How to choose the PERFECT web development company

It’s a common scenario. A potential client calls looking for the services of a website development or digital marketing agency. Proximity is a big factor if the number of searches for ‘web development company near me’ is anything to go by, but there are so many other factors that need to be considered.

Somewhere in the conversation, they drop the words; “You digital marketing agencies are all the same, lots of big promises, but not the results to match.” I wince. Another client who has been burned by a digital marketing agency, and as I slowly exhale, hope that Artist Dynamix has not experienced anyone to that sort of letdown.

Web development companies are different

No. All digital marketing agencies are not the same. Agencies are led by people and people are different. Two agencies can have the exact same copy on their websites but operate totally differently. It’s therefore important that you know the agency before you sign a contract or start a project with them, and the way to know an agency is to know its people.

You need to be able to actually work with the team they assign to your project and so it’s important you experience what this will be like.

Once your project starts, you certainly don’t want to feel any sense of hesitation every time you pick up the phone to talk to your web developer. You must enjoy working with them or at least have a sense of certainty that they are looking out for you and are happy to hear your questions, concerns, and ideas.

Trepidation and regret should not be part of the process.

Building a website is a marathon, not a sprint

In the digital age, a website serves as the backbone of any business, from local startups to global conglomerates. It’s the first point of contact for many customers and, often, the primary platform for transactions and communication.

Building and running a website is a marathon, requiring many years of optimization and updates, so you want to make sure you find a partner who will go the distance with you.

But with the plethora of website development agencies out there, how do you determine which one aligns perfectly with your vision, requirements, and budget?

Building and running a website is a marathon, requiring many years of optimization and updates, so you want to make sure you find a partner who will go the distance with you.

– ARTIST DYNAMIX

Factors to consider when looking for a web development company

This comprehensive guide aims to simplify that process for you. From understanding your needs to evaluating an agency’s technical prowess, I’ve broken down the journey into 11 simple steps.

Whether you’re building your first site or revamping an existing one, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

1. Determine your needs

Identify your project requirements

What functionalities do you need for your website? What do the top websites in your sector offer visitors? Are you looking for e-commerce integration, custom development, a blog, video updates, or a special industry-specific tool? How many pages will your website be? Do you want to have the scope to grow it over time? Are there any websites that will be useful to show your developer so they have a better idea of what you want?

Specialization

Do you need a full-service agency offering design, development, and marketing? Are you looking for specialists in a particular technology like WordPress, Magento, or React? Do you want an easy-to-use platform like Squarespace or Wix? It may help to read this article we wrote explaining what exactly a web developer does.

2. Research different website agencies

Online search

Use search engines and local directories to find agencies.

Business listings

Check the Better Business Bureau and the local Chamber of Commerce for reputable businesses. In a region like Western Massachusetts where there are many Chambers of Commerce in a relatively small geographic area, check as many of them as possible. It gives you a bigger number of options.

3. Check online reviews

Platforms

Check platforms like Google, Facebook, Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Clutch, etc. to see what previous clients have said about an agency.

Recurring themes

Look for patterns in feedback, such as exceptional service, quality of work, timeliness, etc.

Bad reviews are telling, not only in what they say, but also in how and if the agency responded.

– ARTIST DYNAMIX

Even negative reviews are good

Look at good and bad reviews. Bad reviews are telling, not only in what they say, but also in how and if the agency responded. Sometimes things will go wrong and it’s important to know that a business will step up to fix mistakes or oversights it has made.

4. Evaluate agency portfolios

Quality & Style

Assess each agency’s past work to gauge its quality and style. Look at their website and note how they update their own site.

Niche & Relevance

Do they have experience in your industry? Check what sort of businesses they tend to work with. If all their clients are law firms and you’re a hairdresser, maybe this is not the right fit for you.

Creativity and Innovation

Assess how they approach and solve problems creatively. Do their websites look and feel different from each other, or are they very similar? Do they offer unique approaches to content?

5. Ask for References

Request Client Contacts

Talk to previous clients about their experiences.

Ask Specific Questions

Inquire about adherence to deadlines, communication, quality of work, etc.

6. Get Multiple Quotes

Compare Costs

Evaluate the cost in relation to the scope of services. Evaluate the cost in relation to what other agencies are charging. The cheapest quote is not always the best one to go with. You don’t want an agency that has to cut corners to get a project done.

Timeframe

Consider the proposed timeline for project completion. Most basic websites take at least three months to complete. Is the timeline being proposed realistic?

Scope of Services

Assess what’s included in the package and if it meets your needs. Find out what the cost of ongoing services will be.

The cheapest quote is not always the best one to go with. You don’t want an agency that has to cut corners to get a project done.

– ARTIST DYNAMIX

7. Ask the Right Questions

Once you have narrowed down your list of agencies, you want to talk to a few of them and present your project.

Just as important as being clear about what you want your website project to achieve is knowing the right questions to ask your website developer.

We have an article with a comprehensive list of questions to ask your web developer.

8. Consider Their Communication Style

Responsiveness

Are they prompt in responding to your inquiries? Do they offer information readily or do you need to keep on prompting them?

Clarity

Do they articulate their strategy and understand your needs clearly? Do they hide behind jargon and difficult-to-understand statements? Are they happy to explain everything you are not sure of?

9. Ensure Ongoing Support

Post-Launch Support

Determine what support they provide after the website is live. What sort of packages do they have for website maintenance? Do they offer SEO, technical support, and content updates?

Training

Check if they’ll train you or your team to manage the site.

How much will this cost?

10. Verify Their Technical Expertise

Technology Stack

Ensure they’re skilled in the required technologies. If they are building a WooCommerce shop for you, do they have examples of other WooCommerce shops they have built and run?

Industry Standards

Check their adherence to best practices and modern standards. for instance, do they make sure all their websites use “https”? Do they make sure all their sites have analytics?

11. Consider Their Cultural Fit

Working Style

Assess if their approach aligns with your organizational culture. Are they too laid back? Do they skimp over important things like contracts?

Problem-Solving Approach

Evaluate their methodology in handling issues and challenges. When things do not go as planned, how do they respond? Refer to the point about responding to negative reviews above.

Collaboration and Innovation

Consider how they communicate with each other as a team. Who will be your contact person? How do they talk about the other people at the agency?

In conclusion

Remember, each agency will have its unique strengths and specialties, so it’s essential to align your specific needs with what they offer.

Some agencies will be absolutely good at what they do, but maybe you don’t like their approach to business. That’s fine. Take your time to thoroughly assess each option, and don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

All the best!