Selecting a Web Design Company

Selecting a web design company might seem like a broad question. It doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you should look for.

Does the Company Have a Good Website?

Check if the company’s own website is easy to use. Can you easily access their portfolio? Is there clear information about their services, expertise, and specializations? If a web design company doesn’t have a great website, you have to question their ability to produce a great website for you.

Does the Company Show a Strong Portfolio?

Look at their portfolio. Is it diverse? Do they explain the industries they serve and the features they implemented? Most importantly, do you actually like the websites they’ve created?

Does the Company Offer Multiple Skills?

The team should include graphic and web design, web marketing, web development and programming, hosting, management, and business development skills. You want a company that collaborates with you from the start through hosting and support.

Should You Hire a Big Company?

Not necessarily. Make sure you understand who will work on your project and what skills they bring. At a minimum, you want a dedicated designer and developer, and a project manager handling the entire process. Good collaboration between the client, designer, and project manager ensures better results.

Do They Offer Hosting and Management?

Be wary of companies that design and run. If they tell you, “You can host your website anywhere,” it means they don’t plan on a long-term relationship with you.

Will They Meet or Call to Understand Your Business?

Look for companies that want a collaborative approach. Filling out a quick online form and getting a quote is not enough for a serious website project.

Will They Provide Client Referrals?

Ask for referrals. Speak with both new and existing clients about their experience with design, hosting, and support.

Will They Provide a Detailed Proposal or Quote?

You should receive a detailed proposal that includes hourly billing rates, project task breakdowns, clear timelines, domain setup, registration, and hosting details. It should cover everything from the start of the project through annual hosting and training.

Why Fixed Pricing Matters

At BeareWare, we always provide fixed pricing. We believe a website project can fail before it even starts if proposals and quotes aren’t clear. Without fixed costs and timelines, businesses often find themselves spending thousands with no finished product. Worse, they realize the web company doesn’t even host sites. The responsibility falls back onto the client.

Proposals don’t need to be endless legal documents. They just need to be complete: billing rates, project timelines, hosting, training, and clear expectations for revisions or changes.

Can You Communicate Easily With Them?

Gauge this during your inquiry calls and meetings. Your website will become a key part of your daily operations. Make sure you feel comfortable contacting your web company for support and future discussions.

Can They Help You Track Success?

Your web company should identify clear goals beyond “It looks nice.” Look for firms that can help track unique visitors, e-commerce sales, and lead generation. They should know web statistics inside and out.

Will They Train You to Use Your CMS?

CMS systems may be user-friendly, but training still matters. Make sure they provide hands-on training, user manuals, and a patient, teacher-like approach.

Final Thoughts

When selecting a web design company, ask smart questions. Look for a company that wants a long-term relationship, not just a quick project. Stay away from “design and run” firms. Make sure your project has a clear, fixed budget. Communicate openly and make sure you find a team you feel good working with.

Good luck with your new website!