5 Key Differences Between Government Contracting Websites and Regular Business Sites
You might think government contractor websites are just like your typical subject matter expert lead capture sites, but oh no, there are some pretty significant differences. As web developers that work with government contractors, the team at Spring Insight understands these key differences. And they can make all the difference between landing that next big government contract…or being passed over before you even have a chance to submit a proposal.
We’ve pulled together 5 key differences so that you can make your GovCon website stand out and, ultimately, win more contracts. Let’s get into it!
5 Reasons GovCon Websites Differ
1. Who’s Checking Out Your Site?
Imagine your website is a restaurant. Your main guests? Other government contractors and busy contracting officers. These folks aren’t here for the hors d’oeuvres; they need “food” or crucial info fast. Certifications, team capabilities, NAICS codes—they want it all, and they want it now. The bid process moves quickly, so your website needs to dish out the goods without making them hunt for it.
2. What Are They Looking For?
Government contractors are like detectives with a tight deadline. They’re hunting for very specific things: capabilities pages, contract vehicles, certifications, and past work experiences. This means your site needs to have all this information at their fingertips without searching. Think navigation bars, footers, homepages—anywhere they can find what they need in a snap. Trust us, if the decision maker has a list of 105 websites, they aren’t doing a deep dive. They are contacting the companies that have the information they need quickly.
3. WCAG Compliance
Now, let’s talk compliance. If your website is for a government contractor, it must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-do. Compliance involves making sure your colors contrast properly, your fonts are readable, and your site is navigable with assistive devices. And let’s be real, ensuring accessibility isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about making your site usable for the 20% of the population that needs it.
4. The Sales Cycle Length
Sometimes, as we discussed above, the sales cycle can feel like a speeding train, sometimes, not so much. Sometimes, government contracting sales cycles can make your typical sales cycle look like a quick chat over coffee. We’re talking years, people. Your site needs to cater to both the speedsters and the marathon runners. Quick info for the fast movers, and detailed content like blogs and case studies for those playing the long game. Establishing authority and showcasing expertise is crucial when the nurturing process is this long.
5. Business Size and Scalability
There is no other organization that scales like a government contractor. Government contractors can go from small-time operators to handling massive contracts literally (and not like the teenagers use literally) overnight. Your website needs to scale with your business. This means having a content management system that can handle an influx of new employees, secure portals for team collaboration, and backend systems that integrate smoothly into your workflow. Essentially, your site needs to be ready for whatever the future throws at it.
So, what’s the big takeaway here? Whether it’s us at Spring Insight or another digital agency, you need a team that gets the ins and outs of government contracting websites. These sites aren’t just digital brochures; they’re essential marketing and business development tools for your business. If you’re in need of an agency that understands this, check out Spring Insight. Let’s set up a time to discuss your digital strategy.
Until next time, happy contracting!