So, you’ve decided you need a website or your current site needs updating.  What’s next?

Your website is your shopfront to the world, making it vital that it represents your business in a way you’d be proud to showcase. The development of such an important business tool needs to be placed in the right hands. 

So, where do you start?

Research 

This may seem tedious, but take some time out of your day to sit down and search for a design agency that can do your business justice. Work out your budget and what you want to get from your site (traffic, sales etc) and seek out a company which can satisfy your criteria. 

Website  

The most obvious thing to consider is their website. If a design agency offers you a beautifully-designed site with the best imagery and amazing user experience, you’d expect their site to demonstrate these qualities. If you aren’t impressed by the site they have designed for themselves then it’s unlikely they’ll produce a site for you that is any better. 

Portfolios 

Most website design companies will have their portfolios and examples of existing work on their site or social media platforms. If they don’t this is a bad sign! By looking at work they have produced for other businesses, you can gauge whether they are suitable for yours and whether you like the work they have completed. If you don’t and aren’t impressed by their ‘best work’, then they probably aren’t the web design company for you. 

Reviews and word of mouth 

Sites such as Trustpilot and social media platforms are a great way to find out what people really think of their experience with a company. If lots of reviews say a business is unreliable or has poor customer service, you obviously wouldn’t want to begin working on such an important project together. Don’t leave it too late and end up disappointed – do your research before you engage anybody.  

Schedule a meeting 

Phone calls are great, but a meeting is even better. If possible, try to schedule a meeting with the design agency you are thinking about hiring. This gives you an opportunity to really understand how their business works and how they will complete your work. A meeting will also allow them to get to grips with your business, what you want to get from your site and enables you to build a great rapport which will definitely help the project move forward. 

Choosing the right agency for you can not only help you rank higher on Google but can also drive sales through your website. Why miss out on that opportunity?

If you need help with your website design or need further advice, don’t hesitate to contact us today.