Thinking about re-designing your site? Here are a few helpful hints when choosing a good design company:
Ask to see a portfolio. Do not only judge the quality of a design firm’s work based on their own website… it might be the best they have ever done!
Remember that good design is very important. Studies have shown that website users judge a website within a fraction of a second!
Try not to judge based solely on a design firm’s graphic design capabilities alone. Online web design is a whole different ball game than graphic design meant for print.
Although cost is always a factor, do not necessarily go with the lowest bidder – you get what you pay for! Somewhere in the middle is always best.
Look for a design company that asks good questions and seems genuinely interested in your company and what you would like to achieve from your site.
Be aware that website hosting should not cost more than $10 per month. If you are paying more than this, you are paying too much!
Find out about copyright and ownership of your site! This is very important. Years from now you do not want to discover that the site you paid for is a site you do not own.
Ask about maintenance options and hidden costs. What will the charges be if you need an update to your site months down the road?
Ask about search engine optimization packages (SEO). See # 5. A good design company should ask what you would like to achieve from your site in terms of marketing and provide you with a few options.
Lastly, try to choose a design company that is available to meet on your time for face-to-face meetings. Trying to design a website for an overseas client can be a horrible ordeal for all parties involved. It is usually best to stick with a designer that you can meet with in person to go over any questions, concerns or changes you might want done to your site.
