Is it better to work with an Independent Bid Writer or a Bid Consultancy?
When it comes to winning bids, getting the right support can make all the difference. But should you work with an independent bid writer or go down the big Bid Consultancy route?
In this blog, we break down the key differences to help you decide what works best for your business.
Freelance Bid Writer: A Personalised, Relationship-Driven Approach
An independent bid writer can offer a more tailored, relationship-driven approach. You’re often working directly with the person writing your bid – meaning deeper understanding, better collaboration, and faster communication. You’re not explaining yourself multiple times or dealing with a rotating team.
Bid Writing Consultancy: Built-In Infrastructure and Extra Capacity
A bid writing consultancy may offer a full-service model with project managers, researchers, designers, and multiple writers. This setup can be helpful for larger projects or when multiple bids are being managed simultaneously. That’s great if you need additional capacity or specialist skills, but it can come at a premium and sometimes feel a lot less personal.
Consistency: Freelance Bid Writer vs. Bid Writing Agency
With an independent, you’re usually building a relationship with someone who gets to know your business inside out. They remember your win themes, your key messages, and how to get the best from your team. That kind of continuity can be a huge time-saver on repeat bids.
Consultancies sometimes struggle with this if the same writer isn’t consistently assigned to your account. It can mean extra time spent re-explaining things or inconsistencies in tone and messaging.
Bid Writing Experience: Freelance vs. Multiple Writers
It’s a myth that agencies always have more experienced writers. Many independents are seasoned professionals with years of experience under their belt. The key is to ask the right questions, who’s writing the bid? How much experience do they have? Have they worked in your sector before?
Bid Writing Costs: Freelance Bid Writer vs. Bid Consultancy Fees
Independent bid writers often offer more flexible pricing models, especially for SMEs. You will get a bespoke quote based on your bid size and complexity. Consultancies tend to have higher overheads and may charge minimum fees, win bonuses or retainers. On the flip side, if you have multiple bids or tight deadlines, a consultancy may have the capacity to scale up quickly.
Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to your business needs, budget, and how you like to work.
Whichever route you choose, make sure you feel confident in the person or team helping you because strong bid writing support isn’t just about hitting word counts, it’s about shaping winning bids. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Whether you choose a freelance bid writer or a bid writing consultancy, the most important factor is trust and alignment.
Want support from a bid writing team that feels like an extension of your business? Visit www.wordsmithprojects.com to learn more about how we work or get in touch for a chat.