Do I need a separate contract or is the proposal enough?

For small engagements (under a few thousand), a clearly worded proposal that includes scope, price, and acceptance is usually enough. For larger or longer engagements, a separate Statement of Work referencing a master services agreement is safer.

Should I include my hourly rate?

Generally no. Show the project price and the deliverables. Hourly rates invite the buyer to argue about the hours.

Template

Freelance proposal example

Freelance proposals do not need to look like agency decks. The buyer is choosing you, not your brand. The format below works for solo consultants, designers, developers, writers, and anyone selling expert time. It fits on two pages.

Proposals & Quotes

SMBHelper editorial teamEditorial standards

When to use

Sending a price to a new freelance client.
Pitching a defined project to an existing client.
Replying to a buyer who has asked for 'something in writing'.

Examples

Two-page freelance proposal — copywriting

PROPOSAL — Website copy refresh
For: Bright Coffee Co
From: Sam Carter, Independent Copywriter
Date: 14 April 2025
Valid until: 28 April 2025

WHAT YOU GET

A fully rewritten website covering 6 pages: Home, About, Wholesale, Subscription, Contact, and the new Café Locator page. The new copy will:

  - Speak in a single, recognisable brand voice (warm, knowledgeable, low on jargon).
  - Lead each page with the action you want the visitor to take.
  - Include short SEO meta descriptions for each page.

HOW WE WILL WORK

Week 1 — Briefing
  - One 90-minute call with you and one team member of your choice.
  - I send a written brand voice summary for your sign-off before any copy is drafted.

Weeks 2–3 — First drafts
  - Draft copy for all 6 pages delivered in a single Google Doc.
  - One round of revisions per page included.

Week 4 — Final files
  - Copy finalised after your second review.
  - Delivered as a Google Doc and a plain-text file ready for your developer.

TIMELINE

Total elapsed time: 4 weeks from the kick-off call.
Start date: within 1 week of acceptance.

INVESTMENT

Total fee: 2,400.00 (excluding VAT where applicable).

Payment schedule:
  - 40% on acceptance (960.00).
  - 60% on delivery of final files (1,440.00).

NOT INCLUDED

  - Photography or imagery.
  - Translation or localisation.
  - Implementation in your CMS (your developer or I can quote separately).
  - Additional pages beyond the 6 listed.

WHY ME

I have written for 11 small food and drink brands in the last 3 years (full client list on request). I work alone, which means you talk to the person doing the work. References from two recent clients are available on request.

TO ACCEPT

Reply to this email with "I accept". I will send a deposit invoice the same day and book the briefing call.

Two pages. One clear scope. One clear price. One clear way to accept. The buyer can read it in three minutes and reply.

Tips

Put the deliverable first. Background and credentials go near the end.
Use real numbers (one fee, one schedule), not 'starting from' or 'depending on scope'.
Always include a 'Not included' section. Two lines is enough.
Mention references but do not attach them. Buyers will ask if they want them.
End with a single, specific instruction for accepting. 'Let me know what you think' loses deals.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate contract or is the proposal enough?: For small engagements (under a few thousand), a clearly worded proposal that includes scope, price, and acceptance is usually enough. For larger or longer engagements, a separate Statement of Work referencing a master services agreement is safer.
Should I include my hourly rate?: Generally no. Show the project price and the deliverables. Hourly rates invite the buyer to argue about the hours.

Related tools

Proposal Builder

Related guides

Related terms