What RFP means
A good website RFP explains your goals, audience, scope, must-have features, budget range and timeline. Clear RFPs get comparable proposals and fewer surprises.
Why it matters for your website
A clear RFP helps you compare agency bids fairly and avoid surprises later. It makes you think through goals, features and budget before the project starts. Vague RFPs lead to proposals that can't be compared and projects that go over budget.
Example
A community bank writes an RFP for a new website that lists its goals, required integrations, content needs and timeline. Five agencies respond with proposals it can compare side by side.
Tips
- Explain your business goals, not just a list of features.
- Share a budget range so agencies can propose realistic solutions.
- List must-have integrations, like your CRM or booking system.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the budget, which leads to proposals that are wildly different in scope.
- Asking for free design work as part of the bid instead of evaluating past work.
Questions about RFP
What is RFP?
A request for proposal: a document asking agencies to bid on your project.
What should a website RFP include?
Include your company background, goals, audience, required features, integrations, content needs, timeline, budget range and how you'll pick a winner.
Do small businesses need an RFP?
Not always. A short project brief can work just as well for small projects. A formal RFP helps more when several decision makers are involved or rules require competitive bids.
