How to Draft an RFP for Your Community Bank’s New Website

In today’s digital age, a solid online presence is crucial for any business or organization, including community banks. The first step to a successful website redesign is finding the right partner to design and build your new website. This is where a well-drafted request for proposal (RFP) comes into play. Here are some tips to help guide you through drafting a comprehensive RFP for your community bank’s new website:

Pro Tip: You should also determine your budget for this project before you begin.

Determine Your Objectives:

Before writing your RFP, determine what you are trying to achieve with your new website. Be clear about your main objectives and the specific outcomes you want to see. For example, do you want to increase online account sign-ups, make it easier for customers to make loan payments online, or provide educational resources to help customers learn more about personal finance? Defining your objectives upfront will help ensure the website development company understands your goals from the beginning.

Outline Your Requirements:

Once you have identified your objectives, it is essential to list the specific requirements for the new website. These requirements may range from design elements and functionality to CMS integrations and data security measures.

Start with a Sample RFP Template:

Creating an RFP from scratch can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a sample website RFP template to help get you started. Download the Word or PDF versions of our Community Bank Website RFP template and get a head start on your project. Replace the placeholder copy with your requirements, and you’ll be nearly finished.

Look for Experienced Web Development Partners:

When searching for website development partners for your RFP, look for companies with specialized experience working with financial institutions or similar clients. Check out their portfolio and read client reviews to understand their strengths and track record of success. Hint: adPharos has partnered with Community Banks since 2008. Consider inviting us to respond to your RFP.

Expect the Unexpected:

While you can outline specific outcomes and requirements in your RFP, it is important to remember that the final product may not look exactly as you imagined. Be prepared to factor in room for unexpected issues or changes in direction, and ensure that you are working with a flexible partner that is responsive to your needs.

In conclusion, drafting a comprehensive RFP for your community bank’s new website is an important step in the website development process. It is essential to clearly articulate your objectives and requirements to potential development partners and be open to unexpected changes throughout the development process. By following these tips and using our template as a starting point, you will be well on your way to finding the right partner to take your community bank’s online presence to the next level.

Good luck with your website revamp journey!