When it comes to great tender submissions, words mean a lot. If you’re not using clear, concise, and compelling language in your response, you won't convince the tender panel that your business is hands down the best company for the job.
At TenderWise, we’ve helped loads of businesses win tenders, but if you want to take the DIY route and write the submission yourself, here are our top tips:
Keep Your Response Simple.
The reason the KISS (Keep it simple, stupid) principle is so well known is because it works, even to tender responses. It’s smart, and it’s a good reminder to keep things, well – simple. Flowery words, overly technical content and industry jargon, may make you feel good, but they can be a real turn-off to your audience.
Keep Your Response Clear.
And focus and never say something in 10 words when five will do.
Write in a Conversational Style.
If you wouldn’t speak it the way you’ve written it, give it another go until it reads like a conversation.
Be Convincing.
Tell a story. Answer the questions in the tender response document by giving examples of hhow you have achieved the same outcomes for another similar client.
BUT (and it’s a big one) — always make sure that what you write is relevant to the question being asked. Don’t dive off onto a tangent just because you have something you want to say, but there isn’t anywhere apparent to put it.
Always Include a Cover Letter.
But that’s unless your tender template asks for an Executive Summary. It’s an excellent opportunity to highlight what’s so great about your business and how you have the skills and experience to deliver the required tender outcomes.
Don’t just Copy and Paste Your Tender Responses from Your Last One.
Sure, you can recycle content, but make sure it’s relevant to the question and read it through. I’ve seen plenty of tenders where content has been copied from one submission to another regarding the tender issuer not being updated.
Always Check Your Spelling and Grammar.
There's no excuse for getting it wrong when a spelling and grammar checker (such as the one built into Microsoft Word) only takes a few minutes to run. Poor spelling and grammar are a real distraction for the reader, and it just makes your business look sloppy.
Stay within the Word Count Limits.
If you’ve been told that there are word count limitations for your tender response, then make sure you stick to them — it will likely be penalised if you go over the limit.
Use Positive Terms
So, “will” — not “would” and “can” not “could”.
Use Meaningful Headings to Break Up Your Text.
And also add some visual appeal to your submission.
My Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a tender you want to respond to but don’t have the time or the inclination to develop powerful and compelling tender submissions TenderWise can help you. Call me, Pauline, at 0400 514579, email me at pauline@tenderwise.com.au, or fill out the form here for a completely obligation-free chat.