Launching a new website can be frustrating when it comes to selecting a designer. With many web designers out there, both agencies and freelancers, it can be a tedious task trying to determine which one fits you. This is a decision you want to make carefully and seriously, as your website will be the online face and perhaps first impression of your business. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a website design company that will help you achieve your business goals and reach your target audience. Here are seven things to consider when making your choice, with credit to a web design firm in Adelaide, South Australia.
Project ideas
No one knows the ins-and-outs of your business as you do. If a design company doesn’t listen to your concepts, then stay away from them. Your designer should bring excellent ideas to the table and put your ideas into action, not produce a replica of what you say or create their own bland project.
Marketing strategy
A web design company without marketing is like a jet with no wings. Yes, it may be fast, but it won’t take off. You want more than a nice-looking website. You need something that works. When an agency has developers, designers and marketers, you can rest assured that the final product will be a functional, pretty and findable site.
Content management system
You need CMS for your website. Without it, you will be contacting a developer frequently with a request to upgrade your site. A professional web designer is conversant with the best CMS platforms (WordPress, Magento and Drupal). If your designer recommends or uses a static HTML page, look for a time machine and travel back to this era.
Responsive design
This is not a trend. It’s simply the best way to create a website today. Even Google knows that. If a web designing firm knows nothing about responsive design or mobile-friendly design, then look somewhere else. As tablet and mobile usage continues to grow, you should make sure that your website is optimized for each device. The right developer or designer will do that for you.
Live portfolio
Look at the work a web design company has done. Only then can you determine if they know their stuff. You want to check out the websites they have made, not screenshots of homepages. Also, look through their work portfolio. If you miss anything you like, consider hiring someone else.
Industry experience
An agency that works with various businesses in different industries is more likely to create a unique website that will stand above the competition and reach a bigger audience. It’s a plus if the designer knows your industry and main competitors and keeps up with modern design trends.
Quality over price
Your website is an essential part of your business. As this area is complex and beneficial, you can’t afford to cut corners. Probably, a web design agency that offers low rates won’t create a website that works for your business. Invest more to get a great website that yields a high ROI. A bad website often stalls a business. Finding a good web designer is not easy. But once you find one, your work becomes a lot easier.
