10 Things Worth Knowing About Web Design
There are several things worth remembering when commissioning web design work. These pointers will help you to get the best value and service from your web design project.
Provide Samples of your Web Design Preferences
The person or company undertaking your web design project will require several links or samples demonstrating what you like and what you don't. This will help articulate your expectations in regards to the quality and layout of the website design, as well as the overall look and feel of the finished product.
Always Use Analytics for Web Design
Web analytics help improve your web design's audience response and can provide you with a wealth of information about which content is working within your website. Google Analytics is one of the simplest and best known Web analytics packages.
Web Design vs. Web Development
Many web design companies will have employ different people for different functions. Ask to see examples of both web design and web development skills, especially when your web design project is large or complex.
Plan for Web Design Modifications
Modern businesses are dynamic and therefore you will need to be prepared for change. When paying for a web design ensure that it includes some form of CMS (Content Management System) so you are able to make changes to the web design yourself when required. You should also ask for raw files of any graphics so that these can be updated too if needed.
Website Hosting Should Be Easy
In almost all cases it's best to use a third party website hosting company to host your website. Your web design person or company should be able to recommend a couple of website hosting companies and these should be able to offer around 99% uptime or better.
eCommerce and Web Design
eCommerce and shopping cart functions can be bought off-the-shelf for simple web design projects, or custom designed for more complex web design implementations. Some companies charge a monthly fee for hosting these services so you should ask your website hosting company if they offer a package that includes eCommerce capability.
Web Design Pricing
The price you pay for web design depends on the complexity and size of the project, as well as the number of pages of content you require. Xtra Internet offers starter packages, e.g. a simple web design with around 5-10 pages of content, from around £999; for a more customised web design project we would discuss your requirements and establish a project plan that falls within your budget and deadline requirements. Web designs are also sometimes billed based on the number of projected hours taken to complete - these rates are typically around £30 per hour.
Payment and Timing
The typical payment arrangement includes a partial payment up-front with full payment expected upon delivery of the finished product. Always set a delivery time to be included in your proposals. If you don't specify at least a rough estimate of an expected project completion date, many companies will prioritise a client with a firmer deadline.
Who Writes the Content for your Web Design?
Most web design companies will not write the content for you so your options are to either write the content yourself or hire a copy expert or marketing consultant. The latter option can be expensive but may lend some validity to the website.
Ownership of your Web Design
Once your web design is finished you should ensure that you will own what you have paid for. Xtra Internet always hands over ownership of the finished web design project once it has been signed off by the client. This is also the case with domain names registered through Xtra Internet.
Contact Xtra Internet for Web Design
Xtra Internet provide a range of web design, web development and website hosting services and will be happy to discuss your requirements. Contact us free of charge on 08000 84 24 64 or by email at info@xtrainternet.net or use our online enquiry form.
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