Project proposal template
Proposals that get accepted tend to be specific about what is excluded, not just what is included. This template gives out-of-scope its own section, alongside the usual scope, timeline, deliverables and pricing.
Use this templateHow it works
- 1
Open the template
Click Use this template to load the proposal.
- 2
Adapt the sections
Fill in scope, timeline, deliverables and pricing for your project.
- 3
Download the PDF
Click Download PDF and send it to the client.
What's in the template
## The problem
Northwind's current site was built in 2019 around a catalogue that has since tripled in size. Navigation was designed for 40 products and now carries 130, and the mobile conversion rate is roughly half the desktop rate.
## Proposed approach
A three-phase engagement: research, design, and build support. Each phase ends in a decision point where you can stop.
### Phase 1 — Research (2 weeks)
Analytics review, eight user interviews, and a competitive audit. Ends with a findings session.
### Phase 2 — Design (4 weeks)
Information architecture, wireframes, then high-fidelity designs for twelve key screens. Two revision rounds included per stage.
### Phase 3 — Build support (3 weeks)
Design QA against your team's implementation, plus a component specification document.
## Deliverables
| Deliverable | Phase | Format |
|-------------|-------|--------|
| Research findings | 1 | PDF + session |
| Information architecture | 2 | Diagram |
| High-fidelity designs | 2 | Figma |
| Component specification | 3 | PDF |
## Timeline
Nine weeks from kickoff, assuming feedback within three working days at each decision point.
## Out of scope
- Front-end or back-end implementation
- Copywriting beyond interface labels
- Photography and illustration
- Ongoing maintenance after handover
## Pricing
**Phase 1:** £6,000 · **Phase 2:** £14,000 · **Phase 3:** £7,500
**Total:** £27,500, invoiced at the end of each phase.
Valid for 30 days from the date on the cover.This is the markdown the editor loads. Everything is editable.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a proposal include?
- The problem as you understand it, what you'll do, what you'll hand over, when, what it costs, and — importantly — what is out of scope. The last one prevents most disputes.
- Should I include pricing?
- Usually yes. A proposal without a number leaves the client unable to say yes, which turns into another round of email.
- Can I add my logo?
- You can embed an image with markdown image syntax if you have it as a data URL. Otherwise a cover page with your name and the project title reads cleanly.
Converting this to a PDF
This template is plain markdown, so it converts the same way any document here does. convert markdown to PDF covers the page setup, typography and export options in more detail.