For most people looking to build a website for their startup or small business, outsourcing is the only way to go. Without a knowledge of coding, you just won’t get the results you need with template design or DIY methods.
However, it’s not just as easy as phoning your local web design agency and getting them on board. There are a few things you need to know about them first – and in this guide, we’re going to go through each of them. Read on to find out how to choose the right design agency for your needs.
Realistic budgets.
When it comes to website design, you have to pay for quality – and your budget should reflect this. Sure, you can get someone to develop a site for less than $200, but there will be a lot of limitations and far less quality control. If you do want to go down the cheaper route, try looking abroad, where the cost of living is less. There are some excellent designers in India, for example, who cost far less than the same quality on these shores.
Think about your needs.
Next, you should think about what you need from your website. There may be security concerns, for example – especially if you are in the medical or legal fields. You also might want to consider looking for a designer who specializes in your industry. There are web developers out there that design solely for the auto industry, for example. List your needs and plan out what you want from your site. Doing this will give the designers something concrete to base a quote on, and you will find there are fewer surprises further on down the road.
Draw up a shortlist.
Now you can start looking for the perfect web designer for your business. If you don’t go down the specialist route, ask your friends and family and see if they have any recommendations. You can also use the web to find good agencies in your area – check local business listings and reviews. Some websites also go into further depth with their reviews. Take Los Angeles Website Design, as a good example. They list their top ten agencies in their local area, and there might be something similar where you live.
The interview process.
Now you have a shortlist; it’s time to get talking. It’s important to choose an agency that you feel comfortable working with, as you will need to have a good relationship. Go through your wants and needs with them, and see how they respond. Probe them about their past experiences, and ask for examples of their previous work. They should be happy to show off the good stuff, of course. But, to get a really honest response, ask them to tell you about work they were not happy with. Talk to them about where it went wrong, and how they would do things differently the next time around. No agency is perfect, of course. But, only the best will be honest and hold their hands up.
With any luck, after following these steps, you should have the best agency for the job. Good luck!
