Choosing the right website design services for your business

A good website is an integral marketing tool for your business and a central point for customers to learn more about your products and services, but any old website won't do, so to ensure that your website makes all the right moves, the experience of qualified website design services are a must.

Finding a web designer

There are many amateur web designers out there, so it's important to check credentials before making a decision.

To be qualified, web designers must complete either a TAFE or university course. Many also complete affiliated courses, such as graphic design, photography or professional writing.

When searching for a web designer, keep an eye out for websites that strike your fancy - often the designer will be credited on the bottom of the page, so contacting them is easy.

Before settling on a designer:

• Check their qualifications.
• Study their portfolio.
• Browse other websites they have designed. 

Put your best foot forward

Remember that your site will be a showcase for your business. "You need to show off your capabilities and highlight your particular skills that are better than your competitors," says Julie Wilks of 1300 4 Web Design.

Come to your designer with information, copy, logos and photos - anything that will encourage browsers to choose your business over others. 

Options and costs

The cost of web designing will depend on your exact requirements, but most small to medium businesses will require either a brochure site or an e-commerce site for online retailing. 

• Brochure website

A brochure (or 'business card') site is the cheapest option, starting from around $500. A small number of pages can provide enough information about your products and services to entice customers to call or visit.

• E-commerce website

If you actually want to sell products online, e-commerce sites can be set up so your customers can browse and buy any time. Prices begin at around $2000.   

The complete service 

"Web design isn't just designing a page," Julie notes. "It's our job to pull it all together and make our clients look professional." 

Web designers can provide a variety of specific skills to take your site from idea to inception, including:    

• copywriting
• graphic design
• site architecture
• domain name registration
• website hosting.

Planning

Once you've commissioned a web designer to create a site for your business, it's important to keep the project on track.

• Set an achievable deadline.
• Map out a schedule for the delivery of each stage.
• Request a log-in to monitor progress.
• Factor in time for amendments and changes.
• Thoroughly check every page and link before signing off. 

First impressions last

A professional-looking website has become central to every progressive business's public image. To make sure your website is working its hardest for you, speak to qualified website design services today.