Increasing Customer Engagement Through Better Proposals

As a business owner, you understand very well the importance of customer engagement. It's not just about doing satisfactory work; it's about making the client feel like they're a part of the process and, above all, like their opinions matter. Without this element, customers will be less inclined to return for their future business needs. One of the ways you can increase customer engagement is by improving how you handle proposals. Below are seven changes you can make to guarantee your proposals stand out among the rest. 

Type it.
You might have the most beautiful handwriting known to man. Then again, you might not. In either case, typing your proposal will give it an air of professionalism and will most likely make the document much clearer to the customer.

Add some color. 
A colorful document is going to catch the client's eye much faster than a regular old black-and-white form. Spruce up the appearance of your proposal by incorporating some new hues. Go for something that's subtle and professional but pleasing to the eye. Check out our free painting proposal template for an example. 

Separate it into sections. 
Lumping all of the items together looks cluttered and can serve to confuse the client more than clear things up. Put different parts of the job into different segments of the proposal and label them accordingly (e.g. "Preparation", "Priming", and "Finishing Coat"). Dividing the proposal into smaller pieces will make it easier for the customer to understand what you're trying to communicate. 

Use proper spacing.
This goes along with the previous point. Avoid overwhelming the client by providing lots of room on the document and leaving an appropriate amount of white space. When it comes to important forms like these, simpler is usually better. 

Review it with the client on the spot.
Taking the time to go over the proposal with the customer has a number of benefits. For one, this is a good way to make them more aware of what you're doing and why it's essential. Because you and the customer don't necessarily share the same expertise, there are some items that you might have to explain in detail in order to validate your work and maintain a trusting relationship with the client. This is also a means of increasing understanding through detail. By delving more deeply into the specifics of the job, you're confirming that you know your stuff, as well as setting the right expectations for the final product. And customers prefer to get into the nitty-gritty, especially when they're putting thousands of dollars into a renovation project.

Include your phone number and website. 
Give your client an easy way to reach you with any questions or concerns they may have. List your number and web address in clear print at the top of the proposal. Not only is this good for the contractor-client relationship, it will also draw attention and traffic to your website, giving clients the opportunity to see your customer reviews, photos, and blog posts. 

Give them a nudge. 
Having trouble getting a "yes" (or "no") from the homeowner? The best way to get a customer to re-engage with an old proposal is to put it right in front of them. Resending the original document via email or snail mail gives the client a friendly push towards making a decision. Take a look at our blog post for more tips on dealing with customers who are on the fence.