In the absence of an appropriate formulation, the population of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculated into soil may be significantly reduced. These unprotected introduced bacteria must compete with the often-more adapted native microflora and are susceptible to predation by soil microfauna. This opinion paper addresses the significance of proper formulation in creating an effective inoculant, discusses the primary challenges associated with current liquid and dry formulations, and emphasizes the rationale for bioencapsulation as the optimal approach for protecting PGPB in a successful inoculant.