Create your first saved search

A saved search is a named set of keywords that describe the work you want. Save one and the tenders that match it are collected on your dashboard and included in your email digest, so you do not have to search again each time.

Create it during setup

If you have just signed up, your first search is part of setup.

1. On the Create your first search step, type a keyword and press Enter. Add one for each specialism.
2. Watch the message under the box. It tells you how many live tenders match right now, which helps you judge whether a keyword is too narrow or too broad.
3. Check the name under We'll save this search as. Change it if it does not describe what you do.
4. Optionally choose regions, as covered in Choose your sectors and regions.
5. Select Set up my alerts.

Create one from your account

1. Open Saved searches in the left-hand menu.
2. Select Add saved search.
3. Enter a Name, for example "Website Design".
4. Under Keywords, type a keyword and select Add (or press Enter). Repeat for each one.
5. Select Save search. A "Saved search created" message confirms it.

On the Free plan, if you already have your one search, Add saved search shows the upgrade options instead; edit your existing search to change its keywords.

Your matches appear on your dashboard. On the Saved searches page, select View matches on a search to see its tenders, Edit to change its keywords, or the x button (Delete saved search) to delete it.

Choose keywords that work

• Describe what you do, not how the buyer buys. Good examples: web development, grounds maintenance, document scanning, leadership development, occupational therapy.
• Skip procurement jargon such as tender, framework or RFP. Buyers describe what they need, so these words rarely appear in tender titles. The page will warn you if you use one.
• Keep each keyword short, ideally one to four words. The page suggests a shorter term once it looks like a phrase.
• Keep each search focused on one specialism. If you offer several services, make a separate search for each, so your matches stay sharp and easy to act on. If you add many keywords to one search, the page suggests splitting it.
• To remove a keyword, select the x beside it.

How many searches you can have

The Free plan includes one saved search. Pro gives you unlimited saved searches. If you reach your limit, the Saved searches page tells you, and you can compare plans when you need more.

When you will hear about matches

Your matches are always on your dashboard. By email, the Free plan sends a weekly digest, and Pro sends every match daily. You can change how often we email you in Settings, on the Profile tab, under Email preferences.

Good to know

• Your first search is not final. Edit the keywords whenever you like.
• The name you give a search is only for you. Pick something you will recognise, such as the service it covers.
• Want to include European tenders? That is a setting under Preferences in the Settings menu.