Alternative Web Design and Development Tools

Those of us who run web design companies inhabit a busy space. There seems to be new studios or agencies springing up every day. While a portfolio is a good indication of how good a designer is, it is only half the story.

How can you, as a client, tell if any of the companies vying for your business are any good? If you are looking to have a website built, updated, renovated or are new to it all, these tips will help you on your way.

First and foremost is how the designer relates to you. Is the experience enjoyable? Informative? Productive? Does the designer give you confidence in their abilities? Show you real life examples of their work, not just locally hosted ones? Web design is a collaborative process and you need to be able to work with your chosen designer.

Every designer is only as good as his results. This is what you, as a client are really interested in. While budget or time may be an important factor, it is the end result that will influence your decision. If you don’t believe the designer can achieve your vision, move on.

Most web design companies are good at making pretty designs, otherwise they are in the wrong business. But, how do the sites work? Are they easily navigable? Make sense? Are they logical and in some kind of order? While aesthetics are very important in any design, it is second to functionality. If a site is difficult to move around in, or if a visitor can’t find what they are looking for in a couple of seconds, the design has failed. It doesn’t matter how stunning it looks.

One thing every web designer has to do is listen. We have heard plenty of stories from disgruntled clients who have left web design companies behind because they didn’t listen to the brief. Only you know your business, it’s brand and your vision for its future. To get a handle on what you want, and how you see it in your mind we need to listen to you when you talk to us.

Lastly is about guarantees. Does your new web designer offer a money-back guarantee? Better still, a no-quibble guarantee? Web design companies that want to survive any length of time need to offer this kind of guarantee. Would you buy an appliance, or a TV without one? Why should this be any different? By offering this kind of promise, you can be reasonably sure the web designer is going to do their utmost to ensure satisfaction. They aren’t going to want to part with a deposit if they can help it!