Proposal Software

There are various software options for writing proposals, and the choice often depends on your specific needs and preferences. But the best proposal software for sales teams, are:

1. Loopio (for large companies looking for a smart content library)
2. Avnio (for those who prefer to work directly in Salesforce)
3. Qvidian (for those who would prefer to skip proposal automation)
4. PandaDoc (for those focused on proactive proposals in the sales process)

Proposal software can help you manage requests, proactively send a business proposal, and streamline your proposal process—to ultimately win more deals.

But what exactly does proposal management software do for you? Through machine learning, proposal software helps:

• Build a library of repeatable proposal content (no more scrolling through email threads…)
• Auto-populate documents with your best answers (saving time on proposal writing)
• Handle tedious tasks like formatting proposals and other sales documents
• Provide reusable, proposal templates to speed up the RFP response process
• Offer centralized proposal management software that helps your sales team collaborate

While every proposal template will look different from company to company (depending on your brand and the client’s RFP guidelines ), the typical structure of a proposal includes:

• Your solution: An overview of your tailored approach to the client’s needs
• Company information: This section can include a summary of your core values, mission statement, company history, and relevant team members
• Scope of work: An outline of exactly how you plan to solve the client’s problem—the overall timeline, project deliverables, and other parties involved
• Success stories: You may include dedicated sections for case studies, performance results, and testimonials from similar clients
• Pricing details: Your payment terms for the proposed offer, including the total cost of the project, billing schedule, and accepted methods of payment
• Terms and conditions: The fine print—think confidentiality clauses, intellectual property rights, change order procedures, and termination clauses

The proposal creation process typically involves several key steps that help sales team develop a response strategy, save time, and create consistency in the sales cycle.

Here are 8 fundamental steps in proposal writing:

1. Qualify the RFP before writing (to see if you have a high chance of winning)
2. Conduct essential RFP research (to understand your client better—and the competition)
3. Build a custom content plan (to solidify proposal positioning that will help you win)
4. Create a detailed proposal outline (to make sure you don’t miss any essential details)
5. Begin writing a messy first draft (to brain dump all of your best RFP answers)
6. Edit the proposal with fresh eyes (to catch any mistakes that could cost the deal)
7. Send your proposal to design (to make the proposal eye-catching, too)
8. Perform a final review before submitting (to cross your Ts and dot your Is)