If you’re sending out sales proposals and have no clue what happens after you click “send,” you’re basically flying blind. This guide is for anyone using Proposify who wants to actually see if clients are reading their proposals—or just ignoring them. We’ll walk through how to track analytics and measure real engagement, what’s worth paying attention to, and what’s just dashboard clutter.
1. Why Track Proposal Analytics Anyway?
Let’s be honest: most sales teams guess at what works. You send out a slick PDF, then wait and hope for a reply. With Proposify, you get actual data about who’s looking at your proposal, what they’re reading, and where they bail out. If you want to stop guessing and start closing more deals, it’s worth understanding these analytics.
Here’s what you get out of tracking analytics:
- See if the proposal was even opened (no more “I didn’t see it” excuses)
- Find out what sections your clients care about (or don’t)
- Know when to follow up (without being a pest)
- Spot red flags early (if they stop reading midway, you’ll know)
But analytics are only useful if you know what to look for—and ignore the fluff.
2. The Main Analytics Proposify Tracks
Before you dive into dashboards, get clear on what Proposify actually tracks. Here’s the stuff that matters:
- Views: How many times your proposal was opened.
- Time Spent: Total time spent on the proposal, and time spent per section/page.
- Section/Page Breakdown: Which parts got the most attention (and which got skipped).
- Interactions: Who viewed, signed, commented, or downloaded.
- Device Info: Desktop, tablet, or phone—good to know, but not usually critical.
- Engagement Timeline: When each action happened.
What to ignore: Vanity metrics like “average time per device” or “geo-location” usually aren’t helpful for closing deals. Focus on what tells you about intent.
3. Setting Up Proposal Analytics in Proposify
Proposify tracks most analytics automatically, but you need to set things up right to get good data.
Step 1: Use the Built-in Proposal Links (Don’t Send PDFs)
If you email a downloaded PDF, you lose all tracking. Always send proposals using Proposify’s share link or send directly through its platform. This way, every view and interaction gets logged.
Pro tip: Disable downloading until the deal closes, if you want to nudge clients to use the online version (and keep your analytics clean).
Step 2: Add All Stakeholders
If you know there’s more than one decision maker, add them as viewers or signers in Proposify. This way, you’ll see who’s actually engaging, not just “someone at Acme Corp.”
Step 3: Set Up Notifications
Turn on notifications for views, comments, and signatures. You’ll get a heads-up when something happens—just don’t let it turn you into a stalker.
4. Interpreting the Data (What’s Worth Your Time)
Here’s the part that trips people up: not all “analytics” are equally useful.
What to Pay Attention To:
- First View Timestamp: If nobody opens your proposal in 24-48 hours, they’re probably not interested—or didn’t see it. Time for a nudge.
- Number of Views: Multiple views (especially at odd hours) often means your proposal is being circulated internally—a good sign.
- Section Drop-off: If everyone bails after the pricing section, your numbers may be too high, or your value isn’t clear.
- Time Spent on Key Sections: If a client spends 10 minutes on one page, they’re probably weighing options or details. Use this info in your follow-up.
- Signer Activity: If signers view but don’t sign, reach out—maybe there’s a last-minute question.
What to Ignore (Mostly):
- Device breakdown: Nice to know, rarely actionable.
- Minute-by-Minute Tracking: Don’t obsess over every second. Focus on patterns, not outliers.
- Download Metrics: If they download but never view again, you lose visibility. Try to keep them in the online viewer if you want tracking.
5. Using Analytics to Actually Improve Your Proposals
Data’s no good if you don’t use it. Here’s how to turn numbers into action:
Step 1: Identify Bottlenecks
If clients regularly get stuck or drop off at the same section (say, terms & conditions), rewrite or clarify that part. Don’t assume they’ll ask questions—many just bail.
Step 2: Tailor Your Follow-Ups
Refer to specific engagement data in your follow-ups. For example:
“I noticed you spent some time on the implementation timeline—happy to clarify any details or adjust dates if needed.”
This shows you’re paying attention (without being creepy) and opens the door for real conversation.
Step 3: Test and Iterate
Change one thing at a time—a shorter intro, different pricing format, clearer call to action—then see if engagement improves. If your analytics don’t budge, try something else. Don’t just tweak for the sake of it.
Step 4: Share Insights with Your Team
If you’re on a sales team, share what you learn. Maybe everyone’s losing prospects in the same section. Fix it for everyone, not just yourself.
6. Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
Most people either obsess over every metric or ignore them completely. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Analysis Paralysis: Don’t drown in data. Pick 1-2 metrics that actually help you close deals.
- Privacy Overreach: Just because you can see when someone’s reading your proposal at 11 pm doesn’t mean you should mention it. Respect boundaries.
- Assuming Too Much: High engagement doesn’t always mean “hot lead.” Sometimes they’re just confused.
- Chasing the Wrong Metrics: Don’t optimize for “time spent” if it just means your proposal is confusing.
7. Advanced Tips (If You Want to Go Deeper)
If you’re comfortable with the basics, here are a few extra tricks:
- A/B Test Proposals: Send slightly different versions to see what gets more engagement—but only if you have enough volume to see patterns.
- Integrate with CRM: Connect Proposify to your CRM for better reporting and tracking across the sales funnel.
- Automate Follow-Ups: Set up automated reminders based on proposal activity, but review them before sending. Nothing kills a deal like a robotic email.
- Use Comments Wisely: Encourage clients to comment directly in the proposal. You’ll get questions early, and it shows engagement.
8. What Analytics Can’t Tell You
No analytics tool (Proposify included) can tell you exactly what a client is thinking. Use the data as a conversation starter, not a crystal ball. Sometimes a client reads every word and still ghosts you. Sometimes they skim and sign instantly. Don’t overthink it.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
You don’t need a PhD in data analytics to get value from Proposify’s tracking tools. Use the basics: views, time spent, and section drop-off. Focus on what helps you close deals and ignore the noise. Test small changes, see what works, and don’t be afraid to ask clients directly what they thought.
The goal isn’t perfect analytics—it’s better proposals and more closed deals. Keep it simple, stay curious, and iterate as you go.