There are several different forms of web design, ranging from those created using website templates or 'build your own' site-building tools to sophisticated content managed and eCommerce web designs used by major brands such as Amazon, eBay, and others. Some well-known businesses have incompetently built websites. Some websites look fantastic, but because of their high graphical content and limited text content, they can take ages to load and are also not user-friendly, that do not provide what the visitor needs.
Responsive web design has emerged as the go-to approach for organizations seeking a user-friendly interface and improved customer retention. If your business or organization has gotten this far without using any of the advantages it has to offer, you might have already seen a lower number of visitors and a disappointing conversion rate.
Web design firms with a better track record would have a better reputation. Based on their previous work, this is what they've achieved. When a web designer does a good job, pleased customers are willing to recommend their services to those who need similar services.
It's always a good idea to browse at some of their previous work to see if that's the kind of style you're looking for, but there are always bigger concerns to address, such as their expertise in making a website really work for your company in terms of online marketing strategies.
The Good or the Best
Generally speaking, if you want the best of anything, you are more than likely to have to pay more. This is because the very best of industry are in demand. This makes their time worth more money. The web design industry is no different. Sure, you can get a good web designer to create a good website for you, but if your company doesn't generally settle for anything less, you need to seek out the best.
Taking Time with your Design
A great web designer takes a bit of time to develop. Rushing is not an option. This helps each stage of the development to flow and ensures that designs are agreed upon before the next stage commences. In the world of business, requirements can and do change, so a flexible website designer who offers an iterative approach to design is your best option.
Planning for the Future
The chances are that your competitors don't just have a website but have a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategy in place, as well as a Social Media Marketing strategy and overall Internet Marketing Strategy. If this is the case, then to remain competitive, you need one too. When choosing a web design company, you are best advised to make sure they consider Web Design as a part of Internet Marketing instead of a standalone form of media.
Many companies make the mistake of getting one company to do their website, then another to do their SEO, another to create an internet marketing plan. The better option is to choose a single agency which has enough expertise to cover all areas.
So here are 10 sure-fire tips for choosing the best Web Designer.
1. Expertise
There are several ways of judging a web designer's expertise. One way to tell how good they are is to speak to them. Then you will want to know if they are as good as they say they are, so examine their work.
2. Experience
Do they have enough experience in web design, and do they have experience developing websites for your industry and the level in the marketplace that your company has achieved or is aiming to achieve.
3. Cost
Every company has a set budget. Maybe this is a fixed figure or a percentage of perceived value to your business. A basic rule is that if you can't afford to have a website designed which is better than your competitors - or at least as good - then you need to budget more.
4. Geographical Location
Choose a web designer who understands your market, target audience, and general demographic. It's nice to have easy & greater access. Unless you have unique requirements that involve a broad market.
5. Design Process
What do they actually do to take an idea online? They must use a process. Ask others who have used them for an informal chat about their experiences with the web designer.
6. The Extras
Lots of companies have a website developed. Most businesses have a web presence. But does it work? You need to budget for the extras such as SEO to get your website seen on the search engines.
7. Communication
So you've contacted a few web designers and discussed your ideas. According to research, if you want to do business with anyone you get along with, the final product or service would be better than if you can't connect effectively. It is difficult to extract specifications in a project, particularly when there are various requirements involved. However, everybody, including the end-users, must be pleased with the final product.
8. Documentation
Sometimes reserved for larger projects, but if you lose contact with your web designer later on down the line, you need to handover documentation for your new designer or end up costing more money to continue the development. A website must grow with your business and be updated so that it doesn't become stale and can help your business keep up with the competition.
Be mindful that some developers use their own proprietary web design platform that only they have access to. There is nothing inappropriate with this, but it does commit you to employ them in the future, making it impossible for another developer to pick up where they left off. The worst situation would be that you would have to start from the ground up if the original web design company disappeared.
9. Eye-Catching and Entertaining
The web design and the process should be pleasant & entertaining. Business should be fun. Web design should be eye-catching and entertaining. The best way to tell early on is to try a bit of early design and see how the web designer communicates with you.
10. Previous Successes
Who have they worked with? What have they done for them? How successful were their last three projects? Check out their previous work and success; if you are happy with what you see, partner with them for digital success.