04 Jun Choosing The Right Website Design Agency
So your shopping around to buy a pair of jeans, you know the type of fit that suits your body just right, the type of length, the quality, right down to the specific shade of blue AND what it costs.
In fact, you probably stick to the same brand because you know that it caters for all your needs and a little more.
Then why not choose your Website Design Agency the same way!
Different design agencies follow different processes and cater for different audiences; you should always consider what your vision is and if the agency you have in mind will compliment it, be it budget, style or objectives.
Here is a simple step guide on what to consider when choosing a website design agency.
Step 1 – Know your bottom line
Work out is what you want your website and Internet marketing to achieve, carefully consider your aim, goals and how you are going to measure success.
How do you do this?
Ask the agency you’re interested in to provide solid proof of their capabilities, showing you case studies or examples of how they have approached the problem and how they have provided a solution.
Step 2 – Know your cost vs. value
As with everything else you purchase, the phrase “you get what you pay for” rings true in the world of web design and development. If you begin to cut costs solely for saving a Rand now, you may not reap as much value in the long-term.
Ask your agency if they can provide clear evidence of the value delivered through tangible results. Remember it’s about Value, not Cost. If the agency can provide a website or service that brings ROI, then cost isn’t a deal breaker.
Step 3 – Identify a solid track record
This is not necessarily how long an agency has been in business, a lot of new agencies have some stellar ideas and new methodologies.
Identify an agency that understands your industry and has effectively delivered a similar solution to other clients.
Step 4 – Communicate and learn
The ever-changing web makes it a highly complex and technically so it is highly important that you understand what your web agency is talking about and doing.
What to do?
Ask the agency questions about their process, their methodologies and why they are making certain recommendations or decisions. If you don’t understand a component of the web project, ask you should never feel like you’re in the dark about your investment.
Step 5 – Recognize content is your problem
Your agency needs to dig deep, they need to be asking the right questions about your customers, your business and your industry.
The agency needs to know the importance of content whether they create the content or receive from a copywriter.
They are building the framework that is housing your content and you as the client need to recognize that your website is really about the information it holds, therefore paying for a good copywriter is key to a successful website.
Content is everything from your written copy to your images and videos.
Step 6 – Know what you want to achieve, be realistic
What are some goals you can reach?
• Generate more leads
• Increase online sales
• Improve product or brand awareness
• Be “in touch” with your customer base
Ask your web agency what tools and services they provide to drive measurable traffic to your site the agency should understand your sales process so that they can provide a solution to making your process more efficient and provide real value through the new website.
Step 7 – Know your strategy
A good web agency should be offering you a clear, concise web strategy. It goes beyond your website. A good strategy will give your business a strong sense of authority, direction, relevance and trust in the marketplace.
Step 8 – Maintain the quality of your investment
After launch of your new site, a good agency will maintain a healthy relationship with you, publishing new content, assist you in your analytic reporting and ensure that your website is helping you reach your goals.