It’s a horror story you’ve probably heard before – small business hires web design firm only to get cheated out of money or left with a disaster of a website. So how do you pick a NY or NJ web design company that will protect your online image?
Choosing the right one takes time, but it’s your job as a smart business owner to find a company that deserves your hard-earned cash. It’s worth mentioning that this is not the time to “hire” your teenage nephew for free. That one web design elective he took in high school won’t be enough to unlock your website’s full potential, nor will you feel comfortable giving critical feedback. You want a strictly business relationship with your design team so that you feel comfortable telling them when you’re unhappy with something.
Your first step should be to explore the company’s website thoroughly. Do you like what you see? Would you feel comfortable trusting this company with your website if they can’t even maintain their own? A reputable firm with a strong skill set will be able to build an original website from the ground up. If you’re impressed, ask for references and to see a portfolio of previous work.
Ask questions specifically about what this firm can do for you. See if they will be able to incorporate SEO into your website. If they’re a legitimate company, their knowledge of SEO will go far beyond tags and keywords. A good web design company will ask you a variety of questions regarding your industry, your branding, and the goals you have for your website. Don’t be content with generic answers about SEO and website components. What works in the retail industry won’t in the finance industry.
One of the most important things to remember when making a final decision is that you need to be able to communicate with your programmers. Even if you don’t have a background in web design, you should feel comfortable enough to ask questions and your programmers should be able to answer them in a way you can understand.
Website Jungle is a New York based website design company and Digital Agency.