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A 15-Point check list for website design: How to pick the right web design company?

Date
July 5, 2022

Are you in the market for a new website design? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices out there. How do you pick the right web design company? It can be tough to tell who is reputable and who isn’t. That’s why we’ve put together this 15-point checklist to help you make the best decision possible!

Most website design companies lack a proper checklist of tasks and goals to be accomplished for their clients.

This process is important to follow to avoid any misunderstandings or unmet expectations. Having a checklist also allows the company to give the client increased rankings, convert traffic, and get more leads. As the website design industry is growing, there are more companies and freelancers to choose from.

How do you know which one is right for your project?

By following a 15-point checklist, you can be sure to find the best possible match for your needs.

How a proper 15-point checklist can help develop a plan:

  • A clear and concise checklist will help the company to understand your vision for the project. 
  • The checklist will help the company determine if they have the necessary skills and resources to complete the project.
  • The checklist can be used as a tool to measure progress and ensure that deadlines are met.
  • The checklist can help identify potential problems early on and allow for timely solutions.
  • The checklist can be used as a point of reference during project reviews.

Tips For Choosing A Web Design Company:

1. Check their Website:

Check out the website of the company before hiring them. You should see what kind of design and functionality they provide. If they provide professional web design services and keep their websites updated regularly, then you can assume that they will also update your site regularly. Review the kind of work they have put into building their own site, hopefully, it’s not just a plug-and-play template that has been used. If they provide additional services like content creation, review the quality and tone of content that they have used. Is it generic or is it something that stands out?

2. Customer Reviews:

Social media provides an excellent platform to check the reputation of a company. Reviews left by customers provide valuable information about the product or service provided by the company. These reviews can also help you understand the customer experience and the quality of services offered by the company. However, it should be noted that these reviews might not always be accurate because the negative review is often written by a person who had a bad experience due to many factors. Also, sometimes the marketing team of the company might manipulate the reviews. So, you need to read multiple review sites before arriving at any conclusions. The best way to understand the expertise and the customer support a company provides is by checking references. Most companies are happy to share 3 to 5 past references that you can reach out to and know their respective experiences.

3. Take a look at their work portfolio:

A portfolio is a collection of work samples that shows a designer’s ability and design process to create websites. By looking at portfolios, you can see if the designer is capable of creating websites that fit your needs. If the portfolio contains examples of websites that match your tastes, then you can be confident that the designer will deliver high-quality work. On the other hand, if the portfolio contains websites that differ from your expectations, then you should consider finding another design company.

A great website will not just look good, it will also be easy to navigate and understand. A well-designed website should be intuitive and simple to use. As a business owner, you must make sure that there should be no unnecessary clutter, and every page should be clear and concise. A great website will always be updated regularly and will be responsive to all devices.

 4. Look at the clients served by the company

The best way to evaluate a web design company is to ask around or even reach out to their clients. If they have had previous experiences working with the company, then you will get a better sense of the quality of service they provide. You should also check out the company’s website and see what kind of projects they have completed in the past. 

If you don’t know anyone who has worked with the company, then asking for referrals is one of the best ways to find a reputable web design company. The people referred will give you unbiased feedback on the company’s performance. They will also share their experiences with you so that you can decide whether or not you want to hire the company.

5. They Have An Experienced Marketing Team

Marketing is the most important aspect of running a successful online business. Without a strong marketing strategy, you won’t be able to attract new customers and retain existing ones. The marketing team of a web design company plays a major role in determining how effective your website will be, remember that your website is probably the most important factor for any successful marketing campaign.

This means that the company should have someone who specializes in digital marketing. It doesn’t matter if this person works full-time or part-time; as long as he or she has enough experience handling different types of websites and is going to be part of the workshops that are conducted as part of the website design process.

 6. Web design solutions offered

Web designers today offer a wide range of website services. These days, web design and development have become less complex due to the introduction of design and developer platforms. There are many CMS platforms available like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc. which reduce the complexity of creating large websites from scratch. Ecommerce websites are also becoming more advanced with the help of platforms like Magento (Adobe experience cloud) and Shopify.

If you’re looking for a web design solution, then you should consider working with companies that offer both web design and development services. These companies often provide web design and development services across multiple platforms. You may need to choose a platform depending on what type of site you’re developing. For example, if you’re creating an eCommerce site, you’ll probably want to go with a platform like shopify.com, magento.com (Adobe experience cloud) or woocommerce.com. If you’re creating a blog, you might want to go with WordPress and if you’re creating a static site, you might want to use something like jekyllrb or gohugo.

7. Pricing of the web design service

If you’re looking for a cheap web design company, you might get disappointed because the prices vary depending on the quality of service you need. If you’re serious about your business and want to invest in your online presence, then you should not hesitate to partner with premium web designers. You will get the best results when you hire web designers who understand your business goals and objectives.

A web design company without a clear pricing structure is likely to overcharge you. So before hiring any web design company, make sure that they clearly explain their pricing structure. Make sure that you ask them how much it costs per hour, per project, and month. Also, ask them how much they charge for each additional feature like SEO, social media integration, 3rd party integrations, etc.

 8. They’ve Worked at Both the Local and International Levels

Whether you are a large company or a small business, you need a website that can help you get noticed. A great website doesn’t just tell people about what you offer, it helps them understand why they should care. Your site needs to be easy to navigate, and it needs to provide information that is relevant to your audience. Whether you are selling products or services, you need a web designer who understands both.

When a company has worked with clients at the local and international levels, their exposure and experiences should talk for themselves. A key thing to note is that most people don’t ask the companies the list of services they provided a particular client, the objectives, how was it addressed, and what were the immediate and long-term results.

9. Does the website design follow basic SEO guidelines?

SEO is an important aspect of any website. It helps businesses reach out to potential clients through online channels and gain organic traffic. Search engine optimization involves optimizing websites for various search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. SEO also includes other aspects like social media optimization, link building, pay-per-click advertising, etc.

When you hire a web design company, make sure they know how to optimize their sites for SEO. This means they should take build the site based on a proper topic cluster model and incorporate it throughout the content of the website. The layout of the website should also be optimized so that it’s easily readable.

10. They Keep Up with Modern Design Trends

A web designer needs to keep current with the latest technologies and design trends. Modern design is about keeping up with the times. Customers are much more willing to trust a business if its website looks modern. Designers need to understand the latest trends in UI/UX design. They also need to stay up to date with the latest coding techniques and tools. If a web designer isn’t using the latest technology, they’re falling behind. This could be a big negative point while picking the right web design company.

11. Their Designers Know Conversion

A website should not just look pretty. It should also be easy to navigate, provide useful information, and encourage users to interact with you. Basically, a virtual story is told to your visitors and converts visitors into customers. Designers need to understand conversion psychology and user experience best practices. They must be aware of how different types of content affect each other, and how to create an effective call to action. They must use data to determine whether certain elements will increase conversions or decrease bounce rates.

12. They Have Experience in More Than One Industry

It may seem like a good idea to only work with one type of client. But what happens when you need to change something about your website later? If you only work with one industry, you’ll have to go back through every single page and change it. That’s time-consuming and expensive. You could hire someone else to do it, but there’s no guarantee they’ll get it done correctly. A web design company with a broad range of clients gives you access to a wider pool of talent. So you can pick the best designer for your project. And because they’ve worked with many different industries before, they’re more likely to get it the right first time.

13. Quality

You should always choose a website design company that has an excellent reputation and experience. You may also need to check if they offer free consultations before hiring them. Quality matters and you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best.

If you want to find a great web design company, don’t hesitate to ask for free consultations. Most designers won’t charge you until after they’ve signed off on the entire proposal. During these initial meetings, they’ll give you feedback on your site and should help you decide if they’re the right fit.

14. Maintenance and Support

There are many different types of websites, each requiring its unique approach to maintain optimal performance. A website requires constant upkeep to keep it running smoothly. Support systems exist to offer services around the clock in case something goes wrong. A reputable web design company offers maintenance packages, which include regular updates and fixes. These companies also offer round-the-clock support.

When you hire a web design firm, you want someone who cares about your business. You don’t want to deal with a company that treats you as a number. Instead, you want a friendly customer service representative who listens to your concerns and provides the best solution as soon as possible.

15. Additional Services offered by them

You will need some additional services if you plan to launch a website. These services include graphic design, content creation,  search engine optimization, etc. You should also consider hiring a professional team to handle all the technical aspects of running a successful website.

The best web design company is the one that understands your needs and wants to help you achieve success. They can identify your target audience and develop a strategy that will attract their attention. They know how to convert visitors into customers. They know how to make sure your brand stands out from the rest. They know how to build trust and credibility among your potential customers.

Now that you have the most important tips to pick the right web design company, you can follow the checklist below to ensure that the company you select will deliver exactly what you expect.

15-point checklist – What should be included in it?

How to pick the right web design company?

The following is a 15-point checklist of items that should be included in the process of choosing a web design company:

1. Defined scope of the project:

The defined scope of the project is important when hiring a web design company. You need to be clear about your objectives and what you want to achieve with your website. Otherwise, you may end up with a website that doesn’t meet your needs or expectations. The web design company should be able to provide you with a detailed proposal that outlines the scope of work and what they will deliver. Be sure to review the proposal carefully and make sure you understand what is included before making a decision. With a clearly defined scope of work, you can be confident that you will receive the website you need.

2. A set budget for the project:

When you embark on a new web design project, one of the most important things to do is set a budget. This will ensure that you stay within your means and don’t overspend on unnecessary features. It can be tempting to want to splurge on the latest and greatest technologies, but resist the urge! Stick to your budget and only get what you need. A good web design company will be able to work within your budget to create a website that meets your needs. They will also be able to offer suggestions on ways to save money without sacrificing quality. So don’t be afraid to set a budget for your web design project–it’s an essential part of ensuring a successful outcome.

3. A determined timeline for the project:

When hiring a web design company, it’s important to set a determined timeline for the project. This timeline should be based on your specific needs and goals. For example, if you’re looking to launch a new website in two months, you’ll need to communicate this timeline to the web design company. The company will then be able to provide you with a detailed plan of action and timeline for the project. This way, there are no surprises and you can be confident that the project will be completed on time and within budget.

Keep in mind that you play an important role throughout the design and development process. There should be multiple reviews and signoffs and going back on any of the agreed terms could lead to additional work and in turn to a delay in the project timelines.

4. Identified primary goals of the project:

When hiring a web design company, it is important to identify the primary goals of the project. This will help to ensure that the company you choose is best suited to meet your needs. For example, if your goal is to create a website that is highly interactive and engaging, you will want to choose a company that specializes in user experience design. Alternatively, if you are looking for a straightforward website, you may want to consider a company that offers template-based designs (definitely not recommended!). By taking the time to identify your goals upfront, you can be sure to choose a web design company that will help you achieve your desired results.

5. The target audience for the project:

When you are hiring a web design company, it is important to consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your website? What kind of people do you want to attract? What are their needs and interests? Answering these questions will help you choose a web design company that can create a website that appeals to your target audience. For example, if you are targeting young adults, you will want a website that is modern and stylish. If you are targeting senior citizens, you will want a site that is easy to navigate and clear. By considering your target audience, you can ensure that your website is designed to meet their needs and interests.

6. Research potential companies:

There are many factors to consider when hiring a web design company. First, you need to carefully research potential companies or freelancers to find one that is a good fit for your needs. This means looking at their portfolio of past work, reading client testimonials, and getting a sense of their overall style and approach. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to communicate your vision for the project. The more specific you can be, the better. Be sure to also discuss your budget and timeline upfront, so there are no surprises later on. With a little careful planning, you can be sure to find a web design company that will help you create a stunning website that truly reflects your brand.

7. Proposals from potential companies:

When hiring a web design company, it is important to consider proposals from a variety of companies. While cost is certainly a factor, it should not be the only thing you consider. Instead, take the time to review each proposal in detail and look for companies that offer a good mix of value and experience. In addition, be sure to ask for references and check out the websites that each company has designed in the past. By taking the time to evaluate all of your options, you can be sure to find the web design company that is right for you.

8. Compare proposals to choose the best option:

When it comes to choosing a web design company, it’s important to compare proposals to find the best option. There are a few key factors to consider when reviewing proposals. First, look at the overall cost of the project. Make sure to get an estimate of all fees, including the cost of revisions and changes. Next, review the company’s portfolio to get an idea of its past work. Then, schedule a consultation to meet with the team and get a feel for their professional demeanor and communication style. Finally, read through the proposal carefully to make sure that all your needs and requirements are included. By taking the time to compare proposals, you can be sure to choose the best option for your web design project.

9. Discuss the project in detail with the chosen company:

Any business owner looking to hire a web design company should make sure to discuss the project in detail with their chosen company. This includes going over the company’s goals and objectives for the website, as well as the target audience. It is also important to discuss any elements that need to be included on the site, such as an online store or blog. Once all of this has been ironed out, the web design company will be able to provide a more accurate timeline for the project delivery. Furthermore, taking the time to discuss the project in detail will help ensure that both parties are on the same page and that the final product meets all of the client’s expectations.

10. Sign a contract with the chosen company:

Before you choose a web design company, it’s important to understand the different ways that companies operate. One of the key differences is that most companies typically work on a contractual basis, while others do not. This means that when you hire an company, you will sign a contract that outlines the scope of work and the terms of your agreement. Non-contractual basis can be beneficial if you only need a small amount of work done, as it allows for more flexibility. However, it also comes with some risks, as there is no guarantee that the company will deliver as expected. For this reason, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. While there is no right or wrong answer, understanding the difference between these two types of providers will help you make the best choice for your needs.

11. Set up project milestones and tools used to track:

When you’re hiring a web design company, it’s important to set up project milestones and deadlines. This will help ensure that the project stays on track and that you’re getting the results you want. By setting up milestones, you can track the progress of the project and make sure that the company is meeting its commitment to you. Setting deadlines also helps to keep the project on schedule and ensures that you’re getting the website you want promptly. One of the most common tools for project tracking is Jira or Trello which should be sufficient to track the whole scope in most cases.

12. Provide feedback and collaborate with the company:

When hiring a web design company, it is important to provide feedback and collaborate with them throughout the project. This will help ensure that the final product meets your needs and expectations. The web design company will appreciate your input and will be more likely to produce a website that you are happy with. Furthermore, by collaborating with the web design company, you will be able to stay up-to-date on the project’s progress and make any necessary changes along the way. Therefore, if you want to hire a web design company that can create a website that you’re satisfied with, be sure to provide feedback and collaborate with them throughout the process.

13. Review the completed project and provide feedback:

After you’ve completed the project and taken a step back, it’s time for a review. This is when you provide feedback about what you liked and didn’t like about the work. Be honest, but also keep in mind that this is just your opinion. If there are specific things you want to be changed, be clear about what those are. The goal is to help the web design company understand your perspective so they can make any necessary changes. If you’re happy with the overall result, then let them know that too. Ultimately, the goal is to have a website that you’re proud of and that accurately reflects your brand.

14. Request revisions, if necessary:

Once you’ve found a web design company that you think will be a good fit for your business, it’s important to take the time to review their work carefully. Make sure that the designs they create are in line with your company’s branding and that they understand your business goals. If there are any elements that you’re not happy with, be sure to request revisions. A good web design company will be happy to make changes to their work to create a final product that you’re completely satisfied with. Keep in mind that your website is one of the first impressions potential customers will have of your business, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

15. Approve the final output and launch:

By following this 15-point checklist, you can be sure to find the best possible web design company for your project. By defining the scope of the project, setting a budget, and understanding the goals, you can narrow down your options and choose the best company for the job. With clear communication and collaboration throughout the project, you can be sure that your final product will be exactly what you envisioned.

How to make sure that the checklist is completed?

Make sure to go over the checklist with the company before signing any contract. This will ensure that both parties are on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of what is expected. 

How to make sure that the checklist is utilized properly?

  • Make sure that you have a clear understanding of the process followed by the development company.
  • Communicate your expectations to the company at the beginning of the project.
  • Request regular updates and check in on the progress of the project.
  • Confirm that all items on the checklist are completed before final signing off.

Use a non-traditional design company that can help you develop and strategize your website design and development plan, pre, and post-launch. The best way to do this is by utilizing a 15-point checklist to make sure they understand your vision, have the proper skills and resources and can complete the project within the agreed-upon timeframe. By following the above tips and checklist, you can be sure to find the right company for your needs and avoid any potential problems down the road.