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How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to Write a One-Page Proposal

Table of Contents

Don’t skimp on preparation.

• Structuring a one-page proposal

Writing a one-page proposal

• Formatting is your friend

One-page proposal template

Proposals are an essential tool for winning new business. Writing a persuasive pitch summarizes the value of your offering, how you can resolve your client’s challenges, and reflects the relationship between your organizations. Proposals can range in size and format, but a form that is growing in popularity is the one-page proposal . This brief bid is useful when a client requires the entire solution at a glance. It can be used as an overview before proceeding to a more in-depth proposal, or it may be a stand-alone document that enables sign-off on new work. 

Summarizing a proposal on one page is far more complicated than it sounds. This article will outline how to prepare for the one-pager, the critical sections to include, writing and formatting guidance, and a template to support your proposal development.

Many people confuse a short document with one that’s easy to write. However, it is difficult to include all the necessary information in just one page. Thoughtful preparation is required to ensure the proposal uses every word and square inch effectively. 

Collecting and organizing ideas is the first step, and this process is made easier through the use of mind-mapping software. Mind-mapping allows a freeform collection of all the elements that should be considered in the proposal. Once the ideas are collected, they can be organized and prioritized. This process is valuable both when preparing it on your own or with a team. I recommend Mindmeister for its accessible interface and collaboration options. Mind-mapping will result in a clear outline of your proposal that will clarify the writing process.

The preparation process requires a keen understanding of your potential client. Review the various elements you’ve collected in your mindmap for their relevancy and interest to your client. For example, certain clients want a vision of their company after your work is complete. Others prefer to see only specific deliverables without any fluff. This audience analysis is a valuable filter to identify the information and sections that appeal to your customer.

Are you interested in improving your proposal writing skills? Check out our proposal writing course .

Structuring a one-page proposal  

Each proposal must be unique to your client. The following elements are items that are typically included in a one-page proposal. However, this framework should be modified to include what is relevant to your audience. 

Win more business with strong proposal writing skills.

Our Proposal Writing Course includes instructor feedback & coaching to review any proposal you write.

Selling starts with the title

Your proposal title should be a persuasive summary of an already short document. If you’re writing a one-page proposal, your audience is likely extremely busy. Your reader’s attention is in-demand, and the proposal title’s job is to pique their interest about your offer. 

The Why: Overview 

The overview provides a summary of the proposal. This section should outline the objectives and strategy of the business deal, the products or services you will render, and how they will solve your client’s problems. A persuasive pitch identifies your value proposition and how your work will make your customer’s business more productive, efficient, or otherwise improved. This section should make it obvious to your client why they should say ‘yes!’

The What: Scope 

Each proposal promises a new vision for your client. This vision should be compelling and engaging, but it must also be realistic. Outlining the scope sets a clear boundary of what the client can expect within the contract.

This section may also lay out the roles and responsibilities of your company and your clients. The proposal may be contingent on receiving access to data, platforms, or personnel to enable the project. 

The How: Deliverables 

What will your client receive in exchange for their agreement? Items may be tangible products or intangible services. Product deliverables are typically straightforward to outline. Service deliverables can be more challenging to define. Therefore, it is even more important to clearly and succinctly describe services to avoid any confusion on contract fulfillment. For example, in a social media proposal, the number of posts or level of engagement could define a deliverable. In a safety training proposal, the number of students trained or the production of a tailored training manual could be the metrics. 

The When: Timeline

Clarity on timing is essential to meet client needs and to ensure your ability to deliver. The timeline can be framed relative to contract signing, set by specific dates, or in phases based on client approval. Any format can be acceptable, so long as it’s specified. If appropriate, this section may be integrated with the deliverables.

The How Much: Financials

Financials are the heart of any proposal. Clients want to know exactly what this offer will cost. Budgets can be presented in a diversity of formats, so choose one appropriate for your client and industry. 

Some writers see one-page proposals as an opportunity to simplify the budget as a lump-sum amount. However, customers can balk at a sizeable total because they do not know the value of all individual elements — balance brevity with transparency in preparing this critical section. 

The Fine Print: Contract

This section should explain how to accept the proposal. It may indicate how to request a more in-depth proposal or include an area to sign with approval. In addition, it should include any key legal or taxation information.

One-page proposals often require assumptions to maintain conciseness. These assumptions could cover access, the current status of the client’s business, your subcontractor availability, or any other item. Identifying these assumptions in this section enables these items to be reviewed and accepted by your client. 

The Who: Contact 

One-page proposals are typically provided to customers familiar with your company and therefore do not need an extensive company introduction. This section should include your client’s contact person, contact information, and a brief company overview or website link.  

In any proposal, the ‘About Us’ section should take a back-seat because the core of the proposal is about the client, not yourself. Company information is relevant but should be brief. For example, direct links to your corporate website that includes a strong portfolio and compelling testimonials does not use valuable real estate and is always available. 

Once your mind-mapping has produced a clear structure and outline, the writing process should be relatively straightforward. In a one-page proposal, there is no room for fluff. The content must be included in a way that is both convincing and concise. 

Business writers often find it more challenging to write brief documents compared to more extensive reports. The constraints of one page require each phrase to be carefully thought through, and each sentence to be actively supporting the pitch. It is easy to write a convincing document if all the information you could possibly want to include is included. Brevity is an art and a powerful one. 

If your text continues beyond one page, review each section for content that is duplicative or extraneous. Look for opportunities to combine similar concepts into a singular sentence with more powerful phrasing. A helpful editing technique is to leave the document for a few hours or a day, and then read it from your client’s perspective. This fresh angle can quickly identify passages that need revision or deletion.

Formatting is your friend  

Formatting is vital for an aesthetically pleasing one-page proposal. These documents include a lot of information, and careful formatting allows the reader to absorb it quickly.

For an accessible one-pager, consider these formatting tips:

• Use whitespace to separate sections, avoid the page from feeling busy, and guide the reader’s eye through the document. 
• Use two or three columns in some areas to present relevant information in parallel. 
• Graphics, photos, or icons can support your proposal’s message while also breaking up blocks of text.
• Tables or charts can be used to summarize text and emphasize key points. 
• Test that your proposal is truly on one page with a preview by printing or saving it as a PDF document.

The following template puts the structure and formatting together for a framework for a one-page proposal. Feel free to use and refine this template to build your bid and attract new business.

The Title: The Most Important Phrase Objective Summary of the proposal that will get a ‘yes!’ from your client. Make sure to include a clear, short statement of how you will uniquely solve the client's problems. Scope Defining what the proposal will cover. Deliverables Timeline Investment Deliverable #1 Description Delivery Date #1 Budget Item #1 Deliverable #2 Description Delivery Date #2 Budget Item #2 Deliverable #3 Description Delivery Date #3 Budget Item #3 Contract Guidance on how to accept the contract and any assumptions or stipulations the client should consider. We’re Here for You Sales representatives name and direct contact information A one-liner about your company and a link to the corporate website.

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

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If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 22 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal.

A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.

It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why. 

What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:

• your approach and methodology
• timeline and feasibility
• all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.

Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.

How long should it be?

Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.

Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.

What should it include?

Project title.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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Proposal Templates > One Page Proposal Template

One Page Proposal Template

When you need  to get a proposal out quick, or just need a bare-bones template to work with, our one page proposal template will get you kickstarted in minutes. Customize, deliver, and track your proposal, then get it signed with built-in eSignatures.  

How To Write A Research Proposal

A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be   persuasive ,   attractive   and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

• The title/topic
• The introduction chapter
• The scope/delimitations
• Preliminary literature review
• Design/ methodology
• Practical considerations and risks 

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing   is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is   clearly articulated   (i.e., a clear research question) ,   worth doing   (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and   doable   within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here . 

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to   ask yourself 4 important questions .  If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

• WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
• WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
• WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
• HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely,   you’re not yet ready   to write your research proposal – revisit our   post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a   handy 5-section structure   you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip:   Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect.   Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the   topic   – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

• An overview of the   broad area   you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
• An explanation of the   specific (narrower) area   you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
• Your research   aims   and   objectives
• Your   research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the   best writing is writing that can be easily understood   and digested. Keep it simple.

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to   go deep   with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

• Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are   familiar with the current state of the research   in your topic area.
• Show that   there’s a clear gap   for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
• Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding   research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a   clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip:  Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to   synthesise   it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to   answer two critical questions :

• How   will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
• Why   have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the   justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

• Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
• What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
• The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
• What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
• How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
• How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
• Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can   read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the   practical   side of the project. In other words, you need to explain   what resources you’ll need   (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is   project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

• What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
• Are the time allocations reasonable?
• What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
• What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those,   keep your written language very close to natural spoken language   – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• The purpose of the research proposal is to   convince   – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
• Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research   before   you put pen to paper.
• Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
• Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
• Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
• Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
• Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

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One Page Research Summary

When it comes to doing research, a lot of people may find it difficult to get it right. That often than not, they get too frustrated to even begin the research. However, what others may not have noticed is that it is not the research that gets frustrating, but it is how to summarize the entire research into a single page. When you have done good research, you often think to yourself that this would be easy to summarize but when given a specific task to summarize to a single page, you may want to think on how you can do this. Others may think that this is too impossible to fit a research summary into a single page.

But what if I told you that there is a way for you to be able to do it? Would you believe me or would you still think it is too impossible? Don’t get me wrong, there are others who do believe it to be possible, while others do not. Why don’t you try it? How do you make a whole research summary fit into a single page ? This is why the article is the one you should be checking out right now. 6+ examples to show you how to write a one page research summary.

6+ One Page Research Summary Examples

1. one page research summary template.

2. Sample One Page Research Summary

Size: 45 KB

3. One Page Research Summary Proposal

Size: 50 KB

4. One Page Research Summary in PDF

5. Printable One Page Research Summary

Size: 262 KB

6. One Page Research Summary Example

Size: 158 KB

7. Formal One Page Research Summary

Size: 68 KB

What Is a One Page Research Summary?

So to start off, you may still be thinking about how impossible it is to fit a whole research in a single page. But let me tell you that it is not. But first, let us define what a one page research summary is. This is a kind of document , or an academic writing. This kind of research summary holds the information that a student or an academic person has done in order to expound on what they had learned through their research. What the research may be about often targets the readers who may also want to learn more about it. In a way, instead of having to read more than a page of research summaries, the one page research summary is going to be the best fit. This way, any important information can simply be written in a general but still a very clear and concise way . This means that regardless of the single page it is written, it still does its purpose by giving the reader the information that they need.

How to Write a One Page Research Summary?

The next agenda on your list would be to know how to write a one page research summary. Have I been able to convince you yet that it is possible to write a page research summary? If I have not, you should check these tips below. By simply following these simple steps or guides , you are going to find it easier to do a page research summary.

1. Read the Chapter and Make a Draft

The best way to begin is to make a draft while you read the chapter or the chapters you are told to summarize. The whole purpose of the draft is for you to be able to concentrate on taking out the most important information . While reading the chapter or chapters, take some time to take down your own notes and place it in the draft. That way it would be easier for you to finalize everything later on.

2. Look For the Important Information From Your Draft

Apart from reading the chapters and making the draft, seek out the important information that would support your summary and your research. Make sure to not take away any information that is connected to the previous chapters and information you took from there. Your key points should also be found in your summary or in your draft. They serve as your helping hand.

3. Begin With Your Final Output

Once you have all the information written out in your draft and placed in the correct places, it is time you write your final output. Start by writing out the summary of your research. Avoid forgetting the important facts and details that you wrote in your draft. Make sure that you are also following the APA format when writing your research. This is an academic research paper, so your format should follow the APA format in writing.

4. Proofread Your Research Summary

Proofreading your work before you submit it is always the best way to check. Check whether you have added all the information you need for your research summary. As well as checking whether or not your research summary does not go beyond a single page. If it so happens that it does, make adjustments and see to it that it does not go beyond a single page. This includes the margins of your page. So be careful.

5. Cite Your Sources

The last tip I can give you is to remember to always cite your sources. Regardless of how short or how long your research summary is, you should always cite your sources. Even if you may have to say it in your own words, you must remember that doing your research, you should also state the person or the people, the book, the article that it belongs to. Avoid plagiarism at all costs. Even if you think that the words are yours, but the idea that it belongs to is not. Cite away.

What is a one page research summary?

From the term itself, it is a document or an academic paper that gives a general but concise summary of the topic you are given for research.

Why is it important to write a single page research summary?

A lot of people prefer to have to read a single page research summary over a lot of pages. It also can minimize the time wasted to look for the answers.

Why is it important to cite your sources?

Avoid any plagiarism when writing your research summary. This is the main problem and the main issue when it comes to academic papers. When you quote or state something from your research, always cite where you have taken it from or quoted it from.

This is the end of the article. Have I convinced you yet of how easy it really is to make a one page research summary? I do hope I have. As I mentioned earlier, it really is easy especially if you only have to follow the simple tips above. As well as using the examples you can download from this article. The next time you’re planning on writing a research summary, why don’t you try a one page research summary and see the difference that it makes.

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Top 10 One Page Research Proposal PowerPoint Templates to Present Your Project's Significance!

Deepali Khatri

Research is a pivotal part of every organization, which is why firms either utilize internal research teams or outsource the job to a reputed research agency. In either case, the concerned team is required to put together a research proposal draft, efforts and time behind which can now be saved by turning to the various research proposal presentation templates options available with us.

We have professionals in our team who devote their time and efforts in creating amazing PowerPoint templates that will arm you in devising engaging proposals.

By joining hands with these editable research proposal PowerPoint templates you will not only be able to convince your readers of the value of your project, but you will also be able to better prove your plan of work in front of your audience.

By opting for a readily available research proposal template, organizations can divert their attention to activities that are more concrete in nature and can have an immediate impact on the existence and bottom lines of the firm in question.

One Page Sample History Research Proposal

Download this One Pager Template Now

For adding direction to any research proposal that you plan to float, it is vital to gather all vital aspects associated with the same in one place, which is exactly where our one page sample history research proposal template becomes useful. This template covers information pertaining to project necessity, objectives, outcome, scope of services, timeframe, budget and information about company, its vision, team and list of clientele.

One Page Research Proposal Framework 

Download this One Page Template Now

Research proposals are usually required to be guided by certain principles and supported by a predefined budget and duration, all such details related to which can now be rightly communicated through our one page research proposal framework template. More specifically, this template covers data with regards to the title, background, research methods, working plan and schedule associated with the research proposal summary. This template stands out for its simplistic approach.

One Page Project Research Proposal 

Download this One Page PowerPoint Template Now

If you wish to provide a brief overview about the research proposal that you are working on to people, who may hold interest in the same, then settling for our one page project research proposal template would be the right thing to do. This template is inclusive of all crucial parameters associated with the research proposal summary and includes the likes of objectives, study designs, data collection techniques, and cost.

One Page Research Proposal Format

Download this One Page PowerPoint Template Now 

A research proposal summary that focuses extensively and covers all areas right from where the proposal begins to where it ends is none other than our one page research proposal format template. This exhaustive research proposal summary template is designed in such a fashion that it rightly covers seven independent sections of the proposal such as the title, purpose of study, significance of research, methodology, timeframe, cost and expected outcome.

One Page History Research Project Proposal 

Most organizations have independent research and development teams, who are responsible to work on individual research projects, details related to which can now be simplified and easily portrayed through our one page history research project proposal sample template. This research proposal template is designed in such a manner that it perfectly covers various aspects such as the project title, introduction, background and significance, literature review, methodology, timeframe and cost overview.

One Page Research Proposal with Supervising Team 

For the success of any research proposal, it is crucial to have a blueprint handy, which can act as a guide to proceed with the successful application of the proposal, which has now become an achievable task all thanks to our one page research proposal with supervising team template. This template covers data such as the objectives, hypothesis, research method, investigator, co-investigator and advisor related details of the research proposal.

One Page Research Proposal Development Framework 

It would become easier for the person heading a research project to go about with the implementation of the same in presence of a step-by-step framework, which is provided by our one page research proposal development framework template. This template covers three different sections, which can help in developing the research proposal and includes the questions that need to be asked, proposal heading and elements to be included in the same.

Market Research Proposal One Page Summary 

Market research is crucial for the survival and success of any organization, research summary related to which can now be summarized in the most effective manner with the help of our market research proposal one page summary template. To be more specific, this template covers information on the research proposal’s project name, researcher’s information, proposal details like background, objectives, methodology and outcomes, which together helps to offer direction to the research team.

Research Proposal Flowchart In One Page

Download this One Page PowerPoint Template

One of the best ways of initiating a research project is to draft a flowchart, which can help you to carry out independent research steps without missing the core of the project, which has now become a cakewalk with our research proposal flowchart in one page template. This template is divided into six sections, namely, introduction, literature review, methodology, preliminary data, statement of limitation and proposal’s conclusion.

One Page Service Marketing Research Proposal Example

As a third party entity, which is required to carry out research on behalf of a different organization, the agency in question is required to report details to the client, which is where our one page service marketing research proposal example template comes in the picture. This template covers sender company’s overview, objectives of the client company, proposal budget, target start and completion date, proposal details, timeline, milestones and deliverables.

So, do not waste your time thinking much about it. Just grab these amazingly curated research proposal PowerPoint templates to enjoy the results.

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A one-page proposal is a single-page document that outlines the value and terms of a deal you’ve discussed with a potential buyer. It serves as an effective alternative to a full-blown proposal when the deal terms are simple, the price tag is small, there’s an existing client relationship, and more. In some cases, it can also serve as a precursor to a larger proposal, and it's best created using a customizable template.

While it's fine using a generic template, consider custom-designing your one-page proposal to help it stand out. Hire a designer on Fiverr, which is a gig-based marketplace with expert designers offering custom proposal designs starting at five dollars. Hire a proposal design pro to create a one-page proposal you can update and send to each prospect as a PDF. Check the top options here:

How a One-Page Proposal Works

A one-page proposal is a document sent during the business proposal stage of your sales process outlining the deal terms with a prospective customer. A one-pager typically includes the following sections: proposal scope, project overview, deliverables, cost, timeline, terms, next steps, and contact information. It’s used when a longer proposal isn’t needed and can be sent physically, as an email attachment, or in the body of an email itself.

One-page proposals are used to close deals quickly with a comfortable prospect when robust lead nurturing isn’t needed. One-pagers differ from full business proposals in that they’re scaled-down with much of the same information. The one-pager leaves out elements that you would’ve included in a full proposal, like your business’s credentials or executive summaries. This reduction in information is generally makes it easier to create and understand, so they speed up the sales cycle.

A one-page proposal is best for the following scenarios:

• Your Offer Has a Small Price Tag:  If the cost is small in relation to the prospect’s revenue, they may not need a full proposal. Think of a freelance writer offering $1,000 worth of articles.
• You Have a Strong Relationship With Your Prospect:  This goes for current or past clients who know/trust your business as well as new prospects who you've effectively nurtured. 
• Your Project Scope Is Straightforward:  If your project is easy to understand, one page might be all you need to clarify the specifics. Think of selling a product such as 50 desks. 
• Your Prospect Asks for Just One Page:  Sometimes your prospect wants a one-page document that outlines the project because they just need an at-a-glance summary of terms.

If this doesn’t sound like your situation, consider using a full-length business proposal so you can include more information for the prospect in the document. Learn how to craft one in our article on how to create a business proposal — it comes with a free template that you can customize.

Free One-Page Proposal Template

Here’s a free one-page proposal template that you can download in multiple formats and edit to fit your needs. It’s completely customizable and designed to be personalized to your client. We’ve incorporated corresponding and written out examples from the template within the steps to writing a one-page proposal.

Standard One-Page Proposal Format

Even though your one-page proposal should be personalized to each prospect or customer, all one-page proposals follow a standard format. This format includes sections such as your project scope and overview, deliverables and cost, terms, next steps, and your contact information. Your one-page proposal should include the following sections, customized to your specific recipient:

Title & Subtitle

Project scope & overview, deliverables, timeline & pricing, project deal terms, next steps & contact info.

Your title and subtitle should be intriguing and engaging but also clearly communicate what your recipient is about to read. Don't get complicated here — keep it short and to the point.

The scope of your proposal should give a high-level overview regarding what your one-page proposal will cover and who it's intended for. The project overview gives a summary of your project or deal you're proposing. These elements can be included together in one section or broken out in their own sections.

Next, outline the deliverables of your proposed solution along with the timeline for those deliverables and the associated costs. The easiest way to express this is in a table format with each deliverable listed along with a timeline and cost. Then, sum everything you've listed to get a total timeline and cost.

After the deliverables, timeline, and costs have been stated, outline the deal terms of your proposed solution. This should include payment terms as well as any other terms you want your customer to agree to.

With your full proposal outlined in a single page, conclude with an actionable CTA outlining next steps, such as scheduling a meeting to review or signing the contract. Then, sign off with your contact information to make things professional.

With clear and concise messaging, all of the above components can fit onto one page. Since you’ll be drafting this proposal with limited space, it’s important to make each component as effective and efficient as possible. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to write the best one-pager including further insight into these components with examples.

How to Write a One-Page Proposal

An effective one-page proposal should result in a closed deal. Each proposal will be personalized to each new prospect, and the details you include should change with their needs. But regardless of who’s receiving it, there are eight steps to follow to ensure your proposal answers all of the questions on the buyer’s mind. Here are the steps to writing a one-page proposal, using screenshots from our template throughout as examples:

1. Compile Information for Your Proposal

First, identify everything you know about your deal, including information about your client, your solution, the timeline, what you need from them, and more. Don’t hold back. This process will help you organize and prioritize details before sitting down to actually write your proposal. That way you’ll avoid running out of space on the document. Distilling all the knowledge about a deal into one page is trickier than it sounds.

Now, with all the information in front of you, start to highlight or underline the details that are most relevant and interesting to your prospect. To help you select this information, think about the key questions your prospects want answered before they agree to start paying you. Answering these will speed up the deal by decreasing the number of follow-up objections or questions they have.

Your one-page proposal should resolve the following questions for your prospect: 

• Needs Fulfillment: Does this product or service meet our specific needs? 
• Timeline: Does the timeline of implementation work for us? 
• Pricing: What’s the cost, and is it feasible and fair? 
• Deliverables: What exactly will I receive? 
• Expectations: What does the seller expect from me in this business relationship? 
• Strategy: Does the seller’s approach or strategy make sense?

And don’t forget to think about yourself and what you need out of the agreement, especially if you’re using the one-page proposal as a legally binding contract. Specifics like how and when you’ll be paid and any rules you want the prospect to follow should also earn a highlight or underline. Now, let’s start actually creating your one-page proposal using this vital information.

2. Write an Intriguing Title

Your prospect is likely busy, especially if they are a high-level executive who asked you to send them just one page. Take that into account when crafting a title. Use it to give them context about what this document is. Also, use the title to summarize the rest of the proposal, as a  proposal letter  might do for a 10-page proposal. Lastly, make it appeal to their interests. Of course, doing all this in just one phrase is no easy task. But have no fear, we’ll help you out.

First, let’s look at a boring one-page proposal title: “Business Proposal for {ABC Company} .” While that works for a subtitle, the title above it is the first thing your prospect will read, so it should spark their interest. Make use of the limited space you have and create an intriguing title that answers the busy prospect’s one vital question: “Why does this matter to me?” Do this by writing the specific value or solution you’ll be providing the prospect. 

Here are some examples of turning lifeless titles into ones that nearly dance off the page. 

Dead Title:  Prop-Tech Proposal for ABC Living Title:  Slashing Your Violation Fines With Compliance Monitoring Software

Dead Title:  Sales Training Business Proposal for XYZ  Living Title:  Training Your Reps to Open 50% More Sales Opportunities

Dead Title:  Marketing Consulting Proposal Living Title:  A Content Marketing Plan for Increasing Quality Traffic to {Website}

You can use this title as a heading for the one-page proposal itself, or even as the email subject line if you’re sending it via email. You can add a subtitle below to explain exactly what the document is or add any more information you might think is critical for the prospect to see right away.

Title example

3. State the Scope of the Proposal

Tell the prospect what this short proposal will cover. This paragraph acts as an introduction and agenda. It should be about two sentences long. The first sentence will tell them what you’ll help the prospect accomplish or what solution you provide. This includes your value proposition that has been customized to your prospects’ needs.

The second should describe what elements are included in the proposal. It’s essentially just giving the reader context so that they know what to expect as they read through. This will answer a question on the prospect’s mind: What’s this document going to tell me?

Scope of proposal example

4. Give an Overview of the Project

Now give a summary of the project. This overview should tell the prospect what problem you’re solving for them, how you’re going to do it, and the main benefits they’ll receive after your service or product is delivered in full. This paragraph of about 3-4 sentences (aim for under 200 words) should give the buyer a sense that you fully understand their unique objectives and that you have a solid approach for achieving them.

This section should answer two big questions for the buyer:

Be sure to make this section about them rather than yourself. Hone in on the main pain point that makes their blood boil. And, to really speak to their heart, bring up phrasing that they used when telling you about the issue in your past conversations. Also, speak about the solution using similar terminology from when you shared it with them in your presentation or side-talks.

Project overview example

5. Create a Deliverables / Timeline / Estimated Pricing Table

You don’t necessarily need to portray this information in a table, but it’s a great way to save space. In one table, you’re able to say exactly what the prospect will receive, when they’ll get it, and how much they’re going to pay for it. Plus, this way, you break up the pricing into smaller parts of the whole, assigning costs to each deliverable or phase of the service. This breakdown makes the overall cost easier to understand and therefore accept.

Now let’s discuss these three portions of your table so that you understand the key points to include and how to customize each one to fit your unique business situation.

• Deliverables: Description of the tangible product or an intangible service the prospect will receive for their payment.
• Timeline: Use a curated timeline that is personalized to your specific project that shows the prospect how long it’ll take for the solution to be implemented. 
• Pricing: Define costs as clearly as possible. In service-based businesses, make any potential fluctuations known to the prospect so they understand why estimated pricing may change. 

Deliverables, timeline & pricing example

6. Outline Your Terms & Conditions

These are the rules of the agreement you and your prospect will be held to. It outlines what you expect from the prospect, primarily in regards to the payment. Stipulate how you’d like to be paid and if recurring payments are required, on what dates. Also, if you need access to certain accounts or want them to follow any rules, such as communicating with you only by email, include this in the terms section. 

This is also where you can include any industry-specific terms to the proposal. Since this is just a one-page proposal, many companies use an attached contract to do the heavy lifting for the legal aspects of the deal, so they’ll just include the payment terms here.

Terms example

7. Include a Clear Call-to-Action

Finally, make your call-to-action. If you have a separate contract you want them to sign, tell them where it’s located and give any necessary information about how to sign it. The contract will give more specific terms about the legal aspects of the deal, which the proposal may only summarize. If you’re working in a corporate environment with high-priced solutions, you might have contracts that are much longer than the one-page proposal.

If you want to learn more about how to use these two documents together, read Matt Olpinski’s article on the  difference between contracts and proposals . If you’re using this one-page proposal as a contract, add a space or line for them to sign and date the document — either physically or using electronic signature software . Clearly state that this will be a legally binding contract once signed.

CTA example

8. Include Contact Information

Give your prospect an easy way to contact you should they have any questions or to learn more about your business. At the bottom of the document, write your name, your business’s name, and your contact information. Letting your prospect know you’re their main point of contact throughout this process helps build trust in the partnership.

On the next line, link to your company’s “about us” page. If you have client testimonials, a portfolio, or case studies you’d like the prospect to see, link out to these pages in this section. This will help show your credibility in the eyes of the prospect. 

Contact info example

Following these defined steps will help you create a catchy and effective one-page proposal for your prospects. If you want to explore more resources for one-pager templates and examples, we've gathered the 5 best situational proposal examples below. Check them out along with our best practices and you'll be able write up your own one-pager in no time.

5 Best One-Page Proposal Examples

Before you write your own one-page proposal, take a peek at some examples. From these, you’ll gain inspiration, ideas, and strategies that you can then apply to your own proposal. Let’s dive into these proposal examples and see why they work:

Generic One-Page Proposal Example

We’re showing you  PandaDoc’s one-page proposal example  because we like the way it’s structured. It begins with an executive summary, much like the project overview we recommend in our own template. The proposal then uses a creative way to express the deliverables the prospect will receive; in a table, it puts them up against the specific client challenge they’ll solve.

This example is also relevant for businesses using upfront billing or ramped payment plans. Note that in their payment schedule, they ask for 25% of the total payment upon acceptance of the contract and half upon delivery of the first product. 

One-Page Project Proposal Example

We like  SlideTeam’s one-page proposal example  for a construction project because of its flattering and creative design. It’s full of images, icons, and photos that make the document come alive. We also appreciate how the proposal expresses the project timeline using a table that lists key tasks, explanations of those tasks, and the start/end dates. This helps the prospect visualize what to expect.

One-Page Service Proposal Example

SlideTeam’s one-page proposal example  for marketing services takes a unique approach to the proposal's project overview section; instead of writing it out in a paragraph, they use a flowchart that tells the prospect the main purpose of the project, the objectives it’ll achieve, and the positive results. Lastly, they hit the buyer with the high-level impact the project will have on their business.

One-Page Research Proposal Example

This one-page research proposal example from Northwestern University can be used as an outline when creating your own single-page proposal for a research project. This differs from a generic one-page business proposal in that the sections are somewhat unique, and the info you include will be specific to your proposed research.

One-Page Funding Proposal Example

Check out this one-page funding proposal example from SlideTeam , which uses an NGO (non-government organization) fundraising scenario as an example. Even though it's for NGOs, anyone looking to fundraise, whether it's for a nonprofit or a for-profit business, can benefit from this example.

These examples cater well to specific scenarios depending on your product or service. Feel free to take your favorite parts of each to make your own customizable proposal. While you’re crafting your one-pager, consider the following best practices to ensure you’re writing a strong proposal.

Top 3 One-Page Proposal Tips

There are some best practices that can set your proposal apart from the competition. Let’s go over three of the most impactful proposal tips: use smart formatting, employ copywriting tactics, and leverage proposal management software.

Format Your Proposal

Use copywriting tactics, buy proposal software.

In this type of proposal, you have to fit a lot of key points into one page. Proper formatting techniques will be your friend in this task. Smart formatting also ensures that the page seems clean and calm rather than messy and busy. This makes the reading experience more pleasant for the prospect so they have positive emotions while thinking about your product or service.

Here are some formatting tactics:

• Use White Space to Separate Sections: This keeps the page from looking messy.
• Use Tables or Flowcharts to Split up Sections:  For example, if you include deliverables and timeline sections, consider putting them next to each other in a table rather than in paragraphs.
• Include Images:  Photos, graphics, or icons can help break up walls of text while also adding a more appealing look to your proposal.
• Ensure It’s One Page:  Before sending your proposal, download it as a PDF and preview it.

These formatting methods will help you fit everything that’ll help close the deal onto the page.

Copywriting is sales in the written word. In longer form sales documents, like the proposal, copywriting tactics keep the reader engaged and excited to keep reading. They also make sure the sales messaging is clear and easy to understand. Here are a few tricks of the trade.

• Make It About Them:  Use “you” far more than “we,” especially in your project overview.
• Use Short Sentences:  This keeps the momentum up and ensures high comprehension. Some readers can get lost in a long sentence.
• Avoid Fluff:  Include only the words that are necessary to get your point across.
• Use the Active Voice:  This is when a subject of a sentence does an action. In the passive voice, the subject is acted upon: “Money is saved by the software.” Active voice increases the force of your sentences: “The software saves you money.”

These copywriting tactics should help you keep the prospect’s eyes open wide with interest and moving down the document.

Proposal management software refers to web-based platforms designed to automate and streamline proposal creation, management, and analysis of effectiveness. They also come with one-page proposal templates you can download, edit, and send. Then, you can track each proposal’s close rates and improve them over time. Read our article on the best proposal management software to learn more about how they work and to choose the right one for you.

However, if that sounds like too much and all you need is a software platform that enables you to include esignatures on your proposals, we recommend electronic signature software. These tools allow the recipients of your one-page proposal to easily add their signatures to the digital document from their laptop, mobile device, or tablet. To learn more, check out our guide on the best esignature software .

Once you create a template or completed one-page proposal using proper formatting and copywriting techniques and you get used to your new software, you'll have an easier time creating one-page proposals for future prospects and clients.

Bottom Line: One-Page Proposal

Sending a well-crafted one-page proposal has the opportunity to be the final sales action you take to close your deal. In just one page, it can drive home the value of your solution and illuminate the specifics of the project, thereby making the prospect feel ready to sign. If the prospect has any questions, be there to answer them and help them gain clarity. Read our guide on how to close a deal for steps and strategies to get your prospect to commit to the purchase.

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