Embarking on a website design and development project is a high-stakes proposition for most marketers and the organizations they work for. Not only does it require a significant investment of time and budget, but website projects often have high visibility across the organization with lots of stakeholder interest and involvement.
So, finding the right web design and development company to partner with is critical. Making the best choice requires internal alignment on goals and objectives, asking the right questions of potential web design and development companies, and keeping a strong focus on post-launch needs and support.
Here are seven tips to help you reduce risk and make the best selection of a website design and development agency for your organization!
Seven Tips for Choosing the Best Website Design & Development Agency for Your Organization
Tip #1: First, Gain Internal Alignment on Your Website’s Purpose
One of the most critical aspects of your website project’s success is the ability of your internal team to align around the purpose of your website and what you want it to accomplish.
Having thorough internal discussions about website goals can help prevent future roadblocks, and understanding what you need before approaching website design and development agencies can streamline the selection process and prevent costly missteps.
Tip #2: Take a Strategic Approach Focused on ROI
When it comes to website redesigns and projects, focusing on return on investment (ROI) is crucial. Marketers should build a compelling case for the redesign by illustrating the potential business benefits. This approach not only secures executive buy-in but also aligns the project with broader business goals.
Consider these strategies:
- Treat the project as a product, with clear objectives and expected outcomes.
- Communicate the potential for increased leads and business opportunities.
- Leverage the website's purpose as a north star for all redesign efforts.
A well-planned redesign can transform your website from a static presence to a dynamic business tool – and elevate the perception of marketing.
Tip #3: Take a User-Centric Mindset
While a website serves the business, its ultimate purpose is to meet the needs of its users. This user-centric approach requires a thorough understanding of what users expect and need from the site.
Marketers should prioritize user experience from the project's inception, ensuring that the final product is intuitive and engaging.
Key elements of a user-centric design include:
- User Experience Strategy: Involve users in the design process to tailor the site to their needs.
- Content Relevance: Ensure that content is not only plentiful but also valuable and easy to navigate.
- Feedback Loops: Implement mechanisms for continuous user feedback to drive iterative improvements.
By focusing on the user, marketers can create websites that not only meet business objectives but also delight, engage, and convert visitors.
Tip #4: Ask Critical Questions of Potential Website Design and Development Companies
Once you agree internally on your site’s purpose and goals and have strong internal alignment around the value of your project, it’s time to ask potential web design and development agencies key questions to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Ask these key questions:
- What makes your approach to website design and development unique?
- How do you approach user experience?
- Do you incorporate prototyping into your design process?
- How scalable is your solution?
These questions not only clarify the vendor's capabilities but also ensure that marketers are prepared for the demands of the project.
Note that when it comes to prototyping and UX, don’t compromise! These are critical steps in the process that lead to sites that more effectively meet the needs of your users and achieve your business goals.
It’s also critical to look for a partner who acts as a strategic consultant rather than just a service provider. Chemistry and communication are critical; a good partnership can turn a complex project into a smooth and successful endeavor.
Consider the following:
- Honesty and Transparency: Choose a vendor who provides candid feedback and realistic expectations.
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure that the vendor's approach aligns with your company's goals and vision.
- Communication: Trust your instincts about the vendor's communication style and responsiveness.
A strong partnership enhances collaboration and ensures that both parties are aligned in the pursuit of a successful project.
Tip #6: Know that You Usually Get What You Pay For
Website design and development costs can vary dramatically, and it's essential for marketers and the organizations they work for to have realistic budget expectations.
While DIY tools like Wix and Squarespace offer affordable solutions for simpler needs, most businesses require more robust platforms.
The adage "you get what you pay for" is particularly relevant in this context.
To navigate the costs of website design and development:
- Compare apples to apples by scrutinizing the scope of work from various vendors.
- Understand that higher costs often come with more comprehensive services and less in-house work.
- Consider additional costs for content development, SEO, and user experience strategy.
Don’t forget that budgeting for a website isn’t just about the initial build; it involves planning for future enhancements and potential expansions. As the digital landscape evolves, so too should your website, keeping pace with technological and consumer expectations.
That leads us to the next and last tip.
Tip #7: Don’t Forget About Post-Launch Support
While launching a new site feels like the end of a long process, it’s actually more of a beginning. (Sorry to cast a cloud on your excitement!) We’re not suggesting you shouldn’t celebrate the huge accomplishment of your site launch. By all means, celebrate away!
But know that post-launch support is a critical component of long-term success and one that’s often overlooked in the excitement of the actual site launch.
Marketers should make sure that their chosen web design and development partner offers robust training and documentation, enabling you to manage day-to-day content needs and other aspects of the site independently.
Key considerations for post-launch support include:
- Website Training: Ensure your partner provides robust training so your team knows how to use your website tools effectively. Ask about the availability of documentation and ongoing training opportunities.
- SEO & Content Strategy: With search engine algorithms constantly changing, regular updates are necessary to maintain visibility. Choose a partner that understands SEO and content strategy, has deep expertise in it, and can effectively advise you as you go forward.
- Ongoing UX: As content grows and technology changes, continuous assessment of the user experience is vital. An investment in ongoing UX is one that will return rewards in spades.
- CMS Support: If your vendor also provides your content management platform, make sure you understand what training and ongoing support and maintenance options are offered. This is critical so you can take advantage of software updates that offer new features and functionality and ensures website and data security. Get tips for choosing the best CMS.
A vendor's commitment to post-launch support and ability to provide additional digital marketing services to help drive qualified traffic to your site can significantly impact your website's long-term performance and adaptability. Make sure to budget adequately for this support.
By focusing on these tips, marketers can navigate the complexities of a website project, ensuring a successful outcome that meets both business needs and user expectations. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the strategic insights and partnerships formed today will pave the way for future success.
Learn more about our UX design and website development services, and reach out for more information or to request a consultation.