Don’t hire your next website design company without this checklist

A great website design is the foundation of your online presence. When you have a website that’s attractive, easy-to-use, and focuses on the user experience, you have a powerful tool to increase your business’ bottom line. But in today’s market, a great website design isn't enough on its own. Your website needs to be part of a larger marketing strategy, one that includes social media, search engine optimisation, and regular content updates.

To get that kind of service from your website design company, it is important to know what to look for when you are doing your research. Here are five things to put on your checklist.

• Their website is proof of their work. You want to see that your prospective company has both the experience and the expertise to build a great website.

Take a look at the company's own website. If they have not invested in their own business by creating an amazing site, then why would you invest your money with them? This might sound harsh, but your potential website design company should have a great website because that's probably the best proof of their work.

If their website is outdated, or poorly designed, it is a good indication that they don't have experience with designing websites or they are not good at it. It is the same as not trusting a broke financial advisor with your own money. 

• They have case studies to show. When you are looking to hire a website design company, you should not only ask for a portfolio but also for case studies. Case studies are the best way to evaluate a firm because they show how they helped other clients solve their problems.

And this is probably one of the most important things to look for in a website design company. There are two reasons why a website design company may not have case studies; either they don't have clients or they don't have the best success rate.

If you have a particular goal in mind, such as getting more leads through your site or generating more sales, ask the firm if they have any examples of clients who have achieved those goals. Ask them to share their methods and approach with you. This is a surefire way to protect your investment.

• They keep up with design trends. Design trends change every year and you want to ensure that your potential website design company keeps up with them. Think of it as being the equivalent of fashion. Design trends come and go, but they have the power to make or break a brand instantly.

So, If you are looking for a long-term partner for your website, a company that keeps up with the latest design trends is definitely one that you will want to consider.

It is also important to look for a company that has experience in many different industries. A good website design company will be able to offer a variety of different types of websites and will be able to adapt their services to whatever industry you are in.

• They have a documented process. You should know that the design team you hire has a proven system to keep them on track and on budget, giving you peace of mind knowing that your website will be completed in a timely and professional manner.

The process of developing a website is typically quite similar from one company to another - they conduct an interview, determine the content and images for the site, review the design (with revisions), then make the website live. But every company’s “how” differs.

You need to be familiar with how your potential website design company will carry out the process from start to finish in detail so that you know exactly what to expect for the price you are paying.

• They have goals for every project. A good company will ask you questions about your business to decide which custom design would best suit your needs. They will focus on understanding your demographic, branding needs, budget, vision, and mission among much more.

Based on these factors, they will determine the type of functionality your website will require, the kind of information that will need to be displayed, and the impression it will create in order for it to meet your goals.

In addition, look for versatility in your web design company. Since your website is the centerpiece of your online presence, it is not likely to stand alone. It should work hand-in-hand with your social media efforts, marketing campaigns, and even offline marketing initiatives (such as in-store promotions).  So, you must consider looking for an agency that offers a variety of services, so you can get all of this under one roof - or at least someone who is willing to collaborate with other professionals if they are needed.

At Lionheart Marketing, we offer a complete range of digital marketing solutions. When you partner with us, you don’t have to look for other services to fill the gaps in your marketing efforts. Reach out to us to speak to one of our experts and get started today.