When you need a great web design for your business, there are many web design services you can choose to work with. How do you know which is the best one to hire? Find the best agency to work with among the many web design companies out there by first reading over these 10 helpful tips.
1. Know Your Budget
The first thing you must know when researching web design services is your budget. Naturally, the company you choose and the services you find must fit within your designated budget. You must know this figure before you begin any other research or discussion.
2. Know Your Website Needs
The second most important factor in finding the best web design companies is knowing what type of website you need and what it must do. While actual site development does require more complex thought, you should have an initial understanding of your audience, what your business website goals are, and how it needs to function for your users.
3. Review Any Agency’s Portfolio
Once you are ready to begin interviewing design firms, start by asking to see their web design portfolio and a list of current clients. This will give you a good idea of the type of work you can hope to receive from the web design company.
4. Know Their Client Retention Rate
While viewing a design portfolio, inquire about their client retention rate. Client retention rate reveals and supports how satisfied clients are with services they received from web design companies. The average retention rate is about 60; more means higher client satisfaction while lower should be a red avoidance flag.
5. Discuss Pricing and Fees
If you like the web design examples you've seen and are satisfied with the firm’s client retention rate, discuss prices and your budget. Inquire about any fine print fees the company charges so you have know ahead of time what your project should cost. Changes to the design plan, unplanned extra hours, and other factors might incur additional fees.
6. Inquire About Customer Support
All web design services offer help when you experience problems with your website. Inquire about what customer support is offered and what hours such support is available. Additionally, find out what specific support is included in your website project and what will be billed as additional services.
7. Ask About Design Approach and Planning
Every design firm uses their own approach to planning and executing a design project. Find out each firm's process, the type of development that goes into their projects, and how they manage the process with regard to creating a goals schedule, approvals, deadlines, and more.
8. Determine Who Will Update the Website
Another critical detail to ask is website access once the project is complete. Will you and your staff have access to the website for updates or must everything be done through the agency? There are pros and cons both ways, so if you prefer one over the other, confirm who has access to what ahead of time.
9. Does the Agency Appreciate the Value of Content?
The internet is now a content-driven playing field. Your website should include a blog and other ways to deliver regular content to customers and followers. Does the agency support these views and incorporate various types of content posting options and delivery strategies into the design?
10. Find Out Who Will Manage the Project
Depending on the size of the agency, there may be multiple people working on your web design project. Discover the project manager and your contact point to facilitate communication. It is best to communicate with only one person who will provide updates on progress. You can discuss details and concerns with that person along the way while they ensure your project gets the attention it requires.
Are you ready to start screening web design services? Work through this list to find web design companies that pass all of your pre-checks and requirements, then discuss specific project details. When you put the effort into finding the right design firm, you will have a greater chance of getting through the whole web design process successfully!
