product proposal

1. HOW TO MAKE YOUR PRODUCT PROPOSAL
1. Title/Tagline. This is the idea. It needs to arrest the attention of the reader.
2. Sales Handle. 2-3 sentence elevator pitch of the idea. The copy you would find in an
ad.
3. Benefits. Outline how this product/idea will benefit consumers. 4-5 bullet points should
present solid features.
4. Idea Summary. This should include a compelling overview of the product/concept in
two to three paragraphs.
5. Timeline. Where are you in the process of this idea? Have you created a prototype?
Have you established a platform? What is your anticipated date of completion or desired
launch date?
6. Audience. Who will you target with this idea? This section will focus on the person who
will benefit from your product. What kind of lifestyle does s/he lead? Where can we find
them online? How old are they?
7. Competitions. List 4-5 competing products/ideas already in the market. It’s important
to find successful competitors but to greatly differentiate yourself from those ideas in order
to prove the need for your product.
8. Bio. Introduce yourself to the reader. Include a photo.
9. Marketing. Explain your current platform and what marketing power you have. Share
ideas and ways you will go after your idea. Remember you are expected to passionately
promote your product.
10. Outline/Samples/Visuals. Any samples you can provide will only help excite the reader
about your idea. . . IF those samples are excellent and ready to be shared. Spend some
time preparing this portion of your presentation. You need to wow your consumer but you
will never get the chance if you can’t first wow a potential partner. Think about packaging
that will surely catch the attention and interest of prospective buyers.
It should go without saying but make sure your contact information is up to date and
clearly presented on your proposal. Create an email/cover letter that is professional and
formatted to stand out amongst a sea of other pitches in the recipient’s inbox.
Remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE. Gone are the days when long and overly thorough
proposals impressed the recipient. People are too busy to read a 10 page proposal. You
should be able to adequately present your ideain 2-3 pages. If you can’t interest someone
in you and your idea through these 10 simple components, it’s time to go back and refine
your idea.