If you’re tired of rewriting the same proposals—or worse, sending out stuff that feels generic and gets ignored—this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through building a proposal template in Bidsketch that actually works, not just looks good for your boss. No fluff, no jargon, just a step-by-step on what you need to do, what you can skip, and what will actually save you time.
Step 1: Know What You Actually Need in a Proposal Template
Before you even log in, ask yourself: What needs to be repeatable, and what needs to be flexible? The best templates aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re adaptable frameworks.
Ask: - Who are your typical clients? - Which services do you actually sell (not just “might someday”)? - What info do you always need to include, and what changes every time?
Pro tip: Don’t cram in every possible option “just in case.” You’ll end up deleting more than you reuse.
Step 2: Set Up Your Bidsketch Account
Assuming you’ve signed up, log into Bidsketch and head to the dashboard. If you’re still on a trial, don’t worry—all the template features work.
Skip: Over-customizing your account settings at this stage. You can tweak branding and notifications later.
Step 3: Start a New Proposal Template
- Go to the “Templates” tab on the left sidebar.
- Click “Create New Template.”
You’ll see a blank proposal with a few default sections. This is your sandbox.
Don’t just edit the sample proposal
Those pre-filled templates can help you see the structure, but they’re often too generic or full of filler. Start from blank, and copy over only the sections that make sense for your workflow.
Step 4: Add and Arrange Your Sections
Bidsketch proposals are built from sections. Typical ones might be:
- Introduction or Cover Letter
- Project Overview
- Deliverables or Scope of Work
- Timeline
- Pricing
- Terms & Conditions
- Next Steps
What works: - SHORT, focused sections. Long walls of text get skipped. - Clear headers. Don’t call it “Our Commitment to Excellence.” Just call it “Scope” or “What You Get.” - Consistent order. Clients should know where to find key info every time.
What to skip: - Unnecessary “About Us” fluff—unless clients actually care. - Testimonials in every proposal. Use them sparingly, if at all. - Boilerplate that doesn’t fit your service or client type.
Pro tip: You can create reusable sections in Bidsketch (like “Payment Terms” or “Next Steps”). Save these for the pieces you’ll use almost everywhere.
Step 5: Write Content with Placeholders
Here’s where most templates fall apart: they’re either so generic they’re useless, or so specific you have to rewrite them every time. Bidsketch lets you insert placeholders (like client name, company, project title) so you don’t have to search and replace each time.
- Use Bidsketch’s variables (like
[Client Name],[Project Name], etc.). - For custom stuff (like a unique deliverable), write a clear note to yourself in brackets:
[INSERT UNIQUE DELIVERABLE HERE].
What works: - Direct, specific language. “We will deliver X by Y date,” not “Our team strives to deliver optimal results.” - Only use placeholders for things you always update—otherwise, you’ll miss them.
Don’t:
- Leave “Lorem ipsum” or filler text. You’ll forget to update it and look sloppy.
- Overdo variables. If you need to swap every third word, your template is too generic.
Step 6: Set Up Pricing Sections
Bidsketch is built to handle multiple pricing options. Use this—but don’t confuse your clients.
Options: - Fixed-price packages (great for productized services) - Hourly or retainer options - Optional add-ons
What works: - Limit choices to 2-3 clear options. More than that, and you’ll paralyze your client. - Use short, descriptive titles, not “Option A/B/C.” - Make sure the math is right. Seriously, double-check.
Skip:
- “Contact us for pricing.” If you’re not ready to quote, don’t send the proposal.
- Overcomplicated tables. If you need a legend, it’s too much.
Step 7: Add Your Branding (But Don’t Overdo It)
You can add your logo, tweak colors, and add a cover image in Bidsketch. This is mostly for polish.
What works: - Logo in the header. - Consistent color scheme—ideally, the same as your website. - Keep it simple. Clean > flashy.
What doesn’t: - Giant logos or watermarks. It’s a proposal, not a billboard. - Distracting backgrounds or fonts.
Step 8: Set Up Your Electronic Signature and Acceptance
Bidsketch lets clients approve proposals and sign electronically—one of its best features.
- Make sure your “Next Steps” section tells clients exactly what to do (“Click ‘Accept’ to get started”).
- Set up automated notifications for accepted proposals.
Pro tip: If you want a contract signed separately, make that clear. Don’t assume your proposal doubles as a legal agreement unless you’ve checked with a lawyer.
Step 9: Preview, Test, and Save
This is where you catch embarrassing mistakes.
- Use the “Preview” button. Check on desktop and mobile.
- Send a test proposal to yourself or a colleague.
- Try filling in client info—do all the placeholders update? Is anything missing or awkward?
What to ignore:
- Obsessing over pixel-perfect formatting. If it’s readable and not buggy, move on.
Step 10: Use, Tweak, Repeat
Your first template won’t be perfect. That’s normal.
- After you send a few proposals, note what you keep editing or deleting.
- Update your template every few months, not after every proposal.
- If clients keep asking the same questions, add that info up front.
Pro tip: Keep an “archive” template of old versions, just in case you need to roll back.
Quick Tips for Winning Proposals (That No Tool Can Do For You)
- Be honest about what you can deliver and when.
- Cut jargon, unless your client speaks fluent buzzword.
- Answer the “So what?” question: Why should the client care?
- Make it easy to say yes—clear pricing, clear next steps, no mystery fees.
Wrapping Up
A good proposal template in Bidsketch isn’t about showing off or covering every edge case. It’s about making your process faster, keeping your message clear, and helping clients say yes. Don’t get stuck aiming for “perfect.” Start simple, keep an eye on what works, and adjust as you go. Most winning proposals get there through small, smart tweaks—not magic.