Choosing a Web Firm is Difficult. Knowing When to Trade them in is Even Harder.
Java, PHP, Oracle, ASP; are we talking about coffee, drugs or snakes? To most of us in the 21st century, the above mentioned are words we’ve heard before, but do we really understand their meanings? When in a meeting with your web designers, are they taking 2 minutes to explain a concept to you in English, rather than techno-babble? Do they offer more than one solution to increase your online business growth? How will you know when to look for a new web firm?
1. Their designs all look the same. You’re surfing the web and you notice that your high-profile business’ website is identical to several other websites. In looking at your web firm’s portfolio you realize that almost all the websites they created have the same layout, only with different pictures and text.
Jason Swenk, CEO of Solar Velocity, an Atlanta based Web Design Firm, suggests,” If a design firm’s portfolio displays lists of websites that all look similar, find another design firm. You deserve to work with a company that is able to create a design which reveals your company’s uniqueness, professionalism and makes your site stand out among the thousands of sites posted”.
2. They only offer one service...web design. Note: once your website is designed, you may need services ranging from hosting to e-commerce. Find a company that provides all the services that you need. Some companies may outsource the services, but consider the time you’ll save by having only one person to contact for your website questions, rather than four.
3. They speak in technical jargon and don’t take the time to explain things to you in plain English. Don’t end up with a website that you don’t like, because you were unable to communicate with your web designers. Remember, you’re paying them. Find a firm that will take time to explain techno-babble and make you feel comfortable with your purchase.
4. You put a call into your web designer at 2pm Wednesday afternoon, and his mom said he wasn’t home from school yet. If you are offering professional services to professional people for professional money, shouldn’t your vendors also fall into the “professional” category? Remember; your website may very well be the first and only impression you have to make on a potential client. Will your website be “dressed” in its best Armani suit? Or in a ripped t-shirt and torn jeans?
5. To publicize your website, your web designer suggests that you send an email to all your friends, and ask them to send a message to all their friends with a link to your new website. There are many companies that provide Internet marketing programs for your new website. Your web designer should offer this as a service, or refer you to a company that they trust to help you with marketing. Ask lots of questions and you will find a marketing program that’s right for you.
Review Solar Velocity’s portfolio, services and online business tools at www.SolarVelocity.com