In today’s over-populated field of website design it can be difficult to distinguish what separates one design firm from another. Many times these differences can be drastic - separating a creative, leading-edge firm from a run-of-the-mill firm. Other times they are only minimal. Here are a few questions to ask when interviewing website design firms, and deciding who should receive the award to design or redesign your company’s website.
Are you committed to providing unique, leading-edge designs? As you can imagine, discerning clients love customized website designs. However, many companies today still use tired templates and cookie cutter layouts. It is important to ensure that the company you choose accurately represents their design standards. And as a consumer, you should Know what recourse you have if you are not satisfied with the end result.
Do you value superior customer service? Good design firms will often assign a personal account manager to work with you, no matter the size of your project. Their main job is to act as liaison between you and the design firm. They should also keep you involved throughout the design process and make themselves available to answer questions and address concerns promptly.
May I contact past customers to ask about their experience? Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? If you have any doubts about the performance standards of a design firm, ask for a list of recent clients that you can contact with questions. And when you call, don’t hold back! You are about to enter into a relationship with the company you select. Make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Are you a full service design firm? This could potentially be a deal breaker if your company has a need for graphic design, web hosting, and internet marketing. When working on a tight budget a full service design firm can help you get more bang for your buck.
One reason is that a marketing or advertising firm may charge you for market research. When a full service firm is working with you they know and understand your market, know the scope of your work, and know what other companies within your field are doing to corner the market. The benefit is two-fold.
Do you know the difference between design and development? Some argue that good website development is more important than the website’s design! As more and more website designers join the flock everyday, good website developers become more difficult to find.
Good website development can offer new ways of bringing unique visitors to your website, converting the unique visitors to returning visitors, and inevitably increasing sales. These methods include: blogs, shopping carts, chat rooms, custom applications, secure online payments, member areas, newsletters, etc.
Justin Chelf is the President and CEO of Website Mentors, LLC, a Louisville, Kentucky based website design and internet marketing firm.
