Five Ways to Make Your Site Submission Stand Out

Practical guidance for economic developers competing in today’s site selection process

In a competitive site selection environment, strong communities don’t just submit sites, they tell a clear, credible, and compelling story. Too often, otherwise viable sites fall out of consideration not because of fatal flaws, but because the submission didn’t fully answer the question, demonstrate readiness, or reduce risk for the end user.

If you want your site to rise to the top of the pile, here are five ways to make it stand out:

1. Answer Every Question, Then Go a Step Further

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most common pitfalls. If an RFI asks a question, answer it completely. If it provides space for commentary, use it. That’s your opportunity to add context, explain nuances, and highlight strengths that may not fit neatly into a checkbox.

Site selectors are reviewing dozens, sometimes hundreds, of submissions. The communities that stand out are the ones that make things easier by being thorough, clear, and transparent. More importantly, a complete response signals professionalism and responsiveness, two traits every project team is looking for in a partner.

2. Use Maps and Visuals to Tell the Story

A strong submission isn’t just read, it’s understood quickly. High-quality maps and visuals help translate complex information into something intuitive,  understandable, and easy to digest:

• Where is the site in relation to interstates, rail, and major metros? 
• What are the site boundaries?
• What are the existing site conditions? 
• Where are utilities located, and how do they serve the site? 
• What building footprints can the site realistically accommodate? 

Conceptual site plans, utility maps, and regional context maps can dramatically improve how your site is perceived. A well-done visual can answer questions before they’re even asked, and position your site as “ready” in a way text alone never can. You don’t need a dozen maps; two or three can accurately tell the story. 

3. Bring the Due Diligence to the Table

Nothing builds confidence like documentation. Environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, wetlands delineations, and cultural resource reviews aren’t just boxes to check. They are proof points that your site has been vetted and is ready to move forward. Communities that proactively complete and share due diligence studies remove uncertainty from the process. That translates directly into reduced risk, faster timelines, and stronger consideration. If the RFI allows attachments, include them. If it doesn’t, summarize findings clearly and note that documentation is available upon request, or provide a link to a file-sharing service with copies.

4. Show That You’ve Thought Through Infrastructure

Every site has challenges. What matters is whether you’ve already done the work to understand and solve them.

If infrastructure improvements are required, don’t just acknowledge them. Quantify them by providing:

• Estimated costs 
• Timeline to deliver service 
• Phasing options (if applicable) 
• Coordination with utility providers 

For example, if a natural gas extension is needed, having a range of cost and timing scenarios at different service levels shows foresight and preparedness. This level of detail does two things: It demonstrates that the community is serious, and it gives the end user a realistic understanding of what it will take to make the site work.

5. Reduce Risk and Eliminate Unknowns

At its core, site selection is about risk mitigation. The best submissions anticipate questions before they arise and eliminate as many unknowns as possible:

• Is the site controlled and available? 
• Are there any title, zoning, or ownership complications? 
• Are permitting pathways clear?
• Is there local alignment and support for development? 

Communities that can clearly communicate site control, development readiness, and a predictable path forward immediately separate themselves from the pack. If a project team has to chase down answers or make assumptions, your site is already at a disadvantage.

Final Thought

A standout site submission doesn’t rely on marketing language or big promises; it delivers clarity, completeness, and confidence. Economic developers who take the time to fully answer questions, invest in visuals and due diligence, and proactively address risk aren’t just submitting sites; they’re positioning their communities as reliable partners in the development process. And in a competitive field, that’s often what makes the difference.

In addition to working with manufacturers across a broad spectrum of industries, Site Selection Group also provides consulting services to economic development organizations at the state, regional, and local levels.