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Marketing Tenders

As businesses and public sector bodies are increasingly needing to gain a competitive advantage, build brand awareness, become more digitally focused, and generate leads, they are seeking support from specialists. This presents lots of opportunities for agencies and companies to secure contracts via marketing tenders. We can help your agency both find and win public sector tenders. If you want to discuss how we can find tenders for your business or provide bid writing services - contact us today!

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Marketing

How can I win a marketing tender?

In a highly competitive market, it can be difficult to stand out and ensure the buyer clearly understands the benefits your services and business can provide. In our experience, we have generally found the following helps to secure marketing contracts:

- Evidence a clear understanding of the client's requirements, this is often forgotten about. They will want to ensure you are completely clear about the scope of works and what they are trying to achieve, then move onto explain how your services can benefit the client and meet their objectives.

- Discuss and show how you will communicate and work together throughout the project, particularly key timescales and what you will need from the buyer in order to keep the project moving forward.

- You should agree and evidence how you will report and measure the success of the work. Perhaps this involves KPI's or SLA's.

- Provide case studies and testimonials to evidence the work your business has delivered previously, even if this is slightly outside of their remit you should discuss transferable skills.

- Social value is increasingly important across all public sector tenders, including marketing tenders, therefore you should highlight how you will leave a lasting positive effect by delivering the contract. This includes; energy efficiencies and reducing waste, creating jobs, apprenticeships and improving skills, supply chain partnerships and the local economy.

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Types of marketing tenders

The marketing industry covers a wide range of services and skills, with many specialist areas. It's for this reason most businesses look to outsource this aspect and seek professional help and support in the form of tendering. Marketing tenders and contracts can cover one or a multitude of the below services;

Fundraising campaigns
TV advertising
Digital marketing support
Website development
Search engine optimisation (SEO) services
Paid per click (PPC) services
Paid Ads
Social Media support
Event management
Communication strategy and management
Printing
Branding and/or design services
PR / Digital PR
Video Production
Marketing

Why use Thornton & Lowe to secure marketing tenders

We have an impressive win rate of securing both framework and project opportunities for our clients bidding for marketing tenders. Whatever the size of your business, and specific services you offer, we can help identify suitable tender opportunities for you.

Our team of specialist bid writers can then support you through the entire tender process, providing best practice and knowledge throughout. We'll take the time to understand the buyers requirements and help you create the response that positions you above other potential competitors. Whether you need additional support to create a wining bid submission or you require a full service from planning to execution, we can work with your in-house bid team or be the expert resource you need.

Successful marketing tender bid writing requires a good understanding of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) process.

Understanding the ITT Framework

The ITT framework forms the backbone of any marketing tender. You need to grasp its structure to create a winning bid. Start by carefully reading the entire document. Pay close attention to evaluation criteria and scoring methods. These elements will guide your response strategy.

Break down the ITT into manageable sections. Create a checklist to ensure you address every requirement. Be mindful of word limits and formatting guidelines. Failing to follow these can lead to disqualification.

Research the client organisation thoroughly. Understand their needs, challenges, and goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your proposal to their specific requirements.

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Where can I find marketing tenders?
Differentiating Your Marketing Consultancy
Marketing ITT Questions
Don't Lose Your Marketing Flare!
Marketing Tenders FAQs

We have developed a FREE software tool, Tender Pipeline, to enable businesses to quickly search for LIVE marketing tenders online. You no longer have to scroll through numerous websites, as you can sign up to receive notifications of tenders tailored to you. Keep running your business and allow us to be the watchful eye.

We also partner with a marketing tenders specialist search agency, who only search on UK marketing tenders. Their service can add a lot of value at a low cost. This is a manual search process ensuring relevant information is highlighted for marketing agencies looking to tender. Contact us for details: [email protected]

Marketing tenders can be widely varied from national government frameworks such as the Crown Commercial Services (CCS), through to Universities, housing associations, and one off projects with large charities.

To make your bid shine, focus on what sets you apart. Highlight your unique selling points and explain how they benefit the client. For example, if you have specialised expertise, describe how it applies to the project.

Don't just list your strengths. Show how they solve the client's problems. Use case studies to prove your claims. If you've tackled similar projects before, mention them briefly.

Innovation can be a key differentiator. If you have new approaches or technologies, explain them clearly. But remember to link them to the client's goals.

Read each question carefully. Answer exactly what's asked, not what you think they meant. Be clear and concise in your responses.

Use the client's language. If they mention specific terms or goals, include those in your answers. This shows you understand their needs.

Back up your claims with evidence. Use data, testimonials, or certifications to prove your points. But keep it relevant to the question at hand.

If there's a word limit, stick to it. Cut any fluff or repetition. Every word should add value to your bid.

Tell a compelling story about your business. Start with the client's challenge and show how you can solve it. Use emotive language, but don't overdo it.

Visual elements can make your bid more engaging. Use charts, graphs, or infographics to present key information. But ensure they're clear and relevant.

Create a sense of urgency. Explain why your solution is needed now. Show the benefits of acting quickly and the risks of delay.

End each section with a strong call to action. Remind the client why you're the best choice. But keep it professional and avoid pushy sales tactics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Noted below are the common questions which we are asked by marketing agencies during the tendering process, from writing effective marketing proposals to differentiating your business and navigating various tender types.

What key elements should be included when writing a marketing tender?

A strong marketing tender should clearly outline your proposed strategy and services. Include details on your team's expertise, past successes, and unique approach.

Don't forget to address the client's specific needs and goals. Provide a clear budget breakdown and timeline for deliverables.

How can a business effectively differentiate itself in a competitive tender process?

To stand out, focus on your unique selling points. Highlight case studies that demonstrate measurable results for similar clients.

Showcase your innovative ideas and technology. Emphasise your team's specialised skills and any awards or recognitions you've received in the industry.

What strategies can help a company win a tender despite having little prior experience?

If you lack experience, emphasise your fresh perspective and innovative approach. Partner with more established firms to bolster your credentials.

Highlight transferable skills from other sectors. Offer a competitive pricing structure and exceptional customer service to compensate for less experience.

In what ways do Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents differ from a Request for Proposal (RFP)?

An ITT is typically more specific than an RFP. ITTs often include detailed requirements and specifications for the project.

RFPs tend to be more open-ended, asking for creative solutions to a problem. ITTs usually focus on price and ability to meet set criteria.

What are the various types of invitations to tender commonly used in the industry?

Open tenders allow any qualified supplier to submit a bid. Restricted tenders invite only pre-qualified suppliers to participate.

Single-stage tenders involve one round of bidding. Two-stage tenders include an initial proposal followed by a more detailed submission from shortlisted candidates.

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How to find tenders and how to use Tender Pipeline

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