If you’re thinking of hiring a website designer to help showcase your company’s products and services, you’ll probably be wondering where to start. And with many companies claiming to be the best in the business, it’s understandably a little perplexing.
But the good news is, competition in this industry is fierce, so there is bound to be someone who will bite your hand off for a chance to work with and grow your brand.
Web designers (like most creative types) are incredibly passionate about what they do. So if you know where to look, you’re likely to find someone who will grasp your business by the horns and make a success of your online marketing campaign – thus increasing your visibility.
With more and more businesses needing to stand out online to compete with new startups, expert web designers are in great demand – but that doesn’t mean there is a shortage of talent.
The best place to begin your search for a talented web expert is, of course, online.
Firstly, you’ll need to decide whether you want your designer to be a physical presence, or whether you’re happy for them to complete your project online. Both have many advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will undoubtedly depend on the nature of your business.
Many web experts will invite a collaborative approach, inviting you to sit down with them and work out the best strategy for your brand. Others will be happy for you to take a back seat. You’ll want to find someone who is flexible and understanding of your needs.
For instance, if you travel a lot, you’ll probably be better off with someone who can work remotely and keep you up to date via e-mail or phone. Generally you should be able to be as involved (or uninvolved) as you want.
You’ll also need to consider whether you’d like to hire an individual designer for the project, or whether to opt for a full marketing team. There are pros and cons to both options, both of which are explored below:
Hiring an individual web designer can prove more cost-effective than paying an established marketing company, but your results may not be as professional.
Plus, while many freelance designers come with great portfolios and impressive qualifications, you can never be totally sure of their credibility.
A marketing team, although, will normally come with years of experience and know-how under their belt. Not only will you be able to view their entire portfolio of past works online to get a feel for what they do, but you may also be able to check out reviews and testimonials to back this up.
More established companies might also be accredited by other reputable sources, so you’ll know you’re in good hands. They may also have a policy such as working with you until you see an increase in your bottom line – which will guarantee great results.
Another benefit of hiring an internet marketing company and not an individual designer is that you’ll have the opportunity to use their other services.
So, not only will you end up with a visually stimulating and user-friendly site, you may also benefit from their other tried and tested marketing strategies, such as social media management, search engine optimisation, e-mail marketing and more.
A slick, well thought-out website is a great way to showcase yourself – particularly if you’re just starting out – so it’s worth investing some time and money into. Plus, once it’s been designed effectively, you will be able to use it for years to come as you build on your reputation and client base.f
