In most cases, both large and small businesses don’t maintain an in house expertise for designing their websites are simply contract the job to external companies. It is critical that you hire someone who is capable of designing your website professionally. An outdated or poorly designed website can negatively impact the brand of your company and may even drive away customers to competitors. Your website is the window for offering your products/ services to the market and it is the first and most important contact point with customers. As such, it is crucial that your website presents the most appropriate image and brand.
Should your hire freelance website designer or a website design company?
Before you make a decision on whether you will hire a website design company or an independent contractor to design your website, there are certain factors that you will need to consider. Each of these two options has its share of advantages. The good thing about independent web designers is that they are flexible and cost effective. On the other hand, web design companies tend to cost a little more but still offer significant advantages. A professional team of website designers represent them and they posses a wide range of skills and topnotch experience. Each of the team members specialize in distinct areas and are thus able to offer you the best services.
Factors to consider while shopping for a good web design company
Experience and skills- start by analyzing the technical skills and the experience of the company. Review their website information and marketing material and if possible, speak to them and get first hand info regarding their expertise and knowledge. Case studies and portfolio- critically review and analyze the company’s case studies and portfolio. You can get this on their website and get an idea if they are suitable to handle your project or not.
Streamlined process: the process of designing the website must be streamlined and you should make it your concern to understand the process of the company and ascertain whether or not it suits your requirements.
Ask the web designing company to send a detailed proposal with an outline of costs and timescales as well as proposed solution. Most importantly, it is always advisable that you hire a one stop shop where you can get all the web design services, under one roof and this will make things much easier for you.