How To Choose a Professional Web Development Firm

WEB DESIGN CRITERIA

Do They Design For All Platforms?
How many browsers and screen resolutions does the designer take into consideration during the development process? Did you know that Web sites appear differently depending on browse software and version (Netscape, Internet Explorer, AOL, OS (Windows, Mac, WebTV) or screen resolution (640, 800, 1024)?

Do They Offer Marketing/Search Engine Efforts?
Initial registration with top non-pay for submission Search Engines and Directories should be included in the package price, along with solid direction on the pay for submission and "pay per click" programs available. (The top 10 Search Engines generate 95% of Web site traffic.) The company also should offer Search Engine monitoring services to insure your site's continued placement. Companies that offer hundreds of Search Engine registrations without an ongoing proactive plan to maintain listings are not well versed in this very important area. Your Web site will be literally a spec of sand in the desert - a 3 billion+ Web page desert at that. Work with a firm that has a successful online marketing track record in addition to design capabilities. A professional company will also include the basics of marketing your site on and off-line. Support in this area needs to continue even after your site goes live. This industry is literally evolving daily; how will you be kept informed?

Are There Any Extras?
Make sure you have a discussion on how much changes, maintenance and future support, custom graphics, forms, etc. will cost. Many times a low per page price does not include these items. This is also where a written agreement clearly stating charges is invaluable! Partner only with a company that has an arsenal of complimentary necessary products and services that you can utilize as you grow your site. Also, keep in mind the overall value of the company's service offering. This is not an area that you want to make a decision based on price alone, you need to consider the human collateral that is also brought to the table. Unfortunately, on the Web, many times you don't even get what you think you've paid for!

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