HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BID WRITING PARTNER

Choosing a bid writing service that suits your needs can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Here are some steps to help you narrow down the choices and select the right company:

1. Define Your Needs & Goals

- Specialisation: Look for firms that have expertise in your specific sector and type of company service.
- Type of Bids: Are you looking for support with larger public sector tenders or smaller projects? Different companies may specialise in different types.
- Budget: Establish your budget beforehand, as services can vary greatly in pricing.
- Level of Support: Do you need a company that will manage the entire process, or just provide guidance and editing?

2. Check Experience & Track Record

- Success Rate: Ask about their win rates or testimonials from previous clients.
- Case Studies: Many firms share case studies of successful bids on their websites, which can provide insight into their expertise.
- References: Request references or reviews from past clients in your industry.

3. Assess Communication & Collaboration Style

- Consultation Calls: Take advantage of free consultation calls to assess their understanding of your needs and their communication style.
- Customisation: Ensure that they’re not offering a one-size-fits-all approach and can tailor their services to your specific requirements.
- Responsiveness: The bid-writing process often requires quick turnarounds, so make sure their team is responsive and can meet deadlines. This should become apparent from reviews of former clients.

4. Review Their Expertise in your Industry

- Industry-Specific Knowledge: Some companies may have better knowledge of eg. the Marketing Communications and PR space, which can be critical in highlighting your strengths within the bid.
- Content Quality: Look at their writing samples or ask for an example of past bids to assess their ability to create compelling, persuasive content.
- Understanding of Tender Requirements: A firm with deep knowledge of the tender requirements and evaluation criteria will give you an edge. Sound them out to gauge whether they genuinely understand the specific tender that you need help with.

5. Compare Pricing Models

- Fixed Fee vs. Hourly Rates: Some companies offer a fixed fee, while others charge by the hour. Determine which model fits your budget better.
- Pay-for-Results: Companies may have a pay-for-results model, which can seem appealing but may come with its own risks. Analyse how this could work within your overall budget.
- Extra Costs: Check for any hidden costs, such as additional charges for revisions or consultations.

6. Explore Online Reviews & Directories

- Online Directories: Websites like Trustpilot often have reviews of bid-writing services.
- Industry Forums: Forums or LinkedIn groups for marketing and PR professionals can be good places to get recommendations and hear about others' experiences.
- Referrals: Consider reaching out to peers in your industry who have used bid-writing services in the past for recommendations and advice.

Shortlist Most Important Criteria eg:

- Top Priority: Specialisation in eg. Marketing and PR
- Secondary Factors: Experience with government tenders, good references, flexible pricing
- Eliminate: Firms with low win rates or poor reviews

After going through these steps, you will be able to build a more focused shortlist to choose from.