Finding the Right Web Designer for your Business

If you have just started a business, chances are you are thinking about all the things you need to do to get your business up and running.
 
First thing most people think about is a website. Finding the right website designer for your business can be difficult. There are a lot of designers around and not all are going to be able to offer you what you want or need.
 
My advice is to do your homework. Take a look at the web designers website, this can be a good indication of their capabilities. Find other websites that they have built for other businesses and also look on Google and other sites for online reviews.
 
They may seem like a large company, they may advertise on radio, or they’re all over Google, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right fit for your business. You can often find with some of the larger companies that you are just another number and you won’t get the personalised service you deserve. 

​Some of these companies will offer to build a website for you for a small amount of money, and then charge you additional fees to make your site responsive to various devices, or to add a clickable phone number. Neither of those features should be an add on in this day and age, they should be a given.
 
You may find that although the designer can make claims about how good they are and what they can do for you, these claims may not always be backed up with evidence.
 
If you can’t find website reviews, then ask other businesses who have had their website built by the company. Find out about what their experience was like and if they would recommend them.
 
Unfortunately I’ve found there are a number of ‘dodgy’ operators around. In recent months I have noticed website developers adding SEO features to help their own business, which is not helping the business they have built the website for. There have also been developers who have not added the SEO that they said they would, unbeknown to the business that they have done the work for. There are also operators who are building very old-fashion looking websites and constantly charging additional fees.
 
I don’t believe there is any governing body monitoring this type of behaviour within the industry, so it is a buyer beware situation.

Here's a quick checklist to help you out.
1. Do your homework, suss out the company before you sign up with them.
2. Check online reviews on the website developer.
3. Take a look at their website and websites they have built for businesses.
4. Check what the additional fees and charges they may have, read the fine print.
5. Call around and ask other businesses about their experience with the company. 

If you’re unsure and would like further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by email to [email protected] or via social media. We’re more than happy to help you through it, either in person or via Skype or FaceTime. 

Author

Nicola is the owner and director of Out of the Box Consulting and has a keen interest in helping businesses and non-for-profit organisations with their marketing and promotion. She is also the mother of two boys and loves to spend time with her family.