| Start with collecting a list of design firms by searching | | | | them to deliver your print needs from concept to |
| online and asking friends for referrals. Theoretically | | | | completion? Do they offer e-mail marketing software |
| you could locate any web development firm in the | | | | for email marketing campaigns? Photography, video |
| world to produce your website, however there are | | | | & audio production and copywriting are all |
| some advantages to choosing a local firm, especially | | | | value-added services that could be considered. |
| if you are less experienced with the process. You will | | | | The more defined your website ideas and marketing |
| have the benefit of meeting and discussing ideas | | | | objectives, the smoother your project will run. To |
| face-to-face, and if you require other services such | | | | further define your companies goals and objectives |
| as photography and video production, you have the | | | | take the time to consider and answer the following: |
| option of doing everything 'under the same roof.' | | | | Who is your target audience? |
| Once you have generated a list of web design firms, | | | | What is your intended goal for the project? |
| narrow your options down to the best 3 - 5 firms | | | | What is your message? |
| you feel suit your requirements by doing a little more | | | | What are the technical requirements for your |
| research. First, check out each design firm's portfolio | | | | website? (Ecommerce, SEO, video?) |
| for consistent quality in the projects they have | | | | Timeframes? |
| produced. Have they provided solutions for other | | | | Budget? |
| companies in your industry? By examining their | | | | Think about your favorite styles, and collect a list of |
| portfolio, you should be able to grasp a better | | | | your favorite websites. A good development firm will |
| understanding of styles and variety that they will be | | | | be able assist you in developing your ideas further |
| able to offer. What technical applications will your | | | | and give you feedback on attaining your objects. |
| website require? Check out if the design firm has | | | | Review and compare proposals and presentations. |
| provided solutions to the challenges you are facing. | | | | How was their response time? Did the firm |
| Do they provide ecommerce solutions? Do they | | | | demonstrate an understanding of your objectives? |
| offer hosting? | | | | Are they able to meet all your needs? Can they |
| Determine what other products / services the | | | | deliver on time? Once you are satisfied the web |
| company can offer for your future covenience. Does | | | | development firm can meet all of your requirements - |
| the design firm offer printing solutions that will enable | | | | contact the firm and get started! |