Who Uses a Website RFP?
Website RFPs are commonly used by medium-to-large companies looking to redesign and/or redevelop their website.
Unfortunately, the website RFP process usually goes like this:
Company XYZ determine that it's time to get a new website. Not knowing exactly where to start, someone suggests that the company sends out an RFP. Great idea, make it as long and involved as possible! Someone way down the corporate ladder is tasked with putting the RFP together. This person is not a Web Developer or Web Designer and isn't sure exactly what to ask, but does his best. Not fully understanding the Web business and the speed at which technology changes, he includes requests for old technology, wrong technology, and maybe even technology that no longer exists.
A few weeks later, a Web firm receives the RFP and tries to respond, but finds they have to squeeze and stretch and contort to provide answers that fit the questions without being able to make recommendations or changes to the proposed project based on their industry experience and knowledge. They return the website RFP knowing that the confines of the RFP left a lot to be desired. In the end, the RFP doesn't benefit Company XYZ or the Web firm because the RFP was ill-conceived in the first place.
Get to know your web vendor.
If you've been charged with selecting a Web vendor, don't make your decision off one document. Try this instead; we promise you'll get a much, much better result:
- Search the web for potential vendors and see who you like
- Ask friends and colleagues for their recommendations
- Get in touch with developers of sites you like and trust to ask their advice
- Check out a vendor's portfolio and case studies
- Call a vendor's references
- Take time to get to know the vendor personally. Make sure they're who they say they are.
- Meet with the vendor to ensure your goals are in line with one another.
If you just can't get around sending out a website RFP, we've provided a sample web development RFP that you can download and use for free. And while you're at it, send a copy to us!
