Tip 1: Check the company’s Google ratings & reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to two or three companies, check their ratings and reviews on sites like
Google
Check out our Google Reviews
,
Clutch
Check out our Clutch Reviews
,
UpCity
Check out our UpCity Reviews
, and
Check out our 3 Best Rated Reviews
3 Best Rated
. Clutch, UpCity, and 3 Best Rated specialize in getting high-quality reviews from real human users, and that’s their sole aim. This will give you a better idea of what to expect from them and see real experiences from actual customers.
Tip 2: Interview Potential Companies
After you’ve checked reviews, it’s time to start interviewing potential website design companies. I recommend interviewing two to three potential companies to ensure you get a good sample to pick from.
Here are some questions you should ask in your interviews
- How long have you been in business?
- How many employees do you have?
- Do you have a process for designing websites?
- Can you share some examples of your work?
- What kind of design styles do you specialize in?
- How much input will I have in the
design process
Check out our process for new clients
?
- Will you help with SEO and marketing?
- How much do you charge for your services?
Tip 3: Ask for References
When you’re meeting with a potential website design company, ask for references from their past clients. If they’re reluctant to provide them, that’s definitely a red flag. Once you have some references, follow up with those clients and ask about their experiences working with the company.
Tip 4: Look at Previous Work
When you’re meeting with potential website design companies, ask to see examples of their previous work. This will give you a better idea of their design style and whether or not they’re a good fit for your project. When reviewing a designer’s portfolio, look for websites similar in style to what you envision for your site. This will give you an idea of the designer’s capabilities and how well they can capture your vision.
Tip 5: Have a Scoping call before you get a Quote
After you’ve interviewed some companies, it’s time to have a scoping call with your top pick. This is where you’ll discuss your project in more detail and better understand what they can do for you. It’s also an opportunity for them to understand your needs and give you a realistic quote for the project. Be sure to ask about any additional costs that might come up during the project, so there are no surprises down the road. Once they give you a quote, don’t be afraid to ask more questions at this stage, and be sure they go through the quote with you to explain how they got their numbers.
Tip 6: Trust Your Gut Feeling
Ultimately, you’ll need to trust your gut feeling when choosing a website design company. If something feels off or if you don’t feel confident in their abilities, it’s probably best to go with another company.
Avoid the Following Traps When Picking The Best Website Design Company
Trap 1: The Company that Offers the Cheapest Service
Don’t be tempted by the company that offers the cheapest service. While getting a good deal is important, you don’t want to sacrifice quality for the price. If a company’s rates are significantly lower than others, it may be cutting corners somewhere. It’s better to pay a little more and get a high-quality product that you can trust.
Trap 2: The Company that Only Offers One Solution
Be wary of companies that only offer one solution. A good website design company should be able to offer a range of services, including responsive design, AODA (or ADA) compliance, and a content management system. If a company only offers one solution, it may not be able to meet your needs.
Trap 3: The Company that Promises Quick Results
Be cautious of companies that promise quick results. Designing and developing a website takes time and rushing the process can lead to a subpar product. A good company will take the time to understand your vision and create a website that meets your needs. They will be able to effectively communicate timelines and expectations.
Trap 4: The Company that Uses Stock Photos
Beware of companies that use stock photos. While there’s nothing wrong with using stock photos occasionally, you want your website to be unique. If a company relies too heavily on stock photos, likely, they’re not putting in the effort to customize it enough. Especially those super-stocky pictures.
Trap 5: The Company that Doesn’t Have a Portfolio
Avoid companies that don’t have a portfolio. The best website design companies have a portfolio and can easily show you a portfolio of previous work. This will give you an idea of their style and capabilities. If a company doesn’t have a portfolio, likely, they’re not very experienced and probably not a good fit for you.
Trap 6: The Company that Doesn’t Offer Support
Beware of companies that don’t offer support. Web design companies should be available to answer your questions and help you with any problems you have. If a company isn’t willing to help you after they’ve designed your website, that usually means they’re not invested in your success and are here just for the money.