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Choosing A Design Firm

Astute professionals know the importance of having an online Web presence for their business, but often they don't know what questions to ask a Web design firm. WebNet Technology Services′ tries to answer common questions in an effort to provide pertinent information so that a prospective customer can make an informed decision regarding their Web-based initiative.

How Do I Choose a Web Design Firm?

The best way to evaluate a Web design group is to review their own business Web site, and ask the following:

• Is their site well-structured and easy to navigate?
• Do they use standards compliant technology?
• Are the images in focus and is the color scheme visually appealing?
• Do their links work throughout their own site?
• Is their site design original or does it look like a template?
• Can you view their client list or portfolio?
• Do they provide a list of client testimonials and contact information?
• Do they post their credentials and professional experience?
• Do they provide a comprehensive Internet solutions package?
• Do they offer an initial free consultation and cost quote?

These are the types of questions to ask yourself while you shop for a Web design firm. It's not just about the price because the old adage, "You get what you pay for," is never more applicable then in the field of Internet design and development. It's really about the company's core values, and professional conduct. If you're impressed with their credentials, work ethics, business methodologies and practices then the choice becomes that much easier.

Cost is always a factor, but it can't be the only consideration because any prospective design group should be viewed as a potential business partner. You rely on their expert advice and direction, which will have a direct impact on your site's success or failure therefore both company's reputation and credibility are at stake.

Why do I need a professional Web designer?

If you are serious about your Internet presence and you are promoting your Web site as a marketing or e-commerce tool, you want your Web site to be optimized to reach your target audience. A professional developer/designer goes beyond the visual aspects of designing the interface, and assures that the site functions properly, and provides enhancements that nonprofessionals are not qualified to implement. This includes but not limited to optimization for search engine readiness, graphics optimization, script and code development.

With the advent of HTML software editors, it is relatively simple for anyone to create a functional web site. We all know someone who designs Web sites on the side, which explains why there are so many badly designed Web sites — if someone has a paintbrush, it doesn't make them Picasso!

The real problem is that "Your competitor is one-click away," and your web site visitors will not take your business seriously and they'll decide to take their business elsewhere because perception is reality, and their first impression is negative.

Web Design is a unique design medium and requires extensive knowledge in designing graphical user interfaces for public consumption on the Internet. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) requires a great deal of continuous education because the major search engines constantly change their algorithms and indexing methods. In addition, the specifications advocated for standards compliant Web presentations also require continuous education in such disciplines as XHTML, CSS, and Accessibility related technologies.

What is a Fair Price for Web Design?

The average design and development group quotes an estimate based on $65 - $150 per hour. The proposal you receive will be a "guesstimate" at best and you will more than likely end up paying more at the end of your design project than originally proposed.

At WebNet Technology Services, we specialize in designing, creating and implementing Web sites for small to medium size businesses. Our prices are very competitive and our cost quotes are documented in a very comprehensive and detailed site requirements proposal. In addition, all of our projects are packaged on a flat fee basis therefore you know in advance what your project will cost.

What is Included in the Price?

Make sure you ask the Web designer what the proposed price covers. It should include at a minimum a mockup, XHTML and CSS standard compliant layout, logo design (if applicable), a contact page, search engine optimization, transfer of your pages to a Web server and post-production verification. In reality, it should cover your Web site project beyond Internet launch!

What if I want to enhance the site?

A quality Web design group should create a Web site that is scaleable to meet the clients growing business needs. A Web site is not like purchasing printed material where once it is printed you are stuck with it. WebNet can provide content management solutions that can provide changes on an adhoc basis from the text content to the overall design, or add new features or functionality to your existing site at your discretion.

So, hire a professional Web design team - it will save you time and money in the long run.