Running a small agency often means wearing multiple hats—strategy, sales, execution, and even legal. But when it comes to drafting proposals and contracts, not every small agency has the budget or need to consult a lawyer for every project. Luckily, there’s a growing ecosystem of tools specifically designed to help you create standardized, legally-sound documents without needing to go full Perry Mason.
TLDR:
Small agencies can streamline their legal and sales processes using proposal and contract templates offered by specialized tools. These platforms help remove ambiguity, reduce legal risks, and save time spent creating documents from scratch. We’ve compiled a list of the top 7 tools designed to simplify this task without calling in a lawyer. Whether you’re signing a new client or agreeing to a design revision schedule, these tools have you covered.
1. PandaDoc
Best for all-in-one document automation
PandaDoc is a favorite among small agencies for its seamless approach to creating, sending, and signing contracts and proposals. With a library of customizable templates, e-signature integrations, and tracking features, it’s a comprehensive solution that covers more than just legal documentation.
- Standout features: CRM integration, analytics, drag-and-drop editor
- Highlights: Customize NDAs, SOWs, proposals, and service contracts quickly and without legal help
- Bonus: Easy template reuse reduces prep time for new client deals
2. Bonsai
Ideal for freelancers and solo agency owners
Bonsai was built with freelancers and micro-agencies in mind. It offers beautifully crafted proposal and contract templates that balance professionalism and simplicity. From creative scopes to IP agreements, Bonsai has templates that match the unique needs of creative and marketing businesses.
- Standout features: Auto-invoice, time tracking, and tax reminders
- Highlights: Contracts are legally vetted but designed in plain English
- Bonus: Smart reminders help you follow up on unsigned proposals
3. HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign)
Best for minimalists who need quick signatures
If your main focus is getting contracts signed efficiently, HelloSign (or Dropbox Sign) is a lightweight but powerful choice. While not feature-packed like PandaDoc, its simplicity is a win for agencies that want something fast and straightforward.
- Standout features: Clean UI, fast signing, template library
- Highlights: Great for recurring documents like retainer contracts or MOUs
- Bonus: Integration with Dropbox makes file management seamless
4. Proposify
Best for sales-driven agencies
Proposify is more than just documentation—it’s built to win deals. Perfect for agencies focused on growth, this tool helps teams create stunning sales proposals and track client interactions. With built-in analytics and approval workflows, it’s ideal for teams trying to close leads quickly and confidently.
- Standout features: Collaboration tools, dynamic pricing tables
- Highlights: Drag-and-drop visual editor and branding consistency
- Bonus: Streamlined contract-to-payment process via integrations
5. Jotform Sign
Great for easy customization
Originally created as a form builder, Jotform now offers a robust product called Jotform Sign. It allows agencies to create customizable contracts and get them signed online, combining the flexibility of form-based creation with legal reliability.
- Standout features: User-friendly interface, extensive templates
- Highlights: Embed contracts into your website or landing pages
- Bonus: Useful for agencies collecting both contract signatures and form responses
6. AND.CO (by Fiverr)
Best for creative agencies and freelancers
AND.CO brings a creative spin to contract management. Designed for designers, developers, and consultants, it provides a suite of tools specifically built around recurring gigs and freelance workflows. The included contract templates are customizable and, in many cases, reviewed by actual legal professionals.
- Standout features: Proposal-to-payment flow, branded invoices
- Highlights: Pre-written contracts with built-in compliance
- Bonus: Excellent support and community resources for creatives
7. Better Proposals
Most design-forward proposal builder
When appearance matters as much as content, Better Proposals stands out. Designed to help agencies create visually striking pitches, it includes ready-to-use templates for contracts, project plans, and formal proposals, all wrapped in a sleek interface.
- Standout features: Online client interaction tracking, digital signatures
- Highlights: A/B testing of proposals to find the most effective messaging
- Bonus: Beautiful templates help small agencies punch above their weight
Why Standardization Matters
Small agencies often operate at breakneck speed—winning leads, launching campaigns, collaborating across teams. Having standardized proposal and contract templates reduces the chance of miscommunication, scope creep, and legal misunderstandings. Instead of combing through a cobbled-together Word doc each time, these tools turn legal documentation into an efficient, repeatable process.
Here’s what standardization through these platforms enables:
- Faster Onboarding: Get new clients up and running without long back-and-forths over fine print.
- Professionalism: Present polished, consistent documents every time.
- Risk Reduction: Avoid vague terms and duplicate errors because everything’s been templated and reviewed.
Features to Look for in These Tools
When choosing the right tool for your agency, keep an eye on these features:
- Legally vetted templates: Save hours trying to interpret contract language.
- E-signature support: Speed up the close-rate on new deals.
- Templating and duplication: Reuse your best proposals across new leads.
- Team collaboration: Get sales, legal, and ops aligned on each deal.
- Integrations: Connect with your CRM, e-sign tools, and cloud storage.
Conclusion: Choose the Tool That Fits Your Workflow
While hiring a lawyer for every project might be ideal in a perfect world, reality often calls for smarter solutions. Whether you’re a solo web designer or manage a growing digital agency, having reliable documents makes you look more professional and saves you time. Tools like PandaDoc and Bonsai set the standard, while options like Better Proposals and Proposify help you stand out creatively. No matter which platform you choose, using proposal and contract templates helps you stop worrying about paperwork—and start focusing on results.