Tips on Choosing Web Designers

How do I find the right web design company?

How do you find the right web design company? Well there are numerous things that you as a consumer must look for. Finding the right site design company means analyzing your own goals and ideas for your web site before you type a word into the keyboard. What kind of site do you need? What are you trying to accomplish with your web site? How many pages do you think you will need to accomplish this? Do you want to have the site maintained in house or by a professional web design firm? The questions are endless, but just asking yourself a couple of these type questions will greatly narrow your search down. Do this before you spend hours looking at the hundreds of designs and companys on the web. Below are a few of the major categories that will help you narrow your search.
Some Guideline Questions:

What kind of site do I need?

Look at the overall objective of your organization. What do you do? If you sell a product, you need an e-commerce site. If you minister to the lost, you need an evangelistic site. Take some time to think of all the things your organization does, without thinking about web presence. Once you have this list, you know to some degree what kind of site you need. Everything that you can do off the web, should get a fair chance on the web. Web design is about strategy, not fancy look and over-rated sound effects and graphics. Yes these are nice, but look for a company that understands more than just "a pretty site", because on the web no one searches for "pretty site", they want products, services, and help. Make sure your design company will help you give it to them.
For other important design questions see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

What do I want my site to accomplish?

On the web today, rest assure that there are at least a hundred if not a thousand sites like the one you are about to have built. You must have focused thoughts on exactly what you want your web site to accomplish, or it will never get there. Ministries, you need to evangelize while still providing information to the Body of Christ. Knowing this enables you to decide how to balance the two. Too much focus on a one piece of what you want to accomplish will distract from the others and destroy the already fragile balance. Businesses, you want to brand your company name and sell products and services for profit. Balance is necessary. Do not think that you can build a web site and focus it on your services and then try to come in later for selling your products. It is feasible, however the cost of rebuilding parts of your site could be more than the initial site itself. Know what you want your site to accomplish in the long run and plan for it now.
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How will I maintain my web pages?

There are really two directions this could go. Either the site owner maintains the site or the site designers maintain the site. If your organization has the talent within it's walls to maintain your own site, do it. However keep in mind that a "pretty site" has little to do with the effectiveness of a well put together site. Sure "pretty" is good, but compelling and well written is better. To keep costs down, maintaining your own site is definitely the way to go. For those who can afford webmasters, this is the way to go. If a design company is not willing to develop your site and have you pay them to maintain it I would not use them. Maintenance and updates are power on the web. Believe It. How many times would you visit msn.com if the information never changed? People feel the same way about your site. Whether you choose a webmaster or in-house talent, make frequent updates to retain viewers.
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I'm not web savvy. How much will I influence the web design process?

The answer to this question is simple. It doesn't matter whether you are an expert programmer with 20+ years in the industry or a newbie with this being your first online development ever. Any company that calls themselves web designers should fully involve you in the planning process of the site's design. Your input is vital to every piece of the work. I have seen even the largest of companies hire out their web site design and get a product they were not happy with. In some cases, they could not even get it fixed without paying a whole new fee. Do not mistake a web designer for a mind reader. Web designers are skilled at making vision a reality, but your vision is necessary. If a web design company does not seem to be giving you the chance to input the things you feel you need or want on your site, FIRE THEM. You are in control of your site. The web design company is under your supervision. Let the pros be pros, but don't assume everyone online is a pro.
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Is the quality of work worth the cost?

There is a fine line that determines the answer to this question. If a web site is worth being built, it is worth being built right. The truth of this statement is irrefutable. The budget in which your organization is confined, determines whether or not the quality of work is worth the cost. In truth, you are as likely to spend too much on something too little, as you are to spend too little on something that is too great for the price. The problem with both of these is clear. One choice leads you to pay too much for quality not worth the cost, however the other choice will lead you to a site costing too little to get the job done right. Doing your research is the only way to determine the best plan of action for your organization. Find out what the leading professionals on specific aspects of web design are doing and what they charge. Find out what the company you are investing in is doing and for what charge. If the two do not compare incrementally, then you may be in a place that is not suited for your needs. For answer to questions on industry specific web design aspects, visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Is the company a legitimate and credible design firm?

Credibility is a major part of becoming a successful company. Anyone in business knows this. A legitimate company in the web design industry is a company that has a privacy policy or non-disclosure policy, or a money back guarantee or refund policy. These are the types of things that a legitimate company is going to have. Portfolio's and Reference pages build credibility as do companies that can answer some of the toughest questions you can ask. These are the types of things to look for in a credible and legitimate company. If a company does not provide any of the previous documents or pages they may not be a company you want to risk your site on. A site can always be rebuilt, but a first impression is only made once.
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