Before You Sign the Contract: Choosing the Right Web Design Firm
It’s nearly time to sign the contract — you found a web design firm that seems to tick the boxes, and you’re almost ready to go. But wait just a second. There are a few things you’ll need to do before putting pen to paper.
Check out the web design firm’s previous work and gain reference
You need to go a bit more in-depth than just the case studies hosted on the designer’s site. Explore the site itself — the designer’s business website — and get a feel for its functionality and aesthetic. All designers know that their own sites are flagships for their business, and so this will be some of their best work. Take a look at other sites they have created too, preferably for clients in your field, so you can gain a better understanding of what they can do for you. Seek out references and follow these up.
Ensure the firm can deliver on your branding and messaging
Take time to contact the web design firm candidate. Speak to them over the phone and arrange a Zoom meeting if possible. You need to be 100% certain that they understand your vision and goals, and you need to know that they have the skills required to bring your plans and aims to life. Learn about the technical aspects, such as what sort of content management system they will use. You will need to utilize the website’s backend in the long term, so it needs to meet your requirements. Gain an understanding of operational elements too, such as how they would tackle your particular project, so you can compare and contrast with other candidates.
Triple-check the delivery agreement
What are you paying for exactly? What will the web design firm deliver at the end of the project? What are the parameters for the project, and what can you expect in terms of timelines and other aspects?
Check that the delivery agreement includes the following:
- Details of the project scope
- Design elements to be included
- Whether text content will be produced
- Where photography and videos will be sourced from
- Copyright ownership
- Ongoing updates for coded elements
- Browser testing and device details
- The provision of technical support
- Project costs and payment schedule, fully broken down and itemized
- Contract dates
- Ongoing development and scaling possibilities
- Whether different options will be provided to choose from
- Any other legal aspects you want to clarify
- Any terms and conditions from the design firm
Find the Perfect Digital and Web Building Team for Your Brand
We pride ourselves on providing solutions that go above and beyond the needs of our clients. Reach out to
our team today to discover more about what we can do for you.