Your business is going, but business could be better and you figure a website can help bring exposure to your business or products. So where to from here?
"I've got a limited budget, I know I need a website, let me get some quotes and see who's the cheapest". Are you asking the right question? Although cheap is not always bad, unfortunately you tend to get what you pay for. And when it comes to web design that is more often the case than not. Choosing the right web designer should never be about who is cheapest!
First determine what you want to achieve: Do this by asking some questions to clarify your particular goals you want to reach. Think about your unique situation - after all no one knows your situation better than you - and how you will reach those goals. How will a website assist in doing that? Be very clear on what you want from your website.
Once you have a good idea of what you want it's time to start looking around for a web designer.
As a web designer nothing makes my life easier than a client who knows exactly what they want from their website. This goes hand in hand with a point made earlier, carefully consider what you want to achieve with your website. AND can clearly convey what they want to me, enabling me to give them what they want. Write out your ideas, actually typing them out or even writing them down helps solidify your ideas and clarify your thinking. An actual brief to give to a web designer is always a good but not critical. Even a rough outline or a few clear notes with objectives clearly listed is a good starting point. Be sure to include the links to websites you like and even any you don't like making a note of what you do and don't like.
If you want to shopping cart to sell online be sure to indicate that you want an eCommerce solution included with your website. Also include any special functions or needs.
Some web designers may offer a form or some sort of questionnaire to help you. We have a good online web design questionnaire that you can view to give you some ideas.
Approach the web designers you like with your brief and request a quote. Carefully evaluate their responses, a good web designer will anticipate your needs and ask the right questions. And their quote will include solutions those needs. A good web designer will also sometimes reign you in when needed. It can be that your vision eclipses your budget. Be prepared to compromise but make the right compromises. There is always a middle ground that you can be happy with, keeping in mind that your website and by extension your business is what it's all about.
Our web design packages cover most needs and for some bigger projects or unique projects we are happy to quote.
A good web designer will always guide and steer you in the right direction. Sometimes you may choose a web designer because they feel like they are the right fit, sometimes because their work portfolio is so good it's the tipping point. Whatever your criteria, never choose a web designer based on the cheapest price. your website is a part of your business, a part of your livelihood. As such your website should be seen as an investment in your business.
Choosing the right web designer should be about who can get the right job done the way you want it done and within your budget.
If you are looking for a web designer take a look at our web design packages:
