Should you opt for a cheap do-it-yourself template that will save you money in the short-term, but will cost you down the line, both in hidden fees and lost revenue and leads? Or, should you call on a big, flash agency whose list of services is more expansive – and expensive – than you could ever possibly need? For small to medium-sized businesses, the answer is usually somewhere in between.
In your search for the happy medium for small business websites or eCommerce website design, a local boutique agency is often the perfect solution. Unlike larger companies churning out mass-produced, cookie-cutter solutions or overly complicated and overpriced services, boutique web design agencies offer the flexibility to customise a website design solution for your business’s unique demands. The smaller client base of boutique agencies means that you’ll usually enjoy the advantages of direct owner involvement. And sourcing local talent means that help is always on hand.
Boutique or big brand, local or global, there are 5 critical things you should consider when choosing a website design company.
1. Do you know exactly what you are paying for?
When it comes to website design, the old maxim “you get what you pay for” really applies. If a solution for your business’s online presence seems too good to be true, it probably is! Find out what’s included in your web design company’s proposed fee. Do their deliverables end at a shiny new website, or is ongoing support built-in to the price? Does the site come equipped with a digital marketing strategy in place, or is it destined to languish in obscurity with no real chance of being discovered on search engines?
Your small business website is one of your most important marketing tools, so your agency should be building your website with search engine optimisation (SEO) and customer conversions in mind.
2. Will you be expected to manage your own content?
Inexpensive templates with do-it-yourself content management systems (CMS) can seem like the ideal route for a budget conscious business looking for a small business website. That is until you realise that the real work of content integration is left to you. Few small to mid-sized business owners have the time or energy to run their business and play the roles of website manager and IT support, not to mention the design and development skills to ensure good user experience and that the site is search engine friendly.
Opting for a design company that offers a finished website built to reflect your brand and business goals, complete with dynamic content, as well as ongoing support as your business grows, is an investment that will save you a whole lot of time, money, and headaches in the long run – not to mention someone to keep on top of the ever-changing rules of Google to ensure your websites best chances of success when it comes to search engine optimisation!
3. Do they have a dedicated support team?
For many of your customers, your website and your business are one in the same. A beautiful website that is in line with your branding with amazing user experience and fast load times is only going to make your business look good. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing a website design company.
Will their support team be there when you need them, or will you be expected to troubleshoot bugs on your own? Does the agency provide a managed website hosting solution, on trusted Australian servers? Will they keep your website framework and software updated to ensure your site runs like a dream with the latest functionality and security measures, as well as taking regular remote backups to keep your website safe? You can’t put a price on peace of mind, and a dedicated, local support team is vital!
4. What sorts of creative skills does the design team have?
As a direct reflection of your business, your website should be sleek, stylish, and functional, designed with your small business branding and target market in mind, as well as your business goals. It should be designed with the user in mind, with intuitive information architecture and effortless navigation. Designing a simple yet striking site is no easy task. It takes years of experience and cutting-edge coding know-how. The best way to know if a design team is up to the task of creating your business’s online presence is to learn how much experience they have under their belt, and checking out their web design portfolio for examples of their projects.
5. Is the agency local and Australian?
Choosing a locally owned and operated Australian web design company offers a heap of advantages. Your site is sure to perform better on locally based servers, giving your customers a quick, seamless online experience. Most of all, you’ll have a support team right around the corner, providing the peace of mind that your website support team are responsive, quality-oriented and are awake the same hours you are! And you’ll sleep just a little bit better at night knowing that you’re contributing to the strength of the Australian economy by keeping locals employed.
Choosing a website design company is one of the most important business decisions you’ll make. It can mean the difference between hours of aggravating troubleshooting and a professional site that all but runs itself. Going with a cheaper, template solution can cost your business big in the long run in lost leads and revenue. Keeping in mind these five critical factors will go a long way in making sure you make the right decision – both for today and for you business’s long-term future.
