Now let's talk about what features you should look for in a web design agency. These are the most important in our book.
# 1: EXPERIENCE IN YOUR BRANCHE
This is a good starting point because it quickly eliminates web designers that you don't want to use. When a web designer has experience in your industry, it means that they are familiar with what you find important. Although their experience can vary, even a single project with a company that is similar to yours can make a web designer a potential candidate. You can also go to web designers who don't know your industry, but the entire design process can take longer with planning, back and forth, editing and more. In general, using a designer who has worked with companies like yours is simply simpler.
# 2: APPROPRIATE PRICES
This goes to the heart of the matter - what does a designer ask for their services? The price for hiring a web designer varies enormously, depending on a large number of factors, including their location. The key to finding a good price is to set your budget before looking for designers.
# 3: KNOWLEDGE, METHODS AND STRATEGIES
Regardless of how you found a web designer, it's important to ask about their knowledge, methodology, and overall strategy when they create a website. If they have difficulty explaining one of those qualities, it can be difficult to work with them. On the other hand, if they can answer your questions about these issues quickly and concisely, they probably know what they are doing. The people who can tell you what they know, how they work and how they set goals are also the people who can work methodically to improve your website.
# 4: AN EXTENDED PORTFOLIO
It often happens that a starting web designer is chosen, it is also a gamble. New web designers may have talent, but they don't have a track record or experience. With that in mind, it is generally smarter to hire a web designer who can show you a detailed overview of their experiences with previous customers. Portfolios don't have to be flashy - they can only be a collection of different links that show what the designer can do. This also gives you the chance to ask the designer why they chose to make a website the way they did or what they wanted to achieve with a particular design. Overall, a portfolio can tell you a lot about a designer, and an impressive collection of past work is a good sign that a designer fits your needs well.
# 5: THE SCOPE OF THEIR SERVICES
If you look at web design agencies, it is possible that they do more than just create websites. They can also create content, work in SEO, conduct social media marketing campaigns and more, all perfect additions to your web design needs. If that is the case, they may also have packages that you can choose to get a more holistic approach to creating a strong web presence for your business. If you use a solo web designer, you probably don't have many options in addition to the overall appearance and layout of your website. SEO, development, social media marketing and other disciplines do not often come with one designer, because they are all so different and extensive.
# 6: A REASONABLE CONTRACT
To work with a web designer, you sometimes have to sign a contract. But that's the kind of thing you want to read before you sign it. Receive a copy as soon as possible when you interview web designers and read it carefully. Contracts must determine payment, deliverables, unforeseen circumstances in case of unforeseen problems, refunds and more. It is a good idea to have your lawyer read the contract to ensure that you are protected, especially if your site is not made to your specifications.
# 7: MAINTENANCE OF THE WEBSITE
Some web designers offer ongoing website maintenance services to ensure that your site functions properly while you use it. Similarly, you may be able to maintain your website yourself if you have the time and know-how. Either way, it's important to know what to expect after your website has been created.
# 8: SELF CONFIDENCE
At the end of the day, nobody knows your company better than you. That means that your trust is the ultimate decision maker for every web designer. If it clicks with a candidate, think about it and consider how much you trust them. If in doubt, don't go any further - you'd better spend your money on a designer you can trust instead of taking a risk with your company's finances.
Sofco knows how to design and maintain websites
At Sofco we know all the ins and outs of web design and our talented team can give you a unique, customized website that you can use to promote your brand. We do not use templates, so you can be sure that your website will be a unique experience for your customers. Whether you want to grow an e-commerce business or increase the number of leads that your business receives every day, the use of a well-designed website can help your business grow.
Do you want to impress your customers from the moment they visit your company? Contact us today to have a specialized web design plan made especially for your company!