Do I need to make my application look pretty?

It’s easy to think that the words are all that matter when it comes to tender applications.

While the content is the crucial part, please keep in mind that the assessors are trawling through many applications, and they don’t like to have to dig for the answer.                                                                                                   

Breaking responses down with the use of graphs, images and infographics make the submission clear, concise and enticing.

How much do we love something that feels different?

First impressions are very important and they can have a long-lasting impression on the recipient and increase your chance of success. It’s also another way to show and promote your brand and it’s image. The technical aspects don’t need to be compromised to make a professional and persuasive document.

As a successful tender writer in Melbourne please let me give you a few tips to ensure your tender response looks its best:

Use a consistent format: Choose a format for your tender response and stick with it throughout the document. This will help create a sense of cohesion and make your response easier to read and follow.

This includes using your brand colours and logos.

1. Use a professional layout: Ensure your tender response looks professional by using a clear, easy-to-read font and layout. Use headings and subheadings to break up the text and make it more accessible.
2. Include visuals: Use relevant visuals, such as charts, graphs, and images, to help illustrate your points and make your response more engaging. Ensure any visuals you include are of high quality and clearly labeled.
3. Use colour effectively: Incorporate color into your tender response to make it more visually appealing,but use it sparingly and strategically. Stick to a consistent colour scheme and avoid using too many bright or distracting colours.
4. Pay attention to formatting: Ensure your tender response is properly formatted, with consistent spacing, margins, and alignment. This will help create a polished and professional document.

There are some amazing design platforms out there that can really assist in layout and aesthetic. Spending a bit of time doing some tutorials and working out how to create an eye popping document may be the thing you’re lacking.

If that’s not your thing and you don’t know where to start, we have created hundreds of customisable templates that have made sure all the laborious bits have been taken care of. It couldn’t be easier, you just fill in the blanks.

Find them here and see what template could work for you.

Remember that while aesthetics are important, they should not come at the expense of the technical aspects of your tender response.

A well-designed document will enhance the readability and appeal of your response, but ultimately, the content and technical compliance of your response will be what determines your success in winning tenders and being a great tender writer.

If you’d like to connect with a tender writing professional with almost two decades’ worth of experience, let’s organise a time to chat.

Or download my free Tender Cheat Sheet, to get you started.

We’re also on social media so we’d love to connect with you via our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.  

And don’t forget about our closed Facebook group The Tender Hub – learn more.

Kristine Daw is the Managing Director of Dawtek, a Melbourne-based company specialising in tenders and proposals, technical writing, business documentation, copywriting, editing and creating business templates. Kristine and her small team have a range of clients including small businesses, multi-national corporations, all levels of government and not-for-profits.

1300 DAWTEK or dawtek.com.au