RFP Checklist
Writing an RFP (Request for Proposal) is easy. You just request a proposal for the services you want and pick the most suitable offer. Sometimes it’s really that simple. However, if your project is large or you want to compare potential partners, being specific about your RFP won’t hurt. Pay attention to a few basic rules, and you’ll find a compatible partner that delivers the best results. These tips help you write an RFP that gets ten times better offers and results.
1. A brief on the current state and the services you require
When you are open about the current state of the company, it’s easier for potential partners to identify your needs and come up with effective solutions. The basic information about your company can be found on the website, but potential partners will want to delve deeper than that. Be honest about the starting point and what you want to achieve.
2. Did someone mention goals?
In digital marketing, the effectiveness of actions is easy to measure. So why not tell your potential partner exactly what kind of concrete results and numbers you want to achieve? Shedding light on goals will encourage the partner to make a committed offer that positively leads the way towards a common objective.
3. Target audience
What is your audience like? How do they make decisions? What kind of a mark do you want to leave on them? Even a short description of the needs of your target audience helps the service provider to identify the best ways to reach them.
4. Schedule
Schedule is important for two reasons. The service provider is able to estimate whether the required actions can be delivered in the allocated time. The schedule also defines the budget. Drafting a light first version of a new website in six weeks is a different case to doing the same project in six months. When you define your schedule, you often also define your budget.
5. Did I hear someone talk about money?
Clearly stating your budget helps the service provider come up with an efficient solution to reach your goals.
If there is a fixed budget for a project or partnership, revealing it in the RFP typically results in better quality offers than leaving it out would. In addition, comparing offers is easier when you see the solutions different agencies offer for the same money.
6. Last but not least: When do you want the offer?
To avoid confusion, it is recommended to be as specific as possible when it comes to deadlines. I’m sure all agencies are happy to get a deadline date and time for the offers in the RFP. It saves the buyer’s time too, as you know exactly when you can start comparing offers.