Web Designing Firms – Playing Vital Roles
Design is the foundation of every website. It’s the first impression a visitor will see and, therefore, it’s vital to make sure that you get your design right. If your website isn’t designed well it could be a disaster for your business since the impression on the potential clients and customers would not be as solid as you may like it to be. In such cases, services from a NYC web design agency can help one a lot to design their website in a more attractive manner while also making it as per the aesthetics and theme of the business.
There are many different web design firms out there and they all have their own unique styles. Some specialize in certain areas like ecommerce websites while others concentrate on more general-purpose websites.
When choosing a firm to build your website, you need to consider several factors especially if you’re looking for an established company with years of experience or one that specializes in just one area. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which firm to hire:
1) Is it worth spending the money?
This may seem obvious but it’s important to ask yourself whether you really need a new website at this point in time. A lot has changed since the last time you had one so maybe now is the best time to refresh your site rather than invest thousands of dollars into something that might not be relevant.
2) What type of project do you want done?
If you only want a simple website then you can probably find someone who does that sort of thing on the cheap. However, if you want a complex website with lots of features and functionality then you’ll likely need to look elsewhere. You also need to decide how much control you wish to retain over the final product. For instance, will your designer work directly with you on the site or will he/she provide a draft and leave you to make any changes?
3) How long do you plan on keeping the site?
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is thinking that they should always have a website. But what happens after two years? Will you still be using the same content or will you need to update it? A good firm will offer you options so you don’t have to change everything from scratch so soon.
4) Do you need SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key with today’s online world. Most people use Google or Bing to search for products and services. If your website doesn’t show up on those results pages then it’s going to lose traffic. Therefore, you should definitely include SEO as part of your overall package.
5) What technology should I use?
Every technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular platforms are WordPress, Joomla, Drupal etc. Each has its own pros and cons and it’s hard to say which platform is better than another.
6) Who should I talk to about my project?
You should get three names to choose from: a salesperson, a project manager and a developer. Salespeople are great because they can answer questions about your needs but they often take a commission off the top of the price so they can’t be too pricey. You’ll also need a project manager to oversee the entire process and a developer to actually implement your ideas.
7) Are they reputable?
It always pays to check references before working with someone. Ask around and find out what other businesses think of them. Check social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to see how other customers feel about them. Also ask for testimonials and read reviews online.
8) Can they help you?
Ask them if they have previous projects similar to yours. If they’ve worked on your industry before then they know what you need to make your website successful. They should also be able to tell you what kind of return you can expect from your investment.
9) What’s their payment policy?
This may sound silly but it’s important. You don’t want to pay for anything that you aren’t happy with. Make sure you understand what you’re getting by paying upfront versus having to wait until the end. They should also explain all of the fees involved with the project.
10) What if they don’t deliver?
Most designers promise delivery dates and then miss them. While this won’t happen very often these days, it would be terrible if you were stuck with a poorly built website. Be sure you’re aware of the penalties for missing deadlines.
11) How can I contact them?
Make sure you find out how they communicate with clients. You’ll want to see pictures of their previous work and examples of their portfolio. There’s no point hiring a designer who can’t show you his/her skills.
12) What if they don’t have enough time?
Some designers have full-time jobs outside of designing so they may not have enough free time to complete a project within a reasonable amount of time. They may even charge more for extra hours spent on the job.
13) Are they reliable?
You need to trust someone to put together your website. Even if you do hire a freelance designer, you still need to make sure that the site is completed successfully. Find out how they communicate with clients; if they’re late or don’t finish their work on time. Don’t hesitate to ask for references.
14) Does the designer have insurance?
If you hire a freelancer to do your website, you must ensure that they have insurance in case something goes wrong. That way, you’ll be covered in case things go awry.
15) What will the website cost me?
While the above list was meant to guide you through the decision-making process, it’s ultimately your responsibility as the client to determine the value of your website.
Once you’ve made your choice, be sure to follow up with a few emails to the designer to confirm that everything went smoothly. And don’t forget to check back on your site periodically so that you can assess progress. Finally, you should probably set aside a budget for your website so that you can keep track of costs along the way.