It can make a lot of sense to use an expert when you need something done. We do it all the time. I get my car fixed by a mechanic and my hair cut by a barber. So when you need help with your website, you go to a website design firm or company since that’s what they do.
What Should You Look for When Choosing a Website Design Firm?
Here are a few ideas to help you.
- Give them a call. Do they answer their phone right away? If there’s voice mail, that’s fine but how quickly do they return your call?
- Do they have references? Ask for them and then make sure you call some of their clients and see what they have to say. Is the work done on time? Is the work done well?
- Do they have a full time staff or do they hire freelancers?
- Do they take backups of the work in case there are problems?
- What if there are problems? What is their policy on getting things fixed? Is it free?
- Are there discounts for pre-paying a certain amount?
- What is the extent of their capabilities?
What Type of Website Do You Have?
Maybe you don’t know or maybe you do. That’s fine. But there are a few different types of websites out there:
- Static. HTML Websites - these are made with a program like Dreamweaver or FrontPage and are just files on the server. Pretty basic, pretty easy.
- Programmed Websites - these use a programming language to operate. Common ones are PHP, Perl, Cold Fusion and ASP / Microsoft .NET (XML).
- CMS Websites - these are websites made with a programming language but you get a back end where you can login and control different things and make updates yourself. Common CMS packages are Joomla, WordPress and Drupal.
Before you call, you may want to investigate which kind of website you have. If you don’t know, then if the website design firm is any good, they will be able to figure it out if you provide them with FTP access to your website.
Find out more about website maintenance services including more things you should be looking for.