How to Choose A Good Website Design Company

What should a business look for when choosing a web design company? There are several factors that a business owner should take into consideration when choosing a web design firm. Each one of these factors outlined below should be exploited when making a decision between one web design company from another. Here are eight things to consider before you commit to a particular website design company:

1) Experience: Among the eight possible things listed, experience is on the top of my list for things to consider before choosing a website designer. There are countless tools and resources that make one web developer more experience than the other, some of which are, type of software used, the time it takes to complete a project, knowledge of your project and past experiences with similar projects. Let’s not forget the other factors to consider such as their understanding of search engine marketing, search engine optimization, local search marketing and other aspect of online marketing designed to help you promote your business. Although these factors are not required traits for web designers, it may be a good idea to find someone or firm that can assist you in marketing your business online rather than simply building a website.

Experience is the most important factor in my book since it determines to some degree the type of work the web designer is capable of producing. A web developer that understand flash but has limited knowledge of PHP, HTML or ASP may not have the knowledge to complete your website project requiring one or more such coding knowledge. Websites are often built using numerous tools which requires the web designer to have some knowledge of the different software available such as: Dreamweaver, cold fusion, Photoshop, flash, Microsoft products and more.

2) Cost: For many small and large companies, the right price point is often a deciding factor on which web design firm gets the contract. The cost of a web site project varies based on the scope of the project. All businesses should consider their business needs online and calculate how much money they intend on spending prior to making a web development decision.

3) Location: Find a web designer within your region, state, city or next door is often a good decision. Small businesses primarily, take advantage of this option and conduct business with other companies in close proximity to their location. Choosing a web design company near your business location allow you to schedule face-to-face meetings with the designer and discuss possible problems, changes and other issues associated with your website. A company that opts for a web design firm in a remote location often faces issues such as availability, cost, and other geographical issues. Distance often generates higher cost which is passed down to the client. The closer you are to your web designer the less expensive the design project is (in most cases).

4) History: Let’s talk history and not American history. Just as a mother would investigate and find out the history of a potential baby sitter, the same should apply to a web designer. Knowing the history of your web design firm allow you to gauge their strengths, and weakness before sitting down to negotiate with them. Their history should address what types of websites they have produced in the pass, customer reviews, the average cost that the company charges, current client list or portfolio, and what type of services they can provide. Although an individual history cannot determine their future performance, it is often a good indication of their capabilities

5) Availability/Time: As mentions earlier, availability is important and provides a good tool to measure how often and what it takes to get in-touch with the potential web designer. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to get in-touch with the company you are paying to build, maintain, market or host your website.

6) Technology: Many web designers and Search Engine Marketers are face with the challenge of keeping up with the latest software and other changes of the web. As a client, you should understand the latest technology and have some knowledge to articulate to your web developer you exact needs. Here is an example request to a potential web developer: “I need to build a website for my company that will represent my company online and become the primary means of connecting with clients and potential customers online. The website should be SEO friendly and support individuals that use multiple browsers when surfing the web. The website will be database driven, preferable ASP or possible PHP where individual basic information will be collected. All our HTML pages must be optimized for the search engines….” Ok, I hope you get the point that I am trying to make. Understanding the language will help speed up the design process when it get started however, most of all it help you control the negotiating process and also choosing the right web designer.

7) Reputation: Like any other business, having knowledge of the company’s reputation is vital. A bad reputation does not mean a bad overall project. The problem is most web design firms brand their website projects with a small signature such as “powered by …….” This allows the web design company to advertise their business and affiliate themselves with your company. Any content, images, logo, etc on your website will be seen as a representation of your company. Choose wisely!

8) Gut Feelings: Finally, you should trust your instincts and go with the designer you trust and believe in. Schedule and interview and spend some time developing a relationship with them before you commit to doing business.
Whatever you do, I recommend you do some homework prior to deciding on a web designer to build or expand your business online. dBiz signing out.