Are you looking to improve your bid writing skills? A well-written bid can make all the difference in winning new clients and retaining existing ones when they come up for renewal.
Here are six key strategies that can help:
- Point, Evidence, Explain (PEE) Approach: This technique helps you structure your writing by making a clear point, supporting it with evidence, and explaining its relevance. It ensures your arguments are supported and easy to follow.
- Storyboarding: Storyboarding is both your compliance and planning tool. Organising your bid content as a whole and question by question. You can visually map out your key messages, evidence, and graphics, for example, to ensure a logical flow which both guides and reassures the reader.
- Proofreading: Attention to detail in bid writing is key! We have a few strategies here to help, especially if you are proofing your own work.
- Lean Writing: Lean writing focuses on delivering your message efficiently, eliminating unnecessary words and phrases, which can be very handed, especially for those who bid for public sector contracts. The idea behind this approach is that it respects your reader's time and makes your bid more engaging.
- Authoritative Writing: I love this approach. It's about demonstrating expertise and confidence through your writing.
- Problem-Solving Proposal: A winning bid addresses the client's specific challenges and offers super targeted solutions. By identifying key issues and presenting a clear plan of action, you demonstrate your value and commitment to their success.
These of course, all come down to good business writing, ensuring clear, concise, and tailored content for your lucky audience. Once you understand your client's needs and your win themes, it really is about persuasive writing.
