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Once you decide you need a Web site, it´s time to decide who will build it. If you have the technical know-how or the money to hire a full-time Web staff, you can develop the site yourself. But if you´re like most small businesses, you´ll want to outsource the work.
Be careful who you hire, though. A poorly designed Web site can cost you money, drive away customers and hurt your reputation. Beware of people who just want to cash in on this burgeoning industry, claiming to be Web experts with only minimal HTML skills. Follow a few basic steps to increase your odds of hiring a creative, technically savvy and cost-effective design firm.
Assess your needs. If your site will serve only as an online brochure, outsource the creation and implementation, while handling future maintenance -- like fixing broken links -- in-house. Be realistic about your own goals and growth plans so you know whether to enter a long-term or a short-term web agreement.
However, note that if you choose to handle small site updates, server files that contain your site can become corrupt. Should this happen, in most cases, the entire site will have to be re-uploaded. It is Marketcom’s recommendation to let the design firm handle even small updates. The costs would be minimal and could save you a ton headaches!
Research the firm’s work. It is essential that you research the web development you will need. Outline exactly what you want the site to do and how it is to function. Once you´ve done this and found a few firms you like -- through recommendations, Web directories or competitors´ sites -- evaluate their online portfolios and rates. A site doesn´t have to be flashy to do its job, but you must appreciate the firm’s sense of design. Also, consider hiring a firm familiar with your particular industry or business type.
Evaluate their services. Decide if the firm in fact meets your needs. If you want to sell products online, look for e-commerce experience. If you´re considering a one-person firm, does the developer have the resources necessary to create and develop everything you need? On the other hand, will you get lost in the shuffle at a larger firm with lots of other clients? Determine what "extras" the firms offer, such as copywriting, marketing and other services.
Meet face-to-face. Your Web design firm, whether a one-person shop or a multinational company, is going to present your Web persona to the world. You must be able to work collaboratively. Ask yourself these questions and rely on your gut reaction:
- Do they listen to my needs?
- Do they explain issues in ways I can understand?
- Do they know my industry?
- Do they understand my vision for the site?
Check references. Browsing a company´s work is helpful, but you also want to know how they work. A Web design firm can be the most creative in the world, but if it never finishes your site, it won´t do you much good. Research these questions:
- Will they meet deadlines?
- Will the design meet with your requests?
- Will they be responsive to suggestions and questions?
- Will they fix problems promptly?
- Can they work within the original budget?
Once you´ve completed these steps, weigh the pros and cons of each contender based on its services, rates and experience. Some points may be more important than others, depending on your needs. Decide if you want a long or short term relationship and make sure your design firm choice can fulfill your objective.
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