The Sample Website Design RFP

Use this handy outline to prepare your website project RFP.

Law Firm’s Background and General Information

Tell us a little about the law firm. Important metrics include:

• Number of attorneys
• Number of offices
• Specialties
• Business focus

How does the firm go to market presently? Does the firm run events, publish material?

How is the project to be organized and managed? Is there a marketing committee? A representative from each office? Practice group? Who, by title, are the key stake holders?

What is the selection process?

Internet Background & Objectives

• Explain how the firm uses the internet currently?
• Does it have more than one website?
• Are there multiple domain names?
• Is there an intranet?
• Extranet?
• What infrastructure does the firm have that does or doesn’t interface with its website? For example, customer relationship management systems, knowledge management, document management or external permission­ based email systems?
• Do any of these systems work together or should they?
• What are the objectives for the website?
• How will the firm measure success?
• What are the firm’s specific goals for the site?
• What is prompting action at this time?
• Does the firm expect its web developer to help develop a strategic marketing role?

Scope of Project

Provide some insight into specific elements the website should incorporate:

• Does the firm charge for seminars and desire to process its purchase transaction?
• Does the firm want people to register for events online and have the registration information populate a database? Or should it flow into your CRM system?
• Is being found by search engines important?
• How manageable should the content be?
• Where will the content come from? Who will prepare the copy?
• Do you have images and photos or will the vendor provide these assets?

Vendor Web Development Experience

This is where information about developer your firm seeks should be included.

Request Law Firm­specific Development Experience

• Highlights of features & performance from vendor’s sites
• Testimonials about vendor’s performance
• References

Request Developer’s Development Approach

• Standards utilized
• Design iterations
• Technologies utilized

Solicit Developer’s Hosting Capabilities

Request Developer’s Site Tracking & Performance Reporting Mechanism

Request Status of Site Ownership & Ownership of assets

Anticipated Pricing

The more specific the requirements, the more specific pricing can be. On the other hand, the more specific the requirements, the less benefit you get from your vendors consultation.

• One time costs
• Recurring costs
• Maintenance costs & rates

Request Identification of Key Developer Staff who will work on your project and background

Anticipated Project Timeframe

Submission

• Deadline
• Format for submission
• # Copies if hard copy desired