Every business needs a website these days. It’s no wonder that designers suddenly seem to be popping out of holes in the ground. So with all of these different options, how do you spot which web design firm is a winner? It’s not as hard as you would think. Simply scan their websites and look to find the following.
Knows How to Market
The overall goal of a website is to connect your business with customers. Marketing techniques should be ingrained in the design.
When a web design firm has a strong understanding of marketing, conversion will be encouraged smoothly throughout your website. Another bonus is that it’s usually less costly to hire one company for both marketing and web design combined.
Great Track Record
Take a look at their portfolio. It’s easy to check the track record of a web designer – you can view the websites they’ve created at any time.
The best way to learn what kind of business they are is to contact their past clients. While you’re looking over the websites, shoot them a message.
Passionate About Their Career
Do they love what they do? Do they invest in the education of their employees and attend industry events like WordCamp?
This may not seem a priority, but the web is always changing and they should keep up-to-date with the latest techniques.
Has Staff to Cover Each Base
Commissioning work by each individual job to a new hire can be costly. Check to see who the web design firm has on staff.
Here are the different positions you should look for:
- Web developer/coder
- Graphic designer
- Content creator/writer
Works With a Variety of Businesses
When a web designer creates websites for both small and large businesses, it means they have the experience to create professional large-scale websites as well as prices that small businesses can afford.
Won’t Leave You Stranded
Unfortunately like most industries, there are web designers just looking to make a quick buck. They don’t offer ongoing support packages and they definitely aren’t willing to train you to use your new website.
Ask them what they offer for ongoing support.
Offers Growth-Driven Design
Growth-Driven Design (GDD) is beginning to replace traditional web design. It’s main focus is continuous improvement based on real data. The process involves website testing conducted on a monthly basis over the course of a year.
It’s preference is based on the following benefits:
- Less risky than a one-time website overhaul.
- Changes based on real data from the website.
- Results are tracked and analyzed.
- The design is ever-evolving for a maximum conversion rate.
- Payments spread out over a year vs. lump sum.
When you’re considering different web design firms, choose the one that will be there for you. The last thing you want is to be left with a mountain of jumbled code to decipher.
