How to choose a web design company

How to choose a web design company & what to look for

12 MINS
Web.com Team

If you have some basic knowledge of web design and development, you could start building your own website using a DIY website builder. However, as your business grows, you’ll need to make updates and changes to your website. When you’re working with a template, incorporating these changes can become challenging and time-consuming.

This is where web design companies come in. They have the expertise to make significant changes without disrupting your website’s overall design. But with the numerous web design companies on the market, how do you find the right one for your business?

In this article, we’ll share the reasons why you should work with a web design agency and some useful tips to help you pick the best option that fits your needs.

Benefits of hiring a web design agency

Gain access to more resources

Building a website can be a lot of work. Not only do you need to make a professional-looking website, but you also need to create high-quality content, optimize your website for search engines, and maintain it regularly.

Working with a web design agency gives you access to a team of experts who can manage all aspects of website-building. This provides the opportunity to collaborate with professional web designers to ensure the website’s appearance matches your brand and caters to customer needs. The agency’s experienced copywriters can generate all the necessary web content, sparing you the need to find writers within your company.

Even after the website goes live, it needs regular fixing and updates. Trying to do all these works by yourself can take you away from other important work your business needs to do.

Get professional, custom web design

Web design isn’t just about making a website look aesthetically pleasing. It’s also about creating a website that’s functional, effective, and aligned with the goals of your business.

A professional web designer will work with you to understand your business, your target audience, and your goals. They will then use this information to create a website that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

By investing in professional, custom design, you can:

  • Enhance user engagement. A professional web designer creates a user-friendly website that encourages visitors to explore and spend more time on the site. This increased engagement allows users to learn more about your business, products, and services.
  • Build a strong brand identity. A well-designed website aligns with your brand’s image and values, creating a memorable and unique online presence. This distinct branding sets you apart from competitors and leaves a lasting impression on potential customers.
  • Get higher conversion rates. Ultimately, you want your website to generate results for your business. Whether you want customers to complete an online purchase or simply sign up for your monthly newsletter, the goal is to get visitors to take action. Calls-to-action are elements that, when used properly, encourage more users to convert. By working with a professional web designer, you can eliminate the guesswork and create a site that turns more visitors into customers.

Rank higher in search engine results

A professional website designer will create your website with SEO in mind. This involves using smart design techniques and up-to-date strategies that will make it easier for potential customers to find your site when searching for relevant keywords.

Here are a few things your web design agency might do to help with your SEO strategy:

  • Make the website user-friendly. A website that loads quickly and is easy to use not only helps people but also makes your website better for search engines. A well-designed website should have a good layout, content that’s set up well, and it should load fast.
  • Use keywords strategically. Using the appropriate keywords on your website is a big part of good SEO. Finding these words, putting them on your site, and keeping an eye on how well they’re doing takes a lot of time and work. Instead of doing this all by yourself, the SEO team at your agency can take care of it.
  • Reach local customers. If you want to reach people in your local area, local SEO is really important. The SEO team at your agency can help your website show up better in searches in your area and gain more organic traffic.

Increase website conversions

The ultimate purpose of a website is to attract visitors, allowing them to explore further and understand the offerings of a business. However, if a website is confusing or complicated to use, visitors might leave for a more enjoyable experience elsewhere.

Professional web designers play a crucial role in helping a business achieve its objectives through effective website design. They ensure that the website is organized in a way that guides visitors toward specific actions, such as making a purchase or signing up. These designers also have the knowledge to strategically position call-to-action buttons on different pages to maximize the chances of turning visitors into customers.

Build brand trust

Sure, you can create your website by yourself. However, it might not be dependable. Since you’re not an expert in web design, you might not realize there are issues until it’s too late.

For instance, your website could be up and running well for a while. But, as soon as you try to make changes, it could suddenly stop working or encounter other issues. You might not understand why your website doesn’t work right. This can lead to frustration and a negative experience for your visitors. You might end up spending a lot of time and effort trying to fix these problems, and in some cases, you might even need to hire someone to help you sort out the mess.

Ultimately, a poorly functioning website can harm your reputation and business. That’s why working with a professional web design company is a smart choice. They have the expertise to create a website that works smoothly and reliably, establishing your credibility in the industry.

How to choose a website design agency

Choosing a website design agency requires careful consideration to ensure you find the right fit for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

Step 1: Research the company

This step highlights the importance of carefully researching the potential web design agencies. The company you choose will have a big impact on how your business looks online, so it’s crucial to pick one that has a good history.

Look for established companies with a good reputation and demonstrated expertise in various web-related skills such as design, development, SEO, and digital marketing. Check their website for information about their history, services, team, and client testimonials. Also, read reviews on sites like Google and social media to get a good idea of what people think about them.

Step 2: Narrow down your list

Once you have a list of potential web design companies, narrow it down to the best three to five. Then, check out their portfolios to see examples of their past work. Look for companies that use a variety of design platforms, as this will give you more options and flexibility.

Some companies may do great work, but their design style may not be a good fit for your business. It is important to find a company that understands your industry and can create a website that speaks to your target audience.

While it’s a plus to find a company that has worked in your industry before, don’t eliminate other agencies too soon, especially if you love their work. The most important thing is to find a company that you feel comfortable working with and that you believe can create a website that will help you achieve your business goals.

Step 3: Identify your website must-haves

Before you talk to web design agencies, make a list of things your website must have. These are the things you won’t compromise on. This list will help you during the process of choosing an agency. It will also ensure you don’t forget any important things when discussing with them. It will help you quickly narrow down your options to the agencies that meet all your requirements.

Apart from the essentias, consider making a second list. This list can have things that you’d like but aren’t absolutely necessary. For example, logo design, secure website hosting, or content creation, might be on this list. These things can help you decide between agencies if everything else is similar.

Step 4: Know your timeline and budget

Having a clear understanding of how much you’re willing to spend and when you need the website to be ready is crucial for finding the right web design partner.

On the money side, it’s a good idea to set a range for your budget rather than a fixed amount. Also, ask the potential design partners about what’s covered in their cost estimate and how they handle extra charges for services not included.

On the time side, consider when you need the website to be up and running. If there’s a specific deadline like a big industry event or a product launch, let the design agencies know. Ask them if they can realistically meet that deadline and if they foresee any challenges. Also, find out what they’ll do if they can’t meet the timeline you’re hoping for.

Step 5: Reach out to the shortlisted agenices

Now that you’ve identified your top picks, it’s time to get in touch with them to see if they are a good fit for your needs. Some companies may look good online, but they may not be as good as they seem when you actually talk to them.

A good web design agency will take the time to understand your vision for your website and will be transparent about their process and pricing. They will also be committed to producing the best quality work that fits your online brand.

It’s also important for you to have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of design and content. What do you like and dislike about your competitors’ websites? What are your goals for your website? By having a clear idea of what you want, you can better communicate with your web design agency and get the results you want.

Here are some questions you can ask your prospects:

  • Can you provide examples of websites you’ve designed that are similar to what I’m looking for?
  • What is your typical process for designing and developing a website? Can you walk me through the key steps?
  • How do you ensure that the websites you design are responsive and work well on different devices and screen sizes?
  • How long does it typically take for you to design and develop a website of this scope?
  • Can you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the project?
  • Can you provide references from past clients that I can contact for feedback?

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the agency’s capabilities and how they can help you achieve your goals.

What to look for in a website design agency

Domain name registration and website hosting

A web design company with an all-in-one package that includes your website domain registration and secure website hosting means there’s less to think about—so you have more time to spend on your business.

A broad design portfolio

Look at the web design company’s previous work, including both DIY website templates and custom-built websites.  Do they have plenty of experience designing websites for your industry? A company that focuses on eCommerce websites may not be the best choice if you’re launching a service business, for instance. Consider the company’s track record and how long they have been in business.

Sophisticated functionality

Websites need to do more than just look good—they need to function well. In addition to design, consider the features and tools a web design company has to offer. For example, no matter what industry you’re in, customers are increasingly using smartphones and tablets to make purchasing decisions. That means your website needs to be mobile-friendly and function as well on a mobile device as on a desktop.  

Flexibility

Choose a company that can tailor their services to meet your specific goals and branding requirements. Assess their ability to create custom designs that align with your vision and brand identity. Ensure they are open to revisions and adjustments throughout the design process.

Additional marketing services

Choosing a web design company that offers a range of online marketing services can greatly simplify your life.  You’ll have one expert source you can turn to for help with everything from search engine optimization to pay-per-click advertising (in addition to your website design, of course). Web copywriting services, professional business email addresses, social media marketing assistance, and website analytics tools are other services to ask your web design company about.

Experience

New website design companies pop up all the time. Choosing a company with decades of experience in online marketing can give you the confidence that your new business will be in good hands. 

Good references

Before making a final decision, be sure to talk to other business owners who have used the same web design company you’re considering.  How satisfied are they with their website design and functionality? What additional features or services do they use, and how well are these working for them?  Would they make the same choice today if they had it to do over again?

Pricing and value

Obtain detailed pricing information and understand what is included in their packages. Compare the value you receive with the cost and assess the company’s transparency in pricing. Be cautious of excessively low-priced options that may compromise quality. Web.com offers affordable custom website design packages starting at $199

Ongoing support and maintenance

Inquire about post-launch support, website maintenance, and updates. Ensure they offer reliable technical support and assistance when needed. Consider long-term partnerships and their ability to accommodate future growth and scalability.

Choose the right web design company

Finding the best web design company for your business and brand takes time and research. The more careful consideration you give before making a decision, the more likely you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. Choosing the best website design company is essential as they play a key role in creating a website that represents your brand effectively.

With Web.com’s website design service, you will get a dedicated team of professionals who will work closely with you to understand your business and create a website that meets your needs. Our experts have experience in designing websites that not only look great but also function smoothly. We’ll make sure your website is user-friendly and optimized for search engines, helping you attract more visitors.

  • Web.com Team

    Our goal is to be your go-to partner in today’s always-on digital world.

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