What Should Be Included in a Software Proposal?
Obtaining the green light for new software projects requires the support of decision-makers. A well-written proposal is key to making this happen.
Use this free software development project proposal template to present your client with precise details of a new system or upgrade. The layout is easy to customize and features high-quality infographics for a visually appealing presentation.
What is a Software Proposal?
A software proposal is a document that is used to describe the scope of work for developing new software for a client. It includes sections for the statement of objectives, which is a summary of what the software will solve; the scope of work, which describes how the software will be created and any additional requirements that are required to complete the project; and the budget, which is the proposed cost for the software development.
A good software proposal is one that is well-written and shows that the vendor understands the client’s needs. It should include details about the company as well as its experience and expertise in the field, and it should also provide a detailed description of the software that will be developed. The proposal should avoid using any technical jargon and should instead focus on describing the solution that will be delivered.
While there are a number of software solutions available on the market, many businesses still choose to have customized software developed for their specific business needs. A custom software development project often requires a proposal to be written in order to secure the necessary funding or buy-in from key stakeholders. Using a proposal template can help to streamline the writing process and ensure that all of the necessary information is included in the proposal.
Identifying the Problem
A proposal software starts by identifying the problem that needs to be solved. For this, you will need to do some client discovery and learn about the domain, how things are done currently, and how your proposed system can change things. This can take a lot of time and may include multiple meetings with different stakeholders or groups of people. If you can, it is a good idea to ask the point of contact in the client company for an RFP that they have sent out for a similar solution (although this isn’t always possible).
A statement of objectives, describing the problem that the program or project will solve and any pain points or urgent situations that need to be addressed, should be included. This should be followed by a scope of work, describing the steps to be taken to create the solution. A break-down of all deliverables should be provided, along with their completion date.
Lastly, a cost estimate should be included. This should be based on what you have learned from the client discovery process, as well as your knowledge of best practices in the industry. If you can, it is also a good idea to provide an explanation of why certain costs may be higher than others. This will help to build trust and confidence in the client.
Identifying the Solution
A software proposal must be as accurate as possible. It should accurately describe the problem and how your software will help solve it. It should also include a list of potential solutions and explain why your solution is better than them. However, be careful to avoid using too much technical language (unless the client is an engineer).
Your software proposal should follow a standard template – cover page, introduction, executive summary, client testimonials, project scope and solution, timelines, team members, pricing, challenges, terms & conditions, conclusion and signatures. You can find many templates online to save time and ensure your clients receive the same quality of information regardless of where they are in the process.
Depending on the client’s needs, you may need to create a short one-page software proposal or a more comprehensive document. The latter may contain more detail about the solution and provide a breakdown of costs.
Using software for your proposals can help you deliver professional documents, streamline the sales process, and collect e-signatures. For example, if your prospects are viewing and reading your proposal on mobile devices, you can automatically send them a link to the fully customizable version that they can sign right from their browser. It will be easier for them to understand the proposed solution, and your brand will come across as more credible.
Pricing
A software proposal should clearly state how much a client should expect to spend on the project. This is an important section because it can help clients determine if they can afford the proposed solution. It’s also a good idea to describe the different types of costs that could be incurred during the project. For example, you might want to include a breakdown of software licenses, servers, database licenses, machines, development, project management, and training.
This SaaS software proposal includes a bright, on-brand pricing section with different options to suit the needs of each prospective customer. It’s an excellent example of how to sell software in a way that aligns with your brand voice while distilling essential details into a single document.
The final section of a software proposal is an executive summary that provides a quick overview of the entire project. This is a great place to highlight your company’s unique value proposition and explain why you are the best choice for the project at hand. You can also add social proof in the form of testimonials or case studies to enhance your credibility.
There are two main types of software proposals – enterprise software and SaaS software. The former is typically used for larger companies and organizations that require extensive implementation. This type of proposal may include detailed information on project deliverables, rollout timelines, and milestones.