It’s no secret that a robust and visually appealing website is crucial for businesses to establish their brand, engage customers, and sell products/services. Building an enterprise website that meets your goals and reflects your brand identity requires expertise and resources that may not be readily available in-house. This is where partnering with an agency like Rareview can be a game-changer. 

Let’s discuss the benefits of collaborating to build your website and insights into finding the right partner without resorting to the traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) route, which will pigeonhole you and eliminate some of the best agencies right from the start.

The value of partnering with an agency

When it comes to enterprise website design and development, an agency brings a wealth of experience, technical skills, and industry knowledge to the table. Often times they bring certifications and partnerships as well. Rareview, for example, is a gold partner at WordPress VIP—the defacto standard in building enterprise WordPress websites. 

By choosing the right agency, you gain access to a dedicated team of professionals who can transform your vision into a reality. Here are a few reasons why partnering with an agency is advantageous:

1. Expertise: Web development agencies specialize in creating websites that align with modern design standards, WCAG accessibility, user experience, site optimization, and overall functionality. They have a deep understanding of industry trends and can offer valuable insights to optimize your website’s performance.
2. Time and efficiency: Collaborating with an agency saves you time and effort that would otherwise be spent on recruiting, training, and managing an in-house team. Agencies have streamlined processes, established workflows, and project managers who ensure your website is delivered on time and within budget.
3. Creative design and branding: Agencies have talented designers who can create visually stunning websites that align with your brand’s identity. They consider factors like color schemes, typography, and overall aesthetics to create a cohesive and memorable user experience.

Finding the right agency

Finding the right agency to partner with is crucial for a successful website project. Here are some steps to guide you through the selection process:

1. Define your goals: Clearly outline your website’s purpose, target audience, desired features, and functionalities. Describe your current website’s drawbacks and how they are affecting sales and marketing. This will help you communicate your requirements effectively to potential agencies.
2. Evaluate portfolios and case studies: Review the portfolios and case studies of agencies to gauge their capabilities, design styles, and expertise in relevant industries. Look for examples that resonate with your vision and showcase the agency’s ability to solve problems similar to yours.
3. Seek referrals and read reviews: Ask your professional network for agency recommendations. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to understand other clients’ experiences and satisfaction levels.
4. Communication and collaboration: Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. Engage in conversations with potential agencies to assess their responsiveness, understanding of your needs, and overall chemistry. Strong collaboration fosters trust and ensures a smooth workflow.
5. Fit: Partners on the same page who see eye-to-eye on the future of your digital brand succeed more often than not. This is a bit more subjective. Find an agency that’s a good “fit” in terms of personality, focus, goals, and communication. 

Why the RFP route is not ideal

Traditionally, some businesses have relied on Request for Proposals (RFPs) to solicit bids from multiple agencies. However, this is often a double-edged sword and by relying solely on an RFP, you are likely going to miss out on finding the right partner. Many reputable agencies prefer not to participate in Request for Proposals (RFPs) (including Rareview) and there are several reasons behind this decision. Here are some key factors that contribute to agencies opting out of the RFP process:

Resource allocation: RFPs can be resource-intensive for agencies. Responding to an RFP requires significant time, effort, and resources, including preparing detailed proposals, assembling a team, conducting research, and attending presentations. For high-demand agencies with limited resources, it may not be feasible to allocate substantial resources to RFPs that have uncertain outcomes.

Lack of context: RFPs often provide limited context and information about the project. Without a comprehensive understanding of the client’s specific needs, goals, and constraints, agencies may find it challenging to develop tailored and effective solutions. Agencies prefer to engage in direct conversations with clients to gain a deeper understanding of their requirements and objectives.

Competitive disadvantage: RFPs typically involve a competitive bidding process, where agencies are pitted against each other solely based on their written proposals. This approach doesn’t allow agencies to showcase their creativity, expertise, and unique approaches effectively. Consequently, agencies that thrive on innovation and differentiated strategies may find the RFP process restrictive and prefer to showcase their abilities through other means, such as case studies, referrals, or direct conversations.

Relationship-based collaborations: Many agencies prioritize building long-term relationships with their clients. They believe that successful collaborations stem from mutual trust, understanding, and shared goals. RFPs tend to be transactional in nature and may not foster the development of such relationships. By working with clients on a more personal level, agencies can better align their services and expertise to deliver exceptional results.

Selectivity and focus: Highly sought-after agencies often have a steady stream of clients and projects. This allows them to be selective in choosing the projects that align with their areas of expertise, interests, and business goals. RFPs, which often cast a wide net and attract various types of projects, may not fit the strategic focus of these agencies. They prefer to focus on projects where they can make a significant impact and leverage their specialized skills and experience.

It’s important to note that while some agencies may choose not to participate in RFPs, it doesn’t imply a lack of quality or capability. In fact, agencies like Rareview that prioritize client relationships and value a collaborative approach often deliver exceptional results by investing more time and effort in understanding their clients’ needs and tailoring their services accordingly.

Embrace a collaborative approach

To maximize the benefits of working with an agency, opt for a more collaborative approach rather than the rigid RFP route. Engage in discussions, share your vision, and give agencies the opportunity to propose creative solutions. This fosters a partnership built on trust and shared goals.

Partnering with an agency to build your website offers numerous advantages, from accessing specialized expertise to achieving efficient project management. By defining your goals, evaluating portfolios, and engaging in open communication, you can find the right agency that aligns with your vision. Embrace collaboration and avoid the limitations of the traditional RFP route to unlock the full potential of your website project. Together with a trusted agency, you can build a website that not only meets your needs but also delights your visitors and drives business success.