You will run into a number of good web design firms. Choosing one can be difficult. However, if you do a little preparation before you start calling, the process of finding the perfect company becomes much easier. So, let's start at the beginning:
Ask All Potential Web Designers These Questions:
How many other sites have they built? A list of references is key, here. More importantly, do they have experience in your field of expertise? Are these sites representative of the quality you want? Do they look professional?
Do they have an office? I know this may sound like a strange question, but one of the problems we have in our industry is that anyone can claim to be a "web designer." Many so-called webmasters actually have full-time jobs somewhere else and "do" web design at night. Ask to have your first meeting at their office. This meeting will give you a definite feeling of how stable and successful they are.
What is the length of a typical website design project? Different designers will give a wide range of answers on this question. The key is to explain as much of the scope of your project as possible to them so they can give an accurate projection. Larger sites tend to take longer. In other words, more pages equals more work. Add to that complex elements like shopping carts, blogs, and forms, and the site can take quite a while.
What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau? Have other people had good or bad experiences with them? Only do business with companies that have an "Accredited" rating if possible.
When the website is complete, will you OWN it or will they? Believe it or not, in most states, if someone builds a website for you, THEY own it. That's right, even if you paid them for it, the company that built your site legally owns it. Make sure that the company you do business with "waives" ownership and transfers all legal rights to your site over to you. That way, if you ever become dissatisfied with their service, you may take what they created to another developer and not have to start over. Some unethical companies will actually hold your site hostage and not allow you to take it elsewhere. Demand full website ownership in writing from any web designer you do business with.
What if you want to make changes to the site yourself? Will the designer allow that or even make it possible? Have the designer make a list of the parts of your site you will be able to update and the areas that only he can make changes to. Unfortunately, there is no standard on this, so get it in writing.
Is search engine optimization included? In other words, do they design your site to rank well in the search engines for certain phrases? In many cases, the building of a site and SEO are two distinct services and are priced differently. If they do provide SEO services during site construction, get a list of tasks they perform. Getting found is very important. Just because a site was built does not guarantee visitors! Ask the firm about their online marketing services.
Remember, you need to find the best web design firm for your business so that the first impression your customers have leads to that crucial sale or lead. After all, that's why you want a website in the first place, right?
Ask All Potential Web Designers These Questions:
How many other sites have they built? A list of references is key, here. More importantly, do they have experience in your field of expertise? Are these sites representative of the quality you want? Do they look professional?
Do they have an office? I know this may sound like a strange question, but one of the problems we have in our industry is that anyone can claim to be a "web designer." Many so-called webmasters actually have full-time jobs somewhere else and "do" web design at night. Ask to have your first meeting at their office. This meeting will give you a definite feeling of how stable and successful they are.
What is the length of a typical website design project? Different designers will give a wide range of answers on this question. The key is to explain as much of the scope of your project as possible to them so they can give an accurate projection. Larger sites tend to take longer. In other words, more pages equals more work. Add to that complex elements like shopping carts, blogs, and forms, and the site can take quite a while.
What is their rating with the Better Business Bureau? Have other people had good or bad experiences with them? Only do business with companies that have an "Accredited" rating if possible.
When the website is complete, will you OWN it or will they? Believe it or not, in most states, if someone builds a website for you, THEY own it. That's right, even if you paid them for it, the company that built your site legally owns it. Make sure that the company you do business with "waives" ownership and transfers all legal rights to your site over to you. That way, if you ever become dissatisfied with their service, you may take what they created to another developer and not have to start over. Some unethical companies will actually hold your site hostage and not allow you to take it elsewhere. Demand full website ownership in writing from any web designer you do business with.
What if you want to make changes to the site yourself? Will the designer allow that or even make it possible? Have the designer make a list of the parts of your site you will be able to update and the areas that only he can make changes to. Unfortunately, there is no standard on this, so get it in writing.
Is search engine optimization included? In other words, do they design your site to rank well in the search engines for certain phrases? In many cases, the building of a site and SEO are two distinct services and are priced differently. If they do provide SEO services during site construction, get a list of tasks they perform. Getting found is very important. Just because a site was built does not guarantee visitors! Ask the firm about their online marketing services.
Remember, you need to find the best web design firm for your business so that the first impression your customers have leads to that crucial sale or lead. After all, that's why you want a website in the first place, right?
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on web design? Then, visit EricSpellmann.com to find the best advice on online marketing using strategic website design.
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