So you are looking for a website design company and do not know where to start? I think we have all been there at one point. We have a few suggestions to help you get started and find a company that meets your requirements but also one that just FITS.
Finding the correct web design company can take your online presence and make it a powerful marketing tool for your company. With so many companies it can be hard to discern which may be right for you and can be a bit overwhelming.
After all, your website is going to be the first impression that many prospective customers will have. It will be the face of your business, and in many situations, it is the best lead generator that you have. Your site will be a driving factor behind whether or not people choose to do business with you or your competitor.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a web design company that will help you reach your target audience. They will also help you achieve your business goals, and ultimately help your business grow to the next level.
It can be tough, even risky. Especially, with so many popup freelance designers and snake oil salespeople promising overnight success and number one Google rankings.
Step 1. Research
Go do a few Google Searches in your area. We like to promote utilizing local companies so this would be a great first step into finding a local web design company. Look for previous projects or portfolio to gauge if they might be a right fit.
Step 2. They listen to your ideas
This is huge. You are considered an expert in your industry. If a web design company doesn’t listen to your ideas or isn’t open-minded enough to see how to market it, then you probably shouldn’t work with them.
Step 3. They bring up their own ideas
While it’s important for your web designer to listen to you, you need to work with someone who will challenge your opinions and bring an out of the box view to your idea, concepts, and strategy. You may know your industry, but your website needs to be designed by someone who knows design. Often times it sounds great on paper but doesn’t translate into a design. Ultimately it is about conversion. Taking a user and turning them into a potential lead for your business.
Step 4. Using a CMS (Content Management System)
Most businesses utilize a CMS for the platform of their website. A few popular CMS are Joomla!, WordPress, Drupal and Magento with the lions share of the market in North America going to WordPress. Without it, you’ll be at a significant disadvantage in the marketplace. Any web design agency worth their salt is familiar with the best content management systems. If your designer recommends a static HTML website, then you need to find a time machine and return to this decade. If they suggest Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly, politely thank them for their time and move on to a web design company that does not use “10-minute-do-it-at-home” software.
Step 5. Responsive Web Design
In the era of smart phones and tablets in the hand of every child responsive web design is a must. Responsive web design is not a fad and it isn’t going anywhere. It is simply the best way to design a website these days. Google has even has a list of responsive web design best practices. While there are some cases where a separate mobile site might have some advantages, responsive web design is generally the preferred solution. As mobile usage continues to grow, you need to be sure your business website is optimized for every device. If a web design agency isn’t well-versed in responsive design or suggests a separate mobile website is always better, then they haven’t caught up with the times and probably aren’t the right fit for you. The right web design company will make it happen.
Choosing The Right Web Design Company Isn’t Easy, But It Doesn’t Have To Be A Brutal Experience
Take time to choose the right website design company for your business.Many things factor into creating the perfect website for your brand, so properly researching who can do the best job is crucial. After all, it’s your brand, and you deserve to have the right website built. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be picky, and find a web design company that fits your goals.
