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.If you're looking to establish an online presence-or upgrade an existing website-you will need professional help. A web design firm can make the difference between a mediocre website and a stellar one-but all design firms aren't equal, and even a good one might not be right for your particular project. Here are a few tips for choosing the right design firm for your business. First, know thyself. Before looking for a partner in designing your business website, you'll need to know some critical information. Have a solid number or range in mind for your budget. Know what you need your website to do-whether that's sell your product, promote your business, educate customers, or a combination of things. Know your audience, how your website project fits into your larger marketing scheme, and who in your company will be the point person for the project. Most web design companies can help you figure out the best layout and arrangement of pages for your site, but you're the one who will need to know what you want the website to do, its purpose, its audience, and other marketing details. Ask for referrals. Once you know what you want in your website, ask around for referrals. Colleagues, business clients and partners, even competitors-if you're on friendly terms with them-can give you recommendations. Check out their website. Once you have a solid list of recommended companies, check out their websites. Are their sites well-organized, with appealing graphics? Is it easy for you to find information on their sites? A solid web design company knows that its own website is its most powerful marketing tool-and will put a lot of effort into perfecting it. If the company's website has any obvious flaws, look elsewhere. Ask to see samples. Contact companies you're interested in, and ask for links to sample pages. If possible, ask for links to websites in your industry or a similar industry. Look at these sites with an eye for the general effectiveness of the site. In addition, when judging graphic designers, look for a variety of styles and an understanding of the target market's preferences. If a graphic design firm only has one distinct style, chances are they won't be flexible in pinpointing the unique stylistic needs you might have. Know their process. Look for a clear, thorough process. The firm should spend plenty of time learning about your website's needs and goals-the better ones should perform a needs analysis and understand the principles of information architecture. In addition, factor in other services the firm offers, such as Internet marketing services, SEO, pay-per-click management, link exchange campaigns, e-newsletter campaigns, copywriting services, hosting, and more. Consider experience. Look for a solid company that has been in business for longer than two years. An experienced company should have a few references for you to check, or a list of testimonials to build credibility. Ask about pricing. Some companies charge on a per-project basis, and some on a by-hour basis. If a company charges by the hour, there should be a price ceiling defined in their contract to prevent the cost getting out of hand. Get proposals. Once you've narrowed your list down to your top three or four contenders, ask for a detailed proposal. The proposal should outline all the services offered, define a process, give you a solid price, and outline a projected timetable. Once you've done this, you should have all the information you need to choose the right web design firm for your company. Your website is a critical part of your business-and shouldn't
be left in the wrong hands. Use these tips to choose a web design
firm, and take your time in making sure the fit is right. If you
do, you're much more likely to get a website you're satisfied with.
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