How to Stop Getting Ghosted When You Send Proposals

Many creative freelancers dread sending proposals, and with good reason—clients often vanish without a trace. Here's a powerful "aha" that dramatically reduces proposal ghosting:

Close on the call.

Instead of sending your proposal and hoping for a "yes," flip the script by securing a clear commitment before the proposal ever hits their inbox. Here's how:

Step 1: The Discovery Call
Use your discovery call not only to understand your client's needs but to establish a verbal agreement. Before ending your call, confidently ask:

“What would it take for you to say yes to this project?”

This straightforward question is key. It quickly uncovers any lingering hesitations, clarifies expectations, and directly addresses objections.

Step 2: The Proposal as a Formality
After you receive a clear "yes" during your conversation, sending a proposal becomes just a formality—a confirmation of your already-made agreement.

Why This Works:

• Reduces ghosting dramatically by resolving hesitations upfront.

• Positions you as confident and decisive, reassuring clients of your expertise.

• Saves you time chasing uncertain leads.

Pro Tip:
If the client hesitates or doesn't clearly commit during the call, clarify what's holding them back with direct, empathetic questions such as:

• "What would it take for you to say yes today?"

• "What concerns do you have about moving forward?"

Your takeaway:
Make the goal of your discovery call securing commitment, not just gathering information. The clearer and more direct you are in the conversation, the less likely you'll be ghosted—and the more confident and effective you'll become in every future sales interaction.