If you are going to post your website redesign Request For Proposal (RFP) on your web site and really want some visibility, you need to consider a few things. First of all, if you are going to lean on search engines to make your RFP visible to interested developers, you need to make sure you include as many terms as possible that might be watched on Google for the project as the description of the RFP. For example, just the term RFP isn’t sufficient. Spell it out, perhaps add the acronym and words for RFQ as well. Same holds true for the scope of the project – don’t just call it a website redesign, but realize that others may call it:
Web Site Redesign
Web Site Design
Website Facelift
Website Architecture
Web Site Rebranding
And if you’re looking to add functionality, provide specifics AND provide synonyms when appropriate. Remember – if you are relying on search engines to allow web developers to find your RFP, you need to make that bucket as big as possible for searches.
Secondly – consider online RFP services. Depending on your industry and organization type, there may be several options for posting your RFP at another’s location. For some examples, look here.
But be careful. There are paid options, and you want to make sure you get your visibility if you pay. In addition, you really don’t want spammed, so make sure you aren’t giving away your email address – have them either mail their proposal, or email through a form on your web site – every little thing you can do to keep email addresses away from spambots is a good practice.
Finally – once the RFP is over, TAKE IT DOWN. Why is this document still online and available for finding through Google?
This RFP is from 2012. There are lots like it on the web, and in search engines. Once the RFP is awarded, REMOVE THE OLD RFP FROM THE WEB SITE. Don’t just delink it. Remove it.