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Do they have their
own web site? This should be the first thing they do, and if
they don't have one, buyer beware.
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Is their site
attractive, easy to navigate, informative? If their own site
doesn't work well, yours won't.
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Can they show you
an extensive portfolio of work? How long have they been in the
business? There isn't anything "wrong" with hiring
someone new to the business, but you should be aware that they
may not have the knowledge and experience to help you.
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Do they have
business references? Call them.
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Do you like their
work? Many companies end up with a specific style or
"look". If that doesn't fit for you, go elsewhere.
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Do all their
websites look the same regardless of the business represented?
A web site for a coffee shop has a very different look than
one for a CPA.
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Do they ask
questions; about your business, your goals for the website,
your favorite color? They should be interested in what you
have to say and produce content accordingly.
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Do they listen to you? Do they
hear you? Or are they all about what they think you should
have. Remember, this is YOUR website.
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Do they provide
suggestions for content and design? If not they may not have
enough experience to know what to suggest that will work for
your company.
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Do they listen to
you and show respect for your input? Just because they know
something about the Internet and computers does not mean that
they know your business objectives.
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Will
you feel comfortable telling them you don't like something
they have done? If not you may not end up with the web site
you want. And remember, it is YOUR web site and the ultimate
decisions are yours.
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Are
they reasonably priced? Web site design can range from
hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. Talk about the
budget. If the designers "don't do" web sites under
a certain dollar amount, find someone else.
