9 Secrets About Web Designers

There are thousands of web design companies out there. We both know that, but how do you know which are the better ones?

Let’s face it you’re about to entrust your entire online presence to a company you’ve never worked with before.  It stands to reason you’ll want to know that they’re up to the job.

You know your business and you know that the Internet could rapidly increase your success but you also know you’ll need to pick the right web design company in order to make that happen.

So, how DO you pick the right company?

Over the many years in business I have worked with literally hundreds of Entrepreneurs, like you and in this article and on my Internet Growth Programme I’m going to ‘lift the lid’ on the Web Design Industry. 

Today you’ll get some tough questions to ask your prospective suppliers and some keen insights into making your website a richly rewarded success.  

You’re probably looking to do your research right now and maybe get on the phones to companies. So you can do that I wanted to give you all the information you need which is why this article is l-o-n-g! 

Please bear with me because you will need to know EVERYTHING here!

#1 – Does the Web Design Company 'Get' Your Project?

Usually no two clients of a web designer are the same and as a result it’s not unusual to find a wide range of industry sectors in their portfolio. 

Your business will probably be different to anything they’ve done before so, it’s almost impossible for them to have an in-depth knowledge of your business because it’s unique to you.

However, if your website is to be a success then a lot rides on them having a strong understanding of your company. 

The only way they can develop that strong understanding is to ask questions – and lots of them.  The more questions asked and the more interest shown, the better your relationship will be in the long-term.

If, by chance, they’ve done a project similar to yours before then take a look at their work and see if you feel they represented that company well.  However, don't make this the sole criterion by which you judge them. 

No web design company can force ideas on the client if they are not willing to accept them so it's best if you find out what they would have done differently if given a free rein.

#2 – Are They an 'Ideas' Company?

You are looking for a business which can give you the best possible help and advice to maximise the return on your investment.  So it’s a good idea to watch for signs of creativity in the conversations.  If you start to hear lots of interesting ideas and approaches then that's a good sign that not only does the web designer have a strong sense of your business but also how to represent it on your website.

#3 – How Big Are They?

Web design is a strange industry and still in its infancy.  It is not unusual to find companies of only one or two people.  Now it doesn't automatically follow that the smaller the business the less capable they are – what you want to know is whether that company meshes in with your style and demands. 

Here are a few questions to ask which will help you get a handle on their approach:

1. How long have they been working in the web design industry?
2. How quickly can they turn around updates on an existing website?
3. How much capacity (time) do they have on a weekly basis?
4. How do they prioritise their work?
5. Would you be their biggest customer?
6. What, if any, are their expansion plans?

Now find out about their skills, their technology and if you'll own your website!  All on the next page...