How to choose the best web designer for you

If you are feeling overwhelmed with choosing the best web designer, this blog will help you make a confident choice that is best for you. Here are a few things to consider before you reach out to a web designer.

What size of company do you want to work with?

Larger companies have departments that are dedicated to each area. They have sales teams, designers, and developers. At times this can be helpful however when it comes to web design we’ve found that having a dedicated contact person makes the process much smoother. Our company has a small team of web designers dedicated to delivering you with the best possible results. You will have a consistent contact person. There’s no middle man in communication during the whole process. You’ll be speaking to someone who understands the website design and development language and can help if there are any areas you have questions. It allows us to customize your process to the needs that you have.

How many pages are you looking for?

In order to receive an accurate quote, you will need to know how many pages your website will have. These typically include Home, About Us, Services, Contact, etc.

How often do you plan to update your website?

Do you want to be able to update your website yourself or is that a service you’d like to be included with the website company that you choose to work with? Some people are very tech-savvy and like the idea of updating themselves. However, the majority of our clients prefer to be able to send us any updates that they require so that they can focus on the amazing work they’re doing.

https://www.sonisunshine.com/

What design style do you like?

Who you consider to be the best web designer might be different than someone else because of the aesthetic you like. It can be helpful to browse some websites for inspiration. Make note of what elements or features stand out to you and why. We suggest browsing within your industry and a little outside of your industry for inspiration.

What is your goal turnaround time?

Every company has its own unique turnaround schedule depending on its capacity and its process. You’ll want to find a company that can meet your goal turnaround time. At GLBAL media we typically have a 30-day turnaround time from start to finish.

What industries do they work in?

The majority of the time it is smart to work with a company that has experience designing and building websites for the industry that you are in. Staying within the same industry is helpful to be aware of industry-specific needs and trends, as well as what works and doesn’t work when it comes to websites for your industry.

What is your budget?

This is very important as there are companies that range the spectrum for investment.

What platform will your site be built on?

WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix are popular site platforms that we utilize to build our clients’ websites. If you’d like you can do some research into each of these options to decide what is best for you. If you’re unsure or have no preference, feel free to reach out to us, we’d be happy to help guide you in the best choice for you.

Do you have a preference for outsourced or in-house coding?

Outsourcing coding is a common practice among website companies. Whenever possible we prefer to keep the entire process in-house to ensure consistency and the highest possible quality.

https://thirdculturethriving.com/

Do you need a blog or e-commerce site?

If you know you need one or both of these things be sure to work with a company that is familiar with building out these components.

Do you have your domain name or need hosting?

Check with the company you’re inquiring with whether they provide these services for their clients or if you’re required to already have that in place prior to working with them. If you do not already have a domain name or host service we can do those things for you as a part of our 10 step website design process (link to page).

Does the company’s geographical location matter to you?

Are you desiring to work with a company fully virtual or are you desiring some in-person interaction? Take this aspect of your desired experience into consideration when deciding on a company to work with. While we work with clients from all over the world our offices are located in Westminster, MD and we’d love to host you for a discovery meeting.

Do you need a website designer, website developer, or all-in-one?

A website developer specializes in how a website functions and the user experience (UX). They’re focused on functionality, custom forms, custom online store elements, and user interaction. A web developer is really great at making a site work well, but may not make a site that looks great.

A website designer specializes in the user interface (UI). They’re focused on how a website looks, feels, and the aesthetic. A web designer is really great at making beautiful websites, but may not make a site that functions great for the UX.

Ideally, you want a company that can do both for you. Your site should both look and function great for your users.

What happens after your website is built?

Some companies hand over a website and don’t provide any ongoing services unless you come back and contract with them again for changes or updates. At GLBAL media we provide ongoing maintenance for all of our websites which includes: SSL certificates, hosting, security updates, weekly backups, text/image/video updates, as well as phone and email support.

Next step: inquire.

Once you have these decisions made, your next step is to contact a company that best fits your desired experience. It would be wise to inquire with more than one company so that you can compare their offerings and investment levels.