Wk24-Conduct an AI Proposal Review
Pitch Tuneup
When was the last time you took a fresh look at your proposal documents?
I’m not talking about contracts or legal terms here—just the proposal. The part that sets the tone for your working relationship, outlines the scope, and shows potential clients that you know what you’re doing and how you work.
If you’re still sending the same template you created years ago—or if you’ve been tweaking it on the fly—this week’s habit is for you.
Habit of the week:
Wk24-Conduct an AI Proposal Review
Download your latest proposal (without the contract portion, if it’s separate), and drop it into the AI tool of your choice. Ask it to analyze the content for clarity, tone, and persuasiveness.
The goal? Make sure your proposal is clear, client-friendly, and reflective of the services you offer today—not five years ago.
Why it matters:
Your proposal sets expectations, builds trust, and can make the difference between a yes and a no. A poorly worded or outdated proposal can confuse potential clients—or worse, make you look out of touch. This simple review habit can lead to higher conversions and smoother projects.
Quick Start Guide:
- Find Your Latest Proposal: Grab the file or doc you send most often to leads.
- Run It Through AI: Ask for an assessment of readability, clarity, tone, and persuasiveness. Prompt examples:
- “Is this proposal clear to someone unfamiliar with web design?”
- “Does this sound friendly but professional?”
- “How can I improve the call to action?”
- Update for New Services: Make sure any new offerings (like SEO, maintenance, or accessibility disclaimers) are clearly outlined.
- Add an FAQ: Anticipate common questions and include answers up front.
- Simplify the Next Step: Make it easy to say yes with a clean call to action and clear next step—like scheduling a review meeting.
Cami's Tips
- Review every 6-12 months: Proposal docs should evolve with your services. Set a reminder to review them annually. Save the thread if you can so you can continue to refine your document over time.
- Avoid Jargon: AI is great at helping spot overcomplicated language. Remember your clients aren’t developers (unless they are!)
- Tell AI to “make it sound like me.” I use the prompt, “friendly and spartan in tone” and that does the trick for me. “Make it shorter” is also a good one to return to.
- Test the Flow: Read your proposal out loud. Does it sound like you? Would you be excited to receive it as a potential client?
Routine Checkpoint:
Remember, a great proposal makes clients feel informed, supported, and ready to move forward.
How confident are you in the last proposal you sent? Reviewing your proposal every six months will help you keep it fresh.
What's Your Take?
Have you ever used AI to review a proposal or another key piece of your business communication? Share your experience using #WebDesignerHabits and let’s talk shop.
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about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help solopreneurs build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.