The process of selecting a web design agency can be difficult. An abundance of companies, technologies, and processes make the selection process challenging and confusing. And with your website often being the first point of contact your audience has with your organization, it’s important that that your website opens the right doors for you. Here are some tips for identifying an agency that’s a right fit.
they have experience
A good agency should understand your industry, but not only your industry. A broad range of experience that touches on local and regional marketing, multiple industries, evolving partnerships, and similar elements will bring a wide range of talents and insight to your organization. Companies that have a single specialty often follow a cookie-cutter process that produce perfunctory, pro forma results. A review of the agencies’ portfolio will help you understand more about their experience and approach.
they listen
The essence of creative business is the awareness that every organization and project is different in its own way, and that success emerges from understanding and harnessing the unique features of an organization, its people, and its market. Listening is key. Not everyone is able or willing to to shut the door, put away the cell phone, listen, and understand. At the end of the day, no one understands your business better than you do.
they’re creative
The creative industry is inundated with premade solutions in the forms of templates, clip art, stock photography, even premade logos. The paradox of a creative marketplace relying on premade solutions has been noticed by many people, but it is itself nothing new. The best work always comes from a lifelong attitude of learning, questioning, challenging yourself and others to be better. A restlessness of always looking for new ideas and solutions will be born out in a designer’s work.
they know the technology
Understanding a CMS (content management system), responsive design, SEO, social media and similar technologies is critical to building a website. If your website isn’t being designed for mobile applications, then most likely something is wrong.
they’re not cheap
When a web design company tells you they’ll build a custom website for $2000, they really mean they’ll drag and drop your text and logo into a $99 WordPress theme that thousands other websites use. If you want a website that’s going to work for your business, you have to be willing to invest in it. A great website will yield a high return on investment. A bad website will result in a stagnant business.
Selecting a web design agency is not the easiest job you have as a business owner. But once you find the right designer, your job becomes a whole lot easier.
