7 Tips For Picking Your Web Design Agency

A website is vital for any business to showcase products and services. Your website is the virtual business card that helps you stand out from the crowd. It is important that the design is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

While it may be tempting to choose a DIY website, one designed and created by experienced professionals is usually recommended. This is because you can have more options, better security, and comprehensive digital marketing. Here are seven tips that can help you choose the right agency for your needs.

1. Know who you will be working with

The agency you choose should have a team of professionals dedicated to different elements of digital marketing. This will allow you to get the best (and most) services possible. Not all agencies will have one employee for one job, especially since many overlap. For example, one person may handle website design, social media graphics, and print design. No matter the size of the agency, make sure that their team handles all of the following.

• Web design: The person who does web design will follow all of your requests, as well as use their skills to design a website for you. These professionals understand branding, design recommendations, and customer service.
• Project management: A project manager will meet with you before your website is designed, sometimes more than once. They will be in charge of organizing the project with their team and keeping things on track.
• Graphic design: The person who designs your website may also be in charge of graphics for marketing. This can include social media, advertisements, and even print work.
• Copywriting: These professionals will plan and write website content for you. They may also be responsible for researching and managing content plans, keeping up with your search engine optimization, and writing for your social media channels.
• Billing: You may not consider the billing professional you will be working with, but their role in a web design agency is important. They will make sure that you are getting everything you are supposed to based on your contract. The billing person will also make sure you get a record of what the agency is doing for you.

2. Ask about their experience

This should be one of the first things you bring up. You want to make sure that the agency you choose can handle your project. Some websites require more technical skills than others, so be sure you know your needs before you begin searching. See if the agency has any awards, reviews, or certifications too.

3. Take a look at their portfolio

If an agency says they are skilled and can work on your project, but they don’t provide examples, consider a different one. A good website design and marketing company will provide a portfolio, or at the very least links, of their past work. You can use this to evaluate their style and skill level. Case studies are the best way to see if the agency will be a good match for your business.

4. Look into their references

Ask for a list of references in addition to a portfolio. If they feel comfortable providing their clients’ information, give them a call or send them an email. Keep in mind that some agencies will not provide this information for security purposes. But, you can always contact the businesses in their portfolio on your own.

5. Research agencies that do marketing too

Full-tilt agencies offer a variety of services, not just web design and development. This will be important later on, not necessarily in the design phase. But, by working with an agency that does digital marketing and website design, you can be sure that your branding will be consistent.

6. Know what you want out of your website

Before you meet with any web design agency, be sure you understand what you want. This will help you know which questions to ask them and how to answer their questions. Overall, this will help you and the agency to have a more efficient project. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

1. Be specific. The more you know about your needs, the better.
2. Communicate with the agency. They will want to know your exact needs, even if that takes multiple phone calls, emails, or meetings.
3. Don’t change too many things too often. Agencies have their own methods and steps. They work more efficiently by being able to follow those steps. If you make too many changes too fast, it will potentially cause things to become jumbled.
4. Be upfront about deadlines. If you need something done quickly, telling the project manager and designer will help them to create a schedule.
5. Plan for the future. If you think you will need to have more or fewer features in the future, let the agency know. They will understand the need for scalability.

7. Make sure the web design company is customer-focused

National web design agencies have skills, but they often outsource everything. If you choose a local company, you will have a team of people more likely to be focused on you. You will see good customer service in how they communicate with you and their other clients, their reviews, and on their social media.

Looking for web design in Amarillo, Texas?

If you would like to speak with a team of experts that are focused on the success of your online presence, contact UCI Digital today. Our Team understands how important a great website (and marketing) can be for businesses large and small. You can reach us at (806) 553-5332 to learn more about our Services.