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17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
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8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

• Annotated Bibliography
• Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
• Group Presentations
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• Types of Structured Group Activities
• Group Project Survival Skills
• Leading a Class Discussion
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Works
• Writing a Case Analysis Paper
• Writing a Case Study
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Reflective Paper
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Generative AI and Writing
• Acknowledgments

The goal of a research proposal is twofold: to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

• Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
• Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine that the research problem has not been adequately addressed or has been answered ineffectively and, in so doing, become better at locating pertinent scholarship related to your topic;
• Improve your general research and writing skills;
• Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
• Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
• Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of conducting scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those findings. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your proposal is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

• What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to investigate.
• Why do you want to do the research? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of in-depth study. A successful research proposal must answer the "So What?" question.
• How are you going to conduct the research? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having difficulty formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here for strategies in developing a problem to study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failure to be concise . A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose.
• Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review . Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.
• Failure to delimit the contextual scope of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.]. As with any research paper, your proposed study must inform the reader how and in what ways the study will frame the problem.
• Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research . This is critical. In many workplace settings, the research proposal is a formal document intended to argue for why a study should be funded.
• Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar . Although a research proposal does not represent a completed research study, there is still an expectation that it is well-written and follows the style and rules of good academic writing.
• Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues . Your proposal should focus on only a few key research questions in order to support the argument that the research needs to be conducted. Minor issues, even if valid, can be mentioned but they should not dominate the overall narrative.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal.  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal. Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing most college-level academic papers, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. The text of proposals generally vary in length between ten and thirty-five pages, followed by the list of references. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

• What do I want to study?
• Why is the topic important?
• How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
• What problems will it help solve?
• How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
• What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like, "Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea based on a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and to be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in two to four paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

• What is the central research problem?
• What is the topic of study related to that research problem?
• What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
• Answer the "So What?" question by explaining why this is important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This is where you explain the scope and context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. It can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is most relevant in explaining the aims of your research.

To that end, while there are no prescribed rules for establishing the significance of your proposed study, you should attempt to address some or all of the following:

• State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
• Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing; be sure to answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care?].
• Describe the major issues or problems examined by your research. This can be in the form of questions to be addressed. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
• Explain the methods you plan to use for conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
• Describe the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you plan to study, but what aspects of the research problem will be excluded from the study.
• If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts, theories, or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while at the same time, demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methodological approaches they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, when stated, their recommendations. Also pay attention to any suggestions for further research.

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your proposed study in relation to the arguments put forth by other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically or chronologically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you review more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

NOTE: Do not shy away from challenging the conclusions made in prior research as a basis for supporting the need for your proposal. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. Highlighting the problematic conclusions strengthens your proposal. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

To help frame your proposal's review of prior research, consider the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

• Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
• Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
• Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: describe what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate among scholars?
• Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, and methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.].
• Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that you have a plan worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and proposed methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used, but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

• Specify the research process you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results obtained in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
• Keep in mind that the methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is a deliberate argument as to why techniques for gathering information add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you clearly explain this.
• Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method applied to research in the social and behavioral sciences is perfect, so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your professor!

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Just because you don't have to actually conduct the study and analyze the results, doesn't mean you can skip talking about the analytical process and potential implications . The purpose of this section is to argue how and in what ways you believe your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the subject area under investigation. Depending on the aims and objectives of your study, describe how the anticipated results will impact future scholarly research, theory, practice, forms of interventions, or policy making. Note that such discussions may have either substantive [a potential new policy], theoretical [a potential new understanding], or methodological [a potential new way of analyzing] significance.   When thinking about the potential implications of your study, ask the following questions:

• What might the results mean in regards to challenging the theoretical framework and underlying assumptions that support the study?
• What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from the potential outcomes of the study?
• What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural settings of their workplace, organization, or community?
• Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of intervention?
• How might the results contribute to the solution of social, economic, or other types of problems?
• Will the results influence policy decisions?
• In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your study be pursued?
• What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
• How will the results of the study be implemented and what innovations or transformative insights could emerge from the process of implementation?

NOTE:   This section should not delve into idle speculation, opinion, or be formulated on the basis of unclear evidence . The purpose is to reflect upon gaps or understudied areas of the current literature and describe how your proposed research contributes to a new understanding of the research problem should the study be implemented as designed.

ANOTHER NOTE : This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations because the study has yet to be conducted, you still must tell the reader where and in what form impediments may arise and how you plan to address them.

VI.  Conclusion

The conclusion reiterates the importance or significance of your proposal and provides a brief summary of the entire study . This section should be only one or two paragraphs long, emphasizing why the research problem is worth investigating, why your research study is unique, and how it should advance existing knowledge.

Someone reading this section should come away with an understanding of:

• Why the study should be done;
• The specific purpose of the study and the research questions it attempts to answer;
• The decision for why the research design and methods used where chosen over other options;
• The potential implications emerging from your proposed study of the research problem; and
• A sense of how your study fits within the broader scholarship about the research problem.

VII.  Citations

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used . In a standard research proposal, this section can take two forms, so consult with your professor about which one is preferred.

• References -- a list of only the sources you actually used in creating your proposal.
• Bibliography -- a list of everything you used in creating your proposal, along with additional citations to any key sources relevant to understanding the research problem.

In either case, this section should testify to the fact that you did enough preparatory work to ensure the project will complement and not just duplicate the efforts of other researchers. It demonstrates to the reader that you have a thorough understanding of prior research on the topic.

Most proposal formats have you start a new page and use the heading "References" or "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page. Cited works should always use a standard format that follows the writing style advised by the discipline of your course [e.g., education=APA; history=Chicago] or that is preferred by your professor. This section normally does not count towards the total page length of your research proposal.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal. Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences , Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 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 organized 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, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

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

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See an example

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

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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 synthesize 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. Emphasize 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?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

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.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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How to write a successful social media proposal (plus template)

Written by by Anam Ahmed

Published on  August 19, 2024

Reading time  11 minutes

Table of Contents

For freelancers and agencies who provide social media services, having a social media proposal ready for your client is an essential part of your sales process. A compelling social media proposal will secure new prospects and projects by defining your clients’ needs and outlining marketing strategies and solutions that can help achieve their goals. A proposal is the first step to creating a more granular social media plan , including the specific tactics and content types you’ll use.

We’ll walk through the important components of a social media proposal, so you can create your proposal from scratch or customize an existing template to address your client’s specific needs. From tackling basic needs to providing specific social customer care solutions, these best practices will help secure your next partnership regardless of your client’s situation. Plus, we’ll share tips from people who write proposals on a daily basis* and show you how a social media proposal fits into your workflow.

Social Customer Care by Sprout Social

What is a social media proposal?

A social media proposal is a strategic document that outlines how your skills and subject matter knowledge will help prospective clients reach their business objectives and social media goals. It includes the terms and conditions of working with your organization and a detailed scope of work, including deliverables, timeline and budget.

Before drafting a social media proposal, you need to consult with the potential client to learn more about the role social media plays in their business. This will help you better understand the challenges they face and the steps they need to take to achieve their goals.

Free social media proposal template

To get started, grab our free social media proposal template : simply log in to your Google account and “Make a copy” to edit your own version!

Our template covers everything you need to include in a social media marketing proposal, from social media goals to the agreement terms. Just fill in your details according to the instructions and you’ll be ready to go.

What’s an example of a social media marketing proposal?

How does a social media proposal work, exactly? Let’s say a business is looking to increase their social media followers to get new leads. They may look for a social media strategist or agency to help them achieve their goals and put out a request for proposals (RFP). In your proposal for this client, you’ll include information about your experience helping other similar clients gain new followers and some of the proposed activities you recommend.

The tricky part of writing a proposal is that you need to persuade the client of your abilities without outlining every single thing you can do for them. Nothing could stop them from taking your strategy and executing it on their own. Instead, you’ll demonstrate industry knowledge, skills and understanding of their needs so they can make an informed decision.

Where does a social media proposal fit into your workflow?

The proposal is a foundational part of your sales process .

It helps convince buyers of your skills, experience and expertise—and goes a long way to building trust. With 60% of customers saying “no” four times before they say “yes”, trust is crucial to making a sale.

A defined sales process includes several stages from prospecting to closing. It can resemble a pyramid , flow chart or circle . Below are three examples of different sales processes.

The number of stages within a sales process differ from company to company. What’s more important is that each stage has clearly defined actions and metrics that are relevant to you.

For example, your “conversion” stage could include:

• Write proposal
• Send proposal
• Client reviews proposal and returns with questions
• Answer questions and/or revise proposal
• Client agrees on proposal
• Send a contract
• Client signs contract

Having a clearly defined sales process makes you look more professional and helps you manage your workflow.

If you’re having trouble building an effective process, check out Sprout’s Agency Partner Program . As a member, you’ll get access to tools, sales collateral and resources to streamline your process, win new business and prove social media return on investment (ROI) to your current clients.

What to include in a social media proposal

A social media proposal needs to illustrate your understanding of the client’s needs and your expertise. While proposals vary by company, the main components of your social media marketing proposal should include the following elements. (We’ll explain how to write the key sections in detail below!)

Cover letter

A cover letter can be included in the proposal document itself or the email you send your proposal with. It’s a brief introduction to the proposal, thanking the client for their interest and time. The cover letter also includes your contact information, social links and website URL.

Executive summary

Start your social media proposal with a short summary of the document’s contents. Outline the main challenges they’re experiencing and provide them with a preview of how you’re going to solve those issues. You can also include other relevant information like budget and projected results.

Business objectives

In this section, showcase your understanding of the client’s main business objectives, such as building credibility with their consumers or increasing sales of a specific product line. These goals are related to, but distinctly different from, their social media goals.

Social media goals

Identify the social media goals the client wants to achieve. For example, increasing followers or improving engagement. Outline the potential challenges that the client is experiencing in achieving these goals.

Analysis and audits

This section illustrates the client’s current position, where they want to go and the obstacles they’re facing. There are different types of analyses and audits you can conduct, such as ‌competitive analysis and industry analysis.

Scope of work

This section includes your proposed activities: the strategy and implementation. Be sure to connect each activity to the client’s business objectives and social media goals. This part can be challenging, but we’ll go in-depth later.

Schedule and budget

The schedule outlines when each deliverable in the scope will happen. With larger projects, it’s best to break the schedule down into milestones for each activity. The budget outlines how much your services will cost and what the client can expect to spend for the entirety of the project.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluation

How will you measure success? In this section, specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) you’re going to measure. Connect them to the client’s business objectives and social media goals. Clients also like to see the types of social media reports they can expect to evaluate performance.

Testimonials or endorsements

Also known as the proof of work, this section shows the client why they should pick you over another social media professional. Include testimonials, endorsements, case studies, past campaigns and other materials that show off your skills and expertise.

Contract or terms of agreement

The contract (also called terms of agreement) is where the client signs when they agree to work with you. It can include, but isn’t limited to, stipulations regarding scope, timeline, fees and other relevant details. For those reasons, we advise working with your legal counsel to draft a proper contract that protects both you and your client.

What happens after the client reads the proposal? Let them know when you’ll follow up with them and what they can expect going forward, such as a meeting to discuss the proposal and sign the contract.

Appendices are common in proposals and other business documents. In this section, you can put charts and graphs, sample campaigns and other relevant information. Not all proposals need an appendix.

While these are major components of a social media proposal, there are other ways of writing a proposal. Some agencies like to include an expiration date on their proposals along with a copyright notice. And proposal length can vary depending on the client you’re working with.

Now that you know what goes into a social media proposal, it’s time to explore how to write them to win over your clients.

How to write a social media proposal that stands out

Here’s how to write a social media marketing proposal that turns prospects into clients.

1. Illustrate your client’s needs with analysis

An important part of a client relationship is managing their expectations. You want to lead with an analysis that identifies the client’s problems. There are several types of analyses you can include in your social media proposal:

• Audience analysis : If a client struggles to attract their ideal audience on social media or has trouble engaging with their followers, an audience analysis can come in handy. It involves reviewing the demographic, psychographic and behavioral characteristics of the client’s audience to determine how to appeal to them on social.
• Competitive analysis : For clients interested in market share and staying ahead of direct competitors, a competitive analysis will help you figure out how to help them stand out. It involves reviewing the other players in the industry and determining your client’s strengths, weaknesses and unique characteristics.
• Industry and landscape analysis : If you have a client entering a new industry, an industry or landscape analysis is a good starting place. It involves figuring out who the different competitors are in the industry, what customers expect from businesses in that sector and how your client can differentiate themselves.
• Current status analysis or audit: For some clients, the first thing they need is a social media audit of their current content and an analysis of their past performance. It serves as a benchmark for future social initiatives.

In our social media proposal template , we break this analysis out into an overview of the client’s needs and your planned work, the social media goals you intend to hit and an overview of the project timeline. Depending on the project, you may need to change the layout or add more details in some of these sections. But it’s a starting point for breaking down the main parts of a complex project.

Often, clients will recognize they need help in social media management but are unable to describe why they need it or define their social media goals . For example, if the client wants to use social media to increase their sales, this proposal section can include current sales metrics and an analysis of why the current strategy doesn’t work.

2. Get into the fine details in the scope of work

Essentially, the scope of work includes everything you’ll do for your client. This is the biggest part of the proposal and can be broken into smaller pieces.

For social media proposals, work often includes any of the below:

• Posting schedule : Which networks will you monitor and how often will you post? Will you post live, daily or weekly? If you need a posting approval process, then outline what that looks like.
• Content creation and curation : This can include creating a social media calendar and keeping a pulse on industry news. It also includes the different media you’ll create, such as audio, video, photographs, GIFs and text.
• Brand keyword monitoring : Note which keyword(s) and phrases you’ll track while monitoring their social channels.
• Analytics and reporting : How often will you report on analytics and what will you track?
• Social media management : When will you be available to engage on social media ? How much time will you dedicate to the client?
• Campaigns : Will you run campaigns to achieve specific goals, such as gaining new followers or getting more leads to your client’s website? Provide a broad overview of what the campaigns will include.

Andy Bishop, President at marketing agency Thin Pig Media , recommended clarifying the number of work hours a client will receive. He explained, “Social media is very fluid and of course 24/7. It is important to set clear expectations to avoid issues in the future and also to let the customer know what they are getting.”

Sprout can help you set and stay within expectations by making a social media manager’s life easier. Not only does our platform offer post scheduling and customer care capabilities, but our reports come presentation-ready and can be exported at a click of a button.

3. Create project milestones, deadlines and KPIs

Often looped in with scope of work, this section clearly defines how you measure a project’s success.

Specify the major milestones you’ll hit, which will vary based on the goals you’re trying to achieve for the client. Add in deadlines for achieving those milestones. Clients will want to see weekly, monthly and quarterly dates for major milestones.

You’ll also want to include the key performance indicators (KPI) you’re going to track for each milestone. For example, if the client wants more brand exposure from social media, you’ll likely identify impressions and reposts as your metrics. With their current numbers and growth rate in mind, you’ll be able to write reasonable, numeric goals in the proposal.

4. Highlight your unique value proposition

Why should you be the one to work with this client and not your competitor? What makes your business stand out from all the others? Chances are that the client is receiving multiple proposals for the same project.

This is where you demonstrate how your experience fits into their needs. It can come in the form of client testimonials or examples of how you’ve successfully managed clients with similar goals. You can include your testimonials in your proof or work section, or create a section dedicated to showcasing your achievements for past clients.

You can also show performance reports from your past clients, as well as the goals and results you have helped them reach.

For example if the goal was follower growth, you would show exactly how many followers were on the account when you started working for the client and how many you earned over a set time and what role you played in that growth.

5. Protect both parties in the terms of agreement

This section finalizes how you work and the contract terms.

It can include important items like:

• Fees : project, hourly or retainer
• Billing practices : how you invoice, what your payment terms are or if you require a deposit
• Working hours and location: : remotely or in the client’s office, and when you’re available to answer questions
• Termination : how to end the project if either party decides it’s not for them

Joyce Davis, Branding & Marketing Designer at Square One Creative recommends having a kill fee and expenses incurred as part of the termination. She explained, “This is important so there are no surprises, and the client is forewarned that if the project is not as presented, or gets too difficult, you’ll have the option to stop working with them.”

The termination goes both ways: The client can end the project if it’s not working out for them, as long as they know they still need to pay the kill fee.

6. Provide next steps for the client

To avoid a continual back-and-forth between you and the client, write down what happens after the proposal is sent. Will you be following up after a certain number of days? Does the client have a chance to ask for revisions on the proposal?

By following these tips, you’ll be able to write a social media proposal that shows your clients why you’re the right choice for them.

Social media proposal template

Now that you have a handle on the basic elements of a social media proposal, get started with our customizable social media proposal template doc . Just log in to your Google account and “Make a copy” to edit your own version!

Our template includes all the sections you need in your proposal, along with guidance on how to make your writing informative and captivating.

Make a template copy

Creating and delivering the proposal

For many social media marketers, a digital proposal delivery is sufficient. For others, you may need to make an in-person delivery. Similar to writing a resume, make sure your proposal is easy for the client to read.

If you have to present the proposal to the client, create a slide deck that includes critical information from the proposal to reference during your meeting. After the meeting, hand the client the proposal document to review and sign.

Wow clients with your social media proposal

Having a well-written proposal is a foundational step toward achieving success for your clients, but that’s just the beginning. If you’re an agency or consultancy looking for help selling or growing an account, speak with us about our agency partner program .

*All featured quotes are from interviews before 2024.

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How To Write a Winning Social Media Proposal [Free Template]

Learn how to create an easy and effective social media proposal that clients and stakeholders will love. Free proposal template included!

It doesn’t matter what an incredible Instagrammer you are or how TikTok-savvy you may be. If you want to win business as a social media marketer, you don’t just need the skills. You need a convincing social media proposal, too.

For solo freelance social media managers and marketing agencies alike, social media proposals are essential for growing your business — so you’d better be prepared to knock it out of the park.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide to creating a proposal and a free social media proposal template to help you craft your own in just a few minutes.

Quickly create your own social media proposal with our free and easy-to-use template .

What is a social media proposal?

A social media marketing proposal is a comprehensive document that outlines your strategy, goals, and tactics for managing a client’s social media presence . (FYI, we’ve got a social media proposal example below.)

It serves as a roadmap (beep beep!), helping both you and your client understand the objectives, deliverables, and expected outcomes of your social media efforts.

To kick things off, you’ll need to figure out what those goals are.

Then, you can share a game plan for how you’ll help and what success will look like.

A professional social media proposal should also include the dirty details: timeline, deliverables, and budgets.

Throughout the proposal, you’ll also establish your expertise in the field and demonstrate why you’re the right person (or firm) for the job . After all, a social media proposal isn’t just about what a company should do… it’s about who should do it. ( You! It’s always been you! )

Your social media proposal is also your chance to outline expectations, promises, and responsibilities right out of the gate so your working relationship with a new client has no unpleasant surprises.

When do you need a social media proposal?

A social media proposal becomes crucial when you’re aiming to collaborate with clients on developing and executing a strategic social media plan.

Whether you’re a freelance social media manager or part of an agency, having a proposal in place is essential before kicking off any campaign.

Integrating the social media proposal into your workflow is key to a seamless collaboration process.

It should be presented after initial discussions and consultations with the client, clearly outlining what they can expect from your services. This ensures that both parties are aligned before any work begins.

How to create a social media proposal

Identify the client’s needs and problems.

What problems are they facing? What needs do they have? Don’t skimp on the detective work here. Go deep and research your client’s industry, target audience, and competitors . Our guide to competitive analysis on social media walks you through this process.

Of course, along with your sleuthing, you’ll want to actually ask your prospects what they think , too. Whether that’s through a discovery call or intake form, get the answers you need straight from the source. (For more details on what questions to ask and where to find the answers, check out our guide to conducting a social media audit. )

That being said, if you’re responding to an RFP ( request for proposal ) and not dealing directly with your potential client, you might not have the option to grill ’em.

In that case, get familiar with the request doc and use Hootsuite’s social listening features to help you gather valuable insights that will inform your strategy.

Define their business goals and objectives

Clearly outline the objectives and goals of the social media campaign. Keep it simple and specific—you want to leave little room for ambiguity. Luckily, you’ve got all this great research from step one to help you identify both challenges and opportunities.

Specify the objectives of the individual project, as well as the objective of the organization as a whole . After all, any social media campaign will need to align with the client’s overall business objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

If you’re responding to an RFP, use language here that echoes the way the organization has defined what they’re looking for.

Set S.M.A.R.T. social media goals

Those business objectives above? They set the stage for your social media goals, which you’re going to share starting… now!

State three to five S.M.A.R.T social media goals . Remember, S.M.A.R.T. goals are strategic, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. (More on S.M.A.R.T. social media goals here!)

Each objective should specify:

• the platform(s) being used
• the metric(s)
• an end date

It needs to be clear when to measure the goal, what the success metric is, and how it ties into the overall brand goals. (For example: Increase Facebook followers by 25 percent by the end of Q4.)

Outline your game plan

It’s time to share your brilliant strategy in detail. Make sure to include the platforms you’ll focus on, content types, posting frequency , and engagement tactics .

Remember: everything you pitch should be tied back to those objectives mentioned in the previous section. It’s not just about what you will do, but why . Every action you suggest needs to be connected to a reason.

Your social media strategy and scope of work can cover things like:

• Social media promotions and campaigns
• Content creation
• A strategic publishing schedule
• Social media monitoring
• Social media engagement
• Social selling
• Lead generation

Whatever content is part of your proposal, make it crystal clear what your specific deliverables are.

Are you actually creating and posting TikToks or just providing recommendations for the client team to execute? Make it very clear who does what, and exactly what the client can expect to receive .

Create. Schedule. Publish. Engage. Measure. Win.

Breakdown the timeline and budget

Now that everyone’s excited about the social media scheme you’ve laid out, it’s time to outline when and how you’re going to make it happen .

A schedule can be super detailed, with dates for content development, testing, or analysis. Or maybe it’s just a list of high-level due dates for each deliverable.

( Psst: Download your own version of this timeline in our handy social media proposal template )

Including milestones and check-ins is a good idea to keep everyone happy and informed… and keep you on track.

At this point, it’s also helpful to share a transparent breakdown of the budget and resources required for the campaign. This includes ad spend, content creation costs, and any additional tools or platforms needed… and your fee. (Whether that’s a flat rate or by the hour is up to you and your client to decide.)

Define success

When your big plan pays off, how will you know? It’s important to agree early on what defines success: what will the key performance indicators be?

Outline how you’ll measure the viability of the campaign . (Hot tip: Hootsuite’s analytics tools are an easy way to show your client the real-time impact of your efforts. In your reports, you can compare social metrics over time and even across networks.)

Pro Tip: Leverage Hootsuite’s social listening tools for a standout proposal. Gain insights into prospective clients, their industry, and competitors, and then reference real data in your proposal to demonstrate a deep understanding of the current social media landscape. This personal touch showcases your expertise and builds trust with your potential client. Win-win.

Write an executive summary

This is the first section of your social media proposal , but it’s essentially an overview of the proposal, so we highly recommend writing this part last . After you’ve refined all the other details, it can be easier to understand the most important points to include here.

Think of it as the tl;dr for busy executives. Summarize the need(s) for the proposed project in less than a page. Identify the problem, share the anticipated results, and clarify the budget and resource requirements.

Social media proposal template

Need a social media proposal example? Download our handy social media proposal template now…

…or use the outline below to quickly craft your own professional social media proposal.

Executive summary

• Brief overview of your agency and experience
• Explain the purpose of the proposal
• Summarize the proposed solution
• Share the anticipated results, budget and timeline

Client background info

• Summarize the client’s business goals and campaign goals
• Summary of their current social media presence

Social campaign goals and objectives

• Clearly define objectives and goals for the social campaign

Social media strategy

• Detail your plan for executing the campaign
• Propose content types and posting schedule
• Clarify responsibilities

Timeline, budget and resources

• Create a schedule of milestones and deadlines
• Share a breakdown of costs, including ad spend and additional tools

Measurement and analytics

• Outline KPIs
• Define how and when success will be measured

Terms of agreement

• Explain your fees, working style and billing preferences
• Clarify how to terminate the project if it isn’t going well for either party

But remember: this is just one example of a social media proposal. Each project and client will require something unique from you with your pitch.

Maybe you like to include “next steps” that clarify what happens after the proposal is sent. Maybe it’s helpful to include examples of similar work you’ve done for other clients. Use this social media proposal template as your starting point, and add or subtract as you need to.

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Christina Newberry is an award-winning writer and editor whose greatest passions include food, travel, urban gardening, and the Oxford comma—not necessarily in that order.

Stacey McLachlan is an award-winning writer and editor from Vancouver with more than a decade of experience working for print and digital publications.

She is editor-at-large for Western Living and Vancouver Magazine, author of the National Magazine Award-nominated 'City Informer' column, and a regular contributor to Dwell. Her previous work covers a wide range of topics, from SEO-focused thought-leadership to profiles of mushroom foragers, but her specialties include design, people, social media strategy, and humor.

You can usually find her at the beach, or cleaning sand out of her bag.

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Writing Social Media Proposals That Stand Out (+ Examples)

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7 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

What is a social media proposal?

A social media proposal is a strategic plan for managing and executing a client's social media campaign. It details goals, tactics, timelines, and success metrics, essential for any marketing agency or freelancer offering advertising services.

A solid strategy is not enough to get the deal if you present it like everyone else

Landing new clients feels like a constant uphill battle, doesn't it? And once you've got them, the real challenge begins: keeping them hooked.

If you're running an agency or freelancing, you're living this reality every day. It's that never-ending hustle, the daily grind to prove your worth in a sea of competitors.

You know you've got serious value to offer. But how do you get your clients to recognize that?

Turns out that there’s a set of basic actions you need to take to set yourself apart and demonstrate higher value to your customers. I will take you through what you need to do based on our extensive data from analyzing over 100K proposal sessions.

We’ve seen our clients apply these principles and increase their success rate again and again.

Let’s dive in!

What to include in a social media proposal?

A well-structured social media proposal can turn skepticism into excitement and doubt into trust.

It's about blending your expertise with the client's unique needs to paint a vivid picture of success that your clients can almost reach out and touch.

Here’s what you need to include to make it happen.

12 required slides of a social media proposal:

Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your expertise in social media, setting the tone for a proposal that reflects a deep understanding of digital marketing strategies.

Executive summary: Begin with a clear, engaging overview of what you're offering and the value it brings.

Client analysis: Show your deep understanding of the client's current social media status, challenges, and aspirations.

Goals and objectives: Clearly articulate the specific outcomes your client can expect, aligning with their broader goals.

Strategy and tactics: Detail your approach and how your chosen tactics will effectively reach the set objectives.

Content plan: Outline the types of content you'll create, including themes, formats, and posting frequency.

Timeline: Provide a phased timeline, offering a clear view of the project's progression and milestones.

Budget and pricing: Present a transparent breakdown of costs, ensuring clarity and avoiding future misunderstandings.

Metrics for success: Define the metrics you'll use to measure and report the effectiveness of your strategies.

Case studies or examples: Include past successes to demonstrate your experience and build trust.

Terms and conditions: Clearly state the legal and contractual aspects, including scope, payment terms, and other details.

Next steps: Encourage the reader to take action by accepting the proposal, scheduling a meeting, or outlining the steps for implementation and collaboration.

Sounds like a lot to take in? Well, it is. But if you stick around, I'll break it down into small, actionable steps that you need to follow to build an effective social media proposal.

What is the best social media proposal format?

In the world of social media, your proposal should be as lively and engaging as the platforms themselves.

You may still be clinging to the safety of static decks - PDFs, Word documents, and basic PowerPoints. These formats are popular choice because they're familiar and straightforward.

But, they lack responsive design, leading to a frustrating experience of pinching and zooming on mobile screens.

On the other hand, interactive formats provide a seamless experience across all devices. They enhance usability and make you look good.

They also allow for dynamic storytelling, incorporating elements like clickable tabs, embedded videos, and animations.

In a nutshell, interactive formats offer an immersive experience static documents simply can't match.

So, what do these interactive formats look like?

Here's a great example:

Here’s a comparison of the most common formats:

Social media proposal examples that get clients to say ‘Yes’

The right proposal can be the difference between a potential client's indecision and an enthusiastic 'Yes'.

Here are 6 standout social media proposal examples , each uniquely designed to capture attention, convey expertise, and demonstrate value.

Social media proposal deck

This proposal deck is a masterclass in blending strategic foresight with visually compelling elements, setting the stage for a marketing campaign that resonates with both logic and creativity.

What makes this social media proposal great:

• The deck allows quick customization with dynamic variables for each client.
• It presents data interactively with running numbers, making statistics more engaging.
• Multiple CTAs are included, offering various pathways for client engagement.

Social media optimization proposal

Tailored to showcase the full spectrum of optimization strategies, this proposal serves as a comprehensive guide, illustrating how to elevate a brand's social media presence with precision and innovation.

• It incorporates data visualization components , making complex information clear and engaging.
• The design strategically guides attention using grayed-out content.
• Case studies are neatly organized in tabs , allowing for easy access and readability.

Social media plan proposal

Crafted for the strategic minds in social media marketing, this proposal is a blueprint for success, detailing how to orchestrate effective campaigns that marry data-driven insights with creative execution.

• It offers the ability to extract branding from a client's website, ensuring a personalized touch.
• Expandable text sections are included, offering detailed information without overwhelming the reader.
• An option to include a custom video when sharing the deck is available, adding a personal touch based on initial client interactions.

Social media campaign proposal

Designed for the savvy digital marketer, this proposal template is a toolkit for success, showcasing how to weave compelling narratives with measurable outcomes in the ever-evolving social media trends and landscape.

• The proposal features a timeline slide , clearly outlining the campaign process.
• A transparent pricing slide is included, offering straightforward cost explanations.

Embedding case studies or live data is possible, enhancing credibility and real-world relevance.

Social media agency proposal

Ideal for forward-thinking agencies, this proposal is a testament to strategic creativity, demonstrating how to craft targeted campaigns that not only speak to the audience but also drive tangible results.

• Its scroll-based design enhances user experience, making information easily accessible.
• Details can be edited post-send , offering flexibility and adaptability.
• All elements automatically adjust to the layout , ensuring a consistent and professional appearance.

Social media advertising proposal

This proposal is a comprehensive toolkit for agencies aiming to showcase their expertise in social media advertising, blending innovative strategies with measurable metrics to paint a picture of success and growth.

• The proposal balances text and image-based slides , ensuring visual appeal and clarity.
• An analytics panel is accessible, providing insights into client interactions.
• AI-assisted content generation is available, enhancing the relevance and impact of the proposal.

How to write a social media proposal that moves the needle

So, you've seen some examples of winning social media proposals.

But here comes the tricky part: how do you actually build a winning social media agency proposal from scratch? How do you create a narrative that connects with your client’s needs and showcases your ability to deliver results?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve it:

1) Understand the client’s needs

When you're putting together a social media proposal, the first step is really getting to know what your client wants and who they're trying to reach.

Take a look at their current social media pages. What's getting likes, shares, or sparking conversations? This is like detective work – you're looking for clues about what their audience loves.

Also, see if you can find any industry reports or surveys that give you a sneak peek into the habits and likes of their target market.

By connecting these dots, you can tailor your proposal to fit perfectly with what the client needs and what their audience enjoys.

2) Analyze the competition

Conducting a competitive analysis is a vital step in your proposal process.

To effectively analyze competitors, begin by identifying key players in your client's industry on social media. Follow their accounts, observe their content strategy, engagement patterns, and audience reactions.

Utilize social media analytics tools to gather data on their most successful posts and campaigns. This approach reveals what's working well for others in the industry and helps in spotting gaps and opportunities that your client can capitalize on to stand out.

3) Set clear, achievable goals

Crafting a social media strategy is a bit like planning a road trip. You need clear, achievable destinations to make sure you're heading in the right direction.

That's where SMART goals come into play in your proposal. They're like your GPS for success – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Imagine your client wants to jazz up their Instagram presence . A SMART goal here isn’t just about saying, “Let’s get more likes.” It’s more specific, like: “Boost Instagram engagement by 200% within 6 months.”

Why are SMART goals so crucial? They cut through the fluff and give you and your client a clear roadmap to follow. It builds a foundation of trust with your client, showing them that you’re not just about big talk – you’re about real, measurable results.

Plus, it keeps everyone on the same page, focused on targets that are not just dreamy but doable.

If you want to learn more, here’s a great resource on how to set social media goals:

4) Establish clear metrics for success

Think of your social media strategy as a garden you're tending to. You wouldn't just plant seeds and walk away, right?

You'd want to check in, see what's blooming, what's not, and understand why. That's exactly what setting clear metrics for success in your proposal is all about.

Measuring success is not just about counting likes or followers. Look at engagement rates to see how much your audience is interacting with your content. Use an affiliate tracking software to analyze your affiliate programs.

Follower growth is great, but also keep an eye on conversion rates – are people just looking, or are they buying, signing up, or engaging in other meaningful ways?

And then there's the big one: Return on Investment (ROI) . This tells us if the time, effort, and money put into social media are really paying off.

Showing your commitment to adding value to your client's business is what sets a great social media strategy apart from a good one.

5) Conduct a thorough social media audit

A comprehensive audit of your client's current social media presence is essential. This audit should assess their performance across various platforms, identify what's working and what's not, and uncover opportunities for improvement.

This step is vital for crafting a strategy that addresses both the strengths and weaknesses of their existing approach.

Check out this video explaining how to do a social media audit:

6) Develop a social media strategy

Your proposal should include a detailed social media strategy that outlines specific actions, platforms to be used, types of content, and engagement tactics.

This strategy should be tailored to meet the client's goals and should be both realistic and achievable.

Here’s a great video on how to develop a social media strategy:

7) Outline the scope of work and deliverables

Detail everything you’ll do for the client, including posting schedules, content creation, community engagement, and analytics reporting. Clearly define responsibilities, the feedback process, and what the client can expect to receive.

8) Discuss project timeline

Include a detailed timeline in your proposal. This section should align with the client's expectations and provide a clear understanding of the investment required to achieve the desired results.

Here's an example of an effective timeline slide :

9) Provide proof of your expertise

Include case studies, testimonials, or data-driven results from previous campaigns to demonstrate your expertise and past successes.

This section helps build credibility and shows potential clients why you are the best choice for their social media needs.

Here's a fantastic example of a success stories slide:

10) Detail the payment and terms

Be transparent about your pricing structure, payment terms, and any other contractual details. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures both parties are on the same page regarding the financial aspects of the project.

Here's an example of a clear pricing slide:

11) Make the next step clear

Conclude your proposal with clear next steps for the client. This could include how to accept the proposal, the process for starting the project, and any immediate actions required.

This section should make it easy for the client to move forward with your services.

Here's an example of a next step slide:

Adding a calendar to your proposal is a great first step in simplifying the process. Taking it a step further, an 'Accept' button can really seal the deal.

It's a neat, no-fuss way for clients to give their green light, cutting down on back-and-forth. This approach speeds up the decision-making and increases your chances of closing deals quicker.

Here's an example of a proposal with an accept button:

How to design a social media proposal

Designing a social media proposal is an art that combines visual appeal with strategic communication. It's about presenting your ideas in a way that is not only visually engaging but also easy to understand and compelling to your client.

Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps.

1) Utilize scroll-based design

Incorporate a scroll-based design, especially for digital proposals. This design approach mimics the scrolling experience of social media platforms, making it intuitive for the reader.

It allows for a narrative-style presentation, where each scroll reveals new information in a seamless flow, keeping the reader engaged.

Here's an example of scroll-based design:

2) Use a clean and professional layout

A well-organized layout is key. Use clean lines, ample white space, and a logical flow of information. This makes your proposal easy to read and professional in appearance. Avoid cluttering pages with too much text or too many images.

3) Incorporate high-quality visuals

Use high-quality images, infographics, and charts to break up text and illustrate your points. Visuals can make complex information more digestible and keep the reader engaged. Ensure that these visuals are relevant and add value to your proposal.

4) Select readable fonts

Choose fonts that are easy to read and professional. Stick to a maximum of 2 or 3 fonts: one for headings, one for subheadings, and one for body text. Consistency in font usage throughout the document maintains a clean and professional look.

5) Use graphs and charts to present data

Graphs and charts are excellent for presenting data in a visually appealing way. Data visualization elements can help to quickly convey key metrics and trends. But, for them to be effective, you need to make sure they are clearly labeled and easy to understand.

Here's an example of highly effective data visualization:

6) Keep branding consistent

Ensure that your proposal reflects your brand's identity. This includes using your logo, brand colors, and maintaining a tone that aligns with your brand's voice. Consistent branding helps in building trust and recognition.

Using an interactive proposal creator , you can automatically extract branding from your website without worrying about adjusting every element manually.

Here's how it works:

7) Ensure responsive design for accessibility

Your proposal should be accessible and easily readable on any device. Responsive design ensures that whether your client is viewing the proposal on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, the layout adjusts to the screen size.

This flexibility enhances the user experience and shows your attentiveness to modern browsing habits.

Here's an example of a mobile-responsive deck:

8) Personalize the proposal for the client

Personalization goes a long way. Tailor the design elements to align with the client's brand, such as using their color scheme or incorporating their logo. You can also use dynamic variables to personalize the deck the same way you would an email newsletter .

This level of customization demonstrates your commitment to understanding and valuing their brand identity, making the proposal more relatable and impactful.

Here's how you can easily personalize your deck:

Interactive social media marketing proposal templates

Crafting a proposal that is both comprehensive and compelling requires expertise in social media strategies, design, and presentation.

You need to align your ideas in a structured, visually appealing, and persuasive manner, which can be time-consuming and often requires multiple iterations.

Interactive social media marketing proposal templates provide a professionally designed framework that you can customize to suit your specific needs.

They help streamline the process, saving you time and effort while ensuring that all critical elements of a proposal are covered.

Grab one and see for yourself.

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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A Research Proposal on the Impact of Social Media on Children

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This study seeks to determine the effect that social media has on children. Technology can be lethal when used wrongly, despite its many benefits. Kids are experimenting when they do things that they and other kids find entertaining or fascinating, all the while avoiding adult supervision. Social media is a product of technology, a helpful tool that some of today's youth misuse. The two primary platforms via which young people utilize social media are cell phones and the Internet, both of which have profoundly changed their way of life.

Key Words: Afghanistan, Social Media, Technology, Children, Empowerment, Cyberbullying.

Introduction

This proposed study will determine the effects of social media on the younger generation, given their existing exposure to them and their ease of access to them. It is expected that this proposed research would bring up serious issues with the children's education, physical and mental well-being, and safety. Kemp (2017) mentions that more than 50% of people on the planet use smartphones, and that percentage is rising. This figure shows that, although just recently invented, smartphones and interactive media have stolen many of our lives from infancy to old age, and they include both adults and children. Freud (1991) the founder of psychoanalysis theory, any adverse experiences during a person's formative years may cause them to exhibit undesirable and socially unacceptable behavior later in life. Numerous research studies have verified that kids frequently develop addictions to social media and cell phones. There is a lack of research, though, as it only evaluates respondents' perceptions of the degree of their own personal attachment to social media, not the actual amount of time they spend on their phones.

The results of this proposed study are expected to close the measurement gap in the amount of time kids spend using social media. The study's conclusions might be useful to policymakers in a variety of government areas. For example, educational curriculum designers will receive training when developing curricula for youth so that they can avoid utilizing social media for their children in the future and are aware of the risks involved. In the health ministry, physicians can benefit from understanding the dangers of social media, particularly those who treat expecting mothers. The results of the study should influence other scholars who are considering this field of study and begin the required mitigation.

Literature Review

The use of mobile platforms and media applications by children has spread all over the world in recent years. Teenagers use social media on a continuous basis as part of their routines. While children are unaware of the consequences of social media use, there are growing concerns about the harm that social media use can cause to one's physical, mental, and educational development (Umarlebbe et al., 2019).

Njorogr (2013) stated that people are dependent on their phones and find it hard to live without phones and social media. Using social media leads to cyberbullying, pornography, and, over all, makes people lazier and also costs a lot to buy data bundles. Peer harassment, cybercrime, and an overall feeling of insecurity have increased because of youth having easy access to current technology and media platforms.

According to the findings of Charoensukmongkol (2017), high levels of social media use are associated with social comparison and jealousy. The main contention is that peer groups compare themselves to one another, and this is the outcome of using social media.

Adults think using social media presents a risk to children, but the risk is greater than they realize. Social media use leads to both online harassment and cyberbullying, which are two distinct things. Social media harassment happens more offline than online, yet cyberbullying puts users at greater risk for depressive, anxious, lonely, and suicidal thoughts, and feelings.

While depression is a condition that affects people offline, teenagers can also experience depression online due to the intensity of social media, so in response to this threat, they will continue to check websites and blogs. This is because the information available online is inapplicable, and we are unsure of the best ways to treat depression. For example, when advertisements appear on websites, they may encourage drug abuse, risky sexual behavior, or aggressive and self-destructive behavior in teenagers. Also, teenagers who disclose excessive amounts of personal information on social media run the serious risk of losing their personal privacy (O'keeffe, 2011).

Kusuma (2020) mentioned that it makes them feel pleased when young people post their photos and texts on social media and receive encouraging responses. However, their confidence wanes if they don't receive praises on their images and posts. Cyberbullying, sadness, and suicide ideation were more common among teenagers who did not receive encouragement from their peer group. Youth may also be at risk from other peer interactions on social media, such as social isolation and online discussions and battles about politics or celebrities.

Given the variety of digital tools that are a part of social media and its gradual expansion, it is challenging to fully explain its effects on teenagers. People behave in ways that are either adaptive or deviant on social media, making it difficult to discern their true nature. We are also unable to pass judgment on them in this virtual world. Some teenagers begin by making negative comparisons to their own accomplishments, abilities, and looks.

In addition to the potential it presents, social media poses risks like despair, an increased chance of suicide, poor sleep quality, and long-term negative effects on one's physical and mental wellbeing. The benefit is that it opens new avenues for amusement and global connection (Nesi, 2020).

Tanwar (2016) found that most kids see media violence practically every day, whether it be in a cartoon, on the internet, on TV, in a movie, or in the news. These encounters, whether brief or prolonged, can have detrimental psychological impacts, including an increase in aggressive behavior and a decrease in the excitement one feels when doing violent acts. We should pay close attention to a media-based strategy that aims to foster positive habits among young people while discouraging negative ones.

Jan et al. (2017) stated that social networking seriously damages people's sense of selfworth. These social networking sites are used by people for maintenance, information sharing, and relationship building. Nonetheless, most people eventually compare themselves to other people in both positive and bad ways. People get envious of other people's lives as a result of upward comparisons, which also makes them less appreciative of and obliged to appreciate the gifts of others. These people experience a decline in their sense of value. The use of social media is rapidly increasing in practically every nation on the planet. Because of this, it can be challenging to prevent people from using social media for extended periods of time, especially students who regularly use Facebook.

Singh et al. (2017) discovered that the young, between the ages of 16 and 25, are increasingly overusing social media. In the sample of young people chosen, many of them (55%) are between the ages of 16 and 20. The teenagers use social applications for website browsing, conversing, amusement, etc. Many of the chosen youngsters use social media daily for somewhere between one hour and five hours. Many young people use social media for so long, about one-third of a day, that it disrupts their everyday routine tasks. Several young people have shared their favorable views on using social media. Even if they are experiencing several undesirable or unfavorable repercussions from overusing social media, they maintain that they cannot envision their lives without it. The survey revealed that many young people have quite high levels of anxiety and worry a lot about their electronics. When they stop using social media, they start to feel fear. It has been determined that excessive usage of social media causes both physical and mental issues and diminishes users' capacity for productivity. In today's world, there is an increase in entertainment options, ubiquitous data, and technological processes, including social media. Youth who use social media too much are sluggish and unenthusiastic about faceto-face encounters.

Most internet users who make use of social media platforms are teenagers. Social networking can be seen as having two sides to its application. The first is the actual advantage, but we also need to consider any potential negative effects that can arise from teens using social media so extensively. Teens that use social networks have several benefits, such as social networking, which enables users to communicate with one other and with individuals worldwide, is the most widely used internet feature. It may be easier to find folks and strike up a discussion as a result. Email, newsgroups, FTP, and the World Wide Web network of websites are just a few of the data exchange channels that enable internet users all over the world to communicate information quickly and cheaply. The Web has become one of the most important and dependable sources of information due to the media's capacity to deliver data and information and the internet's rapid growth. You can conduct business in the trade area without actually going to the offer or sales location because transactions are straightforward enough. Increased blood pressure, strain on the eyes, pain in the back, persistent headaches, and gastrointestinal issues are the drawbacks (Untari et al., 2020).

The researcher of this proposed study plans to investigate these hypotheses for my proposed research.

Hoi: There are no significant correlations between social media and depression.

Hai: There are significant correlations between social media and depression.

H02: There are no significant correlations between social media and mental health.

Ha2: There are significant correlations between social media and mental health

H03: There are no significant correlations between social media and physical health.

Ha3: There are significant correlations between social media and physical health.

H04: There are no significant correlations between social media and wasting time.

Ha4: There are significant correlations between social media and wasting time.

H05: There are no significant correlations between social media and cyberbullying.

Ha5: There are significant correlations between social media and cyberbullying.

Ho5 There are no significant correlations between social media and the economy.

Ha6: There are significant correlations between social media and economy.

Ho6: There are no significant correlations between social media and communication.

Ha7: There are significant correlations between social media and communication.

Methodology

The impact of social media on children is the subject of my proposed research project, and I'd like to employ qualitative techniques in this proposed research. Due to my proficiency with qualitative methodologies and my desire to engage in conversation with others, I can understand their ideas through their own words. In qualitative research, data can be gathered from a variety of sources, including focus groups, direct observation, questionnaires, interviews, and ethnography. In my proposed research study to collect information, I wish to speak with parents through interview sources. It is possible for me to encounter ethical problems and erroneous or misleading information at times, so I should try to be conscious of this and take care that the study we undertake on our subjects does not harm anyone.

The benefits of qualitative research are:

* In -depth understanding: A primary advantage of qualitative research is its capacity to yield a comprehensive comprehension of human behavior. Focus groups and interviews are two examples of qualitative data gathering techniques that give researchers rich, in-depth insights into the motivations behind people's thoughts and behaviors. This kind of information, for instance, is priceless for businesses looking to enhance their goods or services in response to consumer input.

* Adaptability: Qualitative research also has the benefit of being very adaptable. Qualitative research is conducted on a range of subjects, with diverse populations, and in a number of contexts. Because of the huge sample sizes and standardized measurements used in quantitative research, this kind of flexibility is not always achievable.

* More respondent-led, which gets around the issue of imposition: The qualitative research is open. People are free to express their opinions without having to respond to our queries. We can't begin with a specific question; instead, we can ask a general one before moving on to our main one.

* Excellent for exploring a subject the researcher is not well-versed in.

* superior validity compared to quantitative data.

Unlike quantities research methodologies, qualitative research doesn't require a big sample size to obtain data. It suffices to collect data from 20-50 individuals because our emphasis is on ideas and words rather than numbers. Additionally, some researchers recommend that we discontinue sampling after qualitative data saturation has been reached.

Data Collection

The proposed research is simple and exploratory in design. For the purpose of this proposed study, I will use the interview method to gather primary data from parents about the age range of adults, the primary reason for using social media, their opinions both positive and negative about social media, and the effects of social media on children's mental and physical development over the course of their lives. Face-to-face interviews will be used to gather data, and the participants will be the kids' parents from Q-Mars High School, which is located in Khair Khana, Kabul, Afghanistan, a nearby elementary school to my house that doesn't require travel. I will email the parents of the children to invite them to the interview. In addition, I would like to conduct an open-ended, unstructured interview with parents to get their perspectives without my intervention. In order to analyze the data, I will prepare the questions to ask them during the interview and record their responses. Although it's a suggested study, I will provide a present or other incentive to participants in my dissertation. I'll prepare the interview-related supplies, including tape recorders, microphones, tapes, notepads, and a research timetable for each person.

Over the past 20 years, children's lives have become increasingly impacted by modern media, which presents both new chances and difficulties. The use of social media is exploding in almost every country on the planet. As a result, it is impossible to stop people, especially kids who use social media frequently from using it for extended periods of time. Children rely too much on social media and their phones.

A great deal of children is nearly always exposed to violent media, whether it be on the internet, via TV shows, cartoons, movies, or the news. Both the immediate and long-term treatments for these substances may have detrimental psychological effects, such as heightened animosity and lowered arousal for aggressive activity, and other unfavorable effects. The allure of tobacco is greatly outweighed by the fervor and impact of social media. A large percentage of social media users, who are young people, suffer from anxiety, grief, and low self-esteem. Concerns about emotional abuse, criticism, or even disregard arise when they engage in social interactions and expand their networks. They do spend a large portion of their time on public contact platforms and their phones. It has advantages as well, such as being used for interaction, learning, or knowledge sharing, in addition to its drawbacks.

Parents as well as educators have a big impact on how their kids use social media. In addition to teaching their kids about the negative impacts of social media, parents ought also to limit their kids' access to these websites. Incorporating information about social media's detrimental impacts into the curriculum and educating expectant moms about the dangers of using social media will help teachers in schools prevent their children from using it.

Charoensukmongkol, P. (2018). The impact of social media on social comparison and envy in teenagers: The moderating role of the parent comparing children and in-group competition among friends. Journal cf Child and Family Studies, 27, 69-79. doi: 10.1007/s 10826-017-0872-8.

Jan, M., Soomro, S. A., & Ahmad. N. (2017). Impact of social media on self-esteem. European Sclentfic Journal, 13(23), 329-341. doi: 10.19044/esj.

Kusuma, A. (2020). Impact of social media on youth. Retrieved on November 20, 2023 from https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as sdt=2005&sciodt=0%2C5&cites=1751738 3190053794033&scipsc=&q=Impact+of+social+media+on+youth+kusuma&oq=

Nesi, J. (2020). The impact of social media on youth mental health: Challenges and opportunities. North Carolina Medical Journal, 81(2), 116-121.

Njoroge, R. W. (2013). Impacts of social media among the youth on behavior change: A case study of University students in selected universities in Nairobi, Kenya. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi).

O'Keeffe, G. S., Pearson, K. C., and Council on communications and media (2011). The impact of social media on Children, Adolescents, and Families. Official Journal cf the American Academy Pediatric, 127(4), 800-804. doi:10.1542/peds.2011- 0054.

Singh, M. M., Amiri, M., & Sabbarwal, S. (2017). Social media usage: Positive and negative effects on the life style of Indian youth. Iranian Journal cf Social Sciences and Humanities Research, 5(3), 123-127.

Tanwar, K. C., & Priyanka. (2016). Impact of media violence on children's aggressive behavior. Indian Journal cf Research, 5(6), 241-245.

Umarlebbe, J. FL, Masrom, M., Said, S. M, & Ayoobkhan, A. L.M. (2019). Negative impacts of mobile platforms and interactive media on children. On Universal Wellbeing (ICUW 2019). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahamed-LebbeAvoobkhan/publication/337783081 NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF MOBILE PLATFOR MS AND SOCIAL MEDIA ON CHILDREN/links/5e4cf9f54585.

Untari, D. T, Satria, B, Fikri, A.W.N, Nursal, F, & Winarso, W. (2020). Technology, Social media, and Behavior of the young generation in Indonesia. International Journal cf Selenitic & Technology Research, 9(4), 986-989.

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Home » Research Proposal – Types, Template and Example

Research Proposal – Types, Template and Example

Table of Contents

Research Proposal

Research proposal is a document that outlines a proposed research project . It is typically written by researchers, scholars, or students who intend to conduct research to address a specific research question or problem.

Types of Research Proposal

Research proposals can vary depending on the nature of the research project and the specific requirements of the funding agency, academic institution, or research program. Here are some common types of research proposals:

Academic Research Proposal

This is the most common type of research proposal, which is prepared by students, scholars, or researchers to seek approval and funding for an academic research project. It includes all the essential components mentioned earlier, such as the introduction, literature review , methodology , and expected outcomes.

Grant Proposal

A grant proposal is specifically designed to secure funding from external sources, such as government agencies, foundations, or private organizations. It typically includes additional sections, such as a detailed budget, project timeline, evaluation plan, and a description of the project’s alignment with the funding agency’s priorities and objectives.

Dissertation or Thesis Proposal

Students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree often need to submit a proposal outlining their intended research for their dissertation or thesis. These proposals are usually more extensive and comprehensive, including an in-depth literature review, theoretical framework, research questions or hypotheses, and a detailed methodology.

Research Project Proposal

This type of proposal is often prepared by researchers or research teams within an organization or institution. It outlines a specific research project that aims to address a particular problem, explore a specific area of interest, or provide insights for decision-making. Research project proposals may include sections on project management, collaboration, and dissemination of results.

Research Fellowship Proposal

Researchers or scholars applying for research fellowships may be required to submit a proposal outlining their proposed research project. These proposals often emphasize the novelty and significance of the research and its alignment with the goals and objectives of the fellowship program.

Collaborative Research Proposal

In cases where researchers from multiple institutions or disciplines collaborate on a research project, a collaborative research proposal is prepared. This proposal highlights the objectives, responsibilities, and contributions of each collaborator, as well as the overall research plan and coordination mechanisms.

Research Proposal Outline

A research proposal typically follows a standard outline that helps structure the document and ensure all essential components are included. While the specific headings and subheadings may vary slightly depending on the requirements of your institution or funding agency, the following outline provides a general structure for a research proposal:

• Title of the research proposal
• Name of the researcher(s) or principal investigator(s)
• Affiliation or institution
• Date of submission
• A concise summary of the research proposal, typically limited to 200-300 words.
• Briefly introduce the research problem or question, state the objectives, summarize the methodology, and highlight the expected outcomes or significance of the research.
• Provide an overview of the subject area and the specific research problem or question.
• Present relevant background information, theories, or concepts to establish the need for the research.
• Clearly state the research objectives or research questions that the study aims to address.
• Indicate the significance or potential contributions of the research.
• Summarize and analyze relevant studies, theories, or scholarly works.
• Identify research gaps or unresolved issues that your study intends to address.
• Highlight the novelty or uniqueness of your research.
• Describe the overall approach or research design that will be used (e.g., experimental, qualitative, quantitative).
• Justify the chosen approach based on the research objectives and question.
• Explain how data will be collected (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
• Describe the sampling strategy and sample size, if applicable.
• Address any ethical considerations related to data collection.
• Outline the data analysis techniques or statistical methods that will be applied.
• Explain how the data will be interpreted and analyzed to answer the research question(s).
• Provide a detailed schedule or timeline that outlines the various stages of the research project.
• Specify the estimated duration for each stage, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.
• State the potential outcomes or results of the research.
• Discuss the potential significance or contributions of the study to the field.
• Address any potential limitations or challenges that may be encountered.
• Identify the resources required to conduct the research, such as funding, equipment, or access to data.
• Specify any collaborations or partnerships necessary for the successful completion of the study.
• Include a list of cited references in the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

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Research Proposal Example Template

Here’s an example of a research proposal to give you an idea of how it can be structured:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Well-being: A Mixed-Methods Study

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of social media on the well-being of adolescents. The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data. The research objectives include examining the relationship between social media use and mental health, exploring the role of peer influence in shaping online behaviors, and identifying strategies for promoting healthy social media use among adolescents. The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of the effects of social media on adolescent well-being and inform the development of targeted interventions.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and Context:

Adolescents today are immersed in social media platforms, which have become integral to their daily lives. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact of social media on their well-being, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. It is crucial to investigate this phenomenon further and understand the underlying mechanisms to develop effective strategies for promoting healthy social media use among adolescents.

1.2 Research Objectives:

The main objectives of this study are:

• To examine the association between social media use and mental health outcomes among adolescents.
• To explore the influence of peer relationships and social comparison on online behaviors.
• To identify strategies and interventions to foster positive social media use and enhance adolescent well-being.

2. Literature Review

Extensive research has been conducted on the impact of social media on adolescents. Existing literature suggests that excessive social media use can contribute to negative outcomes, such as low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and addictive behaviors. However, some studies have also highlighted the positive aspects of social media, such as providing opportunities for self-expression and social support. This study will build upon this literature by incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between social media and adolescent well-being.

3. Methodology

3.1 Research Design:

This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative phase will involve administering standardized questionnaires to a representative sample of adolescents to assess their social media use, mental health indicators, and perceived social support. The qualitative phase will include in-depth interviews with a subset of participants to explore their experiences, motivations, and perceptions related to social media use.

3.2 Data Collection Methods:

Quantitative data will be collected through an online survey distributed to schools in the target region. The survey will include validated scales to measure social media use, mental health outcomes, and perceived social support. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of participants. The interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis.

3.3 Data Analysis:

Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to examine the relationships between variables. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically to identify common themes and patterns within participants’ narratives. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of the research questions.

4. Timeline

The research project will be conducted over a period of 12 months, divided into specific phases, including literature review, study design, data collection, analysis, and report writing. A detailed timeline outlining the key milestones and activities is provided in Appendix A.

5. Expected Outcomes and Significance

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature on the impact of social media on adolescent well-being by employing a mixed-methods approach. The findings will inform the development of evidence-based interventions and guidelines to promote healthy social media use among adolescents. This research has the potential to benefit adolescents, parents, educators, and policymakers by providing insights into the complex relationship between social media and well-being and offering strategies for fostering positive online experiences.

6. Resources

The resources required for this research include access to a representative sample of adolescents, research assistants for data collection, statistical software for data analysis, and funding to cover survey administration and participant incentives. Ethical considerations will be taken into account, ensuring participant confidentiality and obtaining informed consent.

7. References

Research Proposal Writing Guide

Writing a research proposal can be a complex task, but with proper guidance and organization, you can create a compelling and well-structured proposal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Understand the requirements: Familiarize yourself with the guidelines and requirements provided by your institution, funding agency, or program. Pay attention to formatting, page limits, specific sections or headings, and any other instructions.
• Identify your research topic: Choose a research topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and the goals of your program or funding opportunity. Ensure that your topic is specific, focused, and relevant to the field of study.
• Conduct a literature review : Review existing literature and research relevant to your topic. Identify key theories, concepts, methodologies, and findings related to your research question. This will help you establish the context, identify research gaps, and demonstrate the significance of your proposed study.
• Define your research objectives and research question(s): Clearly state the objectives you aim to achieve with your research. Formulate research questions that address the gaps identified in the literature review. Your research objectives and questions should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Develop a research methodology: Determine the most appropriate research design and methodology for your study. Consider whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches will best address your research question(s). Describe the data collection methods, sampling strategy, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations associated with your research.
• Create a research plan and timeline: Outline the various stages of your research project, including tasks, milestones, and deadlines. Develop a realistic timeline that considers factors such as data collection, analysis, and report writing. This plan will help you stay organized and manage your time effectively throughout the research process.
• A. Introduction: Provide background information on the research problem, highlight its significance, and introduce your research objectives and questions.
• B. Literature review: Summarize relevant literature, identify gaps, and justify the need for your proposed research.
• C . Methodology: Describe your research design, data collection methods, sampling strategy, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.
• D . Expected outcomes and significance: Explain the potential outcomes, contributions, and implications of your research.
• E. Resources: Identify the resources required to conduct your research, such as funding, equipment, or access to data.
• F . References: Include a list of cited references in the appropriate citation style.
• Revise and proofread: Review your proposal for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for grammar and spelling errors. Seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or advisors to refine and improve your proposal.
• Finalize and submit: Make any necessary revisions based on feedback and finalize your research proposal. Ensure that you have met all the requirements and formatting guidelines. Submit your proposal within the specified deadline.

Research Proposal Length

The length of a research proposal can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your institution or funding agency. However, research proposals typically range from 1,500 to 3,000 words, excluding references and any additional supporting documents.

Purpose of Research Proposal

The purpose of a research proposal is to outline and communicate your research project to others, such as academic institutions, funding agencies, or potential collaborators. It serves several important purposes:

• Demonstrate the significance of the research: A research proposal explains the importance and relevance of your research project. It outlines the research problem or question, highlights the gaps in existing knowledge, and explains how your study will contribute to the field. By clearly articulating the significance of your research, you can convince others of its value and potential impact.
• Provide a clear research plan: A research proposal outlines the methodology, design, and approach you will use to conduct your study. It describes the research objectives, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and potential outcomes. By presenting a clear research plan, you demonstrate that your study is well-thought-out, feasible, and likely to produce meaningful results.
• Secure funding or support: For researchers seeking funding or support for their projects, a research proposal is essential. It allows you to make a persuasive case for why your research is deserving of financial resources or institutional backing. The proposal explains the budgetary requirements, resources needed, and potential benefits of the research, helping you secure the necessary funding or support.
• Seek feedback and guidance: Presenting a research proposal provides an opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from experts in your field. It allows you to engage in discussions and receive suggestions for refining your research plan, improving the methodology, or addressing any potential limitations. This feedback can enhance the quality of your study and increase its chances of success.
• Establish ethical considerations: A research proposal also addresses ethical considerations associated with your study. It outlines how you will ensure participant confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations. By demonstrating your awareness and commitment to ethical research practices, you build trust and credibility in your proposed study.

Importance of Research Proposal

The research proposal holds significant importance in the research process. Here are some key reasons why research proposals are important:

• Planning and organization: A research proposal requires careful planning and organization of your research project. It forces you to think through the research objectives, research questions, methodology, and potential outcomes before embarking on the actual study. This planning phase helps you establish a clear direction and framework for your research, ensuring that your efforts are focused and purposeful.
• Demonstrating the significance of the research: A research proposal allows you to articulate the significance and relevance of your study. By providing a thorough literature review and clearly defining the research problem or question, you can showcase the gaps in existing knowledge that your research aims to address. This demonstrates to others, such as funding agencies or academic institutions, why your research is important and deserving of support.
• Obtaining funding and resources: Research proposals are often required to secure funding for your research project. Funding agencies and organizations need to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed research before allocating resources. A well-crafted research proposal helps convince funders of the value of your research and increases the likelihood of securing financial support, grants, or scholarships.
• Receiving feedback and guidance: Presenting a research proposal provides an opportunity to seek feedback and guidance from experts in your field. By sharing your research plan and objectives with others, you can benefit from their insights and suggestions. This feedback can help refine your research design, strengthen your methodology, and ensure that your study is rigorous and well-informed.
• Ethical considerations: A research proposal addresses ethical considerations associated with your study. It outlines how you will protect the rights and welfare of participants, maintain confidentiality, obtain informed consent, and adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations. This emphasis on ethical practices ensures that your research is conducted responsibly and with integrity.
• Enhancing collaboration and partnerships: A research proposal can facilitate collaborations and partnerships with other researchers, institutions, or organizations. When presenting your research plan, you may attract the interest of potential collaborators who share similar research interests or possess complementary expertise. Collaborative partnerships can enrich your study, expand your resources, and foster knowledge exchange.
• Establishing a research trajectory: A research proposal serves as a foundation for your research project. Once approved, it becomes a roadmap that guides your study’s implementation, data collection, analysis, and reporting. It helps maintain focus and ensures that your research stays on track and aligned with the initial objectives.

When to Write Research Proposal

The timing of when to write a research proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements and circumstances. However, here are a few common situations when it is appropriate to write a research proposal:

• Academic research: If you are a student pursuing a research degree, such as a Ph.D. or Master’s by research, you will typically be required to write a research proposal as part of the application process. This is usually done before starting the research program to outline your proposed study and seek approval from the academic institution.
• Funding applications: When applying for research grants, scholarships, or funding from organizations or institutions, you will often need to submit a research proposal. Funding agencies require a detailed description of your research project, including its objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Writing a research proposal in this context is necessary to secure financial support for your study.
• Research collaborations: When collaborating with other researchers, institutions, or organizations on a research project, it is common to prepare a research proposal. This helps outline the research objectives, roles and responsibilities, and expected contributions from each party. Writing a research proposal in this case allows all collaborators to align their efforts and ensure a shared understanding of the project.
• Research project within an organization: If you are conducting research within an organization, such as a company or government agency, you may be required to write a research proposal to gain approval and support for your study. This proposal outlines the research objectives, methodology, resources needed, and expected outcomes, ensuring that the project aligns with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Independent research projects: Even if you are not required to write a research proposal, it can still be beneficial to develop one for your independent research projects. Writing a research proposal helps you plan and structure your study, clarify your research objectives, and anticipate potential challenges or limitations. It also allows you to communicate your research plans effectively to supervisors, mentors, or collaborators.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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8 Research Proposal Examples & Template to Use

Written by: Raja Mandal

So you have a groundbreaking research idea you've spent months or even years developing, and now you're ready to take the next step.

How do you get funding for your research, and how should you approach potential funders? The answer is to create a convincing research proposal.

Unfortunately, most research proposals often get rejected. According to the European Research Council, the success rate for repeat proposal applications was only 14.8% in 2023 .

Pitching a novel research concept isn’t enough. To increase your chances of securing funding, your research proposal must check the right boxes in terms of clarity, feasibility, aesthetic appeal and other factors.

If you’re looking for inspiration to create a persuasive and feasible proposal, you’re in the right place. In this article, we have compiled a list of research proposal examples to help you create yours.

These examples will help you understand how to organize your proposal, what information to include and how to present it in a way that encourages others to support your project.

Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a research proposal, what to include in a research proposal, 8 research proposal examples & templates, research proposal faqs.

• A research proposal is a document that outlines your proposed research project, explaining what you plan to study, why it's important and how you will conduct your research.
• A well-structured research proposal includes a title page, abstract and table of contents, introduction, literature review, research design and methodology, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, timeline and budget.
• Visme's research proposal examples and templates offer a great starting point for creating engaging and well-structured proposals.
• Choose a template from Visme's research proposal examples and customize it to fit your needs.
• With Visme’s proposal maker , you can create a research proposal that stands out. Access a drag-and-drop editor and advanced features like AI tools , collaboration features, brand wizard and more.

A research proposal is a structured document that outlines the core idea of your research, the methods you intend to use, the required resources and the expected results.

Think of it as a sales pitch for your research. It answers some big questions: What are you planning to explore? Why is it important to conduct the research? What are your research objectives and the methods you’ll use to achieve them? What are the potential outcomes or contributions of this research to the field?

A research proposal serves two primary purposes. First, it convinces funding bodies or academic committees to support your research project expected to bring new ideas and insights. Second, it provides a roadmap for your research journey, helping you stay focused, organized and on track.

Now, we'll discuss what to include in a research proposal. You'll learn about the important parts of a research proposal template and how they help present your research idea clearly.

Here’s an infographic that you can use to understand the elements of a research proposal quickly.

1. Title Page

Start your research proposal with a title page that clearly states your research. The title page is like a book cover, giving the first impression of your project. Therefore, you must ensure the design is engaging enough to attract your audience at first glance.

Include the following details on your title page:

• Title of your research
• Contact Details
• Name of the department or organization
• Date of submission

2. Abstract and Table of Contents

After the title page comes the abstract and the table of contents.

The abstract is a concise summary of your project that briefly outlines your research question, the reasons behind the study and the methods you intend to use. It is a quick way for readers to understand your proposal without reading the entire document.

The table of contents is a detailed list of the sections and subsections in your proposal, with page numbers. It helps readers navigate through your document and quickly locate different parts they're interested in.

3. Introduction

The introduction of your research proposal sets the tone for the rest of the document. It should grab the reader's attention and make them want to learn more. It's your chance to make a strong case for why your research is worth investigating and how it can fill a gap in current knowledge or solve a specific problem.

Make sure that your introduction covers the following:

• Background Information: Set the stage with a brief snapshot of existing research and why your topic is relevant.
• Research Problem: Identify the specific problem or knowledge gap that your study will address.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses: Present the central question or hypothesis that guides your research focus.
• Aims and Objectives: Outline your research's main goal and the steps you'll take to achieve it.
• Significance and Contribution: Explain how your research will add value to the field and what impact it could have.

4. Literature Review

A literature review is a list of the scholarly works you used to conduct your research. It helps you demonstrate your current knowledge about the topic.

Here's how this part works:

• Summary of Sources: Talk about the main ideas or findings from your research materials and explain how they connect to your research questions.
• Finding Gaps: Show where the current research falls short or doesn't give the full picture—this is where your research comes in!
• Key Theories: Tell the readers about any theories or ways of thinking that help shape your research.
• Learning from Methods: Discuss what previous researchers worked on and how their methods might guide your research.
• Recognizing Authors and Studies: Honor the pioneers whose work has had a major influence on your topic.

5. Research Design and Methodology

This section outlines your plan for answering your research question. It explains how you intend to gather and analyze information, providing a clear roadmap of the investigation process.

Here are the key components:

Population and Sample

Describe the entire group you're interested in (the population). This could be all teachers in a specific state or all social media platform users. After that, you will need to explain how you will choose a smaller group, known as a sample, to study directly. This sample should be selected to accurately represent the larger population you are interested in studying.

To choose the right sampling method, you need to assess your population properly. For instance, to obtain general insights, you can use random sampling to select individuals without bias. If the population consists of different categories, such as professionals and students, you can use stratified sampling to ensure that each category is represented in the sample.

Other popular sampling methods include systematic, convenience, purposive, cluster, and probability sampling techniques.

Research Approach

There are three main approaches for the research: qualitative (focusing on experiences and themes), quantitative (using numbers and statistics), or mixed methods (combining both). Your choice will depend on your research question and the kind of data you need.

Data Collection

This section details the specific methods you'll use to gather information. Will you distribute surveys online or in person? Conduct interviews? Perhaps you'll use existing data sets. Here, you'll also explain how you'll ensure the data collection process is reliable and ethical.

Data Analysis

Once you have collected your data, the next step is to analyze it to obtain meaningful insights. The method you choose depends on the available data type.

If you have quantitative data, you can employ statistical tests to analyze it. And if you're dealing with qualitative data, coding techniques can help you spot patterns and themes in your collected data.

6. Contribution to Knowledge

In this section, you need to explain how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge in your field. You should describe whether your study will fill a knowledge gap, challenge conventional ideas or beliefs or offer a fresh perspective on a topic.

Clearly outline how your work will advance your field of study and why this new knowledge is essential.

7. Research Schedule and Timeline

Create a timeline with important milestones, such as finishing your literature review, completing data collection and finalizing your analysis.

This shows that you've carefully considered the scope of your project and can manage your time effectively. Furthermore, account for possible delays and be prepared to adapt your schedule accordingly.

To create this timeline, consider using a visual tool like a Gantt chart or a simple spreadsheet. These tools will help you organize individual tasks, assign deadlines, and visualize the project's overall progress.

Choose a Gantt chart template from Visme's library and customize it to create your timeline quickly. Here's an example template:

The budget section is your opportunity to show them that you've carefully considered all necessary expenses and that your funding request is justified.

Here's how you can approach this part:

• Understand the Rules: Before making calculations, thoroughly review the funding agency's guidelines. Pay attention to what types of expenses are allowed or excluded and whether there are any budget caps.
• Personnel: Salaries and benefits for yourself, research assistants, or collaborators.
• Equipment: Specialized tools, software, or lab supplies.
• Travel: Transportation, lodging and meals if data collection requires travel.
• Dissemination: Costs for publishing results or presenting at conferences.
• Provide Justifications: Don't just list a cost. Briefly explain why each expense is crucial for completing your research.
• Be Thorough and Realistic: Research prices for specific items using quotes or online comparisons. Don't underestimate expenses, as this can raise troubles about the project's feasibility.
• Don't Forget Contingencies: Include a small buffer (around 5% of your total budget) for unexpected costs that might arise.

Using these research proposal examples and templates, you can create a winning proposal in no time. You will find templates for various topics and customize every aspect of them to make them your own.

Visme’s drag-and-drop editor, advanced features and a vast library of templates help organizations and individuals worldwide create engaging documents.

Here’s what a research student who uses Visme to create award-winning presentations has to say about the tool:

Chantelle Clarke

Research Student

Now, let’s dive into the research proposal examples.

1. Research Proposal Presentation Template

This research proposal presentation template is a powerful tool for presenting your research plan to stakeholders. The slides include specific sections to help you outline your research, including the research background, questions, objectives, methodology and expected results.

The slides create a coherent narrative, highlighting the importance and significance of your research. Overall, the template has a calming and professional blue color scheme with text that enables your audience to grasp the key points.

If you need help creating your presentation slides in a fraction of the time, check out Visme's AI presentation maker . Enter your requirements using text prompts, and the AI tool will generate a complete presentation with engaging visuals, text and clear structure. You can further customize the template completely to your needs.

2. Sales Research Proposal Template

Sales research gives you a deeper understanding of their target audience. It also helps you identify gaps in the market and develop effective sales strategies that drive revenue growth. With this research proposal template, you can secure funding for your next research project.

It features a sleek and professional grayscale color palette with a classic and modern vibe. The high-quality images in the template are strategically placed to reinforce the message without overwhelming the reader. Furthermore, the template includes a vertical bar graph that effectively represents budget allocations, enabling the reader to quickly grasp the information.

Use Visme's interactive elements and animations to add a dynamic layer to your research proposals. You can animate any object and add pop-ups or link pages for a more immersive experience. Use these functionalities to highlight key findings, demonstrate trends or guide readers through your proposal, making the content engaging and interactive.

3. General Funding Research Proposal Template

This proposal template is a great tool for securing funding for any type of research project. It begins with a captivating title page that grabs attention. The beautiful design elements and vector icons enhance the aesthetic and aid visual communication.

This template revolves around how a specific user group adopts cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The goal is to assess awareness, gauge interest and understand key factors affecting cryptocurrency adoption.

The project methodology includes survey design, data collection, and market research. The expected impact is to enhance customer engagement and position the company as a customer-centric brand.

Do you need additional help crafting the perfect text for your proposal? Visme's AI writer can quickly generate content outlines, summaries and even entire sections. Just explain your requirements to the tool using a text prompt, and the tool will generate it for you.

4. Product Research Proposal Template

Creating a product that delights users begins with detailed product research. With this modern proposal template, you can secure buy-in and funding for your next research.

It starts with a background that explains why the research is important. Next, it highlights what the research is set to achieve, how the research will be conducted, how much it will cost, the timeline and the expected outcomes. With a striking color scheme combining black, yellow, and gray, the template grabs attention and maintains it until the last page.

What we love about this template is the smart use of visuals. You'll find a flowchart explaining the methodology, a bar graph for the budget, and a timeline for the project. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding the visual elements you’ll find in Visme.

Visme offers data visualization tools with 30+ data widgets, such as radial gauges, population arrays, progress bars and more. These tools can help you turn complex data into engaging visuals for your research proposal or any other document.

For larger data sets, you can choose from 20+ types of charts and graphs , including bar graphs , bubble charts , Venn diagrams and more.

5. Tech Research Proposal Template

If you’re a tech researcher, we’ve got the perfect template for you. This research proposal example is about predictive analytics in e-commerce. However, you can customize it for any other type of research proposal.

It highlights the project's objectives, including the effectiveness of predictive analysis, the impact of product recommendations and supply chain optimization. The methods proposed for achieving these objectives involve A/B testing and data analysis, a comprehensive budget and a 12-month timeline for clear project planning.

The title page has a unique triptych-style layout that immediately catches the reader's attention. It has plenty of white space that enhances readability, allowing your audience to focus on the critical points.

Submitting to different funding agencies? You don’t have to manually make changes to your document. Visme's dynamic fields can help save time and eliminate repetitive data entry.

Create custom fields like project names, addresses, contact information and more. Any changes made to these fields will automatically populate throughout the document.

6. Marketing Research Proposal Template

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm and the marketing niche isn’t left out. With this eye-catching template, you can attract attention to your proposed marketing research project for an AI-driven platform.

The main goal of the research is to evaluate the platform's feasibility and marketing potential. To achieve this goal, the scope of work includes a comprehensive analysis of the market and competitors and pilot testing. The proposal also contains a budget overview that clearly outlines the allocation of funds, ensuring a well-planned and transparent approach.

Using Visme's Brand Design Tool , you can easily customize this template to suit your branding with just one click. Simply enter your URL into the brand wizard, and the tool will automatically extract your company logo, brand colors, and brand fonts . Once saved, you or your team members can apply the branding elements to any document. It's that simple!

7. Environmental Research Proposal Template

The environmental research proposal example focuses on carbon emissions, identifies their contributing factors, and suggests sustainable practices to address them. It uses an appropriate sample size and data collection techniques to gather and evaluate data and provide sustainable recommendations to reduce industrial carbon footprints and waste.

From a design standpoint, the green and white color combination matches the theme of nature and environmental friendliness. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the proposal includes relevant images that support ecological advocacy, making it informative and visually aligned with its purpose.

A key feature of this template is its detailed breakdown of the project's timeline. It uses a Gantt chart to clearly present stages, milestones and deadlines.

Collaborate with your team members to customize these research proposal templates using Visme’s collaborative design features . These features allow you to leave feedback, draw annotations and even make live edits. Invite your teammates via email or a shareable link and allow them to work together on projects.

8. General Approval Research Proposal Template

This research proposal template is a total game-changer - you can use it for any research proposal and customize it however you want. It features a modern and refreshing color scheme that immediately makes it stand out, providing a contemporary look that can adapt to any project's needs.

The template's layout is thoughtfully designed with primary fields that users can easily personalize by changing text, adjusting colors, or swapping images. No matter the research topic, you can tailor the template to fit your specific needs.

Once you're done customizing your research proposal template on Visme, you can download, share and publish it in different ways. For offline usage, you may download the proposal in PDF, PNG, or JPG format. To share it online, you can use a private or public link or generate a code snippet that you can embed anywhere on the web.

Want to create other types of proposals? Here are 29 proposal templates that you can easily customize in Visme.

Q. What Are the Five Steps of Writing a Research Proposal?

Follow these steps to write a solid research proposal:

• Choose a topic within your field of study that can be explored and investigated.
• Research existing literature and studies to build a foundational understanding and prepare your research question.
• Outline your research proposal: introduction, literature review, proposed methodology, budget and timeline.
• Conduct more detailed studies to strengthen your proposition, refine your research question and justify your methodology.
• Follow your outline to write a clear and organized proposal, then review and edit for accuracy before submitting.

If you want to learn more about creating an expert research proposal , we highly recommend checking out our in-depth guide.

Q. How Long Is a Research Proposal?

Research proposals can range from 1,000 to 5,000 words. For smaller projects or when specific requirements aren't provided, aim for a concise and informative proposal that effectively outlines your research plan.

However, the ideal length depends on these factors:

• Projects with complex methodologies or multiple phases may require longer proposals to explain the scope and procedures in detail.
• Universities, academic institutions and funding agencies often have guidelines of a specific length. Always check their requirements beforehand.
• When writing a proposal, adjust the level of study based on the audience. Academic proposals may require comprehensive explanations, while business or non-profit proposals require a more streamlined approach.

Q. How Long Does It Take to Write a Research Proposal?

The time it takes to write a research proposal depends on a few factors:

• Complex research with extensive data collection or analysis will naturally take longer to plan and write about.
• If you're new to writing research proposals, expect to spend more time learning the format and best practices.
• If you've already conducted some research or a thorough literature review, the writing process might go faster.
• Funding applications often have strict deadlines that will dictate your timeline.

Set aside several weeks to a couple of months for researching, writing, and revising your proposal. Start early to avoid stress and produce your best work.

Q. What Not to Do for a Research Proposal?

There are several factors that can make a research proposal weak. Here are some of the most common errors that you should avoid while preparing your research proposal:

• Don’t choose a topic that’s too broad. Focus on a specific area you can thoroughly explore within your proposal’s limits.
• Don’t ignore the rules for formatting and submitting your proposal. Always adhere to the requirements set by your institution or funding body.
• Don’t forget to conduct a thorough literature review. It's crucial to show your grasp of existing research related to your topic.
• Don't be vague about your methods. Ensure they're clearly defined and suitable for answering your research question.
• Don't overlook errors in grammar, typos or structure. A well-proofread proposal reflects professionalism, so review it carefully before submitting it.

Craft Professional & Engaging Proposals with Visme

Writing a compelling research proposal takes effort, but with the right tools, the process becomes a breeze. Use the research proposal examples and templates in this article as a launching point to write your own proposal.

The best part? Visme provides easy-to-use tools with a vast collection of customizable templates, design elements and powerful features.

Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a student, Visme has the resources to help you create visually appealing and well-structured research proposals. In addition to research proposals, Visme helps you create many other document types, such as presentations , infographics , reports and more.

Ready to create your own research proposal? Check out Visme's proposal maker and start crafting professional and engaging proposals in minutes!

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• v.24(6); 2022 Jun

Using Social Media for Clinical Research: Recommendations and Examples From the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health

Elizabeth m goldberg.

1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

2 Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States

3 Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, RI, United States

Rochelle K Rosen

4 Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

5 Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

Don S Dizon

6 Department of Medical Oncology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

7 Lifespan Cancer Institute, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States

Kirsten J Langdon

8 Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, United States

Natalie M Davoodi

9 Department of Emergency Medicine, Providence, RI, United States

Tyler B Wray

10 Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States

Nicole R Nugent

Shira i dunsiger, megan l ranney.

Social media integration into research has increased, and 92% of American social media participants state they would share their data with researchers. Yet, the potential of these data to transform health outcomes has not been fully realized, and the way clinical research is performed has been held back. The use of these technologies in research is dependent on the investigators’ awareness of their potential and their ability to innovate within regulatory and institutional guidelines. The Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health has launched an initiative to address these challenges and provide a helpful framework to expand social media use in clinical research.

Introduction

Social media includes technologies that allow multidirectional communication via web-based networks (Facebook), microblogs (Twitter), video sharing sites (YouTube), blogs, and other forums [ 1 ]. A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of American adults use some form of social media, with that figure surpassing 80% among those under 50 years of age [ 2 ]. As social media use increases, its integration into and relevance for clinical research has also increased. These web-based channels offer a low- or no-cost venue for recruitment [ 3 - 6 ], more ready venues for volunteer engagement [ 7 ], and greater generalizability owing to the potential of web-based tools to access diverse or marginalized communities [ 6 , 8 ].

Beyond these aspects, social media also offers tremendous opportunities for clinical researchers. First, it provides the opportunity to increase knowledge about clinical research in a way that encourages the public to learn and discuss issues. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Science Foundation funded COVID Info Commons [ 9 ], a “convergence accelerator” that promotes federally funded research on COVID-19 on its Twitter account, provides the public with a search engine to find National Science Foundation–funded COVID research, holds monthly seminars over Zoom, accessible to the public, on research in progress, and posts recorded seminars to YouTube with Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation. Second, social media also allows for the delivery of interventions in an innovative way [ 8 ] and is a potential source of real-world evidence that can be accessed to generate new hypotheses or identify unmet needs in various clinical communities [ 10 , 11 ].

Despite the potential applications that can be used, social media research still faces significant barriers to its effective use. Principal among them is the lack of uniformity in how research proposals are reviewed at a local and national level and the lack of guidance available to researchers seeking to explore social media; this in turn may result in the unintended consequence of discouraging new and established researchers from incorporating social media into their own work.

The Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health (CDH) is a hub where researchers, clinicians, administrators, entrepreneurs, and business representatives from Brown University and its affiliated hospital partners collaboratively design, test, and deploy digital solutions to the society’s most pressing health challenges. In this paper, we review the issues facing investigators and institutions related to research using social media technologies. We propose a roadmap for researchers, agencies, and institutions to integrate social media as a tool for completing clinical research studies. We focus on elements of social media use investigators should be cognizant of, issues institutional review boards (IRBs) should address, and suggest institutional procedures to facilitate safe and responsible social media use for clinical research.

Social Media and the Clinical Researcher: Concerns and Considerations

While the potential role of social media in research has been established, issues have been raised by investigators, including ethics, privacy, consent, and confidentiality concerns for participants [ 12 ]. Additionally, whether and how communities on social media represent real-world or offline communities is a concern [ 13 ], especially as older and underresourced individuals may lack access to broadband or familiarity with social media channels; this inequality is often termed the “digital divide” [ 14 ]. Moreover, new social media platforms are constantly emerging, introducing dynamically changing impacts to participants and researchers, while also reshaping use patterns of more established tools. The stakeholders in social media research and their key roles are illustrated in Figure 1 .

Social media research stakeholders.

Institutional Perspectives on Social Media Research: Concerns and Considerations

The use of social media for the purposes of human subjects research remains an area of concern for many institutions. The major reason this remains the case is that social media is not designed for ethical, human subject–approved research. Rather, it is designed, by intent, for public use. Further, social media platforms often include data agreements between the platform’s creators and all users that allow third parties to data mine in order to influence people using these platforms (eg, by targeted advertising or streamlined content). As a result, the intention for social media platforms is diametrically opposed to the most basic tenets of clinical research, including but not limited to the importance of deidentification and human subject protection. These concerns were succinctly brought forth in a recent paper by Vallury et al [ 15 ] in detailing their experience assessing public attitudes related to abortion in Australia. The authors describe how the lead researcher of a study on abortion stigma experienced “a barrage of harassment on and beyond social media” when her web-based research went “viral.” The lessons learned include the need for a supportive and coordinated institutional response to plan for and manage web-based and offline mental and physical health and safety risks. They recommend the development of training, guidelines, and policies to address the practical and ethical aspects of using social media for research.

Social media research requires an understanding of the following: the ethics of using web-based data as research data; the responsibilities of the researcher to participants both during and following the study; ensuring diversity and equity in who can access the study; and the risks and consequences to the researcher and the institution (particularly if the subject matter reflects politically or socially controversial topics). Ultimately, while the approach to social media research must be based on traditional understandings of good clinical practice and protections (for participants and for researchers), social media reflects an ever-changing environment that institutions must be prepared to recognize and effectively respond to.

The CDH Proposal on Social Media Research Applications

As social media research proliferates, research practices in digital health and social media must similarly be regularly reviewed and updated so that they evolve as well. In short, best practices and local research guidelines need to be established and regularly updated to facilitate the protection of research study volunteers and the investigators involved.

In Table 1 , we listed several critical questions that researchers should address during the design of a study that uses social media and provided suggestions as to how each can be approached. At the earliest stages, it is incumbent on research teams to establish norms for their social media research, including how to safeguard identifiable information, ensure privacy of both the study team and research participants, and maintain confidentiality of research documents. These plans should be provided as written documentation to the local IRB. Table 2 includes examples of how CDH-affiliated faculty used social media for research, including references.

Questions for investigators to address during study planning.

Examples from the Center for Digital Health faculty illustrating how social media can be used for clinical research.

a IRB: institutional review board.

Practical Guidance for Institutional Review Boards

We recommend that IRBs develop policies surrounding the appropriate and safe use of social media in clinical research. Sharing these guidelines with researchers who plan to use social media in their studies will help ensure consistency and can be useful for investigators and IRBs alike to improve efficiency and reduce the need for revisions. Gelinas et al [ 24 ] created an IRB checklist for evaluating social media recruitment proposals that can be a valuable resource for this purpose. Below, we summarize major considerations related to recruitment, benefits, risks, and informed consent.

Recruitment

The IRB application should specify which social media sites will be used and why, whether advertisements of the study will be used, and how targeted recruitment will be conducted, if applicable. For instance, recruitment advertisements posted on social media may draw global participation. Because of this, investigators should specify how they will ensure only eligible participants in the preferred geographic region will be recruited. Typically, this can be addressed by the inclusion of appropriate eligibility criteria as a part of a screening survey. The steps in the IRB process pertaining to social media–based recruitment methods are illustrated in Figure 2 .

Steps in the institutional review board (IRB) process pertaining to social media–based recruitment methods.

When using social media to recruit, researchers should put safeguards in place. Investigators should be aware that they may receive survey replies from fictitious accounts or be the target of harassment or other trolling behaviors seeking to discredit the study. Several methods exist to address these concerns [ 15 ], including the following: (1) offering compensation for users to verify that they are indeed who they are and delaying payment until completed; (2) regular and routine monitoring of advertisements and posts related to the study; (3) understanding the policies governing privacy, harassment, and reporting on the channels being used; (4) adopting mechanisms to moderate posting on public forums related to the research; (5) if surveys are used, users should take advantage of security measures to prevent fraud and mitigate malfeasance (eg, they can use Completely Automated Public Turing Test question types to prevent bots from submitting survey responses); in addition, proactively monitoring times to completion can be useful, as in our experience, completion rates are typically very fast for fictitious accounts; and (6) it is important to monitor the referring link to determine if links are being reshared for fraudulent purposes. Several surveys also allow investigators to prevent multiple submissions from one device by using cookies.

Researchers should acknowledge and disclose terms of sites or apps before advertising recruitment on them to avoid third-party data sharing. For example, research participants who engage with study advertisements could—depending on the type of advertisement and social media site—allow third-party sites to collect information about their interests or affiliations unknowingly [ 25 ]. Participants are often unaware of the terms of the apps and sites they use regularly. Investigators should be knowledgeable of these terms before they advertise their studies on these sites. In one study of men who have sex with men [ 25 ], participants had few concerns about data being shared anonymously with researchers but expressed more concerns with data being sold to third-party partners. However, research participants evidenced substantial variability in privacy concerns and comfort with sharing different types of data, suggesting a need to gain consent for data sharing for specific types of data.

The investigator should also specify how potential participants’ privacy will be protected during the advertising process. For example, a study recruiting people with a history of substance use disorder should be careful not to inadvertently violate participants’ privacy by advertising imagery or language that labels a potential participant as a person with an addiction. Research participants may not be forthcoming or truthful with their answers if they are particularly concerned about evading law enforcement [ 26 ], which may raise data quality concerns that should be addressed by the investigator. Investigators should educate their study participants about the limits of their confidentiality as needed.

Benefits and Risks of Social Media Use for Research

The benefits of social media use for research include (1) ease of recruitment; (2) increased engagement by social media participants; (3) rapid sharing of information in a way that is intuitive for participant; (4) and building of web-based communities; moreover (5) several studies have shown that participants feel web-based participation in research is more private than in-person participation.

The risks of using social media for research include the following: (1) third-party use of data such as tracking participants’ clicks on advertisements; (2) breach of confidentiality through intentional or unintentional sharing of data by participants or the study team; and (3) exposure to malicious content; however, if the investigator is only using social media to recruit, there is no additional exposure to malicious content outside of what is seen from scrolling through your feed.

Informed Consent

Researchers using social media for their studies may choose to offer research volunteer electronic informed consent (e-consent) if there is no waiver of consent. e-Consent refers to the use of electronic systems and processes to inform research participants of information related to the study and obtain and document their consent. In guidance prepared jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration [ 27 ] for investigators, sponsors, and IRBs, the following recommendations were made for e-consent: (1) e-consent should be designed to convey information about the study to the research volunteer or their legally authorized representative in language that is understandable; (2) e-consent should allow navigation forward or backward so that participants can review information, and hyperlinks can be used to view further detail; (3) participants should have the option to use paper-based consent or be assisted by study personnel if they cannot use the e-consent technology; (4) study personnel should verify identity through a state-issued identification, the use of personal questions, biometric methods, or visual methods. Verification using these techniques may not be necessary in social behavioral minimal risk research studies; (5) opportunities to ask questions and consider participation are necessary; questions can be answered in person, over the phone, or by video conferencing, but should be answered prior to consent; (6) investigators should assess understanding of the study (eg, by including questions that test understanding or through other methods to gauge individuals’ comprehension of all elements of the consent; (7) participants should obtain a copy of the informed consent; and (8) IRBs should review the usability of the e-consent material to ensure they are easy to navigate and should review any optional questions or other methods used to gauge comprehension of key study elements.

An important aspect of consent relates to vulnerable populations, including but not limited to children and prisoners. For these participants, it will be important to request that researchers provide information to prevent coercion and a means to affirm consent, respectively. Finally, provisions for re-consent are necessary if the child comes of age during the study or if cognition improves or worsens during a longitudinal study in older adults [ 28 ].

Confidentiality, Security, and Privacy

Investigators should describe how privacy protections are put in place for participants. For instance, are apps “sandboxed” so that apps on the same device cannot obtain data that the participant enters into the research app? If data are being collected, where will they be stored and who maintains access? For instance, most volunteers understand that if they post on social media sites publicly, their information will be discoverable by any user of the social media site. However, volunteers may not know that if they use more private ways to communicate with the research team, their information can still be retained by the platform. Twitter, for instance, allows participants to use “Direct Messages” to have nonpublic conversations on the platform. While these direct messages are not public per se, Twitter still stores and processes the communication and information shared in these messages [ 29 ]. For instance, links shared in direct messages are scanned for malicious content. Further, Twitter will not use the content of your message; however, information about whom you communicated with and when will be examined to better understand platform usage in an effort to generate more relevant content. Volunteers should also be aware that even if they delete their copy of the direct message, recipients (in this case, the research team) will retain their own copy, which they can duplicate, store, or reshare.

Other relevant questions include the following: Will participants have a right to view or edit their data? Moreover, how do you protect the privacy of parties who have not consented? For instance, for studies on Facebook, if you are an investigator and you are observing a research volunteer’s feed, you may see comments on the feed by their unconsented friends. It is important that researchers have a plan to include or exclude data from people not consented. These details require careful thought and consideration prior to initiating recruitment via social media platforms to ensure the protection of human subjects.

Investigators should also consider that third parties may develop novel ways to broach the security of platforms and exploit the identifiers of account holders. For instance, the administrator of a Facebook group, consisting of individuals who tested positive for breast-cancer mutations, discovered a Chrome extension that allowed marketers to scrape the membership lists of closed Facebook groups [ 30 ]. Facebook had previously added tools to make the membership lists of closed groups private, and they were unaware of this Chrome extension until the group administrator worked with a security researcher to submit the information to Facebook. Facebook then sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Chrome extension.

Statistical Analysis

IRBs should be aware of unique uses and analytic techniques for social network analysis. Social network analysis often involves large samples and can have substantial computational requirements. For instance, in a study aiming to discover emergent web-based communities of cannabis participants for public health surveillance [ 8 ], investigators performed social network analysis by first finding the actors of interest, 6 cannabis dispensaries in Oakland, and then discovering accounts that follow these 6 accounts and their followers. Then, participant information was collected from these accounts such as friend counts, follower counts, and account creation date. The total number of accounts collected by these means included 2.2 million participants. Then, researchers used stochastic block modeling to infer network structure with the purpose of uncovering hidden populations of cannabis consumers. After manual coding, communities of illicit, recreational, and medical cannabis participants were identified. This analysis helped researchers examine a research question and illicit use patterns that would be challenging and costly to discover without social media analyses. However, these methods are computationally complex and require expertise in big data (analysis and data management) beyond what many investigators may need for traditional clinical research studies. Investigators need to be skilled in these advanced statistical techniques, such as stochastic block modeling and high-dimensional multilevel models, as well as qualitative content analysis, in order to identify spam and fraudulent accounts and ensure the validity of their findings. It is important to note that this level of work often requires significant server space and power to run the analyses; this availability may vary depending on institutional resources.

Institutional Procedures to Facilitate Safe and Effective Social Media Use

Institutions may opt to publish social media guides when used for research to help investigators follow institutional privacy and security recommendations and to help them follow best practices in social media use. For instance, the Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center publishes a guide, “The Use of Social Media in Recruitment to Research: A Guide for Investigators and IRBs,” that summarizes their laws and regulations, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, advises on recruitment techniques that follow their social media guidelines, and assists investigators in designing procedures that respect ethical norms [ 31 ]. The University of South Florida provides specific parameters for their faculty and staff to guide the development of a social media presence [ 32 ]. A mixed methods study including interviews with 5 institutional offices and 15 subject-matter experts at the University of Florida suggests that a centrally managed social media account for communicating with participants and initiating advertising campaigns could be successful to facilitate participant enrollment in health and clinical research studies [ 33 ]. Some institutions list social media accounts that have pre-existing approval for research usage [ 34 , 35 ]. However, if an institutional account is not already approved, it is recommended that the social media or public relations team from the institution work with the IRB and Human Subjects Protective Program to agree on guidelines for social media use in clinical research. Given that terms of agreement often include legal jargon, which may be confusing for investigators and research volunteers, it can be helpful to involve the institution’s legal team to help with interpreting terms of the chosen social media platforms.

The right to privacy and data security is a fundamental aspect of clinical research that must be considered in the social media space. Researchers are expected to uphold the principles of trust and respect by approaching the aims and details of the study with transparency and refraining from collecting data about potential participants in ways unknown to the social media participant. Communication between the research team and research participants should be carried out in such a way to avoid breaches of confidentiality or exposing personal information in the public domain. Because communication may be frequent and cannot always be completely scripted on social media sites, it is beneficial for IRBs and institutions to agree to norms that allow the investigator to have flexibility to communicate with research participants in a manner that is consistent with the study aims and the IRB protocol. Finally, given the ever-changing terms of use and privacy policies on social media sites, it is critical for study teams to maintain awareness of such policies and develop plans to ensure ongoing compliance.

Further work is needed to (1) identify what unique safeguards may be necessary for individuals with special situations that make them more vulnerable to exploitation (eg, undocumented individuals, minors, and sex workers), (2) develop recruitment techniques and interventions tailored to special populations who are traditionally disadvantaged by the digital divide (eg, older individuals and rural persons), (3) suggest ways researchers can best recruit volunteers and access data from social media sites while being sensitive to the diverse privacy needs of volunteers (eg, different comfort levels with disclosure), (4) ensure all stakeholders understand the limitations of different platforms’ privacy policies, and (5) develop best techniques to disclose and increase the comprehension of yet unidentified vulnerabilities in platforms that can be exploited by third parties.

Social media can be a valuable tool for clinical research recruitment, retention, data collection, and dissemination. However, as an open and shareable entity, there is a possible dissonance between traditional research ethics and the public use of social media sites. Social media research stakeholders should be aware that our understanding of the ideal privacy policies and other safeguards for volunteers are still evolving and will likely never be static. Regulatory agencies, such as IRBs, and funding agencies should share clear guidelines for social media use in research to enhance innovation and ensure privacy and efficiency.

Acknowledgments

EMG, RKR, DSD, KJL, NMD, and MLR contributed to writing the manuscript, editing, and redrafting. EMG, RKR, and DSD devised, wrote, and organized the contributions of this manuscript. TBW, NRN, and SID provided critical edits and revisions in writing the manuscript. All authors have read, edited, and approved the current version of the manuscript. We would like to acknowledge all the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health faculty and staff leadership, including Michael Armey, Don Dizon, Shira Dunsiger, Zahrie Ernst, Mustafa Mazlumoglu, Ross Hilliard, Jeff Huang, Rebecca Laferriere, John Pateña, Rochelle Rosen, Allison Seeley, Anthony Spirito, Kimani Toussaint Jr., and Tyler Wray. EMG received funding for this work from the National Institute on Aging (K76 AG-059983). KJL received funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (K23DA046482), the Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (P20GM125507), and the Center for AIDS Research (P30AI042853).

Abbreviations

Conflicts of Interest: DSD is a consultant for Pfizer and KJL is a consultant for Noom, Inc. The other authors have no conflicts to declare.

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

• Highlight how it is original or significant
• Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
• Identify the importance of your research
• Show why you are the right person to do this research
• Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
• Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
• Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
• Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

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• Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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How to write a social media proposal to win more clients

Hanna Stechenko Manager, SEO Management

Reviewed by:

Ashley Kemper VP of Revenue Marketing

• Copy Link Link copied

Wondering how to write a social media proposal?

In the era of social media marketing becoming the norm, the demand for social media management professionals is soaring.

To stand out in this competitive field and gain more clients, it’s crucial to showcase not only your analytical skills but also present compelling and strategic social media campaign proposals. 

Effectively communicating how your proposal will positively impact the client’s business is key to securing clients in this dynamic landscape, and this article will guide you in crafting comprehensive and impactful social media proposals.

Key takeaways

• A social media proposal is a document outlining strategies, services, and deliverables offered by a social media agency or professional to a potential client.
• The social media proposal should be sent during the consideration stage of a sales funnel when potential clients are evaluating service providers.
• Hold a one-to-one discovery session with your client before drafting a social media proposal. 
• There are 9 elements of a social media proposal that will win clients.
• PandaDoc’s templates, examples, and samples can help you write a winning social media proposal

→DOWNLOAD NOW: FREE SOCIAL MEDIA PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

What is a social media proposal? A definition

A social media proposal is a document outlining strategies, objectives, and plans for a social media marketing campaign presented to potential clients or stakeholders.

While a social media proposal can double as a contract, it usually outlines what work you’ll do for the client if they wish to hire you.

A business contract usually comes into play after the client accepts your proposal and agrees to your terms.

Think of a social media proposal as a blueprint you present to prospective clients.

Instead of an architect showing a builder how to construct a home, a social media proposal outlines the deliverables, scope of work, milestones, strategies, timeline, and type of content needed to accomplish the business’s social media marketing goals.

In other words, a social media proposal showcases your value to potential clients .

You’re showing them exactly what you bring to the table and that you understand their needs.

Did you know there are now 4.76 billion social media users worldwide, equal to just under 60 percent of the world’s population?

Or that business owners have seen so much success from social media marketing that 97% of marketers say they use social media to engage with their audiences?

All the more reason to get in on the action.

It’s okay to show off a little! New clients want to know they’re in good hands.

Social Media Marketing Proposal Template

Used 13721 times

4.2 rating (29 reviews)

Reviewed by Yauhen Zaremba

How does a social media proposal fit into your workflow?

Social media business proposals are just one part of the sales process.

However, determining where a proposal fits within the sales process can be confusing.

Do I send a social media management proposal before or after signing a contract? What about grant proposals or executive summaries ? Where do they fit?

Generally, proposals are sent before both parties sign a contract.

Although a sales workflow is determined by the organization, usually, your social media proposal workflow will include 4 steps:

After your client signs the contract, they start to become loyal customers to advocate for your services.

When to send a social media proposal

A social media proposal is usually sent after a discovery call and summarizes the potential project, its scope, and essential details conveniently in a deck or file.

This is for several reasons. 

• During the discovery call, the client and the social media professional or agency discuss the client’s specific needs, goals, and expectations. The proposal is a formal document reinforcing the key points discussed during the call.
• Sending the proposal after the discovery call allows the client to review and validate the discussed details, ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding the project’s objectives and parameters.
• The proposal acts as a professional and organized way to convey the proposed social media strategy , making it easier for the client to decide about moving forward with the collaboration. It serves as a reference point for the agreed-upon terms and sets the foundation for a more structured and successful partnership in social media management or marketing.

How to create a social media proposal in 14 key steps

A proposal has a lot of different purposes, but there is a right way and a wrong way to write one.

Creating a social media proposal comes down to these key steps:

• Understand client needs: Thoroughly understand the client’s business, goals, target audience, and specific needs through detailed discussions.
• Research and analysis: Conduct research on the client’s industry, competitors, and current social media presence to inform your proposal with relevant insights.
• Define objectives: Clearly outline the objectives of the social media proposal, specifying what the client aims to achieve through the proposed strategies.
• Craft a compelling executive summary: Summarize the key points of the proposal in an executive summary, providing a quick overview of the proposed strategies and expected outcomes.
• Outline proposed strategies: Detail the social media strategies you recommend, including content creation, posting schedules, audience targeting, and engagement tactics.
• Specify deliverables: Clearly list the tangible deliverables, such as social media posts, reports, analytics, and any additional services included in your proposal.
• Propose a timeline: Provide a realistic timeline for implementing the proposed strategies, outlining key milestones and deadlines.
• Budget and pricing: Clearly state the costs associated with your services, breaking down the pricing structure and any additional expenses.
• Address measurement and reporting: Explain how you will measure the success of the proposed strategies, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting frequency.
• Terms and conditions: Clearly outline the terms and conditions of the proposal, including the duration of the agreement, termination clauses, and any other relevant contractual details.
• Include a call to action: Encourage the client to take the next steps by including a clear call to action, such as scheduling a follow-up meeting or signing the proposal.
• Design and formatting: Ensure your proposal is visually appealing and easy to navigate, using professional design elements to enhance its overall presentation.
• Review and edit: Before finalizing, thoroughly review and edit the proposal to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.
• Submit and follow up: Submit the proposal to the client and follow up to address any questions, concerns, or potential modifications.

Why a discovery call is necessary before writing a proposal

Before you start drafting your social media client proposal, you need to speak to your clients about their needs, expectations, and their definition of success in a one-on-one discovery session.

That’s because the perfect social media strategy isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”

You could have two clients in the same niche with different business goals. In the end, a discovery session is always necessary!

A discovery session benefits marketers as well.

In under 10 minutes, you can decide whether or not you can help a new client within their budget or time constraints.

They may even think you provide a service you don’t, and clearing that misunderstanding up can save you time.

Here are some important questions to ask during your discovery session:

• What are your current business or marketing goals for social media?
• What is your target audience? What does your “ideal customer” demographic look like?
• Who are your business competitors? What content do they make?
• How much time and money can you invest in this project?
• Are you new to social media, or do you have an established social media presence?

Now that you have answers to these questions, you can learn how to write a social media proposal.

The template we’re using covers social media project proposals, but we can help you learn how to write a general business proposal or a sales proposal , as well.

You can download this social media proposal example , 40+ other social media templates, and hundreds of business proposal templates on our website.

9 elements to include in a social media proposal

In this segment, we’ll delve into the key components and essential details that make a comprehensive and effective social media proposal, guiding you through the crucial elements for a successful collaboration.

1. Introduction

In business, an introduction sets expectations for the rest of the meeting.

Your goal is to make a great first impression, attract attention, and hook the client.

At the end of your first meeting, you should know what they want from you. Now it’s your turn to prove you were listening by showing you understand their needs.

Here is an example of a stand-out introduction:

Dear [Client.FirstName]

Thank you for considering [Sender.Company] for your social media marketing needs.

I’m glad we had the opportunity to connect so that my team and I could get a clear understanding of your social marketing expectations.

By using social media strategies and implementing procedures based on the results of extensive analysis, the study of social media trends, and the application of specifics unique to [Client.Company], we are confident that we will deliver effective results within your social media channels.

You can use our free social media proposal template to get the job done!

In our social media marketing proposal sample, we used the second-person pronoun “you” because it pulls the reader into the action.

It also helps you come off as more personal.

2. Business and marketing goals

Any good marketing strategy needs a goal to reach.

Otherwise, how will you know if you’ve hit your key performance indicators (KPIs) or search engine optimization (SEO) targets?

Most of the time, your client’s social media goal is to make more money.

There are plenty of ways to do this, so you must narrow down what pain points to hit to achieve that goal.

One of the best ways to structure your client’s needs is by using SMART goals:

• Specific: Are my goals sensible, simple, and significant?
• Measurable: When and how will I know it’s accomplished?
• Achievable: How can I achieve my goal?
• Relevant: Does this goal match my needs?
• Time-bound: Can I accomplish my goals on time?

Let’s use an example.

Let’s say your client wants to make more money from social media, but they have no social media presence.

You decide that the fastest way to do this is by increasing followers or customers. This is the business goal.

Now that we know what the business goal is, we can determine a marketing goal.

At this step, you must connect the business goal to a social media metric.

For example, follower count can relate to the audience growth rate metric and the Number of Customers KPI.

Let’s put all of that together into a SMART goal:

Increase follower count by 10% by the end of next year.

You can put this goal into your introduction portion or directly after.

Some of your clients will want to know which metrics contribute to that goal so you’re both on the same page.

To get to this goal, you would need to add digital marketing and content creation strategies that promote growth for your specific client.

This will be covered in the next section.

3. Scope of work

Go into specifics and leave no stone unturned.

Explain exactly what you’re proposing for each item and break each section down into subsections to remove any doubt.

Marketing agencies are hired to solve problems, and so are freelancers.

Your social media services must explain the issue and how your scope of work will fix those issues.

Social media proposals often include the following (though you don’t need to offer all of these services):

• Social media platforms: Explain why you chose a social media platform, like Linkedin.
• Social media accounts: A client may need more than 1 account on the same platform.
• Social media audits: State how frequent audits can help improve their social presence.
• Content creation and curation: Outline what creative services you offer and why they’re important. Include a content calendar, image creation, and video, among others.
• Posting schedule: Explain that a frequent posting schedule leads to faster growth.
• Brand monitoring: Declare which keywords you’ll monitor and how you’ll monitor them.
• Community engagement: State how often you’ll interact with the client’s community.
• Analytic reporting: Explain the metrics you follow, why, and how often you report.
• Marketing plans: State how marketing can increase their reach. If you’re thinking of adding influencer marketing to your proposal, this influencer proposal template can help.
• Check-ins: Suggest weekly meetings to ensure the client’s needs are met.

Next to each service, provide a price estimate based on the client’s budget.

Social media consultants, marketers, and campaigners may need a more curated template for this section.

You can find a social media consultant proposal , and a digital marketing proposal , in our template library.

4. Competitors

All businesses have competitors, even if they have a product or service that’s entirely new.

We all share the same social media space, so everyone is a competitor for a user’s attention.

However, it’s more likely that your client has a product or service already on the market.

Whether your client wants to sell clothing or promote their services as a social media marketer, they need that special “It” factor that separates them from the rest.

At the same time, they also need to mimic their competitors without ripping them off.

With your expertise, you should be able to find that balance as you work with your clients.

To find your clients’ competitors, start a competitive research analysis to find:

• Who their competitors are
• What products they offer
• Their sales tactics and results
• Their shipping costs, pricing, and perks
• How they market their product
• Their content strategy and the technology they use
• Their social media platforms and presence

Your client can offer a goldmine of information on the topic.

They probably already know who they’re competing with, so ask them what brands they look up to or want to imitate.

In your social media proposal, explain what their competitors are getting right and which social media analytics you can improve to make up for what their competitors lack.

You’ll also provide insight into your client’s flaws.

This feedback can help your clients understand customer expectations, leading to more sales and money!

5. Target audience

Researching your target audience is kind of like snooping on your competitors, except it involves a lot more trial and error.

There are 3 reasons why you want to define your target audience:

• Ensure you’re creating the right content for the right people.
• Create a better understanding of how to make the best content.
• Increase conversion rates.

In your discovery session, ask your client if they know what their current customer looks like.

If they don’t know or don’t have a social media presence, ask what problem their product or service solves .

Then, you can figure out what the target audience cares about or what they like.

At the end of your research, you should have an audience persona that covers who they are, what they like, when they browse social media, where they browse, and why they browse.

6. Project milestones and deadlines

In the “Business and marketing goals” section, we discussed how to find and make goals for your clients that matter specifically to them.

In this section, we explain to the client how we measure success and why these milestones and deadlines work for their industry, product, or services.

We also want to state what we’ll do once we reach those goals or how to pivot if we fall short.

You can put this section right after “Business and marketing goals” or “Scope of work.”

7. Proof of work

Many clients like to shop around before locking in on a proposal, and who can blame them? They want to find the best candidate for the job!

You can prove that you’re the top option by showing proof of your work.

If you have experience in a prospecting client niche or have a wealth of testimonials from high-profile clients, you’ll stand out big time!

The best way to show your value is by providing case studies, reviews, references from past team members, and social media content examples from past clients.

Just make sure you match your portfolio examples with the work your client is offering.

Otherwise, your new client will have no idea how you can help them.

8. Terms of agreement

In this section, you must clarify your contract terms. Your social media proposal can come before the contract or act like one.

Here’s what you should always add in your terms of agreement section:

• Fees : Includes payment frequency: per project, hourly, or retainer.
• Payment : Covers the method of payment, invoices, and payment terms.
• How you work : Discuss your work hours and how the client can reach you.
• Where you work : Do you work remotely, for a company, or in the client’s office?
• Who you work with : State if you have employees working under you or if you hire freelancers. If you work with a team, you may need additional documentation, like a social media partnership agreement.
• Termination : Advise how to end the project early.

It’s a good idea to add a fee to your termination clause. This small edition can protect your bottom line.

At the same time, you should also give yourself the option to leave the project.

Sometimes the scope of a project is too complicated, or you may just dislike the client.

Either way, it’s empowering to know that you have a way out if you need it.

9. Next steps for the client

In the final section of your proposal, write down what options are available to your client.

State clearly what they can and can’t do to improve the chances of signing a contract with you.

Here are a few examples of what the client can do:

• Sign immediately
• Sit on the proposal until the expiration date
• Request changes to the proposal
• Request changes to the contract
• Submit a partial payment

A winning social media proposal example

As we’ve mentioned, a social media proposal outlines the strategies, services, and deliverables that a social media agency or consultant proposes to provide to a potential client.

Below is a complete social media proposal sample:

[Your Company Name] Social Media Proposal

Executive Summary:

We appreciate the opportunity to submit this social media proposal to [Client’s Name]. At [Your Company Name], we specialize in creating and implementing effective social media strategies to enhance brand visibility, engage the target audience, and drive business growth.

Objectives:

Increase brand awareness and reach.

Boost audience engagement and interaction.

Drive website traffic and lead generation.

Enhance overall online presence.

Proposed Services:

1. Social Media Audit

Evaluate current social media presence.

Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

2. Competitor Analysis

Analyze competitors’ social media strategies.

Identify key opportunities and differentiators.

3. Strategy Development

Define target audience and buyer personas.

Outline content themes, posting schedules, and engagement strategies.

4. Content Creation

Develop engaging and shareable content.

Utilize multimedia (images, videos, infographics) to enhance engagement.

5. Platform Management

Manage and optimize social media profiles.

Regularly update profile information and images.

6. Community Engagement

Respond to comments, messages, and mentions.

Foster a sense of community around the brand.

7. Paid Advertising

Create and manage targeted social media advertising campaigns.

Optimize ad performance for maximum ROI.

Measurement and Reporting:

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Increase in followers and engagement rates.

Website traffic from social media channels.

Conversion rates from social media campaigns.

2. Monthly Reports

Detailed analytics and insights.

Recommendations for continuous improvement.

The proposed budget for our comprehensive social media management services is [Amount] per month.

This includes strategy development, content creation, platform management, and monthly reporting.

Next Steps:

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this proposal further and tailor our services to meet the specific needs of [Client’s Name].

Please feel free to contact us to schedule a meeting.

Thank you for considering [Your Company Name] as your social media partner.

Use PandaDoc’s effective template to create a winning social media proposal

So, when planning how to write your social media proposal, remember to prioritize your client’s needs to enhance the likelihood of transforming them into satisfied and repeat customers who speak highly of your services. 

Take advantage of PandaDoc’s social media marketing proposal template for assistance in creating an exceptional proposal!

Frequently asked questions

What is a social media package.

A social media package is a bundle of services provided by social media professionals or agencies, covering a range of things such as content creation, platform management, advertising, and analytics.

These packages are designed to provide clients with a comprehensive and cohesive approach to their social media presence, often offering different tiers or levels to suit varying needs and budgets. 

The services within a social media package are structured to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and overall performance on social platforms.

How do you present a social media pitch?

Present a social media pitch by clearly articulating your understanding of the client’s goals and needs, highlighting your expertise and relevant experience in managing successful social media campaigns. 

It’s always a good idea to use visual aids, case studies, and a well-structured presentation to effectively communicate your proposed strategies, emphasizing the potential positive impact on the client’s business.

What should a social media contract include?

A social media contract should include clear terms and conditions outlining the scope of services, responsibilities of both parties, payment details, and any specific deliverables or milestones.

Make sure it also covers important legal considerations such as confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Parties other than PandaDoc may provide products, services, recommendations, or views on PandaDoc’s site (“Third Party Materials”). PandaDoc is not responsible for examining or evaluating such Third Party Materials, and does not provide any warranties relating to the Third Party Materials. Links to such Third Party Materials are for your convenience and does not constitute an endorsement of such Third Party Materials.

Originally published September 7, 2021 and has been updated April 16, 2024

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