Five Steps for Choosing a Web Design Firm

March 2003

Choosing a Web design firm may be the most important process in creating your new website. Get it right and you'll establish a cost-effective, long-term relationship with the creators of your company's online reputation. Get it wrong and it could cost you money or worse? it could cost you customers.

"Looking at your website should be like looking in a mirror," says Craig Thomas, co-owner of WebHand Central. "Its design ought to be a reflection of both your personal style and the success of your business. If you don't like that image, you haven't selected the right designer."

How can you choose a competent Web design firm? Follow these five simple steps:

1. Take a long hard look at potential designers' websites and portfolios.
   Do your research before you hire. Visit designers' own websites, along with sites they've created for others. Make sure these sites feature clean, crisp, professional designs that are not overly graphic and don't overload the reader with text. Ensure there's not too much similarity between sites they've created for others. Look for good-quality graphics, and proper grammar and spelling. And check their load times ? the faster the better.

2. Make a comfortable selection.
   Find out if you're comfortable communicating with your candidates. Are they open-minded and willing to listen? A good Web designer is interested in your ideas, but isn't afraid to make suitable suggestions. Also consider their location. Long-distance relationships with Web designers work for clients comfortable with email or telephone consultations. Those who prefer face-to-face interaction should go with a local designer.

3. Ask about services.
   Your Web designer should offer expertise in a range of services. Ask if their services include hosting, name registration, and e-commerce capabilities, if necessary. And find out how they intend to market your site. They should be thinking strategically about listing your site with appropriate search engines to drive traffic to your online business.

4. Request quotes and timelines.
   Keep a budget in mind and ask for detailed quotes from more than one designer. Also establish a deadline and request timelines ? inexperienced designers may take more time to create your site and charge you for their learning. Finally, consider designers' payment terms. Never agree to pay in full until you're satisfied with your website's quality and functionality.

5. Consider the price tag.
   Cheaper isn't always better. Designers willing to take shortcuts to save you money may cost you money in the long run. For example, low bidders may be cutting corners by designing sites that only look good on one Web browser ? Explorer or Netscape ? instead of creating a design that works on most browsers. Higher bidders may be building in functionality from the start ? including the ability to make your own changes to the site in the future.

To build a functional website, ensure all of your online needs will be met by your designer of choice. Compare potential candidates' designs and communication methods, and consider their expertise in delivering your service requirements. Ensure those requirements are built into timelines and the price tag. Remember: before you hire, do some groundwork.

Related links
Strategis: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/

Our expert
Craig Thomas is co-owner of WebHand Central. This Canadian firm specializes in website consultation, with expertise in locating designers to suit special project needs.