
Solicited or unsolicited proposal?
A solicited proposal answers a client's request or RFQ, so follow their format and deadline. An unsolicited proposal is one you send first, so lead harder with the client's problem and keep it short.
One-page or full proposal?
Use a one-page proposal for small, familiar jobs. Use a full proposal when the client is new, the budget is larger or several people will review it.
How to Write a Business Proposal From a Template
1
Pick the closest template
Business, project, freelance, agency, consulting or one-page, depending on the work and the client.
2
Restate the client's problem
Write their situation and goals in their own words, from your notes of the first call.
3
Describe your solution and scope
Explain your approach, list the deliverables, and add what is out of scope.
4
Price it with options
Fill the pricing table with two or three options and the payment terms.
5
Add proof and write the summary
Add a short case study, then write the executive summary last, in three sentences.
6
Send it and follow up
Save as PDF or send an online link, then follow up three days later if you have not heard back.
Common Proposal Mistakes to Avoid
Most proposals that stall have one of these gaps.
- Opening with your company history instead of the client's problem.
- A single price with no options, so the client can only say yes or no.
- No out-of-scope line, which invites extra requests later.
- No valid-until date, so old prices come back months later.
- No clear next step: end with a ticked option and a signature.
- Pages of text where a short table would do.
Proposal Template vs. AI Proposal Generator
A template is ideal for proposals you send often. For a new kind of project, the free AI proposal generator drafts every section for you.
| Word / PDF template | AI proposal generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Setup | Download, open in Word, replace placeholders | Nothing to install, works in the browser |
| Wording | Fixed sections you write yourself | Drafted from your description of the project |
| Proposal types | Six common client proposals | Seven types, three tones and five languages |
| Output | Word and PDF | Download as Word, or save to a free Taskip account |
| Acceptance | Print or send the PDF for signature | Send from Taskip for online acceptance and e-signature |
The Three C's of Proposal Writing
A simple check before you send any proposal.
- Clear: the client understands what they get, by when, for how much.
- Concise: every section earns its place; tables beat paragraphs for prices and dates.
- Compelling: it is about the client's problem and result, with proof you can deliver.
Proposal Templates by Type
More proposals for specific kinds of client work, each with its own guide.
Tips for Proposals That Get Signed
- Send it within a day or two of the first call, while the client's interest is fresh.
- Offer two or three priced options instead of one number.
- Put the price and timeline in tables the client can scan in seconds.
- Set a valid-until date on every proposal.
- Make accepting easy: a ticked option and a signature, or an e-signature online.
- Follow up after three days with the follow-up email generator.
Related Free Tools & Templates
Free AI Proposal Generator
Describe the project and get a full proposal draft. Download as Word.
Proposal Template in Word
Six editable .docx proposals with Word tips.
Project Proposal Format
A 12-section format and a filled sample.
Free Quotation Templates
Quote the agreed scope after the proposal.
Free Contract Templates
Turn an accepted proposal into a signed contract.
Taskip E-Signatures
Get proposals and contracts signed online.
Business Proposal Format FAQs
What is the standard business proposal format?
Cover details, an executive summary, the client's problem and objectives, your solution and approach, scope and deliverables, timeline, pricing, proof, terms and acceptance. The table above shows each section with an example.
What should every business proposal include?
At minimum: what the client wants, what you will deliver, when, for how much, why you, and how they say yes.
How long should a business proposal be?
As long as the decision needs. One page suits a small job for a client who already knows you; a new client with a larger budget usually needs a full proposal of a few pages.
What is the difference between a proposal template and a proposal format?
The format is the order of sections. A template is a ready-made file that follows the format, so you only fill in the content.
Should I send a proposal as Word, PDF or an online link?
Edit in Word, then send a PDF so the prices cannot change, or an online link if you want to see when the client opens it and let them accept online.
What is the difference between a business proposal and a project proposal?
A business proposal pitches a product, service or ongoing relationship. A project proposal covers one defined project with its own scope, timeline and budget. See the project proposal format.
What are the three C's of proposal writing?
Clear, concise and compelling: the client understands the offer, nothing is padded, and it focuses on their problem and result.
Who makes these proposal templates?
Taskip, client management software for agencies and freelancers. Taskip handles proposals, quotes, contracts, invoices, a client portal and projects in one place.