Front Matter

I've been freelancing for about four years now. I can't count the number of project proposals I've done during that time. That's a lie, I could, but then I have to look through the black hole that is my Google Drive.

My Process

To give you an idea of how the process works for starting a new project, it looks a little something like this:

1. Usually get a referral from someone, which will come in the form of an e-mail (normally).
2. I e-mail said person trying to get a gauge on what type of project it is.
3. When they respond back, I'll do a bit of research and schedule a call to discuss it more in-depth.
4. After I close the call, I give myself a couple of days to develop what I call the "Tech Design". This translates to a Google Doc full of stuff like:

• Technology I'm going to use (Gatsby, etc.)
• Hosting
• Schedule Breakdown
• Pricing

1. When finished, I e-mail the client with the Google doc Link. They'll take a look and I'll get a written agreement by having them acknowledge the terms in via e-mail.
2. Do the Project!
3. Invoice via Freshbooks
4. Wait 10 years for them to pay.

Your Process

There is always room for improvement. What are you doing for this process? I've got invoicing down, Freshbooks makes it super easy, but I think I can do better with the proposals.

Thoughts?