A digital marketing agency proposal is the document every digital marketer needs to reinforce an idea to prospective clients. The idea is to reiterate and re-inform the potential client of the previously discussed idea in a bid to move forward with the plan. The digital marketing agency proposal template PDF serves to get the prospect to notice you and engage directly with you. The engagement is based on the visibility of your brand profile, reputation, expertise, and effectiveness which are covered by the digital marketing agency proposal. These virtues will shine from the digital marketing agency proposal that you will create, telling your story.
As you draft your digital marketing agency proposal PDF, keep in mind that other freelancers are also sending their proposals. So essentially it’s a competition. The client hasn’t met any of you before, and they rely on the information included in the digital marketing agency proposal PDF to assess your skills and determine whether you’re the right pick for the job. For this reason, you have to include every important detail in the proposal and make it as unique as possible.
If you’re drafting a proposal for the first time, you may find it challenging to create one. However, with several digital marketing agency proposal PDF templates available online, you should find your way easily. Since a template is already formatted, all you need to do is pick one of the best and fill in the required details. Even then, be sure to modify the document to suit the project’s specific needs.
Sometimes, organizations and businesses prefer to outsource some of their projects to trusted agencies rather than individual consultants. If you run an agency and wish to win projects from individuals and companies, you will need a well thought out agency proposal that is well polished to reflect the quality of your service.
Generally, no one enjoys writing a digital marketing proposal template because of the effort and research that is involved. But you don’t have a choice irrespective of the service you offer. Whether digital services, web development, marketing, or accounting, most clients prefer to see proposals from agencies before deciding on whom to hire.
While you want to be the first to send out your digital marketing agency proposal PDF to the client, quality matters, the client may not even read through the document if they feel it lacks some important details. As such, take your time to draft a digital marketing agency proposal PDF that will capture the attention of the client. You can also borrow ideas from samples done by other freelancers before completing the sections of the template.
Meanwhile, it’s essential to know what makes a good digital marketing agency proposal PDF template so that you can choose one that suits your needs.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when drafting a digital marketing agency proposal PDF.
1. Get the format of the digital marketing agency proposal template right
For many marketers, the digital marketing agency proposal template PDF creation process is repetitive, given that they need to source more clients for their business. Thus, it's much better to create a template and then customize it to specific clients' needs. Working with a template allows you to prepare the digital marketing agency proposal much faster, and to deliver it just as quickly.
With a template, the job is halfway done. But even then, you need to be a little creative to create a proposal that stands out from the rest.
As a freelancer, you need to demonstrate your professionalism in the way you present your skills and expertise. Take time to go through the sections of the proposal and add the required information accordingly.
If you prefer, you can easily download the proposal template from sites such as PandaDoc, where you will get a professional template for free. For beginners or people who are handling multiple tasks at the same time, templates allow you to get the format right from the word go – there is no need to keep on revising the document to make it fit market standards.
If you’re creating a proposal from scratch, you need to figure out the structure and the appropriate language. It shouldn't be challenging for experts, but if you're doing it for the first time, it's advisable to use a template.
In general, the digital marketing agency structure follows the outlined format:
- Introduction/executive summary
- Initial creative work (if the request for proposal deemed it necessary)
- Fees
- ROI calculations (if possible)
- Schedule
- Caveats/Terms and conditions
You could prompt the client for the next steps if they weren't discussed before. Steps like suggesting a workshop or testing assumptions can work to create further channels of communication.
2. Discuss goals and challenges before drafting the agency proposal template
Use the initial meetings or RFPs to determine the client's needs and marketing issues they are hiring you to solve. Without understanding the client's needs, your goals and objectives will be disconnected from ROI projections. The section thus outlines these goals, plans, challenges and the timelines as per the prior discussions with the prospective client.
Usually, before drafting your digital marketing agency proposal PDF, you need to read through the project requirements and understand the client’s specific needs. Remember, it’s your responsibility to help the client achieve their business goals. Therefore, convince them that you’re up to the task and that you know what needs to be done.
There are questions you will address as you prepare the digital marketing agency proposal, and they include:
- What are the client's revenue goals for that year?
- What goals did the client have the previous year, and how were they achieved?
- What metrics are used to measure progress and success?
- If the previous year's goals were not achieved, what could be the reason?
- Why is the client making these changes now?
- What other priorities exist that may override the goals?
These questions are necessary to address before the digital marketing agency proposal template PDF is presented to the potential client. Sometimes, some changes may include a new way of doing things or even overhaul of the digital marketing department. Some implementations may render some roles obsolete, and thus the client should have been prepared for such an eventuality through the prior meetings. No clause in the proposal should surprise the client.
It’s up to you to demonstrate to them that you’ll help them achieve their goals and eventually take their business to the next level.
Remember, the client is after a solution, and they’re only hiring you because they believe you’ll help them achieve desired milestones. Since you already had a discussion with the client, you understand what they want. In case something isn’t clear, it’s essential to seek guidance from the client so that your services are relevant to the project.
3. Include case studies in your digital marketing agency proposal template
You can also include a few case studies which showcase your ability to deliver the projected results. These case studies and testimonials can be from former clients who are satisfied with your work. Having case studies serves to reinforce your claim that you can deliver results using the strategies you have suggested.
The client will be meeting you for the first time and they need to know whether you’ve performed similar tasks before. It’s always important to provide sample work to assure the client that you have the necessary skills. Even then, be as honest as possible. Some clients may contact those you’ve worked with before to confirm that the details provided are correct.
4. How to create a marketing agency proposal template
Many digital marketers tend to confuse a marketing agency proposal for a marketing pitch. In essence, a marketing agency proposal PDF is a document that expounds the marketing pitch and details what you will offer the client without the limitation of stating it in a few sentences. The digital marketing proposal is the broader pitch process where the client filters a large number of agencies that are interested in providing marketing services.
This is what you will use to showcase your expertise in the field and how you can bring the clients vision to fulfillment. Keeping in mind that other agencies are also sending their proposals to the same client, it will be of benefit to understand the clients industry and ensure the marketing agency proposal PDF details this in-depth. Why you and not the other freelancer answer this question in your proposal and you can be sure the client will pick you for the gig.
The proposal stage involves preparing an actual document that provides adequate details; therefore the skills of putting together a formal proposal are necessary. Various template guides will help you learn to write your company's marketing proposal template. Marketing agency proposal template is the road ma with which you will draw out the goals you intend to achieve. You will use it to show your client the capabilities you bring to the table, and the necessities that will help make these goals successful.
The template will help you avoid the repetitive stage of having to start from scratch every time you need a proposal. However, you must make sure each proposal is unique to the client to whom you are currently selling your services. Marketing agency proposal PDF explains to your potential client the effective marketing methods that you will implement. It puts into details what you as a freelancer are bringing to the organization, and the strategies you have that are better than others. You should use it to showcase your expertise to clients and leave them understanding the solutions you have for their problems.
Below are a few pointers on creating a winning marketing agency proposal. A professional agency proposal is a persuasive sales tool that can win you a digital marketing contract if appropriately designed in line with the interest of a prospective client. A compelling proposal would make your agency stand out from the hundreds of other documents from agencies that are competing for top projects in your market space. It gives your compelling prospect reasons to give you the green light instead of your competitors.
4.1. Use a scorecard for your digital marketing agency proposal
When collecting information for the marketing agency proposal PDF, you will need a reference from scoring criteria provided by the client. Assess their standards as this will determine the information that will ensure you get full marks in each area of their rules. The scorecard makes it clear what particular experience or technology the client finds as necessary or mandatory. This move will help you deal with barriers that arise due to the client's demands on your expertise since you will be better prepared to address them.
The scoring card also works to help you avoid situations where clients are complaining of substandard results. Take time understanding the client and the possible barriers, this is a better way to be reared to face whatever arises. It is also a good way to ensure that you have everything done within possible means and time. To be effective you have to know how much time you need to effectively achieve what the client expects. You will have the platform to discuss these barriers with the client.
4.2. Gather insight before submitting a marketing agency proposal
The second step is to focus on gaining insight into the client's needs. If possible, use the RFP (request for proposal) or information you've been given beforehand to understand the opportunities or business problems you are being asked to address. Essentially, the marketing proposal template should clearly state your obligations as a freelancer. The information should details the expectations of the client to help you understand how your strategies will fit in. From this insight, you will be better placed to generate effective solutions and include them in the proposal. If the RFP doesn't yield enough insight, you should ask the potential client about their business needs and concerns that should be addressed.
If you can, find opportunities to talk to the teams that handle digital marketing in the client's business. This gives you great insight into who the proposal will be "speaking" to and what they expect from the agency. Understanding the audience will be beneficial to you as an agency, as it makes it easier to create a suitable plan for the client. Keep in mind that no one client is the same as the next, this brings the need to tailor every marketing strategy according to the clients business needs and target audience. In most cases, the person who sent the RFP isn't necessarily the one who will read and score your marketing agency proposal PDF. Thus, by knowing who will handle the digital marketing jobs in the company, you will tailor the marketing agency proposal to suit their "language" or to align with their strengths and expertise. Remember this is probably the team you will work with as you handle the project. Therefore understanding what they can and what they can’t handle is very essential.
4.3. Review your current digital marketing strategies
Reviewing your digital marketing strategies allows you to know what is relevant and what isn't. While some of your previously used strategies might still apply to the client you are pitching to, you need to review and customize it accordingly. Get to understand which platforms the client has used before, what strategy was used and what can you implement. Your marketing agency proposal PDF should also entail the changes you will make in their existing strategies and why and also detail the strategies you feel are better, why and how you intend to implement them.
At the same time take time to go through your strategies and evaluate what works best for this particular client and their needs. This will help you come up with a strategy that won’t disappoint! This step will primarily involve answering some questions based on your past digital marketing efforts. These include:
- What are your previous marketing campaigns? And how well did they work?
- What strategies worked, and which ones failed? And the ones that failed, what have you learnt that you can change?
- Are social media profiles are involved?
- Are there videos posted online?
4.4. The structure of a agency proposal template
Once you are well equipped with adequate information and have redesigned your marketing strategy ideas, you need to come up with a well-structured marketing agency proposal PDF. The general guidelines on the structure of the marketing agency proposal are outlined as follows:
- Executive summary/introduction - This introduces your marketing agency to the client. You can include a one-page summary of your services, resources, testimonials, and awards. This summary should be kept short and concise. This is where you itch reasons you are the right freelancer for the marketing gig. Your previous work or skills should portray you as the best fit to solve the issue at hand. Let them see through the marketing agency proposal PDF introduction that they can trust you to bring results.
- The scope of work - This spells out the proposed services based on the initial discovery work. In this section, you should detail how you will make a difference to the client's business through the strategies and services you are proposing.
- Initial creative work (optional)
- Fees charged: The structure should also include details of your marketing plans with costs. After you have engaged the client effectively, breakdown your plans clearly and confidently. Think as the one going through your marketing agency proposal template, and ensure that the details are clear and detailed. Let every cost make sense in every way.
- ROI calculations
- Timings and schedules
- Terms and conditions
- About Us
- Relevant case studies
4.5. Create the ad campaign for the digital marketing agency proposal template
After you have understood what goals the clients have and what expectations they have, you can begin. The objectives should help you come up with not only a good marketing proposal, but a most suitable marketing campaign. Showcase what you will be doing for the client by creating a demo. Come up with something that will not only lease the client but captivate the target audience. Show the client that you understand everything about their business and the customers they target.
4.6. Logistical information in the agency proposal template
This includes the service you will be offering (accounting, software development, marketing, etc.). Also, you need to state the project timeline, cost of service, material requirements, list of deliverables, and the key milestones if applicable.
4.7. Persuasive notes on a agency proposal template
A great agency proposal explains how deliverables are beneficial to clients and how the service meets the goal of the project at hand. Other persuasive elements include strategies, qualifications, and experience of the agency and personnel, and additional information that makes the agency stand out.
4.8. Common elements of agency proposals
A lot of proposals focus on personal and logistical information. That's fine because such details are a key piece of every proposal. But you might be limiting your chances of winning a project if you overlook persuasive elements in your agency proposal.
What makes a proposal different from another? Simple, it is the ability to understand the pain point of the project and proffer a solution from the client's point of view.
That way, you can create a meaningful impression on a client and ultimately win the project.
See below the typical sections that must never miss from your agency proposal:
4.8.1. Problem statement in the agency proposal template
Identify the problem of your client by asking questions and administering a questionnaire if need be. You can also carry out some research to ensure you have a good problem definition. You could create a separate proposal entirely for market research. You can use our marketing research proposal example as a good sample.
4.8.2. Deliverables and goals in the agency proposal template
Next is to state what your agency will be offering to solve the problem of your client. Paint a picture of what your client's business would look like once you complete the project.
4.8.3. Scope/strategies mentioned in the agency proposal template
Talk about the scope of your work and give details about the strategy you’d be using to meet the goals of your client. This section would act as a reference point to your client in monitoring their project as you progress.
4.8.4. Financial obligations through the agency proposal template
State your agency fees and break down your charges for every sub-service or task involved. Also, state the material requirements and cost. Also, add your payment terms and conditions plus any other relevant information about payment.
4.8.5. Timeline of the agency proposal template
This deals with the beginning and ending date of the project. An agency proposal should also specify dates to achieve sub-tasks or special milestones if applicable.
4.8.6. Terms and conditions for the agency proposal template
State your terms and conditions about payment, materials, timelines advancement payment, and refund. When writing an agency proposal, try to anticipate questions that may arise during execution and address them in the terms and conditions section.
4.8.7. Notes for your agency proposal template
You may add personal notes to the document and thank your prospective for considering your offer.
Conclusion
The client's selection team will have to sift through numerous proposals. Therefore, make sure your marketing agency proposal has a clear structure and is easy for the client to digest. Your proposal should paint you in the most professional way possible. Remember that as they go through different proposals they will be comparing you to other freelancers, so sell yourself effectively.
Make sure the marketing agency proposal PDF includes the contents page, distinct sections, logical headings, and branded headers and footers. Research as much as possible to better understand the clients industry and guarantee you are better laced. To close the deal the client and his team must feel through your marketing proposal template that you understand their vision. This is the only way you will close the deal and even work with them for longer. Look at your proposal as a way to open the possibility of handling other projects with the client; it isn’t just about the project at hand!
