If you’re an SME thinking about bidding for public sector work, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Should I use a bid writer?”

With billions in public contracts up for grabs each year, it’s no surprise more small businesses are eyeing these opportunities. But the tendering process can be a minefield—full of jargon, tight deadlines, and strict formatting rules. That’s why many SMEs consider bringing in a professional bid writer.

So, is it worth it? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.

What is a bid writer?

A bid writer helps businesses respond to formal tender opportunities—often for public sector contracts—with clear, persuasive and fully compliant proposals. They blend writing skills with commercial insight and project management.

Whether they’re in-house or outsourced, their role typically involves:

• Finding suitable tenders (Tender Pipeline is a great starting point)

• Helping you decide whether to bid

• Planning, writing and submitting the tender response

• Ensuring compliance with formatting, word counts and buyer requirements

Pros of using a bid writer

1. Better win rates

A good bid writer doesn’t just write—they know how to pitch. They understand how buyers score responses and structure your answers accordingly, increasing your chances of success.

2. Saves you time

Bids are time-consuming. If you’re already wearing multiple hats, a bid writer can take that pressure off—allowing you to focus on running your business.

3. Removes guesswork

From interpreting ITTs to building win themes and avoiding common mistakes, bid writers bring clarity to a complex process.

4. Scalable support

Whether you need a one-off helping hand or long-term support, services like Bid Writing and Bid Templates allow you to scale up or down depending on the opportunity.

Cons of using a bid writer

1. Cost

Hiring a professional, especially for a complex or urgent bid, can be a significant upfront cost. While many SMEs find it worthwhile, it’s not always affordable if you’re unsure of your chances.

2. You still need to be involved

A bid writer can’t do everything without you. They’ll need your input, especially when it comes to explaining your service, performance, or providing testimonials and case studies.

3. Quality varies

Not all bid writers are created equal. Some may lack public sector knowledge or produce generic content that doesn’t resonate. That’s why working with a specialist provider is important.

When is using a bid writer a smart move?

• You’re bidding for the first time and don’t know where to start

• The contract is high-value or strategically important

• The tender documents are complex

• You’ve had a few unsuccessful attempts and want to improve

That said, for smaller, low-value or less formal opportunities, you might not need one. With guidance like this step-by-step tendering guide, you can often manage in-house, especially if you have a solid template library.

Final thoughts

Using a bid writer can be the difference between a polished, competitive bid, and a missed opportunity. But it’s not always essential. The key is understanding when their expertise offers real value.

We work with SMEs at every stage of their tendering journey—whether it’s one-off support, ready-to-go templates or fully managed bids. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to advise.

FAQs

What is a bid writer and do I really need one?
A bid writer prepares professional responses to tenders, helping you win public contracts. If you’re new or under pressure, they can be a game-changer.

How much do bid writers charge?
Prices vary based on bid size, urgency and complexity. Some offer day rates, others fixed prices for each submission.

Can I write bids in-house instead?
Yes—but be realistic about time and expertise. Even experienced businesses bring in help for complex or competitive opportunities.

Are bid writers only for big firms?
No, many SMEs use them, especially when the contract value justifies the investment.

Where can I find help with tenders?
Bid Writer Consultancy works for businesses just like yours.

Still on the fence? Chat with us about your next opportunity and we’ll help you work out if using a bid writer is the right move.