Your proposal is more than a formality — it’s your first big chance to show a potential client who you are, how you think, and what working with you might feel like. But too often, designers send something that feels cold, generic, or hard to understand — and then wonder why the project didn’t go through.

Let’s fix that. 🚀 Here are 5 common proposal mistakes (and how to turn them into your strengths):

Mistake #1: No Personality

The problem: Your proposal reads like it was generated by a robot.
 Too polished. Too templated. Too… impersonal.

Why it matters: Clients don’t hire templates — they hire people. If your proposal doesn’t sound like you, you’re missing a chance to connect.

Fix it:
 Use a friendly, confident tone. Add a short introduction or personal note at the beginning — even just a few lines about who you are and why you’re excited about the project. You’re not trying to win an award for corporate writing. You’re trying to build trust.

Mistake #2: Too Vague

The problem: You mention things like “branding” or “website design,” but don’t explain what that really includes.

Why it matters: Generic language makes clients nervous. They don’t want to guess what they’re paying for.

Fix it:
 Break it down. Outline the key deliverables, estimated timeline, and your process. The more clearly you define your offer, the easier it is for clients to say “yes.”

Mistake #3: No Visuals

The problem: The proposal is just blocks of text.

Why it matters: You’re a designer — and your proposal is a reflection of your taste, clarity, and style. If it doesn’t look like you care, why should they?

Fix it:
 Make it visual. Include 1–2 images of past work, a sneak peek of your process, or even a bit of color or layout styling. It doesn’t have to be flashy — just thoughtfully designed.

Mistake #4: Pricing Confusion

The problem: The numbers are messy, there’s no explanation, or everything’s lumped together.

Why it matters: Unclear pricing feels risky to clients. They don’t just want to know what it costs — they want to know why it costs that.

Fix it:
 Keep it simple and transparent. Show what’s included in the price, and briefly explain the value behind it. A little clarity goes a long way.

Mistake #5: No Clear Next Step

The problem: The proposal ends… and then what?

Why it matters: Even if the client loves everything, they may not follow up if they don’t know what to do next.

Fix it:
 End with a clear CTA. Invite them to reply with questions, book a call, or approve the proposal directly. Don’t leave them hanging.

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Proposals don’t have to be boring or confusing.


Make yours clear, human, and easy to say yes to.
 Ready to simplify the process? Download our proposal template — it’s everything you need to get started.