How do you choose a web design company?

Published on the 29-Aug-2007

To begin the process take a look at the web design company’s own website and then look at their portfolio. This will give you a feel for their work and their own style. Your decision to use the company will be guided by your initial reaction to the company’s work.

Pricing
It is sometimes difficult to do a direct comparison of the price of a website from different companies due to the bespoke nature of websites. However, most companies’ will give you a ballpark figure based on a short brief. Obviously the price must fit with your budget but watch out for hidden costs on very cheap quotes.

Also make sure you mention any special features you want to include and whether the company can provide them, for example, a dynamic FAQ's section, and how this affects the price.

Most online marketing is not included in the price and can therefore be an extra expense, be sure to ask about this upfront as this is a very important part of the design process. [Netrenz offers these services as standard and are included in the price of your website.]

A web designer should also give you an accurate quote after an in depth discussion with you. If you are not happy, do not be afraid to speak to them or go somewhere else for a second opinion.

Abilities
If you require, for example a Content Management System (CMS), ask the company if they can do this. If they have not produced it on another site, ask them anyway, it does not mean they cannot produce it for you; it may be that no-one has asked before. But do check that they know what they are doing before you approve the quote!

You should feel comfortable about asking to see a web designer’s qualifications and credentials. While these do not guarantee that they can produce the right website for you and lack thereof does not mean that they cannot create the right website for you, you have a right to ask and be answered honestly.

Reputable companies will have a section offering customer feedback. Companies are unlikely to show you bad reference and it is worth not relying on feedback solely when making a decision to use a company. However, it is always a good idea to look at the references and feedback of the company you are interested in using.

Online marketing should also be discussed with the company. Be wary of those companies who do not think it is important…it is! If you do not market your site online (as well as offline) no one may ever find it.

Always be realistic but firm with your deadlines and make sure the company you use can fulfil its obligations. Discuss timescales and the level of communication and feedback both parties expect in the process of designing the website.

You should also make sure that there will be a high level of support directly after the website is created. There can be teething problems with the technical side of things, or it may not be quite what you expected. Most good companies will offer advice about search engine submission or actually offer the service to you.