When it’s time to make the change and redesign your website, what do you REALLY need to do to get everything in working order? Do you have a web designer, a web developer and a copywriter to design a website that is truly deserving of what you need? Probably not. In that case, it’s a very good idea to choose a web design firm to build the website for you.

Hiring the right design firm and getting your website built can seem like a intimidating task. Relax. It does take some effort and focus but it is not as gargantuan as you may think. To help you clarify your needs and find the right design firm, we’ve outlined some points to keep in mind:

 Have All Your Expectations Lined Out

Your very first priority is to decide exactly what you’re having done with your website and what you want to achieve. Are you looking for lead generation or are you trying to increase sales? Do you need resources or links? Are you trying to find a larger customer base? These are questions to ask yourself when you’re looking for a website agency.

What’s Your Price Range/ Budget?

You have to have a budget you’re going to spend in mind, and you have to remember that you’re going to get what you paid for. So define your budget first, work with a minimalist plan, and find the best way possible to speed up your website and add customization without racking up the fees. Find a web design firm that includes the prices and is up front with you. Make sure that they include things like proofing, editing and re-writing for SEO optimization in their list of services, and if they add on for these factors, they’re probably not reputable.

Completion Dates are Key

One of the most important things to consider is simply when your deadlines are and that it’s reasonable and attainable. Give your people time to work; 12 to 16 weeks is a great deadline to aim for. You have to include research, copywriting, revisions, future design implementation and realistic development. If you need high-end services, include this in your completion time as well- especially if you want to have the best results. Make sure that your product is completely optimized to work on mobile and tablet devices too- reaching as much of the audience as you can.

Is the Design SEO Optimized?

The only reason to have a website is to gather hits from an audience that you wouldn’t normally reach. If it doesn’t have keyword generation to bring it to the top, then you’re missing the point. The entire process should have search engine optimization (SEO) implemented in the design, and if your designer doesn’t specifically mention it, they aren’t doing their job. You have to have well- written copies and built-in SEO to power your result to the top of Google algorithms. It’s easier and more advantageous to build your SEO in as you go, rather than add it later.

Maintenance after Launch?

The agency that you ultimately choose should have maintenance options, and if they don’t, it doesn’t really benefit you in the long run. Good services include redirects, monitoring, and correction of 404 errors so you don’t lose valuable up-time.

All of these factors should play in to your decision making, and if done properly, it should be an enjoyable process watching your website grow from the initial stages into planning, design and eventually complete production. If you have more questions, check out my FAQ!  and contact me today to get started!!