Help w/writing a web site proposal

I need to write a web site proposal for my portfolio class, and quite frankly, am not really sure as to all of the info that has to be included. Basically, I need to tell about my company, what services I provide, costs for services, yaddayaddayadda, blah blah blah.

I know that websites exist that provide cut-and-paste/template type things, but I’m having a helluva time finding them.

Any clues? Anyone, anyone? …Bueller?

Thanks. :confused:

I really don’t want to give you the answer, as finding it is the point of your homework. But the process is simple: Go to a website that’s similar to the one you want to build and take notes. Just pretend you’re looking for a business that does what yours will, and use Google to find them.

What is your class, anyway? Web design? Business? Something else?

If it’s for a portfolio class, I’m betting it’s a design proposal. I’ve never done a website proposal, but coming from an architecture and graphic design perspective, most proposals for these types of services are tailored to each project. I have never found an adequate template. But then, I am a designer, so nothing is ever good enough. :stuck_out_tongue:

At the risk of doing part of your homework for you, I will let you know that, in my experience, the typical proposal content goes something like this:

Cover Letter/Letter of Submittal: Written to the prospective client. Basically tells them why you are interested in their project and thank them in advance for considering your proposal.

Table of Contents: Exactly what it says. Helpful, but not always necessary.

Company Profile: History, philosophy, and experience of your company.

Design Strategy: Establish the objective. This is where you state the prospective client’s goals and needs, and address how your philosophy and approach is going to meet them. This may (probably does) include marketing research, defining the target audience, establishing the project phases, and setting a schedule. You may point out how you’ve solved similar problems for previous clients.

Proposed Personnel/Résumés: Obviously your résumé and that of any associates who may work on the project.

Project Experience: Here’s where your portfolio of prior work is important. This is a showcase of your best works as a designer and does not have to include all prior projects. (Since your specific proposal is for a class and you may not have a long client list, you may be allowed to use existing websites as your fictional projects. Check with your instructor first.) This section should also include a list of general client references.

Fee Proposal: This is where you establish reimbursable expenses, hourly rates for design, meetings, etc. Broken down by task, phase, and/or by personnel (i.e. a Principal will obviously be billed out at a different rate than an intern).

Use this info at your own risk. It is based on generating more than my share of proposals, and is intended for use where the goal is known. If you’re submitting a proposal unsolicited, some of the same information still applies, but you’ll probably have to modify portions. If it is a printed proposal, a strong graphic impact is essential. You want to stand apart from the crowd. Use high quality paper and cover stock. The look AND feel are important. Graphic consistency is very important too, and a positive, conversational (but not informal) tone in any body of text will go a long way toward establishing positive feelings about a proposal with the client.