Checklist in Choosing the Right Texas Web Designer
If you have a fair idea of how your Texas small business website should look like, you're already ahead of the game. However, some business owners have a nagging feeling at the back of their minds that somehow, they have missed the bandwagon of the Web 2.0 technology. Don't worry, there's plenty of opportunities to learn. In fact, we hope this article will help guide you through the process of choosing the right Texas web designer for your business.
1. Does the web designer have an interest in getting to know you and your business on a deeper level? Do they want to know how they can help you improve your business online? Are they personable and would you enjoy working with them? Good web designers can refer you to skilled colleagues that can connect you to mutually beneficial long term business relationships. Don't sign a contract with a Texas web designer unless you are sure that he/she will work for your best interest.
2.Upon checking their portfolio, did you like their style? Did the colors, structures, and themes invite you to further browse through their work? Is their design coherent? Do they use templates or do they create the design from scratch? Beware of so-called "web designers" who simply use templates and have no real technical knowledge in website setup. Furthermore, can they offer you some possibilities to make your website more attractive to online visitors? If you answer "yes" to all of these questions, then you're ready for the next step.
3. Okay, you agree that the Texas web designer of your choice is very competent when it comes to designing your website. Is it possible for you to contact previous and current customers to find out if the web designer received good feedback? Some websites such as Yelp.com, and Google PlacesSuperpages.com provide listings that include reviews from clients of a particular business. It is important to know how a web designer relates to his/her customers so you are assured that you are dealing with a legitimate professional.
4. Here's something optional but may play an important role in your Texas small business website design: How much technical knowledge does your web designer have? Does he know how to use programming languages such as HTML, C++, or PHP? Did he study graphic arts? What kind of software does he use? Does he specialize in a particular field? A good web designer does not have to know everything about programming or graphic arts, but he has to be adept in design software. In case there is a need to add a program to a website, he must have the right tools or access to other professionals who can help him finish the job right.
5. Before you get down to checking for pricing, another thing to consider is optimization for your website. Just because a Texas web designer knows how to set up an attractive online storefront does not mean he knows how to optimize it for the search engines. How important is this? Simple: Imagine you are setting up a store. You have arranged the furniture at the right places. You have put up a great looking sign at your door. You have hired the perfect personnel to run your office. But has anyone ever heard about you? Do you have a marketing campaign to create a buzz for your business?
Your Texas web designer must know the basic principles of search engine optimization that can be applied to your website. Most often, this has something to do with the "keywords" in your website copy. But since a web designer is primarily concerned with the layout of your storefront, you should consult with an SEO copywriter concerning keywords that will help the search engines index your website better.
Get Online Texas can help you with evaluating your website content at no cost. We can also refer you to copywriters that can create optimized copy for you. Email us at admin@getonlinetx.com for a free consultation.
6. Finally, the pricing. One of the smartest things you can do is research industry rates regarding web design projects. See the Average Cost Guide to the right to give you an idea of how much a project would cost. Better yet, fill out the Quote Form here. On the right side of this page, you may request for free information on Texas Web Designers price list. We will email it to you for free along with a list of links to these web designers' portfolios. Generally, the type of business website (basic, ecommerce, custom programming) and the additional pages/features will determine the cost of your project.
7. When scouting for a Texas web designer, it is important to find someone who can show you a documentation or plan for your web design project. This way you have a good idea of how the project will turn out. The web designer must be able to guide and communicate with you from start to finish. However, documentations are not set in stone -- you should be open for changes and compromise.
8. Since you are the owner of your Texas small business website, you have the option to set the deadline for your project. Competent web designers should be able to stick to this deadline or provide a good agreement for both of you regarding schedules. Some web designers need to be booked months ahead, while others will accommodate a client any time. As the rule goes, it's always the quality of the work that matters, so don't compromise on speed.
9. Another important part of your checklist is maintenance. Once your website is built, how will your web designer work with you when it comes to keeping the site up and running 24/7? Make sure that you only pay for a web hosting service that guarantees 99% to 100% uptime.
Get Online Texas has chosen the Top 10 Best Texas Web Hosting service providers for your business. Web hosting is an essential part of your business maintenance. Also, your web designer must inform you of upgrades and changes to product database, especially if you are running an ecommerce store. When it comes down to it, a website that has fresh content is always favored by the search engines. If you can write a "keyworded" blog, you are helping your business stay on top of the results page. Decide whether it is necessary to keep your web designer or if you can update the website yourself.
10. Before you sign any contract, have you read the fine print? Since you are paying for a Texas web design service, you are entitled to the copyright of all the elements of your website. Your web designer may use your website as sample for his portfolio, but you own the material, design and copy included.
Get Online Texas is the only website dedicated to helping Texas small business owners stay on top of internet marketing trends. Read our blog, join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or email us for suggestions on next month's Featured websites to review!
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Texas web designers can come from various cities: Austin, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. No matter who you choose, our number one tip is to get to know your web designer before doing business with them. To get access to the full catalog of Texas Web Designers' portfolios, email us at admin@getonlinetx.com. _____________________________
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TEXAS WEB DESIGNERS
abilene
amarillo
austin
beaumont / port arthur
brownsville
college station
corpus christi
dallas / fort worth
deep east texas
del rio / eagle pass
el paso
galveston
houston
killeen / temple / ft hood
laredo
lubbock
mcallen / edinburg
odessa / midland
san angelo
san antonio
san marcos
southwest TX
texarkana
texoma
tyler / east TX
victoria
waco
wichita falls
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