What to Look for When Choosing a
Web Design Company

A decade ago, a website was a sign to consumers that a business was comfortable in the digital realm, even if they didn’t engage in e-commerce. It functioned as a billboard of sorts, a nice-to-have, rather than a necessary component to connecting and securing customer loyalty. Now, with more than 71% of businesses online with their own websites, it’s become a must-have: but not all web design companies are created equal.

If you’re considering building a website initially, or revamping one you currently have in place, finding the right provider is essential. Here are 6 important features to look for when choosing a web design company for your brand, business, or event:

An All-Inclusive Approach. Design is only one facet of your marketing gem – you should be able to trust that your design team has everything handled without your involvement. If your web design company can’t also handle the “crossed t and dotted i” components like website hosting and domain name registration, that’s a red flag. The time required to act as a go-between for these administrative tasks – both extremely important to the design implementation process – is time better spent on your business.

A Solid Network or Team of Services. In addition to website design services, your provider of choice should have connections to complementary services, such as copywriters. They do not need to be in-house contractors, but showing that they have these service providers on speed dial indicates they also have a good working relationship with them. Even if you don’t need these auxiliary services for your own business, the existing connection goes both ways. It means they have proven themselves to be a trustworthy partner for their creative peers, which supports professional legitimacy.

A Robust Portfolio with Relevant Examples. While every designer or web design company needs to start somewhere, it’s important that your top choice has a portfolio at the ready, with examples that align with your aesthetic. If they can only demonstrate skill with construction manufacturing sites, for example, it will be hard to trust they’ll do justice to a cosmetic brand. While the products and services they’ve previously done work for don’t need to overlap precisely, they should be in the same ballpark to avoid difficult revision requests and potential miscommunication.

Past Site Examples with UX in Mind. A web design company can build the most beautiful site in the world: if it falls short on functionality, however, that site can start to feel ugly very quickly. Your web designer of choice should be able to comfortably demonstrate skill in creating dynamic designs – those that work well on both browser/desktop displays as well as mobile – and show functionality that reflects modern digital sophistication. If they refuse to show examples of their work, or lean too heavily on the auspices of “client privacy,” it may be time to look elsewhere.

Experience in the Field. There’s no magic number of years that guarantees a web design company is a safe bet, but in general, longevity means they know what they’re doing. Beware of new faces without the portfolio or references to back themselves up; while they might bring enthusiasm to the table, they also don’t have a long-standing reputation to maintain. An established design company will also offer enthusiasm and insight for your project, with the added benefit of experience gained from working with other business and brand owners in your field. This history can offer up some excellent ideas, too – a bonus you won’t find with startups.

Contact Options & Compatible Hours. And finally, while it’s true that some overseas providers have adapted to working on opposite sides of the clock, it isn’t an ideal setup. Find a web design company that shares a language, and ideally, a time zone to ensure the smoothest communication experience. When you’re describing your vision, or explaining why a component of your new design does or does not work, it’s important that all parties are on the same page: your web page. A reputable company should also have multiple communication options – e.g. a phone number, an email, and live chat – available, particularly for their established clients.

Above all, you should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing needs with your designer, even before you sign on the dotted line. Don’t be afraid to ask for a portfolio, references, and other important information before moving forward with your partnership. Even if someone else is doing the design itself, making a fantastic website is a team effort, and it will require you to trust your provider.