How to Create a Design Proposal That Converts (With Examples Designers Can Actually Use)

The Secret to Getting Clients? A Thoughtful, Well-Designed Proposal

If you’re a graphic, brand, web, interior, or fashion designer, you already know this: the proposal you send can make or break a client relationship.

That first document isn’t just about numbers—it’s your chance to build trust, show clarity, and position yourself as a professional who understands your client’s goals.

With WillowSpace, you can create beautiful, branded proposals online and send them seamlessly—along with contracts, forms, and more.

What Is a Design Proposal?

A design proposal is a document you send to a potential client that outlines:

• The goals of their project

• The work you’ll deliver

• Your process and timelines

• The total investment

• Why you're the best fit for the job

It’s your opportunity to clearly map out what working together looks like.

When Should You Send a Proposal?

Proposals can be sent at different points in your process. Here’s a common flow:

• ✉️ After a lead inquiry: Send a general lookbook or intro doc with process overview, pricing ranges, and timeline expectations to get the conversation going.

• 📅 After a discovery call: Send a custom proposal with specific deliverables, pricing, and next steps tailored to the project.

• 📢 Cold outreach or RFP: Pitch your value upfront with a proposal that shows what you can offer (this is especially useful when replying to job posts or collaborating with agencies).

What Makes a Good Proposal?

A high-converting proposal is:

• Beautifully designed (hello, you're a designer)

• Easy to read and follow

• Aligned with your brand

• Focused on their goals and outcomes

• Structured to move them toward a decision

Use a template to streamline your process and ensure consistency. (WillowSpace has a drag-and-drop builder, or you can upload your own.)

What to Include in Your Design Proposal

📝 Project Summary

Start with a quick summary that outlines the project at a glance. Aim for 1–3 objectives that show you’ve listened and understand their needs.

✅ Project Scope + Milestones

Break the work into stages or phases. Include deliverables for each phase so the client understands what to expect, when.

🗓️ Timeline

Show a rough timeline. This could be a visual Gantt-style chart or simply Week 1, Week 2, etc. Make it digestible and flexible.

💵 Investment + Payment Schedule

Outline your pricing clearly. Consider showing payment milestones (e.g., 4 payments of $2,000 instead of just $8,000) to ease client hesitations.

📊 Benefits + ROI

Include why this investment is worth it—whether it’s through expected impact, past results, or relevant stats (like increased engagement, conversions, brand trust).

🌟 Case Studies or Work Samples

Include 1–3 past projects that are similar in style or scope. Add social proof or testimonials here to reinforce credibility.

📄 About You

Close with a personal connection. Share who you are, your design philosophy, and what makes your process different. This is where trust deepens.

Why Use WillowSpace to Create Your Proposals?

• Drag-and-drop proposal builder that makes design simple

• Send and track proposals in one place

• Know exactly when someone views your proposal

• Let clients accept or decline with one click (and share why!)

• Turn a proposal into a client project seamlessly

Plus, it looks beautiful (as it should).

Start Sending Beautiful, Strategic Proposals Today

With WillowSpace, you can create polished, high-converting proposals that reflect your brand—and help you book better clients, faster.

🎉 Start your free trial + get our Client Management Toolkit to set up your process smoothly.