If you’re tired of rewriting the same sales proposal for every client—or worse, copy-pasting from a graveyard of old docs—this guide’s for you. Proposal work should move fast, not eat up half your week. Flipdeck templates can help, but only if you set them up right and avoid the usual traps.
Here’s how to actually use Flipdeck templates to make proposal creation faster, not just fancier.
Why Use Flipdeck Templates for Proposals?
Let’s get something out of the way: Templates aren’t magic. They’re a tool, not a shortcut to better proposals. But if you do it right, they can:
- Save you from repetitive busywork
- Keep messaging consistent (no more “wait, what did we promise last time?”)
- Make it easier for your team to help out
But here’s the trick—templates only help if you set them up to match your real workflow, not some ideal scenario. Skip the over-designed monstrosities and focus on what actually moves the deal forward.
Step 1: Map Out Your Standard Proposal Structure
Before you touch Flipdeck, figure out what should go into your proposals. Don’t just grab your last monster doc and call it a template.
Do this: - Pull up the last 3–5 proposals you sent (bonus points if they actually won deals) - Jot down the key sections you use every time, like: - Intro/Overview - Client Needs or Goals - Your Solution (what you’re actually offering) - Pricing/Investment - Timeline - Next Steps/Call to Action - Ignore the fluff—if you always delete or rewrite a section, don’t template it
Pro tip: If the “About Us” section is always skipped, your clients probably don’t care. Leave it out.
Step 2: Set Up Your Flipdeck Template
Now you’re ready to use Flipdeck’s template features. Here’s how to keep it simple and functional.
How Flipdeck Templates Work
Flipdeck lets you create reusable cards and decks—think of them as building blocks. Each card can contain text, images, links, or files, and you can group them into decks (like a full proposal). Templates save you from building the same thing over and over.
Build Your Cards
For each section you mapped out, create a Flipdeck card:
- Title: Make it clear (“Project Timeline” not “Section 3”)
- Content: Write in plain language, with spots for customization (like “[Insert client’s challenge here]”)
- Attachments: Add standard supporting docs (case studies, brochures) only if they’re actually helpful
You can also create cards for things you reuse a lot—bios, product sheets, pricing tables, etc.
Assemble Your Template Deck
Drag your cards into a deck in the order you want. Save this as your “Proposal Template.” Don’t overthink it—start basic and tune up later.
Step 3: Customize Without Making It a Chore
Templates are a starting point, not the finished product. The trick is to make sure you don’t spend just as long customizing as you would writing from scratch.
How to avoid the usual traps:
- Leave placeholders: Mark where you need to add client-specific info, so you don’t miss it later.
- Skip generic filler: If you have to rewrite the same section every time, the template isn’t helping—either write it better, or leave it out.
- Don’t over-template: Resist the urge to add every possible scenario. Start with the 80% you always use.
Example:
Instead of “Our solution will help you achieve your goals,” write “Our solution will help [Client Name] achieve [specific goal].” You’ll thank yourself later.
Step 4: Use Flipdeck’s Sharing and Tracking Features
One of the main reasons to use Flipdeck and not just a Word doc: built-in sharing and tracking.
Sharing
- Flipdeck lets you send your proposal as a link—no more huge email attachments.
- Clients can view the proposal online, on any device.
- You can update a card after sending (handy if a detail changes last minute).
Tracking
- See when (and if) your client actually opens the proposal.
- Get notified about which sections they’re spending time on.
- Use this info to follow up intelligently—no more “Just checking in!” emails.
What to ignore:
Don’t obsess over every metric. If your client spends 20 seconds on pricing, that’s not a reason to panic. Use tracking as a signal, not gospel.
Step 5: Iterate and Improve Your Templates
Templates shouldn’t be set-and-forget. The best ones evolve as you learn what works.
Here’s how to keep them sharp:
- After each proposal, note what you had to change or rewrite—fix your template if it keeps happening.
- If clients always ask for something you left out, add it.
- If nobody ever clicks a certain attachment, ditch it.
Quick check-in every month:
Spend 10 minutes reviewing your main template. Small tweaks add up.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ignore
What works: - Keeping your template minimal and easy to adapt - Using real language, not corporate fluff - Taking 10 minutes to update your template after each use (seriously, it’s worth it)
What doesn’t: - Over-complicating with 20+ cards “just in case” - Assuming templates will win deals for you—the content still has to be good - Ignoring feedback from clients and your own team
What to ignore: - Fancy features you don’t need (QR codes, background videos, whatever’s trendy) - The urge to template everything—focus on what actually saves you time
Keep It Simple, Keep Improving
Templates only save you time if they actually fit how you work. Don’t aim for perfection on day one. Start with a basic Flipdeck template, use it, and tweak as you go. The goal is less busywork, not more bells and whistles.
The best proposals are the ones you can send quickly—and that actually get a response. Keep it simple, stay honest, and don’t be afraid to trim the fat. Your clients (and your future self) will thank you.