Tips On Choosing Web Design Firms
Whether you’re just starting your company or you’ve been in business for many years, it’s likely that you’ll eventually have to invest in the services of a web design company. This isn’t a task for the faint of heart because while there are some great companies out there, but there are also some really ineffective ones. Selecting the right one can put your company on the fast track to online success, but picking the wrong one can leave you with nothing to show for your time, money and frustrations.
The key to picking the right web design company for your particular situation is doing your homework. There is much more to it than just looking for the cheapest price. By following these steps, you’ll have a far better chance of picking a company that is the best fit for you.
1. Look at their website. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people skip it. If a website design firm doesn’t have a website that really catches your attention and draws you in, chances are that they won’t be able to design one for you. And don’t fall for the “cobblers children” excuse. Any professional website design firm will take their own website very seriously.
2. Compare their prices. You’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest price though. If many of the firms that you speak with are in the $3,000 - $5,000 range, don’t get excited when you find a firm that is offering to design your website for $700 - that lower price comes with strings attached. As in any industry, you get what you pay for. Value is more important than price; decide what you can afford to invest in your website and then select the firm that offers the most value at a realistic price. For a ballpark figure, an investment between $2,000 - $5,000 should meet the needs of most businesses.
3. Research their history. Have they been in business for a while? Have they been covered by any major business publications? How about testimonials? Every company will have a few unsatisfied customers, but what you’re looking for is a trend. If several high-profile people have great things to say about them, that is a strong indication that they are a solid company. The same goes for positive coverage in the media.
4. Talk to their customers. Most reputable web design company will gladly provide the phone numbers of a few customers that you can call and ask about their experiences with the firm. You can also find clients from their portfolio. If they won’t let you speak to any previous customers, that should be a major red flag.
5. Look at their process from start to finish. Does it appear professional and organized or does it feel like they are putting it together as they go? Most serious web design companies will have a very organized process in place, starting by discussing your specific needs and situation. Many will send you a creative brief, which is basically an in-depth questionnaire that collects the information they will need to plan and design your website. They should also have contracts prepared that outline the terms of your project. Usually, the more detailed and organized firms are the ones that will meet your needs most effectively.
6. Consider their size. If you run a Fortune 500 company, a two-man web design company may not be able to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you run a start-up company and have a small budget, a larger web design company may not be the best fit for you. The key is to select a firm that will be able to handle your project, but will still treat you as more than just a number.