So you’ve come to the conclusion you need a website! Whether what will enchant you the most is a brand new website or a complete redesign of your current homepage, Webpoppy.net has put together a list of bullet points to help you prepare an RFP (Request for Proposal).
Having gone through this process more than once myself, I know the initial resistance that can emerge when taking on any new project, but taking the time to evaluate where you are and what you want before your initial consultation will create a much clearer lens through which both you and your web development team can focus.
Please use this list as a guide to help get the dust bunnies of confusion cleared away and your creative and technical juices flowing.
Break out the trowels and garden hoes… let’s get growing!
Evaluating the soil
Juicy Question: If your company was a landscape, what would it look like? Think metaphorically.
Describe your organization in a few sentences. Include your vision, history, and what kind of customers or businesses you are targeting.
- Why do you want a new website or have your current site redesigned?
- What will happened if you don’t have a new website or have your current site redesigned?
- What sets your organization apart for your potential customers?
- What problems do your potential customers have that your organization solves?
Branding – Pick a flower!
Juicy Question: In the vast garden of the internet, what kind of flower would you like your website to be?
- Do you have a logo for your company? If so, are you happy with it?
- Do you have a slogan or tagline which defines the benefits of your business?
- Is there a color scheme you’d like to use in your forthcoming site?
Define your scope
Please provide a what types of features or functionality you’d like to have included in your website. If you already have a website, providing a list of what you like and don’t like about it can be immensely helpful.
- How many pages will your site have?
- Would you like a custom flash animation on your splash page?
- Do you need an image gallery, video or other multimedia content?
- Do you plan to sell items on your website? If so, what kind and how many items?
Pansies or orchids – what is your budget?
Many clients come to us without a wisp of an idea of how much a typical website costs – there’s nothing odd or cumbersome about that, but if you do have a set budget, please let me know up front so I can provide you the most bang for your buck.
Which gardens do you admire most?
Provide a list of 5 web addresses of sites you admire and let us know what makes you like to hang out and smell their flowers.
Help us understand what enchants you most.
Content creation and upkeep – who will be the gardener?
HINT: Blogging is one of the best ways to improve online visibility and search engine optimization, and WordPress leads the pack with SEO-rich features.
- Do you wish to have direct access to manage and update your website on your own with a content management system such as WordPress?
- Where will your website content come from? Is it ready to publish now on your website, or will you need copywriting services?
Don’t forget the fertilizer – getting the word out!
- How do you feel about social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter? Please include links to your Facebook page, YouTube Channel and Twitter feed if you have them.
- Where is your Google ranking now? Where would you like it to be via SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
- If you were using Google to find your site, what words or phrases would you use to find your site?
Name your season – turn around time
How fast do you need it? Websites take time and consideration, but Webpoppy.net has a card or two up her sleeve when it comes to quick launches. If you need it fast, let us know and we’ll probably find a way to make it work out.
Hosting – where does your garden grow?
Have you already secured a hosting service? If not, Webpoppy.net can provide you with recommendations for the perfect hosting plan
Seeds for thought
Finally, include any questions you might have or additional ideas or thoughts that don’t fit into our predefined categories. You never know what amazing things your thoughts might spark!
Are there any requirements your firm has with regard to receiving an estimate from Webpoppy.net? Be sure to include this in your request.
It’s my hope stepping through this process helped you understand the initial steps of web development. Clearing away the questions and clutter is the first step toward getting the site you really want. Good luck!
Susan J. Preston is a web designer residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information, read the About section, or take a look at the article, How to write a website RFP for help with getting your web design/redesign going.
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