5 Tips on How to Pick a Web Design Agency

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Does selecting a web design partner or agency give you nausea? Is the idea of ideation funky to you? Are you ready to talk PHP, CMS, PPC, SEO, MySQL, .NET, XHTML or CSS?

Don’t worry.

The majority of corporate marketing VPs, directors and managers (and most owners of small- and medium-sized businesses) have never built a website or taken a programming course. Their jobs are to manage budgets/operations, people and marketing mix.

With the web and technologies constantly changing, a few key fundamentals can help guide you in your search and selection of an agency or partner.

1. Be diligent and work on your timeline

Rushing the process or scrambling to launch a site (we need it ASAP!) is recipe for missed opportunities and understanding. It forces you into making quick picks. The system doesn’t automatically favor the consumer. Getting excited by a flash sample is no different than getting excited by the smell of new leather seats at your local car dealer. Don’t do it.

2. Issue a framework or request for proposal (RFP)

Clearly state your business objectives (lead generation, community growth, site visits and referrals, e-commerce, etc.) and invite at least half a dozen agencies to respond under deadline.

3. Be direct in your requirements and be ready for upsell pitches

This is a given. Larger agencies will ask. Stick with your needs first (project launched on time and within budget). If an agency puts you first, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to suggest and add other features after initial launch.

4. Don’t fall into a big-bang-oh-my-god-moment approach

Websites evolve. Doing a huge effort (lots of bells and whistles) and then expecting an immediate a flood of visitors is nuts. Start with solid site function and ease of use. Keep flash to a minimum and concentrate on conversions (email opt-ins, customer requests for more information, things that generate revenue — not just entertain).

5. Get references

If an agency has done strong work for clients, they’ll share. But also check with clients who no longer use the agency (if you can) and ask why. Was it performance? Was it personalities? Was it just “time for change” according to the client? Stranger things have happened, but good people continue to do good work.

How do you evaluate web design agencies?

   

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