On
Oct.30.10 , In
Smart Business , by
Nathan Keen
To place your business in the digital arena in order to compete amongst others globally, one should have a well designed website that clearly establishes your online existence and identity. But have you considered how much it costs for a website? You’ll need to make a careful and deliberate decision in order to not get ripped off. So beware! Listed below are the top 10 things to look for and consider:
Designer’s Company Image
- Website design is an avenue where your business will be opened to the whole world, so as much as possible you will want to indulge in services of a Designer’s Company whose integrity, values, expertise and professionalism correlates to what you believe for. You’ll want a designer that not only exists for profits but for service and great passion of helping others in the area of his expertise.
Technical Know How
- Evaluate a designer’s technical proficiency in the field, as to whether they have a large variety of technical skills in coding and design. The main need for a web designer is that we lack the ability to transform ideas into a website; hence, one should ensure that the designer’s services will be able to put those ideas and vision in a complete website package. A designer’s portfolio, references and samples can be a good measure in evaluating his technical expertise.
Strategy
- A good website does not only create your global presence, but should help you improve your business. After all a good looking website is no use unless it generates profits and prospects. A developer works with your business strategy to create a website that meets your business goals and in return improve your business through the website. He assesses, plans out, and identifies what gives you a competitive advantage over the others. It is conceptualizing and creating tools or services that put you above the rest.
Customer service orientation
- Determine how a designer manages other clients. Find out how well they communicate and how quick they are to respond. A good customer service orientation dictates how important each client is to the designer. Their ability to arrange meetings, discussions and to find time for the enrichment of the website design denotes how well they value their clients and prospects.
Creativity
- Assess how designers will create unique content for your site and ask them the process of how they get your business ideas transformed into a website. A good designer will quickly draw out what you like and what you don’t like, as well as what you need and don’t need. Developers must also create your website wherein users can come to site and find things with ease.
Marketing experience
- Consider selecting a designer who is also adept at internet marketing. A good web design will have all the elements of proper internet marketability built into it, as their design should draw a business closer to its customers. Be sure that they're creating a site for you that meets your larger marketing and business goals.
Cost
- Cost is the top consideration for all business people. Consider having an analysis of the cost incurred versus the opportunity and the benefits derived of having a website. A designer who values integrity in their field will lay down all the costs you need for a website design of your choice. They are the ones who do not surprise you with hidden charges, but puts monetary agreement in black and white. You should ask them how they bill you for their services too – expect some upfront payment, but you should be able to negotiate at least half of the payment to be made at the end.
Time Commitment
- Discuss with developers a specific timeline. While a good and technically challenging website design takes some quality time to complete, one must be know what the real world turnaround time is for the specific project. Make a point of asking references if the project was, in fact, completed on time. If you’re getting a fairly average small business website, expect about a month to have it fully complete. Most of this time is in fact, though, waiting for approval, making changes due to the clients’ desires, and waiting for written content. Unless you’re asking for something totally unique, you should not have to wait weeks for every little section.
Flexibility of a website
- A good website should be flexible and easy to maintain. A successful website is continually updated with new content. Ask the developer what are your alternatives regarding web maintenance and if you plan to update your site often, ask if they can integrate a content management system that would allow you to add new content on your own without programming knowledge. This flexibility will be helpful in getting your website to respond to the ever changing trends or applications available.
Familiarity with your website business or topic
- Finally ask your developer about how much they know about you business or website topic. A developer with good background of your topic will lead you to the best results. Furthermore, a good developer must be aware of the various new web applications and trends of web technology and how those trends are going to affect your industry and your online presence.
Obviously in writing these we believe that we have addressed these points and are the best for your job. Get to know a bit of our background and what we stand for, take a look at our web design portfolio, then contact us for free consultation.
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