When looking for a qualified web design company, most business owners are quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in web design companies. From the very inexpensive to the six-figure websites, most business owners are left clueless as to which options best fit their needs. To better understand interactive marketing, here some things to consider when choosing the website company for your project.
Understand your project goals

When looking for a qualified web design company, most business owners are quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in web design companies. From the very inexpensive to the six-figure websites, most business owners are left clueless as to which options best fit their needs. To better understand interactive marketing, here some things to consider when choosing the website company for your project.

Understand your project goals

An important key into a successful web design project is to understand what you need your website to accomplish. Most companies understand the need for a website but fall short in understanding the role it will play in their organization. Typical roles a website plays are:

• Advertising and marketing – Focuses on lead generation and dissemination of information
• eCommerce – Website model designed to be an online sales channel
• Service and Support – Website model designed to reduce costs by offloading common information from human interaction to a lowcost channel

These website types are the most common but are by no means exhaustive. Additionally, many businesses may choose to combine models to suit their needs. When you can communicate your needs the web design company can effectively help you realize your goals.

Ask to see previous work

One of the first steps in choosing a web design company is to ask to see examples of their previous work. This is a great litmus test to ensure the quality of their deliverables is up to the standards of your organization. After all, you are entrusting them with the image and branding of your company. You want to ensure the end result is something you can be proud of.

Ask for references

Most experienced web design and interactive marketing companies have a few clients that can be called upon to give a testimony to their experience, skill and work ethic. Ask for these references and follow up with them. Ask them questions such as:

• Were they deliver projects on time and within specification
• Were they professional in their demeanor
• Do they communicate with you on project progress
• Do they provide good service and support before/during/after the project
• Are they reliable and trustworthy
  Take a look at the price vs. what they offer

When hiring a web design company, you are hiring the skills and expertise of each member of the team. Be sure to ask what services are offered and at what price. Many times a website company may be more expensive per hour, but is able to complete a project in less time. Additionally, some web design companies may offer some specialized services that others do not. Be sure to understand what those are and if possible get it in writing.

Make sure the company is financially solvent

Choosing a web design or interactive marketing firm is often a long term decision. After all, they are generally the caretakers for your brand and in some cases, your website. Make sure that the company you choose is financially solvent and won’t disappear when you need them most.

How do they measure results

Have them describe to you what success means to them and how they measure it. Building a website is a significant investment in your company. Make sure that they can provide information to you that is specific, measureable, actionable, realistic, and timely. These attributes help to determine ROI.

How do they price their services

Each web design company prices their services in a different way. Make sure you understand the pricing structure before beginning the project. Understand whether they work on hourly rates or provide total project costs. Make sure you understand what is included in their services and what might be “a la carte”.

Have they worked on similar projects

While each web design project is unique, there are a number of similarities on each. Items such as the size of the website, functionality, and project goals are good starting points. Be sure that the web design company you choose can handle your project.

Do they have a concrete process in place

Be sure to have your prospective web design firms give you a run down of their web design process. Make sure they are clearly able to explain each step of the process and how it relates to the project as a whole. This will help you to understand the process and give you a reasonable expectation of what will come.

How do the deal with features that are “out of scope”

Before starting any project, make sure you understand what your project deliverables are and how extra features are to be handled. Ensure there is a process in place and that both parties agree. Common practice is to state up front billing rates for extra functionality as well as the proper method to communicate and agree to such changes. (e.g. signed approval of changes)

In conclusion

We hope you find these guidelines useful. While they are not intended as an exhaustive list, they should help to get you started on your project. As always, due diligence and a bit of research go a long way. For further information or if you have questions, feel free to give us a call.