Your website is one of the most important aspects of your business, but then why do so many business owners think that merely having a website is enough? Paying ‘just anyone’ to make a website for you is doing yourself, your company, and your customers a great disservice, not to mention supporting sub-par web design agencies.

Instead, use the 5 characteristics below as a template and launching pad for what you should look for in your potential web design agency, and get the very best for your website. After all, a website is the first impression to a large percentage of your customers – make sure it’s a good one!

Whether you are an expert or new to the web design world, the below will help you meet potential web design agencies with confidence, so you can make the most informed decision and choose a company that is right for you.

A Strategic & Clear Process

Let us be clear here – if your potential web design agency doesn’t tell you point-blank what their process is, run the opposite direction and never look back.

In fact, if you feel that they aren’t clear, aren’t sure, or aren’t strategic, then you should still run in the opposite direction.

And if they aren’t honest, transparent, and open about their process – well, you know what to do.

Focusing on Your Story

Every company has a story, and that story is what sets you apart from the other 28,000,000 small businesses in the United States (or the other 18,500 large businesses).

Having a unique ‘why’ and story are some of the ways you can connect with your audience, or potential customers, and a way in which you can share your values, goals, and services.

Unfortunately, many web design agencies are more worried about your color scheme and branding than your story and motivation.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we love branding, visual designs, and consistent style as much as the next web design company, but we also know that there is so much more to a company than just font styles and founding dates.

Communication

This should be at the top of any list when you are trying to decide which company to work with. Whether you are looking for a roofer or a florist, a travel agent or a yoga studio, consistent, clear, and quick communication is paramount.

And web design agencies are no different.

In fact, communication might actually be even more important when it comes to design, as you need to be able to communicate your desires, and they need to be able to communicate their strategy as well as what they need from you.

Fault lines in communication are easily the largest aggravator when dealing with any kind of technology company – don’t let it happen to you.

UX & UI Design

Maybe you’ve heard these buzzwords, maybe not, but regardless – you need to know about them.

UX Design: this means user experience, which has to do with the functionality of your website. Make sure you ask your potential web design agency what they plan to design for the functions of the user experience. They should be able to talk about their competitor and customer analysis as well as content development.

UI Design: this means user interface, which is essentially how easy it is for your website-goers to use the functionality that has been implemented.

A great example is Apple and Samsung, they both create phones that function at the same level, however, the user interface for Apple is largely considered better, or, the ease of use is considered better, according to many users.

Make sure that your web design agency is well-versed in both the functionality and the ease of use that your new website will require in order to be successful.

SEO, Of Course

This should always go hand-in-hand with a new website or redesign, as a website built without SEO in mind is a website that won’t be successful.

You can have the most beautiful website in the world, but if it isn’t optimized to be found by search engines, then no one will see it.

That seems like a tragedy to us, which is why we are a full-service SEO, Content Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Web Design agency.

But again, we aren’t trying to toot our own horn or anything.

Does Your Company Deserve a Better Website?

Well, yes, most likely it does.

But ultimately it is your decision if you want to keep your current website, start over from scratch, or find a solution somewhere in between, like a redesign.

But it is important to remember that a website in 2019 is like a business suit in 1980 – people will judge you, your company, and your ability based on it. So, make sure your suit is giving the right message, speaking to your target audience, and reflecting your brand.

If your website needs a little help (or a lot) then get in touch with our design team today, and check out our SEO, Content, and Digital Marketing add-ons while you’re perusing our own site.

We would love to learn more about your company and create the perfect website for it. And if you want to see our work before you commit, then check out our social channels where we often share the beautiful redesigns or full builds we complete for our clients.