A free freelance proposal template you can copy

Overview

[Client name] needs [outcome] by [date]. This proposal covers [scope in one line], delivered in [number] phases for [price].

Understanding your situation

Right now, [describe the current state and the cost of leaving it alone]. You mentioned [specific detail from your call]. The goal is [measurable outcome], and the constraint is [budget, deadline, team, or tooling].

Approach

Phase 1 — [discovery or setup]: [what happens, what you need from them]. Phase 2 — [core build]: [what happens]. Phase 3 — [launch and handover]: [what happens].

Deliverables

You receive:

• [Deliverable one, described as a finished thing]
• [Deliverable two]
• [Deliverable three]
• [Anything explicitly out of scope, listed so there is no ambiguity]

Timeline and investment

Start [date], complete by [date]. Total investment: [price]. Payment schedule: [50% to book the start date, 50% on delivery]. Includes [number] rounds of revisions; additional scope is quoted separately.

Next steps

Accept this proposal at the link below and I will send the agreement and the deposit invoice the same day. This pricing is valid through [date].

Rather not maintain a template by hand? Proposalist generates all eight sections from a short form, keeps your terms and payment schedule as defaults, and gives clients a link they can accept in one click.