Morgans
the Jewellers - (re-design)
>>
Brooklands
Robinson - (re-design)
>>
How to work with a Web Company
How biased can you get? A web company writing a guide on working with web companies?
In truth, we have often been asked to undertake 'ambulance' work. We are called in when a project has gone wrong, or the work of another company needs to be independently audited, acting as consultants for the client.
So, with this in mind we can offer the following advice before selecting your web partner;
Check
out their website
OK, so this one is obvious. But if they are preaching, do they practice?
Is the site attractive and functional? Is it easy to find your way around?
Is it fast to navigate and the information clearly presented?
If you play with their website and you are not happy, then you have no reason to think that they will do a better job for you.
Do
they try and understand your business?
When you meet, is the conversation based around them and their fantastic
technical abilities, the wonderful jobs that they've completed and how
this solution is the right one for you?
Or is it based around you and your business? Your history, what your expectations are, what you are trying to achieve?
The right company will listen, discover all the relevant details and make a recommendation based on the right information.
Do
they talk sense?
Technical gobbledegook is great, if that's the level that you operate
on. But if you don't, can the company explain clearly and concisely what
they propose doing and why?
Does it make sense to your business?
Are you talking to a salesman or a web professional?
Would
their existing clients recommend them?
Look for recommendations - and ask for them as part of your evaluation
process.
Are
they competent?
The big question. There are so many factors involved in being 'competent'
in producing a website that you have to split the assessment down to the
following sections:
Meeting
your needs
Is the company able to provide a solution of the resilience and complexity
that you require? Ask for proof - and ask to speak to their client or
see a recommendation from them.
They may not have done something precisely the same - but ensure that they can demonstrate the ability to handle your project.
Planning
and project competence
Can they plan effectively and provide the product that you require to
deadline and on budget?
Build
technical competence
Do they hand code their work? Is their work search engine friendly? Are
they web standards compliant? Does their work look good across different
browsers and platforms? Do they adhere to the Rules of Good Web Design?
Usability
expertise
Will they design a site that users find easy to navigate and use? Is the
layout logical? Can the information that the user requires be found simply
and easily each time?
Design
abilities
The most technically able website can look terrible - and perhaps this
is the easiest one to judge for the potential client. Do you like their
design approach? Does it allow the right mix of graphical/design attractiveness
with fast loading and easy to use content and functionality?
Testing
competence
Does the site work in all browsers on different machines?
Support
This is one of the most important areas to consider when evaluating a
potential partner.
What are their support options? How do they currently provide support and maintenance to their existing clients?
Have they a history sufficient to demonstrate that they will be in business in three years time?
Are
you comfortable with them?
A successful web project may mean that you could be working with the company
for years - constantly improving and developing your web presence as new
opportunities arise.
Is the company one that you would feel comfortable with? Do they offer you good advice? Are they ethical and fair to deal with?
Whoever you decide to use, we suggest that the above points are the most important ones to consider.
If you'd like to discuss any of these points or arrange a meeting with us you can contact us on: 0845 299 0747 alternatively, contact us by clicking here.
| Copyright © ina4 media Ltd |  |