Whether you’re interested in improving upon an existing website, or want to have one designed from scratch, it can be difficult to choose between the many web design companies out there. While some web design companies employ various programmers, writers, and designers to accommodate the full scale of website needs, there are also individual web designers who provide one or more of these services on a freelance basis. Choosing the best company or individual to suit your website needs depends largely upon your starting point, your priorities for the site, and your budget.
If you don’t already have a website and are starting from scratch, the first step is to make a list of the features and sections you’d like the website to have. Next, contact a few web design companies in your area and request a quote based on these needs. Be sure to also confirm whether maintenance is included in the quote in the event that problems arise after the site is up and running, such as broken links or updates that need to be made to information on the site.
If you’re interested in updating or improving upon an existing website, choosing the best company or individual for the job depends on the area or areas of the site you’re focusing on. For example, if you need to overhaul the information on your site, and are able to re-write or edit the copy yourself, you might only require a freelance web designer to input and format the copy for you. However, if your website requires expertise in more than one area, such as a complete overhaul of the site’s design, copy, and multimedia, then a full-service web design company would likely be better equipped to handle the job.
Websites that handle a high volume of traffic or require a high degree of functionality usually need a greater level of ongoing attention than a freelance web designer can handle. For example, if your website has online shopping functionality, you’ll probably require around-the-clock service in the event that the site encounters problems during peak periods. In this case, a web design company that’s available on call for any service problems would be a sound investment.
Ultimately, the money you’re willing to spend will be a major factor in which of the many web design companies you choose to service your website needs. If you’re working with a very limited budget, you might consider bartering with freelance web designers to lower the cost. For example, if you’re a self-employed accountant in need of a website to promote your business, you might be able to provide accounting services to a self-employed web designer in exchange for his or her website services.