Guidance On Picking A Website Design Agency

By Author: unknownmem
Total Articles: 49
Comment this article

Whether you're just starting your company or you've been in business for several years, it's likely that you'll eventually have to invest in the services of a web design firm. This isn't a task for the faint of heart because while there are some great firms out there, but there are also some really bad ones. Finding the right one can put your company on the fast track to online success, but hiring the wrong one can leave you with nothing to show for your time, money and frustrations.

The key to hiring the right web design firm for your unique situation is doing your homework. There is a lot more to it than just looking for the lowest price. By following these steps, you'll have a far greater chance of hiring a firm 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 web design firm doesn't have a website that really grabs 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 web design firm will take their own website very seriously.

2. ...
... Compare their prices. You're not necessarily looking for the lowest price though. If many of the firms that you talk to 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; figure out what you can afford to invest in your online presence 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 in any major business publications? How about testimonials? Every company will have some unhappy clients, but what you're looking for is a trend. If several high-profile people have good things to say about them, that is a strong indication that they are a reputable company. The same goes for positive coverage in the media.

4. Talk to their clients. Most reputable web design firm will gladly give you the phone numbers of a few clients 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 talk to any previous clients, that should be a major red flag.

5. Look at their process from start to finish. Does it seem professional and organized or does it appear like they are throwing it together as they go? Most serious web design firms will have a very organized process in place, beginning with by discussing your particular 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 cover the terms of your project. More often than not, 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 website design firm 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 website design firm 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.
Would your company achieve greater growth on the Internet with a more powerful website? Talk to Wildfire Marketing Group, one of the top web design firms today to find out!