Did you know that around 48% of people determine the credibility of a business by its website design? For a business to strive, maintaining an online presence is vital. Merely having a website is not enough, either. In fact, 57% of people won’t recommend or interact with a business having a poorly designed website. Evidently, the lack of a good website can result in a lost opportunity to grow your business.
So, whether you are an established organization or a startup looking to launch soon, having a functional website is crucial. But, web development is a complex process that needs technical knowledge and expertise. Working with a website development partner is the ideal solution for most businesses. But with so many web development companies offering their services, how do you choose the right one for your business?
Let’s simplify the process. Here are the key things you need to look out for when evaluating a website development partner.
Essential Tips to Select the Right Web Development Partner
Developing and launching a website is a critical investment. Regardless of the degree of complexity you choose, ensure these basics first:
- A responsive design
- Mobile–optimized pages
- A content management system
- E-commerce integration
Second, go for an agency that can offer you full support across all fronts of web development. You may require professional help from:
- Designers and developers
- Project managers
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) experts
- Marketing strategists
If you already have this sorted out, you’re halfway there. Now, let’s look at some additional tips to keep in mind.
Assess the Level of Assistance You Will Get
Developing and maintaining your website may not be a one–time project. Depending on your plans for business expansion, you may need additional website functionalities. So, you must look for a company that can adapt to your website’s changing needs.
You must inquire if the web development agency:
- Can build an intuitive website design that ensures easier navigation for users.
- Offers a virtual web hosting platform to handle web traffic and how much they charge.
- Implements essential website security measures through firewalls, CDNs, and an effective response plan.
- Has a mobile-first approach to creating websites compatible with all screen sizes.
A good web development company will provide you with tools to make minor updates like adding new pages or changing the content. Clarify if they will include these services in the package or charge you for every update.
Evaluate the Agency’s Expertise
Request a portfolio to evaluate their project quality and the extensiveness of their experience. Visit their website to explore the diverse clients they have worked for.
Ask if they have successfully launched websites in your niche and check if they function properly. Assess the UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) design as well – these are the key elements that will dictate the satisfaction of your visitors.
Additionally, pay attention to their proficiency in skills associated with web development. For instance, consider their experience with SEO (Search Engine Optimization). See if the websites they have developed rank on Google search results based on keyword and image searches.
Analyse Customer Experiences
Skimming through client testimonials can help you evaluate your potential web development partner’s services. You can identify their strengths and weaknesses and determine their capability to handle your project.
You can check reviews on their website or explore third-party sites that offer honest reviews and feedback. You can check sites like Clutch, GoodFirms, or Design Rush. Additionally, connect with past customers directly for first-hand opinions.
Look for Custom Development Services
Before choosing a web application development agency, check for custom development options. Some companies develop standard websites, and they are cheaper. However, their designs are generic and have bulky codes that often decrease the page load speed.
A custom website, in contrast, will be more responsive and include only the necessary features. The right web development partner will help you build a website with efficient coding. It will enhance your website’s performance to meet your business goals.
Consider their Tools and Team Structure
Identify if the web development company is well-versed with the latest industry tools and technologies. Find out about the programming languages and frameworks they use for web development.
Additionally, it is vital to consider their team structure. See if the company has the following professionals on their team:
- Front-end developers to take care of website interaction and user-friendliness.
- Back-end developers to ensure seamless web functionality and performance.
- QA Testers who maintain your website and test it thoroughly to fix bugs.
- UI and UX Designers to create visually appealing designs.
- Digital Marketers to help you boost online visibility with effective content marketing strategies.
Note that many web development companies often outsource some of these services. While it may not hamper the quality of your website, project delivery can get delayed due to miscommunication. If the agency outsources projects, you must research their partner companies as well.
Assess their Approach Toward Web Development
After filtering the companies based on their portfolios, consider how the team handles:
- Their web designing, building, and launching processes.
- The steps they take to ensure a seamless development process
- Research to build a website consistent with your business goals.
- Deadlines and updates.