Estimated read time: 2 minutes, 39 seconds

Traditional B2B SaaS proposals are in serious need of a revamp. As buyers continue to shop online, learn different buying processes, and are aware of how smooth an ideal customer buying experience should be, it is time for B2B companies to adapt. 

The state of proposals is currently ineffective. However, proposals are still important in the B2B purchasing process. Their overall buying experience heavily influences your prospect’s entire decision. The most effective sales proposals are all about the customer, their pain points and how you’ll solve their problems. 

What does a winning proposal look like now? How can a customer-focused proposal close deals faster? And how do you reclaim control of the proposal process?  

Challenges with Traditional B2B SaaS Proposals

The B2B SaaS buying experience isn’t as smooth as shopping online for a t-shirt. The process currently is clucky and lengthy for both buyers and sellers. The proposal process currently faces the following challenges:

  1. Version control is difficult
  2. Proposals can be confusing to navigate 
  3. Traditional proposal lack interactivity for your prospect, and you, the seller
  4. Pricing is one of the most essential parts of a B2B SaaS proposal 
  5. Proposals can be a lot of information 
  6. Prospects know how to buy

The Anatomy of a Great B2B SaaS Proposal

It is time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. Forget lengthy documents, and odds are no one is going to read 100% of the words. Put your customer first when building a winning B2B sales proposal. Create a proposal that answers all their questions and proves your product will solve their problems.

Introducing the new way of B2B proposals:

  1. High-Level Overview
  2. Highlight Your Solution
  3. Pricing
  4. Optional Add-Ons
  5. E-signature & Direct Payment 

Want to compare the traditional format to the new successful format? We made that easy for you. Download the Guide to Writing B2B SaaS Proposals That Close Deals Faster. 

The Steps to Create a Winning B2B SaaS Proposal 

Proposals are what stands between you and a new customer. Creating a winning proposal doesn’t have to be a complicated process. The buyer’s experience with your proposal should be fluid, simple to grasp, and consistent with the rest of the buying process. Here’s a quick summary of our 13-step checklist for creating a winning B2B SaaS Proposal: 

  1. Organize your key details
  2. Speed-up workflow
  3. Design with intent
  4. Focus on the buyer
  5. Highlight your solution
  6. Make it engaging and interactive
  7. Make it actionable 
  8. Clarify your message
  9. Watch your tone
  10. Get approvals
  11. Proofread and polish
  12. Monitor engagement 
  13. Plan your follow-up strategy 

Level-up Your Proposals

Let’s talk about step 6, “Make it Engaging and Interactive.” By creating an interactive proposal, you are streamlining the buying process directing through your sales funnel. FastSpring Interactive Quotes clearly outlines your proposal process to close deals faster. Better understand your prospect’s needs while successfully communicating and engaging with them throughout the entire process. 

Interested in creating winning B2B SaaS proposals that are not only engaging and interactive but close deals faster, set up a time to chat with FastSpring IQ. 

Anna Mroczkowski
Anna Mroczkowski Author
Anna is the Community Engagement Specialist at FastSpring. When Anna isn’t busy writing blog content and scrolling through social media for FastSpring, you can find her streaming TV shows, eating oysters, and dancing around her apartment in a matching sweatsuit listening to Savage Garden.
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