With So Many Agencies Out There, How Do You Choose Which Company To Use To Build Your Ecommerce Webs

By Author: Gary Stonehouse
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With so many agencies out there, how do you choose which company to use to build your eCommerce website?
These days, anyone with a computer and internet connection can build a website, so how can you be sure that you make the right choice. There are a few things which you need to check before agreeing anything, and below are some of the key points in deciding which company to use.

Check their client portfolio

Whenever you are choosing a web company, make sure you check that they have actually worked on similar projects in the past. You don't want to be an inexperienced company's 'guinea pig', which will often lead to disappointing results, unfinished sites or incomplete projects. This is particularly the case when choosing an eCommerce provider. Do not fall into the trap of using a 'design agency' that are heavily design focussed on a project that is actually going to be 95% technology. To avoid hiring a designer to do a developers job, check an agencies portfolio to ensure it has many examples of functional/technical websites and not just logos, flyers and print design.

Check they use bespoke ...
... so the site is built around your business and doesn't resolve around a template

Using bespoke technology allows a company to present your products in the most appropriate and effective way for your business. This is especially important if you have complex products, or product ranges, with multiple attributes or relationships between them.
A bespoke system can also be more easily integrated with existing IT systems and web services as it is developed from the ground up to meet your specific needs. This kind of system can help set you apart from competitors who might use standard off-the-shelf products, which also tend to follow a very similar look and feel.
When choosing a web company, be sure to check whether the solution is bespoke. You will find that cheaper solutions will be using free, out of the box software packages and design templates in order to allow them to quickly create a site. But take caution, over 70% of the work we get is rebuilding such solutions as they rarely give any return on investment.
You can ensure you stay one step ahead of your competition by having a site that is as adaptable as your market. By utilising a bespoke solution you can set yourself apart from your competitors and change your site when you need to. This is particularly the case when it comes to Search Engine Optimisation. A search engines algorithms change on a regular basis; your site must have the ability to change to meet the latest SEO requirements to ensure you achieve high results on a search engine. There is a common phrase 'if you stand still online, you will go backwards' and this is often the case when companies are unable to grow, enhance and adapt to change due to the limitations of an off the shelf solution.

Check that they are big enough to cope with the work

Be sure to check that the company you select actually has a technical team and is not just one single person. Many web 'companies' actually only consist of one designer and one developer. Over the years there have been many scenarios where the only technical contact at the company has left leaving all clients stranded. So make sure that you check they have an in-house support team and ensure the solution is not being outsourced, which often leads to disastrous results.

Check that the work is carried out in-house and not outsourced

Be wary of a false sales pitch with nothing to back it up. There are lots of 'middle men' in this industry and agencies who can outsource the entire project. Do not fall for a slick PowerPoint presentation! Make sure you meet members of the team and if possible go visit your developer's office to see exactly who you are commissioning to do your project. Quite often those who outsource a project overseas will be reluctant for you to visit their office and meet the team.

Although there are many pitfalls when choosing a company to build you an eCommerce website, if you get it right then the benefits are great. Making the right choice can lead to success, low overheads and a website to be proud of. So when choosing which company to use, remember the checklist above and ensure that you 'do it once - do it right'.
Gary Stonehouse is a PR & Communications officer at Visualsoft UK Limited, the North East's leading eCommerce website company. With a proven track record in eCommerce website designs and devlopment, Visualsoft have over 300 sites included in its award-winning client portfolio which you can visit on its homepage at http://www.visualsoft.co.uk/ . Take a look today to see what they can do for you and your business.