How to Send a Proposal After a Discovery Call: A Freelancer's Guide to Winning More Clients and Getting Paid Faster
Learn how to turn a discovery call into a winning proposal and get paid faster with these actionable tips and strategies.
You've spent hours on a discovery call with a potential client, and it feels like a perfect fit. But then, nothing. No follow-up, no proposal, and definitely no payment. You just lost a potential client and a lot of time. This post will show you how to turn a discovery call into a winning proposal and get paid faster.
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of a clear next step after the discovery call. Without a proposal, you leave clients wondering what the next step is, and without a clear payment process, you open yourself up to the risk of non-payment. Plus, with no contract in place, you're left vulnerable to scope creep and changes in the client's vision.
Real example
Take Sarah, a freelance writer who spent three hours on a discovery call with a potential client. She was enthusiastic about the project, but when she followed up with a proposal, the client didn't respond. Weeks later, Sarah saw the client post about a similar project on social media, and she realized she had lost the opportunity due to a lack of follow-up.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Craft a Compelling Proposal
A winning proposal should clearly outline the scope of work, deliverables, and payment terms. Use this opportunity to showcase your expertise and build trust with the client. For example, Sarah could have included a detailed outline of the writing project, including the number of words, topics, and due dates. This would have helped the client understand the scope of work and feel more confident in their decision to hire her.
Establish a Clear Payment Structure
A clear payment structure is essential to getting paid on time. Consider requiring a deposit upfront, offering package pricing, or using a retainer model. For instance, Marcus, a freelance designer, could offer a package pricing model that includes a 50% deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due upon completion of the project.
Use a Professional Contract
A professional contract protects both you and the client from scope creep and changes in the project. Make sure to include a clear cancellation policy, payment terms, and scope of work. For example, Emily, a freelance consultant, could use a contract that outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and cancellation policies, ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
Make it Easy to Sign and Agree
Make it easy for the client to sign and agree to the proposal by including a digital signature. This can be done using a tool like Becflow, which allows clients to sign contracts and agreements online. For instance, David, a freelance photographer, could use Becflow to send a digital contract to the client, who can then sign and return it electronically.
Follow Up Politely
Follow up with a polite reminder if the client doesn't respond to the proposal within a week. This shows that you're still interested in the project and helps keep the client engaged. For example, Rachel, a freelance copywriter, could send a follow-up email saying, 'Hi [Client], just wanted to follow up on the proposal I sent last week. I'd love to discuss this project further and answer any questions you may have.'
The Becflow solution
Becflow solves this by providing a platform for freelancers and service professionals to send proposals, sign contracts, and get paid faster. With AI-powered contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders, Becflow helps you win more clients and get paid on time. Try Becflow today and start winning more clients and increasing your revenue!
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