Why You Shouldn’t Add External Links to Your Proposals
When it comes to converting leads into paying clients, every click matters.
The moment a potential client lands on your Dubsado proposal (or any sales page), there’s only one goal: to complete the steps and submit the proposal.
That’s it.
Yet, one of the most common mistakes I see is the addition of external links, especially in footers.
At first glance, these links might seem harmless. Maybe they even make your proposal look more polished. But from a sales perspective? They’re a distraction.
Instead of keeping potential clients focused on moving forward, you’re giving them an easy way to exit the proposal. And once they click away, there’s no guarantee they’ll come back.
Let’s break down why the only clickable link in your proposal should be the one to submit it, and how removing unnecessary links can improve your conversion rate.
The Problem With External Links in Proposals
1️⃣ They Can Kill Conversions
People are naturally curious. When they see a link - to your website, portfolio, Instagram, FAQs, or even client testimonials - they click. And once they leave your proposal, you’ve lost control of their attention.
Maybe they intend to come back… but suddenly, they’re down a rabbit hole.
➡ They open another tab.
➡ They start scrolling Instagram.
➡ They get distracted by an email.
And before you know it, they never submit the proposal.
What started as a simple, direct process has now turned into an open loop. One that might not close.
2️⃣ Your Proposal Should Be Self-Sufficient
If someone is leaving your proposal because they feel like they need more information, that’s a sign your proposal is incomplete.
Your proposal should contain everything they need to confidently make a decision. This includes:
✅ A clear breakdown of your services and pricing
✅ What’s included in each package
✅ Next steps & expectations
✅ Answers to common questions (FAQs)
If you find that leads frequently ask the same questions after seeing your proposal, don’t add a link, add the missing info directly into the proposal.
The more self-sufficient your proposal is, the fewer obstacles you create between a lead saying “yes” and actually submitting the proposal.
3️⃣ The Hidden Cost of a ‘Nice-Looking’ Footer
Many pre-made templates - especially those designed for aesthetics - include footer links to websites or social media. While they may look professional, from a sales perspective, they’re a mistake.
Your proposal is a sales tool designed to guide potential clients toward one clear action. The moment you introduce multiple clickable links, you create unnecessary choices - when in reality, there should only be one choice:
💡 Submit the proposal.
Everything else pulls focus away from that goal.
Your footer doesn’t need links to your website or social media platforms. Even if they seem relevant or add a polished touch, they ultimately compete with your main call to action. If you’re aiming for a professional look, a clean, well-structured proposal (without distractions) is a better choice. Because the best-looking proposal is the one that actually converts.
Example of a Design That Might Hurt Conversions
Below is an example of a well-intentioned proposal design choice that could impact your sales
Example of a proposal footer design with external links
At first glance, this looks professional. But each of those links is a potential exit from your proposal. Instead of choosing a package and submitting the proposal, your lead might end up scrolling Instagram or browsing your website. Anything but taking the action you actually want.
Keep the Focus Where It Belongs
When designing your Dubsado proposal (or any sales page), eliminate anything that creates friction in the decision-making process. The simpler and more focused the experience, the higher the chances your potential clients will take action.
So before adding any links, ask yourself:
Does this link directly help my client complete and submit the proposal?
Or does it create a potential distraction that pulls them away from taking action?
If it’s not essential to the decision-making process, it doesn’t belong in your proposal. Keep your proposals distraction-free, and you’ll see higher conversions as a result.
Need a Dubsado Proposal Template?
If you need a Dubsado proposal template that looks professional and is built to convert, I’ve got you covered. My templates are designed to guide leads smoothly through the booking process, without unnecessary distractions that hurt your sales.
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