Choosing a Web Design Firm

By Teresha Aird

There are a lot of web design and development companies offering services ranging from do-it-yourself template based sites to bespoke web site design and fully integrated web site development. How do you know which one is right for you?

Before you can choose a web design company you have to have an idea of what you want to accomplish through your web site. Do you want a static brochure style site or do you need a site that you can easily update yourself without any knowledge of html; do you want a cool Flash site or a fully interactive site that allows your customers and partners to access information and track orders.

What you want your site to do will go some way toward determining what skills the web design company you choose will need to possess. Some web development applications will also require special hosting and security solutions that will need to be taken into consideration.

Some companies offer packages which may appear to be more cost effective but remember that one size does not fit all. You have probably worked hard to establish your company's presence and brand offline and your web site should help to further this. This means that you will need to choose a web design company that is willing to provide tailored solutions, both from a design and a development perspective. Even if the web design company offers an affordable packaged web design service it should be tailored to fit your company's branding and objectives. Look alike, template based web sites simply don't look professional.

You will also want a company that is willing to work WITH you. Have they said they'll "design a site for you" or have they taken the time to listen to your requirements and ideas, conducted research, and presented a detailed proposal with timescales, requirements and contact information?

A web design company may know how to design web sites but you know about your business. A good web site design company will want to work with you on the project, get your input, make you feel involved, and not take you for granted because you're "just a client".

The most important factor to consider is whether the end result will correctly and effectively present your products and services. Although a web design company is not a marketing agency they should have some knowledge of how to correctly portray companies in various industries. Your web site will be your online face, the first contact most people will have with your company. Make sure the company you choose is capable of designing a site that makes the right impression.

Last but certainly not least, find out if they offer web site maintenance. The internet is dynamic medium and web sites need to be updated and upgraded regularly. Can the web design company offer maintenance? Or can they provide you with a content management system that will allow you to do the updates yourself? Have they discussed these options with you to determine which would be most cost effective and beneficial for your company?

Prices vary widely and although an important factor, it should not be the only one. A well designed professional website may cost a bit more initially but it will usually produce much better results in terms of leads, sales and company PR.

About the Author: Teresha Aird is author of SEMGuide, a step by step resource for designing and promoting a search engine friendly website.

Top Bananas

GlobalNet Hosts
GlobalNet Hosts are primarily a hosting company but like most web firms they also offer a variety of complementary services including bespoke and template based web site design. Their ecommerce solution might prove interesting for small to medium sized businesses who want to offer products online but don't have the budget to pay for a bespoke solution.

Kay Initiatives Ltd
Specialising in web design, development, hosting and promotion for small and micro businesses, Martin Kay's site offers an unusual selection of information and advice. In addition to a portfolio and details of the services on offer, the site also provides tips for selling on Ebay and how a B&B should use the Internet as a marketing tool.

3Squared
This Sheffield based web design firm have done a very good job of their own site. Although lean on independent information the site is overflowing with information about their products and services. The site looks very professional and they offer a heck of a lot of different products, services and solutions from standard web design to screen savers to lead management solutions.

Cyberscape Solutions
Cyberscape is a DIY site builder and e-business application site. This is an unusal site in the respect that you can build your own package as to what you specifically need for example: 1 x homepage, 3 x inner pages ect. If you're unsure abgout what you need they also have bespoke packages. You just click on the products that you need for your webiste and it gives you a quote. You can have a client login and you can order online.