Choosing a web design agency is one of the most important decisions that a business can make. Businesses that understand the importance of having a well designed and developed website are investing in the long-term success of the company.
Tip #1
Look for a web design agency that avoids overly trendy designs
There’s a significant difference between modern web design that could never be mistaken for something that appeared on a GeoCities page in the 1990s, and trendy design that will look outdated in a year or two. Effective, modern web design is always centered around intuitiveness, user-friendliness, and timeless aesthetics; as opposed to trendy design, which is rooted in gimmicks and a desire to draw attention to itself.
Tip #2
The best web designers understand how design and copy work together
A talented web designer will focus on the overarching user experience and messaging being conveyed in the content — and use their best practices to develop a website that helps visitors of all types find the information they came for quickly and efficiently. After all, you can have the best designed website in the world, but if a prospect or a customer can’t easily find what they’re looking for on the site, it will be for naught.
Tip #3
Project managers and web designers should understand your goals and ideas
While you are certainly relying on them for their expertise about web design and development, it’s important that they listen to and understand your goals, refraining from being dismissive about your particular ideas for the website. After all, the best web design agencies will rely on you to be the expert around your business and goals; they will take those goals and build a website around them.
Tip #4
Insist on viewing a large variety of live websites
When vetting web design agencies, always choose to partner with a firm that will allow you to experience live versions of websites they have designed. This is the only way to know for certain that their designers have the ability to create pages that will not only be superficially beautiful, but also provide a natural and logical digital journey for your customers.
Tip #5
Responsive web design (RWD) is non-negotiable
Companies must be prepared for the continuation of this phenomenon by incorporating responsive design into their platforms. Responsive design provides website visitors with a seamless and well-designed experience no matter which type of device they use by automatically formatting the content to fit each user’s specific screen.
Tip #6
Quality web design firms know how to help you choose a CMS
Regardless of the industry your business is part of, it’s almost impossible for contemporary companies to compete in the digital landscape without the aid of a content management system. Content reigns supreme among modern business websites, and your design template and content management system must bring out the best attributes of each other in order to both engage the reader and give them the information they need to confidently make a purchase.
Tip #7
Remember to retain ownership rights
Agencies with integrity know that their work speaks for itself, and their customers will keep returning to them because of this fact and the relationships that they maintain. Carefully review the contents of your agreement to ensure that your organization retains ownership of all website assets once the project has been completed.
