How To Choose a Professional Web Development Firm

WEB DESIGN CRITERIA

Are They Committed Full-Time?
Primary business focus not Web Production and Marketing? Is their day job not related to the Internet or WWW? A full-time commitment to being involved and keeping up with this technology is essential for the Company to be considered true professionals within the Web Development industry. Anything less will compromise your success.

If you are choosing a Virtual Partner not located in your area, see how quickly they respond to your email inquiries. If you request a phone call - how long does it take for someone to contact you? You will need to rely on them being prepared to make your long distance relationship efficient and effective. Have they invested in an 800 number so that you can contact them without incurring long distance phone charges? These are signs of a company that is positioned to work remotely - which is critical to your Virtual Partnership.

Do They have a Contract?
Contracts are meant to legally protect both companies by clearly stating each side's responsibilities. Do not work with a company that does not offer you a legally binding written agreement for your Web project. And, keep in mind you need to understand that there is terminology and clauses specific to the Internet and online world.

Do They have a URL?
Be very leery of a Web Design Firm that has not invested in a custom domain name "www.theircompany.com"; and his or her own server to promote their services. You need to visit their site, review their portfolio. If they do not have an impressive successful Web site for their business, how can they possibly create an effective presence for you? Send an email through their site. Slow responses to your email inquiries should make you question whether the developer is actually using the technology that they promote. This is a big warning signal!! Fancy brochures can be bought, proposals filled with buzzwords created from templates; knowing how to use the Web for your success is a skill acquired only after years of experience and dedication.

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