Wednesday, January 26, 2011

How to Select a Web Design Company

Today's businesses have come a long way form the mom and pop stores of a few decades ago. In fact, in today's society, many of the stores that were once able to only reach the people who lived within a reasonable driving distance are now selling their products to consumers world-wide and don't even have a physical store set up in the local business district.

Of course, most savvy business owners know this is possible, thanks to the beauty of the Web. However, while there are many successful web businesses out there, it is not a skill that one just picks up and implements into their New Jersey business plan without a bit of work. Fortunately, there are an abundance of companies in Boston, New York City and all across America who excel at designing web pages and have teams of people who work with the business owner's website to see the site gets plenty of guests-- often far beyond the clients expectations! So if you are considering having a web page built to promote your business, then you will want to choose a web design company that you can count on. In fact, you want them to build a site for you that will keep your site guest's attention. This is because studies show that when it comes to retaining a potential customer's attention and interest in your website, you only have 8 to 10 seconds to make your web pitch.

As you begin looking for a company, keep these factors in mind:
  • In talking to a web design company, be sure you ask to see their portfolio. Not only will this let you know more about their work, but you want to use a company that has plenty of experience.
  • As you look through their portfolio, note what types of businesses they have created websites for. Also do all the sites look the same? Remember, you are paying them to design a custom page, not just a cookie cutter template.
  • When you contact the company, pay attention to how long it takes them to respond and by what method-phone, e-mail, fax, chat, etc. If you prefer to do business in person and the design company does not, you would probably do best to find another provider.
  • Be sure to ask about the prices-even if the first interview is free- and to understand what the cost includes. Also, if you can't afford everything you want your website to include at the beginning, consider having the site built in stages so it can be updated over time. Do not, opt for a cheaper designer, like anything else, you get what you pay for.
  • When talking to a website development company, be sure to find out if they will help you market your company. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the two most important is the use of Search Engine Optimization and Search Engine Marketing.
To learn more about web design, seo and sem, visit 21 Thirteen Design.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of 21 Thirteen Design. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.