A sales forecast report helps business owners to predict future sales based on past performance. This information can be used to decide inventory levels, staffing needs, and marketing budgets. With a sales forecast report, it would be easier to make informed decisions about the future of the business. While no sales forecast is perfect, it is still an essential tool for business owners who want to make their businesses as successful as possible.

Are you looking to create a sales forecast for your business? If so, you're in luck! Many great templates are available online, both for Excel and Google Sheets. In this post, we'll share five of the best options. So whether you're just starting or you've been doing this for years, there's sure to be a template that fits your needs. 

1. For Companies That Sell Multiple Products

For more complicated offers, this sales projection template can be a perfect option– especially if your business offers a variety of goods or services. This one is available for download in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel formats. 

It tracks sales over a 12-month period based on the number of units sold and multiple product lines in one spreadsheet to improve your forecasting accuracy. Additionally, three previous years' worth of sales data is carried over, making it simple to compare sales by unit, month, or across time.

2. Simple Sales Forecast Template (Excel)

This Close sales forecasting template makes it easy to monitor and project sales over the next two years. The first tab enables you to change your sales cycle, average deal size, lead growth, and lead quantity to change the parameters for your sales funnel. Based on scheduled meetings, fresh opportunities, and either closed or won leads, the second tab projects revenues by month. Expected growth is displayed in a chart at the bottom. The ability to have strong interconnections that can improve your forecasting accuracy & pipeline health over time is made possible when forecasting is integrated into your CRM (such as with Close).

Related Link: New B2B Sales Strategies and Tactics Proven to Win Customers

3. For Companies With Many Expenses

This sales and budget forecast template estimates monthly sales and budgeted costs for a business, such as overhead, payroll, insurance, and advertising. The projected customer count, average sale per customer, and the average cost per sale should all be added. Add operating, payroll, and office spending budgets after that. Once you provide those data, pre-built algorithms will determine the total sales, gross profit, total expenses, and net profit for a 12-month period.

Wanting to keep up with the latest business trends and sales strategies? Check out our Resources section! 

4. Sales Forecast Template For A Sales Process That’s Lead-Driven

This template is most suitable for businesses that monitor their monthly sales projections and attempt to generate leads. Utilizing a weighted forecast model, it also tracks deal value. This is perfect for B2B businesses because it also tracks the likelihood of closing.

The best part is that you can use this template in Google Sheets (which can be accessed via Google apps and can also be downloaded for use in Microsoft Excel). As you can see, it tracks leads throughout the sales funnel and divides the year into quarters.

5. In Order to Analyze Long-Term Future Sales

Companies who wish to monitor long-term data closely should use this template. You will be able to view comprehensive historical sales data for the past 12 months in addition to deep insights and historical data for the previous five years, which includes total revenue for each type of item. This is a fantastic alternative if you want to concentrate your sales analysis on the long and short term. This one is available here.

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The Importance of Sales Forecasts

Sales forecasts are crucial for sales teams for a variety of reasons. First, they help sales managers to allocate resources effectively. If a sales team knows it is likely to have a high sales volume in the coming month, it can order more inventory and schedule additional staff accordingly. Second, sales forecasts help sales teams to set realistic targets. With a clear idea of what is achievable, it is easier for sales teams to become discouraged. Finally, sales forecasts can help sales teams to identify opportunities and plan for changes in the market. By understanding how sales are likely to develop over time, sales teams can adjust their strategies and stay one step ahead of the competition. In short, sales forecasts are an essential tool for any sales team that wants to be successful.

How Often Should You Update Your Sales Forecast?

Your sales forecast should be updated on a regular basis, typically at least once per quarter. This will ensure that your forecast is accurate and reflects any changes in your business.

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Using a Sales Forecast Template

By using a sales forecast report, businesses can make informed decisions about the future and ensure that they are prepared for whatever may come. Now that you know about the different types of sales forecast templates, it’s time to choose the best one for your business. We have more resources to help your business, so be sure to check out our site and stay up-to-date with the latest sales and business trends. 

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