Building a website has never been easier than it is now. Even if you are technically challenged, you can build one on your own, what with several free web hosting options and templates that are available online.
True, it is easy to put together a basic website today, but if you need a well-designed and professional looking website, it is better to seek the help of experts who specialize in web design and development.
When you hire someone to build a website, you can avoid a lot of frustration and headaches by creating a clear RFP (Request For Proposals) right at the outset.
A web design project can range from very basic to highly complex. An RFP is a way for you to lay down your requirements and ask the web design company to give you a quote. Before you even think about contacting web designers to build the site, put together a proper RFP. Here is a simple guide to walk you through the main components in a website RFP.
Briefly introduce your company
Tell the designer who you are, what industry you are in, the size of the company, existing website, and your overall vision for the company and website.
Overview of the project
Describe what the current situation is and provide an overview of the project. Give as much context as possible. If you have proposed that the new website be launched in another three months, explain why. Is it just an internal deadline or do you have a product launch that is also planned around the same time? Explain why you have requested a particular technology. What are the systems that you’re currently using it how you want them to be integrated within the website?
What is it that you want to achieve?
Clarify what you’re looking to achieve from the website. Do you want to update the website of the want to add a new line of products and services? Are you looking at a different target market or do you want to increase conversions?
Technical and functional requirements
If you don’t know exactly what the technical requirements are, mention that. Some of the questions that you may want to answer include the number of pages and layouts that you need, hosting requirements, preferred technology, e-commerce platform licenses and preferences etc. The functionality of the website is about what you want it to do. What are the features that you want to see? This could be things like contact forms, discussion forums, secure members area, new sections etc.
If you want to leave everything up to the designer, mention that too.
Budget and cost estimates
Suggest a budget range so the solution providers can accurately scale the proposal. Mention when you’re ready to start work and whether you have the money ready. If you need time to raise money to start the project, the web design company may even help you describe the project in a way to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
Staff resources
You have a current web team of technical and non-technical staff who will be working with the grip design company? Mention the details here.
Timeframe
Mention of date by which you would like to project to be done. Remember that most web design companies will charge the higher price for rush jobs. But if you need your project to be completed on a priority status, make sure that you mention it.
Also include all contact information – name, e-mail, phone number, and billing address. Indicate how soon you would like to receive the proposal and in what mode – e-mail, post, or fax.
Prepare an RFP with all the above information and you will improve your chances of attracting responses that suit your requirements perfectly.
