Winning bids are the lifeblood of securing lucrative contracts and long-term partnerships in
highly competitive industries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to bid writing,
crafting a compelling and effective proposal is crucial. Here are the top five tips for writing
winning bids:

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1. Understand the Funder’s Needs
A winning bid starts with an in-depth understanding of the funder’s requirements. Carefully
read the Request for Proposal (RFP) or tender documents to identify:
• Key objectives: What is the project trying to achieve?
• Challenges: What pain points are they looking to address?
• Evaluation criteria: How will they assess bids?
Pro Tip: Tailor your bid to address each point explicitly. Use the funder’s language and
focus on how your solution directly meets their goals.

2. Showcase Value, Not Just Features
While it’s essential to highlight your services and capabilities, what truly makes a bid stand
out is demonstrating value. Funders want to know:
• How your solution benefits the client recipient .
• How it saves time, reduces costs, or solves specific problems.
• Why your offering is better than competitors’
Pro Tip: Use case studies and testimonials to showcase your proven track record. Quantify
benefits whenever possible (e.g., “Our solution reduced hospital admissions costs by 20% for
the NHS”).

3. Follow a Clear and Professional Structure
A well-organised bid is easier to read and more likely to impress evaluators. Ensure your bid
includes:
• Executive Summary: A brief overview of your proposal, project needs and its key
benefits.
• Introduction: Background on your company and why you’re the right fit.
• Technical Approach: Detailed explanation of how you will meet the requirements.
• Pricing: Transparent and competitive pricing with justifications.
• Supporting Documents: Case studies, accreditations, and references.
Pro Tip: Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to make your bid visually appealing and
easy to navigate.

4. Focus on Compliance and Accuracy
Nothing derails a bid faster than failing to comply with the requirements or including errors.
Make sure:
• Every section of the RFP is addressed.
• Required documents and appendices are included.
• All figures, calculations, and data are double-checked for accuracy.
Pro Tip: Create a checklist based on the RFP requirements and review it before submission
to ensure full compliance.

5. Proofread and Polish
First impressions matter. A well-written, error-free bid shows professionalism and attention
to detail. Proofread your bid for:
• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Clarity and consistency in tone and language.
• Alignment with the funder’s terminology and expectations.
Pro Tip: Have someone not involved in the writing process review your bid for fresh insights
and objective feedback.

Final Thoughts
Winning bids require a combination of strategy, precision, and creativity. By understanding
the funder’s needs, showcasing value, structuring your proposal professionally, ensuring
compliance, and polishing your content, you can significantly increase your chances of
success.
If you’re looking for expert assistance with your next bid, contact us today. Let’s work.