Internet is becoming one of the powerful platform of business marketing. Business owners who do not know the programming technology well must struggling with how to find out a right web development company. The following steps will help you to find out a most relevant company which will bring you more profit but not headache.
1. Is the company reliable?
It is very important to make sure you are dealing with a registered company. A contract details all included function, price and project period will guarantee you a proper website on time. Also, a team with few people strong in different area will provide you the best result. How can you imagine one programmer to deliver the best outcome? Most of them can only provide you a cheap price.
2. Are the designers and developers in Australia?
You might not believe you will be disappointed if your project is outsourced to overseas. Yes, they are using the same technology. But they are living in different time zone, having different public holiday. You are definitely crying when they tell you your urgent issues can be resolved later. And sometimes you can’t even talk to developer what you want because they don’t know your language.
3. Do you like their previous projects?
Usually you will find out some portfolio in their websites. Have a quick look on their project, as well as their websites to see if you like their design. This will not guarantee you anything. But at least will reduce the change of receiving a website you don’t like. Even they can change the design under your requirements, it will be very hard to get to what you want since you don’t have the same taste with the designer.
4. What is the business goal you want to achieve?
Also remember to ask yourself this question: why I want a website? Is it for display only to show my existing customer or it is for marketing purpose? If you want to present your brand only, you will need to spend most of your money on getting a perfect design. Otherwise, ask if your new website will support search engine marketing. This will save you up to $3000 starting fee when you going to a SEO / SEM company.
5. What is your budget?
If you have unlimited budget, you can skip this article and find out the most expensive company since they usually worth the money. If not, give your budget to the sales and ask for the best package they can give. And compare with the quotes you get from those companies to choose the more provides you a better deal.
The other choice is break your goal into several steps. Spend your budget on the first step, and do the rests after you collect more money from the internet sales.
6. Are there any hidden charges?
Ask to have final cost in black and white and defines all designs, images, pages, functions, server access and source code. So you will not be asked for more money on something else.
7. Do you have full access of all source code?
Mostly you will need to do some changes later. And you might have to get third party company involve if they charge you less or brings better service. They will not be able to help you if they are not allowed to access the source code to do changes. It is always a good idea to get everything in control to avoid troubles later.
8. Will you be able to update the content easily?
You could have some new service, promotion of products. If the website has content management system, and you know how to post a blog, it will save you time and money. You can easily access the back end and do whatever changes you want in the content part.
9. What support service they can provide?
Few things could happen after your website launched. The website could crash when server having some trouble. Your website could be attacked by malware. Or you might delete some code by mistake. You will need people to help you resolve those issue as soon as possible. The company built the website should be your best choice since they know your website well. So if they tell you they don’t do any support, or they will charge you a lot, try to find out another company who is ready to help anytime.