Entering the world of public sector bidding can feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. While securing a contract through tendering can significantly grow your business, one misstep could cost you the opportunity. If you’re new to writing bids, it’s crucial to get things right the first time. In this post, we’ll share essential bid writing tips—specifically, the top 10 mistakes to avoid in your first tender submission.

Drawing from real-world insights found in Module 5 of our Starter Course, which covers compliance, and supported by pre-submission proofreading advice from our Free Courses, this guide will help you write stronger, more compliant, and competitive proposals.

1. Ignoring the Compliance Requirements

Failing to follow formatting rules, page limits, or required document submissions is one of the fastest ways to get disqualified. As taught in Starter Course Module 5, even something as small as missing a signature can invalidate your submission.

Tip: Use a compliance matrix to tick off every requirement before submitting.

2. Submitting Generic or Copy-Paste Answers

Buyers are looking for tailored, thoughtful responses that demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs. Using recycled content can make your proposal feel lazy or irrelevant.

Tip: Address each question individually and refer back to the buyer’s specification wherever possible.

3. Weak Value Proposition

If you can’t clearly articulate what sets you apart, buyers won’t either. One of the most common beginner mistakes is writing only about “what you do” instead of “how you add value.”

Tip: Lead with benefits and outcomes. Demonstrate return on investment, innovation, and impact.

4. Overlooking Evaluation Criteria

Many first-time bidders focus on answering the questions rather than aligning their answers with the scoring system.

Tip: Score yourself using the evaluation matrix before submission—just as the buyer will.

5. Poor Proofreading and Grammar

Sloppy writing, spelling mistakes, and inconsistent formatting reflect a lack of attention to detail. This can damage your credibility, no matter how strong your offering is.

Tip: Make use of our Free Courses for pre-submission checklists and proofreading strategies.

6. No Evidence or Case Studies

Statements without proof aren’t convincing. Many beginners forget to include quantifiable evidence or relevant project examples.

Tip: Use mini case studies or metrics (e.g., “delivered 98% of services on time”) to back up claims.

7. Pricing Without Explanation

Pricing too high or too low without justification can result in rejection. Bidders often fail to show how their price delivers value.

Tip: Include breakdowns, comparisons, or pricing rationale where permitted.

8. Ignoring Social Value Requirements

Modern tenders often score heavily on social value—environmental impact, local hiring, or community involvement. This is often overlooked by first-time bidders.

Tip: Show your commitment to sustainability, equality, and local impact.

9. Last-Minute Submissions

Submitting close to the deadline increases the risk of technical errors, missed attachments, or overlooked requirements.

Tip: Aim to complete your draft at least 48 hours early and allow time for internal reviews.

10. Not Asking for Feedback or Support

Many first-timers miss out on valuable learning opportunities by not reviewing unsuccessful bids or asking for expert help.

Tip: Engage with professional services like Ask a Bid Writer for feedback, audits, or 1:1 support.

Future Outlook: Emerging Trends & Opportunities in Bidding

As the tendering landscape evolves, new opportunities and requirements are coming into play. Being aware of these can give you a competitive edge:

• Digital-first procurement – Expect more e-portals and AI-enhanced tender scoring
• Sustainability & Net Zero – Bids with strong ESG strategies score higher
• SME accessibility – Many frameworks now split opportunities into smaller, SME-friendly lots
• Increased transparency – More detailed feedback allows you to improve with each submission

Keeping up with trends and building your knowledge base through ongoing training can dramatically improve your long-term success.

Conclusion: Avoid Common Pitfalls and Bid with Confidence

Starting out in the tendering world can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can avoid rookie mistakes and increase your chances of winning. From understanding compliance to presenting your value clearly, every detail counts.

Still unsure about your submission?
Let the professionals at https://www.askabidwriter.com audit your bid and turn mistakes into opportunities.

🎓 Want to learn more?

• Start with our Free Tendering Courses for proofreading and foundational skills
• Step up with the Starter Course to master compliance and scoring strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should a bid proposal be?

   It varies per opportunity—always follow the buyer’s guidelines. Quality matters more than quantity.

2. Can I reuse old tender content?

   Yes, but it must be updated and tailored to match the specific opportunity and buyer needs.

3. What is a compliance matrix in bidding?

   A checklist that ensures you’ve met all submission requirements—key to avoiding disqualification.

4. Is grammar really that important in bid writing?

   Yes—errors suggest a lack of professionalism. Clean, clear writing builds credibility.

5. What if I don’t have a bid writer?

   Use external support like Ask a Bid Writer to review or co-write your submission, especially for high-value opportunities.

Related blogs : Tendering courses taught by successful bid writers

Tender Process Explained | Common Mistakes Made