Choosing a Web Design Firm

Overview - Web Design Company Selection

If you want your website to look and function professionally, consider these guidelines before choosing a web design firm. You want to choose a web design firm that will be with you from start to finish of your website, but will also be available in the future for support, updates or other related services as they become necessary (Search Engine Optimization, Internet and E-mail Marketing, Banner Advertising, Usability Audits and Recommendations, Etc.). We recommend you choose a web design firm that you are ready to establish a long term relationship with based on the following criteria:

Check Web Design Firm Credentials

Does the business you are considering have professional qualifications in web design and related services? Are they certified in any particular discipline of web design or internet services?

Verify Web Design Experience

How long has the web design firm been designing web sites and working with the internet? Businesses or individuals that have only been designing web sites and working with the internet for a short time are sometimes unfamiliar with emerging technologies available, or are not capable to provide the level of service and capabilities your company requires.

Ask About Web Design Firm Capabilities

Ask web design firms what technologies they will be using and how that will affect your overall project. Be sure to consider if design firms understand search engine optimization, internet marketing, email campaigns, etc. Ask design firms about other services they provide that could potentially offer turnkey solutions in other areas for your organization (The less companies you deal with, the better).

View Web Design Firm Portfolios

Be sure and choose a web design firm that has a style consistent with your taste. Review portfolios of potential web designers, view the websites they have created and make sure the sites meet your overall expectations for professional web design. Ask yourself if the colors and text are well balanced, do all the links work, do the sites load quickly and are they easy to navigate. Do all the pages have a consistent look, type, headings and overall style? See our Web Design Portfolio.
Check References of Web Design Firms
Ask potential web design firms for references, or contact their customers directly by visiting sites from their portfolio and getting contact information. Most web design firms do not mind you calling their customers and asking about their overall project experience, satisfaction level, timely delivery, etc.
How Important Is Price?

Compare prices between web design firms so you have a good idea what to expect for web design. Although cost is a significant factor, be careful not to choose a design firm on cost alone. Meet with potential firms and have them clearly outline where your costs are coming from, so you can compare "apples to apples" when comparing prices between competitors. As an example, one firm may be extremely low on their price, but after reviewing their offering you find they are offering substantially less work than other firms. Be cautious about "flat fee" prices where web design firms do not clearly spell out where your costs are coming from, this may likely lead to out of scope services without your prior knowledge. It's unlikely that you will find the level of service and professionalism you require from the cheapest firms in town. When all is said and done, you get what you pay for.
What About Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization should be important to anyone with a website. Even though you may not be considering search engine optimization initially, be sure to work with a web design firm who develops a website that will be search engine friendly. Avoid using firms who have no clear understanding of search engine optimization, who use automated URL submission tools, who rely on internally hosted content management systems, or who are not familiar with the rules for proper submission to the major search engines. Web pages must be properly constructed to prevent your site from being penalized or banned by search engines. See our Search Engine Optimization page.
Consider Ongoing Support

Find out what you can expect from your web design firm in terms of support, returned calls, prompt and courteous replies. Does your web design firm have any other ideas about expanding your website, or driving additional traffic to the site (since this is the lifeblood of a successful web site)?