Choosing the perfect web design company to represent your business is one of the most difficult decisions, as the success of your company depends on it. You want to hire someone who respects your vision and can turn your dream into a reality.

However, you need to finalize a clear set of objectives for your website before sitting down with an agency to discuss the details. List down your site’s goal, the type of audience it is meant for and the general idea of the site. Then, it is time to start looking for an agency. Ask colleagues or business associates for a referral, look at advertisements and search online to find potential candidates. Your initial list may seem a bit too long but don’t panic. Trim down the list by determining what qualities are essential to you. The guideline explains the process step-by-step so that you can find a suitable firm your site.

Startup Investment:

First and foremost, you need to decide on the amount that you are willing to spend. The aim is to find a suitable firm, with a significant amount of experience and a capable staff that can make things work within your budget. There are numerous fantastic web design companies with incredible customer feedback and immaculate portfolios out there. You just have to filter that list to find one that also fits your budget. That is why you need to settle on an amount first but remain open to being flexible with it. You don’t want to miss a fantastic offer just because it is a little over your initial investment plans.

You will come across many companies offering to complete your task at cheap rates. As tempting as this offer might seem don’t settle for it just yet, remember that cheap rates often mean standard work quality. They might use a cookie-cutter template or outsource your project to a third party.

Another thing that you need to watch out for is whether you get what you pay for. Is the company offering web development and design or is it just offering to design your website? Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement.

Portfolio

If a web design company does not have a portfolio, avoid it. It means that they lack in experience and have not had much of clientele. While accessing a portfolio of a potential firm, keep the following points in mind:

• Do all the designs in the portfolio look similar or are they different. You don’t want to end up with a monotonous design that lacks creativity.
• Individually evaluate the showcased sites. How long does it take for the website to load? Are there interactive components present in the design?
• How well do the sites rank on search engines?
• What is the site’s view across pcs, androids and iOS based devices?Are the designs user-friendly? How well will they enhance the UX?
• Do the designs appear professional?
• Does the company have experience with your niche?
• Will they be capable of developing the design that’s in your mind?

Feedback And Reviews

To narrow down your list of candidates, do a bit of research on the company. Read online reviews, testimonials and client feedbacks. Reach out to the previous clients of the company. Their experience with the agency can help shape your opinion. Ask:

• Whether they would recommend working with this agency?
• Was the agency’s work up to the mark?
• Was the company interactive and pleasing to work with?
• Were there any complaints either with the company’s behaviour or work?
• Were they professional?
• This input is worthwhile. It will help you evaluate the web design company in a different light.

Competence

By now, your list must have narrowed down to a few potential candidates. Arrange a meeting with the remaining companies on your list to get to know them better. Find out whether they understand your industry. You don’t want to hire someone who does not have any insight about your niche. Will they be outsourcing your project or do they have competent in-house staff? Meet with the person who will be designing your website; direct contact with them is imperative. Test their knowledge by asking them questions related to HTML code, interactive designs, SEO optimisation, design interface across different devices, etc. to be sure that they possess the required expertise to handle the task at hand.

Make sure that you will be given access to the content management system so that you can alter or modify the content according to your will. You will also need access to install plugins for getting certain functionalities for your website such as Image Slider, Block Extension, Product Questions, Magento Review Reminder, etc. for a premium user experience for your visitors.

Communication

Communication is essential! Avoid any company that shows a lack of interest in you, since you don’t want to be stuck working with a firm that doesn’t give you the importance that you deserve. Choose a web design company that is always at your disposal. A company that is always there for its clients is a company that you can trust. It is important to be in direct contact with the people designing your website. Being face to face with them provides for better communication and less chance for a mistake. Be clear about your goals and ideas so they can do their job well.

Conclusion

It is important that a website is created that represents your brand image, so take your time accessing the agency. Weigh out the pro and cons before coming to any final decisions. Selecting the right fit for you is not an easy task and requires time and patience, but if done right, it can save you a lot of time, money and headaches.

Contributed by: Aaron Gruenke author and foremost expert in Web design and SEO.

WILDFIRE SEO AND INTERNET MARKETING