In our tech-dependent world, every business needs to have its own website. But it isn’t enough to simply buy a domain, create a simple landing page, and hope for the best. The truth is that your site has between three and eight seconds to catch a customer’s attention before they abandon the page. In other words, your website needs to stand out for all the right reasons.
By now, you’ve probably figured out that this isn’t a task you can DIY. If you want premium website design, you need to work with an expert. But not all web designers are created equal. While there are some fantastic web design services out there, there are also subpar designers who could put your brand image in jeopardy.
In order to choose the best custom website development company for your business, you must know how to recognize the warning signs of the worst website design firms around. Below, you’ll find a few red flags you should steer clear of when choosing a personalized website designer.
They Have No Portfolio to Present
When you hire a web designer, you should expect to see examples of some of their previous work. You need to know what to expect when your website is finished; you can’t simply take the designer at their word. If the designer has no portfolio to show you, it probably means that they’re either very inexperienced or that their previous work could reflect badly on their skills. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding — and if the designer isn’t taking pride in their work, there’s likely a good reason why.
They Lack Web Development or SEO Knowledge
A lot of people assume that all you need to design a website is a good eye and a knowledge of coding. (In all actuality, some self-proclaimed web designers don’t even have those traits!) But in order to ensure your website addresses all of your needs, your designer needs to be up-to-date on the best web development and SEO practices. If they can’t explain to you why you need a mobile friendly website or they don’t see the value in adding technical SEO elements to the back end of your site, you’ll want to seek out a custom website development company that can handle both the aesthetic and functional parts of designing your site.
Their Pricing Seems Too Good to Be True
It’s a great idea to obtain quotes from a few different web designers before you decide on your final choice. Not only will this help you find the designer who can truly capture and expand on your ideas, but it’ll also give you a clearer picture of expected costs. A designer that seems to be drastically undercharging for their services may end up being anything but a good bargain. It’s true that you’ll get what you pay for — and if you under-pay, your website will likely underperform.
They Refuse to Use a Contract or Establish Project Terms
A reputable custom website development company will lay out clear project terms and will likely present you with a contract for the scope of the work. Any designer who seems reluctant to work with a contract in place should set off alarm bells. Although a contract can mean a little more work for you upfront, remember that it’s actually in place to protect both the designer and you. If you work with a designer and have no contract in place, you won’t have any legal guarantee that the job will even be finished at all. Make sure to stipulate clear project terms in writing before agreeing to work with any custom website development company or independent designer.
Now that you’re familiar with the red flags associated with subpar web designers, you’ll be able to zero in on a firm that will address all your needs and provide a wholly positive experience. For more information on how we can take your business’s website to the next level, please contact Studio98 today.