chicago marketing, interactive and usability firm

How to Assemble Your Request for a Proposal (RFP)

Having trouble putting into words what you are looking to accomplish with your web site? Not sure how to get all of your vendors aligned with your goals and objectives? Writing a request for a proposal (RFP) can be challenging and time consuming if you do not know where to start. Devoting a moment upfront to write an effective RFP will save you time down the road, and will help your prospective vendors to effectively develop an accurate proposal for your web site project.

Often times, however, this is something easier said than done. That is why we have developed this helpful guideline to walk you through the basics of what we look for in an RFP. Whether you choose to go with us or not, at least we know we gave it our best shot, and hopefully you will think of us again on your next project. Already have an RFP? Great! Send it to us today.

10 Essentials To Include In Your RFP

  1. Brief Company Overview: Include who you are, what you do, size of company, current url, etc.
  2. Brief Description of the Project: Most commonly a paragraph describing your current web site situation and an overview of what this project will entail.
  3. Project Goals and Objectives: Define the motivation for your project. Why are you making this investment? (expanded services, organizational growth, different target audience, need to generate more leads, attract job candidates, etc.) What do you hope to accomplish? List your objectives here.
  4. Technical Requirements: Are you integrating with any existing systems? If so, what are they? Do you have a specific programming language that you require? (php, .net, etc.) Do you need hosting?
  5. Usability Requirements: Have you conducted any usability testing on your site? Are you interested in conducting user research or developing a persona? Do you currently have any research or statistics available about your current web site visitors?
  6. Functional Requirements: What features and functionality do you need on your site? (secure user/password, contact forms, upload your resume option, social media integrations, database development to store lead information, video integrations, custom admin area, content management system to edit your own content, e-commerce, newsletter sign up, newsletter archive, whitepaper lead capture, blog, secure login, etc).
  7. Content Requirements: Approximately how many pages is your current site? Do you have a content strategy? Do you need us to develop content or assist with the editing of your content?
  8. Mobile Requirements: Is mobile a priority at your organization? Do you require a responsive web site that responds to your user's device (mobile, tablet, desktop)? Do you currently have a mobile version of your site?
  9. Budget: Has your budget been set and approved? If so, what is the range?
  10. Timeline: By what date would you like the project completed?

Let us know if we can be of any help while you are creating your RFP. The 10 questions above are simply a starting point for writing your RFP. Depending on the size and scope of your web site, feel free to adjust your RFP accordingly.

 

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