Content Marketing

Why Website RFPs Don’t Work

As a digital agency in business since 1996, we’ve had the opportunity to create hundreds of corporate and non-profit websites. We’ve learned plenty along the way and have gotten our process down to a well-oiled machine.

Our process starts with a website blueprint, which allows us to do some initial prep work and hammer out details with the client before we get too far down the road of quoting and designing.

Despite the fact that this process works really really well, we still encounter the dreaded request for proposal (RFP) from time to time. Does anyone love RFPs? I didn’t think so. Yet they continue to be the norm for organizations looking for a starting point when they need a website project executed.

Here’s a secret: Website RFPs don’t work. They are not good for the client and they are not good for the agency.

Here’s a story that illustrates what I’m talking about. An organization recently came to us looking for help with their website. They had an RFP put together that outlined a standard set of features, some unique requests, and the usual wish list items (including the good old standard: we want our new website to be easy to navigate).

So far, so good. However, we explained that our process starts with a website blueprint, which is designed to give us a little bit of consulting, planning, and site mapping time before we commit to a price. They agreed to temporarily put the RFP to the side and start with a blueprint and we got things kicked off.

During our first blueprint meeting, we dug into some specific goals, asked questions, and discussed marketing scenarios. During our discussion, it became clear that some of the items in the RFP were no longer necessary once we answered some of their questions and offered our advice based on years of experience.

We also uncovered some new considerations not even included in the RFP. Our client was extremely pleased that we were able to optimize their requirements and make sure we were all on the same page regarding what the plan was.

Additionally, we ended up saving the client money. Had we quoted a price based on the RFP, we would have based it on requirements that were not actually right for the organization. Instead, we consulted with them to provide alternatives that were both a better fit and more cost-effective.

We see this scenario over and over, which is why we are so committed to the blueprint process and why we don’t believe in website RFPs.

Here is the fundamental problem with RFPs – they are written by the organization requesting help, yet they try to preemptively predict the right solutions. How do you know you need a product configuration wizard? Are you sure you want to include a members-only area? Why did you choose this feature over that feature? It’s the equivalent of going to the doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment, but asking for specific medication before you even visit his office.

So if you are planning a new website project, please try to break the RFP habit. Start with conversations and planning with your agency (or potential agency) and take a more agile approach to your website project. Most of the time you will find that you’ll get a better outcome and you might even save some money!

Michael Reynolds

I’ve been an entrepreneur for over two decades and have built and sold multiple businesses, including a digital marketing agency, a software company, and other service businesses. As a result of my business background, I often help my clients with similar challenges, including starting a business, or building and optimizing a business.

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