One shot at winning the Web Project bid - don't mess it up up kiddo

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As a web developer, you have a single purpose in life – save valuable time and make more money by developing awesome websites….:) 

Critical to this process is writing a winning Web Development Proposal.  One that addresses the client’s needs and requirements, offers practical solutions, provides cost breakdowns, details the project lifecycles, and so on.  The proposal must be written in a compelling manner that is easily understood and not overwhelm the client with superfluous information.  Get these things wrong and you might as well kiss you chances at winning the bid goodbye.

So what are the most common mistakes when writing a Web Development Proposal?  The two most common are :

Not Doing Your Research
The best way to lose a Web Project is to misinterpret the client’s requirements. It’s a Big No-no. Huge boo-boo. Massive opps.  No-coming-back screw up.

Gaining clarity of requirements is critical to the Web Development Proposal – you cannot afford to mess it up.  


Detailing the user’s requirements is the crux of a successful proposal….to get this wrong is basically telling the client that you misunderstood or misinterpreted their needs.  You might as well tell them that you basically sat in their office thinking about your date next Friday night while they passionately and enthusiastically laid out their heartfelt plans for a website. 

Solution : Research the business and thoroughly review their requirements, then be specific about the problem they want solved. A detailed analsysis of their needs sets the stage for your specfications of how you can meet their needs better than anyone else. Yes, this process take time, so I’m hearing you.  But this “time” thing is neither here no there – you want the Web Project (money) or not?

Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
- believe instead of believe
- copywrite instead of copyright
- agian instead of again
- sentences that seem to go on forever with no pauses
- paragraphs so long that you need an aspirin to continue reading


Spelling and grammer mistakes will not only kill your chances at winning the Web Project, but they’ll make you look sloppy and unprofessional.  The fastest way to make your Web Development Proposal come undone is to not dot your I’s and cross your T’s (pardon the pun).

Solution : Run a spell check against your document and give it several proof reads (preferably from 1 or 2 other persons).  

That's it for now guys and girls.  Short and sweet, but (hopefully) informative.

Happy Web Developing and remember to give your Web Development Proposal as much love as you do your favourite pet!

Regards
Jamie Pixon
Freelance Web Developer (ASP, SQL Server, AJAX, Javascript, T-SQL)
Website : Web Development Proposal
My LiveJournal : WebDevDude