According to most marketing researchers, the online marketing of a business can only be successful if it uses a well-designed website on which it can provide information regarding the products or services it offers and where it can publish interesting relevant blog articles. Usually, if online visitors and potential customers are not impressed with what they find, they do not even start reading the articles or taking note of the information.
SEO researchers also believe that most online visitors spend less than 1 minute on a webpage and many leave it within 15 seconds if it is not interesting and doesn’t entice them to stay.
However, web creation is a very specialized field but, usually, only large firms employ in-house specialists in this field. This function is mostly outsourced to experts. Most businesses outsource web design. We do see some smaller businesses hire in-house designers or developers, however often it makes little sense to do so unless they are doing more than just that. Even for a large business, it often makes better business sense to outsource rather than hire in-house.
This article discusses what small enterprises as well as large and well-established entities should keep in mind when looking for the services of such experts.
Basic aspects to look at when the function is outsourced
Various basic aspects should be looked at before contracting outside specialists.
1. Technological expertise
Ensure that they have stayed updated with the latest technologies, tools and trends and can make the site compatible with various devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Nowadays, more and more people use mobile devices when searching for products and information online.
2. Diverse expertise
We have a team of designers and each member of the team is an expert in a specific area. With the collective knowledge of the team, they can ensure that the site is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
3. Usability testing (UX testing)
Ensure that they have the tools and expertise to conduct UX testing regularly and can guarantee that the website stays user-friendly. This is the only way to increase user retention and boost conversions.
4. Scalability and customisation
The experts must be able to present something that can in future be updated or up-scaled easily. They must not only rely on generic templates but should create a customised product for the customer.
5. Cost-effectiveness and ongoing maintenance
The consultant with the cheapest quote is not necessarily the one to use. It is always better to first find entities offering what the firm needs and then compare prices. Although experienced developers may cost more initially, the larger stream of potential customers will compensate for that. Also, determine whether scheduled updates and maintenance for a specific period will be part of the initial price, or at least at a reduced fee. Websites need regular maintenance and it can be expensive to keep them running smoothly if the company doesn’t have a service agreement in place.
Practical aspects to attend to when a firm wants to hire web designers
Practical aspects to consider include the following:
Estimated timeline, pricing and payment terms
Ensure that the contracted people can provide the final product on or before the date the commissioning entity wants to launch the site online. Decide on milestones along the timeline and check due dates regularly.
When the business and the developers have decided on the fee for the project, ensure that the fee is stipulated in a written contract. The contract must also indicate what aspects are covered by this fee and what might influence the price later on and it must stipulate payment milestones.
Possible additional services
It is always good to work with people who also offer other relevant services and can help plan and execute a comprehensive online strategy, including SEO, content writing and marketing.
Handling of intellectual property and ownership rights
The commissioning entity must ensure that it owns the rights to the design and content of the final product.
Availability in Australia
Nowadays, most retailers market online and therefore web development is a growing industry. If somebody wants to use a web design company in Australia there are many to choose from. Whether it is a small business website design or a creation for a big company, there will be a web design agency in Sydney, that will be able to assist the person.