So, you're looking to hire a web design company. What makes one company better than another? Who is the best? If you need an eCommerce website developer, how do you know if they specialize in eCommerce development?
As an engaged business owner, you may not have the time you need to learn about the inner workings of the internet. As such, you might be unsure as to what makes for an exceptional web design company. This article was written for individuals like you. Our goal is to give readers a quick overview of what to look for when choosing a web design company.
Main Things to Consider When Choosing a Web Design Company:
- Web design company / designer experience
- Previous work and portfolio
- Team members
- Office location
- SEO / marketing capabilities
- Testimonials & references
- Website project pricing
- Type of websites they've built
Choosing a web design company is similar to selecting a builder for your home. You want a reliable house that looks good and serves its purpose. The first step to achieving this is finding a company that has proven experience. Be sure the company has been in the industry for at least a few years, and that the members of its team have experience.
Another critical factor when looking for a web design company is to be sure the company has a development team, not just one person. Going back to the house example, if one person were to build your house, the result would show this. A team of developers and builders are needed. When creating a website, you'll need a graphic designer, a programmer, and a search engine optimization manager. Having multiple people with different skillsets working on your site ensures that the website is developed in the best way possible. Just like building a house, there are various tasks and skillsets needed to complete them. An electrician does the wiring, a carpenter works with the wood, and the plumber lays pipe. All of these workers pitch in together to create a final product that is larger than the sum of its parts.
Website Project Portfolio
A company's web design portfolio is the best way to prove that the company develops the type of website you want for your business. Although most web design companies will not have a website exactly like the one you want (especially if you're looking to develop a custom website), from their portfolio, you should still be able to see evidence of similar features or tasks needed to build your site. If you need a website that allows users to buy, be sure the company you select has previously developed e-commerce websites. Look through their designs and see if the work is the style you want for your website. Never hesitate to ask for help navigating through a web design portfolio. A company should have no problem walking you through examples of websites they have built in the past.
Office Location
Be sure the company of your choice has a location where you can meet with them if necessary. Knowing where your web design company is based will also help prevent any fraud that could occur with a "company" that is actually one person in their basement. For example, our office is located in Akron, Ohio, and has over 50 employees.
Customer Service
The way a company treats its clients is often a telling example of the way they run their business and develop their products. Make sure you find a company that will take your calls (or at least return messages) and makes updates to your website promptly. You can usually tell if the company works quickly by how fast they return your estimate request, but remember, an estimate request for a custom website may take some time to put together. This is a good sign as you know that the company is likely taking their time to look over the details of your project while planning a development strategy.
Testimonials & References
It's always great to talk with other people who have worked with the company before. Ask if you can get web design testimonials or references which you may contact. If nothing else, this will give you the security to know you took every measure in being sure the company you selected is the right company for your website.
Website Development Price
Of course, what you want to know most is how much you should pay for a website? Instead of focusing on what you'll be paying for the new website, we recommend focusing on how this website can help your business grow. For example, if you pay $1,000 for a website that doesn't help your business grow or spend $20,000 on a website that gains new business clients, then the $20,000 website is obviously a better value. When thinking about a new website, you must consider the ROI.
Be sure to check with your web design company to see if they can show results. To know that the websites they build are effective, ask how the companies they build a website for market their website. Ask for examples of websites they have developed that have high search engine rankings. If a website has high search engine rankings for keywords relevant to their business, it's very likely that they are gaining customers and clients via their website.
Overall you need to find a web design company that has proven results and one that you can trust with your project. We know the process of selecting a web design company can be stressful and hope these above tips can make your decision easier. Have questions about the web design work we do at OuterBox? Contact our team of specialists today!
For more than 15 years we've been an award winning design, development and SEO marketing agency. Talk with us and see how we can help your business.