Knowing how to choose a web design company isn’t easy. The number of service providers is overwhelming, their pricing isn’t transparent, and without the technical expertise to identify quality work, it’s easy to make a costly mistake.
Here’s our practical guide to compare web design agencies.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Web Design Company?
Prioritize a company with a strong portfolio, positive client testimonials, and effective communication.
Evaluating a Portfolio
A company’s portfolio is your opportunity to evaluate the quality and style of its work. Here’s what to look for:
- Ask for live examples. Many companies will post screenshots of their work without linking to websites. However, navigating the live site allows you to assess functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.
- Strong portfolios showcase a diverse range of projects. Look for adaptability and a broad skill set.
- Look for relevance to your industry. General expertise is valuable, but specific experience is better. A company in your sector will have first-hand knowledge of pitfalls and best practices.
- Examine the design quality. Is the user interface modern? Are the graphics pleasing to the eye? Does the site have any blemishes? You don’t need to be a designer to recognize quality work.
- View the mobile site. More than half of website traffic comes from mobile phones; your vetting process should include desktop and mobile evaluations.
- Pay attention to loading speeds. This is the responsibility of a web developer, but still worth mentioning. The probability of a user bouncing or leaving a website without taking an action increases 32% as page load time increases from 1 to 3 seconds. A website can look spectacular, but it will be less effective if it doesn’t load quickly.
What to Look For in a Testimonial?
We’ve all read one-sentence Amazon reviews. Having consistent five-star ratings is impressive, but we’re looking for detailed information about service quality.
Here’s how to evaluate testimonials.
- Is the testimonial detailed and specific? Authentic reviews contain stories about the quality of service, concrete examples of success, and challenges that were overcome. Happy clients sometimes leave brief reviews. However, when all reviews lack detail, that’s a red flag.
- Look for consistency across reviews. A single positive testimonial is one thing, but if different reviewers say the same thing about their experience, you’ve identified a company’s strength.
- Where is it hosted? Read reviews on third-party websites that don’t let companies curate which reviews appear.
- Ask for contactable references. Contact references by phone, if possible.. Ask questions and listen carefully..
- Consider the timeframe of testimonials. Recent reviews are more likely to reflect a company’s current capabilities and standards. Additionally, if a large batch of reviews is similarly dated, the reviews may have been solicited.
- Source credibility. Favor testimonials from reputable individuals in your industry.
Effective Communication
Communication may be the most challenging aspect of a company to vet.
Quality web design requires effective collaboration between client and designer. However, you can’t discern if a company communicates effectively by looking at a website. Testimonials might help, but it’s better to judge for yourself during interactions with them.
Here’s what to pay attention to:
- Responsiveness. How promptly do they respond to your questions, emails, or phone calls? 24-48 hours is reasonable.
- Clarity in communication. Clear and concise messages are essential for avoiding misunderstandings. Are their emails succinct and understandable? Are their proposals clear, concise, and professional?
- Active listening. During discussions, note how well the company listens to your needs and concerns. A company that listens and asks quality follow-up questions is more likely to understand your requirements and tailor services accordingly.
- Adaptability. Everyone has a preferred mode of communication. As the client, you deserve to communicate in the most effective way: by phone, email, text, or otherwise.
- Transparency. A company that communicates timelines, expectations, and potential challenges showcases its knowledge.
- Project management tools. Project complexity directly correlates to the number of people involved. Even for small projects, a design agency that leverages project management tools is more likely to streamline deliverables, updates, and collaboration than one that doesn’t.
What to Do Before Interviewing Web Designers
Now that you’re prepared to vet prospective service providers, there’s one more thing to do before you start: decide precisely what you want.
No designer will understand your industry or customer like you do. The more information you provide, the more closely a designer can execute your vision and help you accomplish your goals.
Not only that, your participation can lessen the designer’s workload, which may save you money.
What Exactly Do Web Designers Do?
Despite the title ‘designer,’ their work encompasses more than mood boards and branding palettes. A visually appealing website is important but is only one facet of effective web design.
Designers have the technical expertise to create websites that are user-friendly and mobile-responsive. Beyond aesthetics, experienced web designers optimize user experience (UX) through thoughtful navigation and element positioning. . They’ll also consider your other marketing channels to ensure seamless integration between your website and existing promotional efforts.
Web Designer Vs Web Developer
Often, these terms are used interchangeably, but that’s inappropriate. Designers dazzle with visually creative (right-brained) thinking; web developers’ realm is logically creative (left-brained) thinking.
Web designers are responsible for a website’s aesthetics, organization, and flow.
Web developers, on the other hand, are focused on technical aspects. They are familiar with coding languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. They are adept at writing custom solutions for problems outside the scope of what WordPress offers.
Conclusion
A quality website is your chance to make a good first impression. But choosing a web designer to help you put your best foot forward isn’t easy. Evaluate a company’s portfolio, testimonials, and communication ability before deciding.
When you’re ready to explore your options, our team of Charlottesville VA WordPress experts is here to help.
