When developing your business, it is important to establish a good website which reflects the essence of what your business is all about. To make sure that you have the best presence on the internet and your website is working for you, it’s worth considering the services of a website agency (such as Castle Jackson, a Melbourne web design agency).
A website Agency, as opposed to a website designer, looks after all aspects of your website, from building your website, providing ideas for improvements, maintenance and web development, through to server management, data analysis and projected outcomes and advice on ideas for improvement. Check out https://www.allianceinteractive.com/website-maintenance/ to learn how the experts run website maintenance for their clients.
Website agencies vary with what, and how, they provide their services, so it’s important that you make an informed decision when choosing a website agency. Here are 5 tips on choosing a web design agency that may help…
1. Be prepared in Advance
Many business owners are not savvy with internet marketing strategies, and how they work which can be frustrating and time consuming.
Do you want to manage your website yourself, or you need expert help?
Do you want assistance with profit analysis, growth and promotion?
Do you need assistance with social media and cross promotion management?
Before you start your search, list what you want for your business, how you want your business to work and what you need from the website agency. It is important that you choose an agency that can cover all of your needs, rather than some aspects.
An experienced website agency which has these services along with analytics on how to grow your target market will not only save you time and money, but can dramatically increase customers and income.
However it is important to know what you need and want before you enter into discussions as it can be easy to be dazzled with options. With your list, you can ask pertinent questions, and assess if the agency can specifically cater to the needs of your business.
2. Is this the Website Agency for you?
It makes sense before contacting any Website Agency to check them out first. Have a look at their website thoroughly, check out their client list, usually promoted on their website, read all of the reviews Look at the services that they offer and compare them to what you need.
Are the client websites user friendly or mainly just creative show pieces. Do you like the work that the agency produces? It is important that the style of the website agency is aligned with the aims of your business.
Contact some of their clients and ask about the website agency’s service and if they were satisfied and felt that they were getting value for money.
3. Do they know their stuff?
When you contact the website agencies that you are interested in, you will want to ascertain if they know their stuff.
An experienced and professional Website Agency will have a list of services that are provided by a team of experts in their areas.
Ask how long have they been in business and what sectors of internet marketing do they cover?
It is important to ask how much of the services provided are done in-house or out-sourced, if aspects their services are out-sourced consider the risks of delay or changes which could have financial consequences to your business.
Be aware of how much they ask you about your business and the vision that you have for your business.
Enquire about the individual services such as creative website design and how it will work for your business; what digital marketing strategies do they employ and how are they relevant to your business; do they analyse data for profitability and business growth? Also, do they offer SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Social Media Management?
A website agency that is comfortable with your questioning, and happy to give you the time to answer your questions comprehensively and professionally will stand out from other less experienced or less professional agencies.
It is easy to be dazzled by the sales pitch of some Website agencies, so don’t lose sight of what you want, and establish that you can negotiate a contract package which will specifically cater to your needs and aid you in achieving your goals.
4. Costs
It’s important that you know that you are getting value for money. Establish your budget and scope before negotiating a contract. Knowing your budget and scope means that you will know your limits before you are offered an array of services, some of which you may not need or want.
A good website agency will have flexibility with what they offer, either on services or contract duration. Check the contract out thoroughly and establish a contract that suits you best.
Compare the different offers available before signing with any one agency.
Shop around before you commit so that you are comfortable with the agency that you select.
5. Time, Efficiency and Customer Service
Time and efficiency are important. You can’t afford the costs of delays, or having to constantly correct mistakes or inefficiencies.
Before signing a contract, establish the timescale for the services that you require, and then check them out with other clients, or comparable agencies so that you know what reasonable timeframes you can expect.
Were they quick to respond to your initial enquiry, and was their proposal comprehensive and prepared in a reasonable amount of time and professionally executed? You will gain an idea of their projected service by assessing the customer service to date, and the manner in which it was provided.