subject: Six Steps To Choosing A Web Design Company [print this page] Your company website says a lot about youYour company website says a lot about you. A good website will bring in customers, increase your profit and improve your website. One that is poorly designed, on the other hand, can negatively impact your business for years to come. Here are six steps you should follow when choosing who to design your website.
First, determine your goals. What do you want your website to accomplish? This will help you to determine if you need short term assistance or someone who will run the website completely for you. If your website will be an advertisement or brochure for your company, you will not need ongoing maintenance. On the other hand, if you are looking to advertise products and your sales will change on a regular basis, you will need someone long term to update your site.
Next, research potential website designers. When you go to choose a web design company, the best place to start is at their company website. Here you will get an idea of what they may do for you. Many choose a company that specializes in their industry. This would be completely up to you.
Third, see what web design services are offered. For those who are planning to sell on their website, look for e-commerce experience. If copy writing is something you do not feel equipped to do, see if that is a service they can provide. Whatever your weaknesses are, make sure they can carry that end of it. This is a partnership and you should complement each other.
Now it is time to meet in person. See how the web designers listen to you. Do they understand what you are trying to accomplish with your website? Do they value your input? Here is where you can determine whether or not you can work together. Go with your instincts. If you aren't comfortable, keep looking.
Fifth, check references. Ask former clients if they performed up to standards. Ask to see websites they have completed. See if budgets were upheld or if overruns were a problem. This will provide you with a great deal of information.
Lastly, is the payment. How does the web design company expect to be paid? Is payment due up front or over a period of time? The second is the preferred method, as you want to ensure they are following through before spending a great deal of money.
Take all six steps into consideration before signing a contract with any firm. Web design services are a specialized field, but you do have options. Don't go with the first company you talk to. It could damage your business for years to come.
