High quality web designers are everywhere if you know where to look. However, choosing one over the other is not as easy. But, with a little preparation and research, you can be assured that your final choice is a perfect match to your needs. So, with that introduction, let's begin:
Ask All Potential Web Designers These Questions:
Have they created any other websites like yours? Get a list. Designers with experience in your industry are a plus. When looking at these sites, determine if they are laid out well. Is the graphic design 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.
How long does a typical website project take? You will get a broad range of answers on this one. Of course, the answer depends on the complexity of your project. If you only need a few pages of information published, your site can be ready in a matter of weeks. However, if you need some interactive elements (blogs, forms, shopping carts, etc), understand that the process could take longer.
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.
Who does the website belong to when it is complete? Legally, who owns it, you or the designer? Surprised? Most people don't realize that the person who built your site, in most cases, has the legal rights (ownership) of YOUR site. Even though you paid for it, it doesn't belong to you. The only way to protect yourself in these situations is to require the designer to release all ownership holds on it...in writing. Don't play games with this. You don't want your site held hostage if you ever try to leave the designer...
Can you update the site yourself? Or do all changes have to be made by the designer? Before you embark on any web design project, make sure you understand what aspects of the website you can change and which have to be done by him. Different firms have different policies and requirements on this point, so get concrete answers on this one.
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:
Have they created any other websites like yours? Get a list. Designers with experience in your industry are a plus. When looking at these sites, determine if they are laid out well. Is the graphic design 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.
How long does a typical website project take? You will get a broad range of answers on this one. Of course, the answer depends on the complexity of your project. If you only need a few pages of information published, your site can be ready in a matter of weeks. However, if you need some interactive elements (blogs, forms, shopping carts, etc), understand that the process could take longer.
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.
Who does the website belong to when it is complete? Legally, who owns it, you or the designer? Surprised? Most people don't realize that the person who built your site, in most cases, has the legal rights (ownership) of YOUR site. Even though you paid for it, it doesn't belong to you. The only way to protect yourself in these situations is to require the designer to release all ownership holds on it...in writing. Don't play games with this. You don't want your site held hostage if you ever try to leave the designer...
Can you update the site yourself? Or do all changes have to be made by the designer? Before you embark on any web design project, make sure you understand what aspects of the website you can change and which have to be done by him. Different firms have different policies and requirements on this point, so get concrete answers on this one.
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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