Should your small business use an online proposal platform?

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For freelancers and small business owners, creating client proposals can take way more time than it should. After trying out a number of proposal different platforms, we chose Bidsketch. When we were looking into proposal platforms, we had some specific needs: ease of use, the ability to reuse proposal sections, savable and optional fees, affordability and e-signature capability. Here’s why Bidsketch works for us and how it fits into our workflow.

1. Ease of Use
One of the first things about Bidsketch is how straightforward it is to use. It doesn’t require much time to figure out where things are or how to get started. The layout is clean, and most of the functions are self-explanatory. For those who don’t want to spend a lot of time learning new software, this was a plus. Creating and sending proposals was easy to figure out unlike other bloated platforms.

2. Reusable Content Sections
Many of our proposals include similar content—whether that’s service descriptions, introductions or closings. Bidsketch allows us to save these sections and reuse them in future proposals. This has helped reduce the time spent writing proposals from scratch and keeps messaging consistent. It’s especially helpful when working with clients who need similar types of services.

3. Saved Fees
In Bidsketch, it’s easy to create and store different types of fees. This has made pricing faster and more consistent. Instead of manually entering the same services on each proposal, saved fees from the content library can be added with a few clicks. This reduces errors and ensures consistent pricing.

4. Optional Fees
One feature that’s particularly useful is the ability to add optional fees. This gives clients the ability to choose add-ons or additional services directly within the proposal. For example, if we’re offering a standard package but want to suggest other services that are relevant for that particular client, those services can be included as optional. It keeps the main offer clear, while still giving space for other options in a way that feels low-pressure. And clients can select to add those on right in the signature/approval process.

5. Cost
Compared to other proposal software we considered, Bidsketch is fairly priced. It offers enough features to make a real difference without including too many extras that aren’t needed. It struck a good balance between cost and functionality.

6. E-Signature Capability
The last, but maybe one of the most important features is Bidsketch’s built-in e-signature functionality. Clients can review and sign proposals directly through the platform, without needing to print, scan, or use a separate signing tool. This helps reduce back-and-forth and speeds up the approval process. It also creates a more professional experience for the client. The signed proposal is stored automatically, which keeps everything organized and easy to reference later.

Check out Bidsketch to learn more about their platform and how it can help you save time and close more sales.

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