One of the most challenging things about setting up a website for your business is choosing a web design company to work with. With so many things to factor in – the costs, the company’s reputation and experience – your choice will always be accompanied by possible risks.
In this business, if you don’t practice caution and just go with a company recommended by a close friend or a colleague, you could end up working with a fly-by-night web design agency that promises overnight success and guarantees the top spot on Google’s search results. And once payment is settled, the agency immediately vanishes like a ghost, leaving you without even a single web page.
To ensure you make the right choice, it is important that you choose a website design company that stands out from the rest, one that has proven its worth time and again. But how do you find this kind of company, considering that many agencies claim to excel in web design in Central Coast?
That is the exact reason we’ve created this article. To guide you in the decision-making process, here are some things to look for in a web design company in Australia:
1. Web Design Packages
If you compare companies that offer to do web design in Central Coast, you are likely to notice some differences in the pricing plans. While many prefer to get paid in full prior to starting the project, some allow clients to pay by installment basis. Others also charge clients by the number of hours spent working on the website.
So, what’s the better choice?
Well, there’s no good or bad choice here. What should be taken into account is the final cost of the web design project. If you’re a frugal business owner, it’s very tempting to choose a more affordable company. However, we suggest doing otherwise, especially if you haven’t researched or asked about the package inclusions.
In some cases, companies that offer cheaper web design packages compromise the quality of work. But this does not also mean a more expensive service provider is the better option. What you should do is take the time to weigh your options and compare what you can get for the amount you are paying for.
Some inclusions that generally affect the cost of a web design package include the number of web pages to be created and other services like blogging, SEO, and social media.
Whichever company you decide to work with should be completely transparent about all the costs involved. Any unexpected costs should be their responsibility, not yours.
2. The Planning Process
One aspect that many business owners tend to overlook when it comes to designing a website is the planning process that goes into it. It’s easy to get enticed in the quality of the final output, but one should never underestimate the importance of careful planning.
An ideal web design company plans everything that needs to be done and follows a strict timeline for every project. With this setup, clients will know whether or not the tasks are being completed and done as planned or are falling behind.
With smaller web design companies, you cannot always expect tasks to be completed in a timely manner. However, what you can get is a more personalised experience as you will be working closely with a smaller group of people who will keep you in the loop for any updates and progress points.
On the other hand, with a larger company, things can surely be completed as scheduled and planned because they have access to resources. This makes it a great option if you have a deadline to meet. But also consider that you might have a hard time meeting with the whole team as each member has his/her own work schedule.
As you can see, both options have pros and cons. What’s important is that you know what’s going on. With a clear plan, you should get a better idea about what gets completed and when.
3. Portfolio
While it’s completely fine to hire a freelance website designer to build your business website, it’s sometimes a gamble. He may have the skills and talent but may not have a solid experience.
Perhaps, it’s generally safer and smarter to work with an experienced company that has a solid and experienced web design team who has completed a number of web design projects already, regardless of whether these websites are templated or made from scratch.
To get an idea about the websites that a web design company has completed, ask for a portfolio. It does not have to be flashy or sophisticated. As long as it shows a collection of past websites that were created, then it’ll suffice.
4. Other Services
A website isn’t created just to look good. It has to be functional as well. So, aside from focusing on web design alone, consider other services that the company has to offer. Check which of their services can simplify your life and help promote your business.
Web hosting, security, graphic design, web copywriting, search engine optimization, and social media marketing are among the services you may want to look for in potential web design companies.
5. References
Before making a final choice, make sure to talk to other business owners who have worked with the same web design company you are considering. Ask how satisfied they were with the site’s functionality and design. Also, ask about the added services and features they availed of.
The more business owners you talk to, the better the odds of building a website that helps achieve the goals of your business.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter whether you decide to work with a new web design company in Australia or one that is already established. Just make sure that you are confident with your choice. If a small web design company seems like a good fit, then assess how much you trust them. If you have doubts, do not proceed. Find other, better companies and re-assess all the factors above. After all, it’s better to spend your hard-earned money on a web design company that can turn your ideas into reality rather than take risks with your business’s finances.
If you would like to have a professional and responsive website for your website, do consider Coast Wide Web. We specialise in website design that look great and help businesses be found online. Contact us today!