When redesigning a new website, the creation of an RFP is essential to help explain the intended business goals and outcomes for the project. A well written RFP will help attract the right types of website design companies to your project that are best suited for your individual needs and goals.
If the RFP does not provide the right types of explanations, important details might also be misinterpreted or missed entirely.
Effective websites aren’t created by chance, they take time and well-research content by an experienced digital agency helping for the client’s needs. So how do you kickstart your next website redesign project?
Start with writing a request for proposals (RFP) that will help a digital agency quickly understand the goals for your project and provide you with a high-quality response.
Choosing a website design company is not a quick or easy decision to make, especially if we don’t understand the importance of details such as content presentation, responsive design, navigation, and optimization strategy.
It is important to think of it like this — your website is the face of your business, and especially in the digital world we live in today, it is often the first point of contact an individual has when learning about what you do. Making a good impression through your website ensures your visitors understand your value proposition and why they might want to work with you.
The more visitors you can engage on your website, the more likely you are to increase online engagement and potential sales revenue.
Identify Areas of Improvement and Goals For Your Website
One way to write a great RFP is to spend most of the requests focusing on the problem. What do you need the vendor for? This is different from writing for ideas, although it’s similar.
Some companies know what they need from their vendors—they’ve already identified the solution they want. But if you aren’t sure how to solve a particular issue, define that issue in as much detail as you can and let vendors solve it.
Although some website design companies may sound appealing with low prices, it is important to understand they may use a one size fits all approach when it comes to website design.
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You may find that the website design companies with lower prices do not take the time to properly research and analyze your industry before determining a plan for your website design. They also may be limited when it comes to your feedback on design changes or adjustments as the project progresses.
While you certainly want to outline what you need from a vendor, some RFPs read like a checklist. Instead of over defining what step-by-step features you need from vendors, state your overall goals. This gives vendors the chance to show you how creative they are. Giving them a checklist of tasks to complete may result in every proposal sounding very similar. Sell seller has their own way of accomplishing your goals.
Below are some elements to include in your Website Redesign RFP:
1. Project Introduction
2. Identify Current Challenges
3.Define Current Website Visitors
4. Provide a List of Realistic and Measurable Goals and Desired Outcomes
5. Define Objectives that Have Specific Timeframes
6. List the Scope of Work and Services Needed
7. Define Ways to Measure Success of the Project
8. Include Budget Criteria
9. Provide an Existing Website Review
10. Criteria for Evaluation
11. Submission Guidelines and Timeline
RFP Evaluation and How to Attract the Right Types of Website Design Companies
If you’re shopping for a nice SUV you’re probably not going to visit a cheap used car dealership that sells the same model cars in various colors. Before submitting your RFP to a digital agency, take a look at their website redesign portfolio and see if they have case studies that go into detail about the projects they’ve completed.
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Take a look through their website portfolio and client testimonials. Why do case studies matter? Unlike capability statements or bios, they help tell the whole story, give insight into the deliverables, and indicate the level of attention the project was given.
Consider Service Offerings
Another important aspect of choosing a reputable website design agency is if they are able to provide ongoing maintenance and support after the project is completed.
These types of website design companies are also engaged in website maintenance and support, content writing, website optimization techniques, digital marketing, and website research and analytics.
They can offer the tools and suggestions on an ongoing basis to help meet business goals and objectives and will allow your website to evolve as your business needs change and grow.
Experience in Your Domain
Navigating through hundreds of website design companies to find one that fits well with your business can be a daunting task.
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We recommend selecting a vendor that has a good understanding of the business needs and objectives through previous work within your industry. A good website design company will also include an analysis phase prior to providing services to determine which types of support solutions will produce the best results.
Alliance Interactive is a top Washington, DC-based website design and development company with over 17 years of experience. Since 2004 our website design and development services have helped organizations across all industries build sites that generate more leads, rank better, and reach goals. Every project begins with research and strategy – a decisive advantage in our website design and development approach.