Choosing the right web design company is an important decision for any business. Your website is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your company, so it needs to look professional, work well on every device and make it easy for visitors to take the next step.
With so many web design companies and freelancers available across Northern Ireland, knowing which one is right for your business can be difficult. Price is certainly a consideration, but there are several other factors you should look at before choosing a web designer.
Look at Their Previous Web Design Work
One of the best ways to assess a web design company is to look at the websites they have already created. A good portfolio should demonstrate that the company can create different styles of websites rather than simply using the same design for every client.
When looking through previous projects, consider whether the websites look professional, are easy to navigate and work properly on mobile phones and tablets. It is also worth looking at businesses similar to yours and seeing whether the web designer has experience within your industry.
At Linkni Web Design, we work with businesses across Northern Ireland and understand that every company has different requirements. Whether you need a completely new website, an ecommerce website or an existing website redesigned, we focus on creating a website that reflects your business and its customers.
Make Sure They Understand Your Business
A website should be more than just an attractive collection of pages. It needs to communicate what your business does, who you provide services to and, most importantly, why a potential customer should choose you.
A good web designer will take the time to understand your business before starting the design process. They should want to know about your services, your target customers, your competitors and what you want your website to achieve.
At Linkni, we believe that understanding the business behind the website is an important part of the process. This allows us to create websites that aren’t just visually appealing, but are structured around the needs of the business and its customers.
Check That Your Website Will Work on Mobile Devices
With a large proportion of website visitors using smartphones and tablets, mobile-friendly design is essential. Your website should automatically adapt to different screen sizes and remain easy to navigate regardless of what device someone is using.
Buttons should be easy to tap, text should be readable and important information should be easy to find without excessive scrolling or zooming.
Responsive website design is a standard part of modern web development at Linkni, ensuring that your website provides a professional experience whether someone visits from a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Consider Website Speed and Performance
A beautiful website isn’t much use if it takes too long to load.
Website speed can have an impact on user experience, with visitors potentially leaving a website if they are faced with slow-loading pages. Performance is also an important consideration when it comes to search engine optimisation.
When comparing web designers, ask how they approach website performance, hosting, image optimisation, caching and other technical aspects of keeping a website running efficiently.
At Linkni, we can provide website hosting alongside web design, giving businesses the option of having their website, hosting and email services managed in one place.
Ask About SEO
Having a website is only part of the process. You also want potential customers to be able to find it.
Your web designer should understand the fundamentals of search engine optimisation and build your website with SEO in mind. This includes things such as properly structured pages, headings, page titles, meta descriptions, mobile responsiveness, site speed and a logical website structure.
For businesses targeting customers in specific areas, local SEO can be particularly important. A business in Dungannon, Cookstown, Omagh or elsewhere in Northern Ireland may want its website to appear when local customers search for the products or services it provides.
At Linkni, we include a foundation of SEO within our website projects, helping ensure that your new website has the right technical foundations for search engines from the outset.
Don’t Automatically Choose the Cheapest Option
Getting several quotes is sensible, but choosing the cheapest web designer isn’t necessarily the best way to save money.
A very cheap website may look attractive initially, but you need to consider what is actually included. Will you receive a bespoke design? Is hosting included? Who will update the website? What happens if something goes wrong? Is the website built with SEO and mobile devices in mind?
Instead of simply comparing prices, compare what each web design company is offering and the value you are getting for your investment.
A professionally designed website should be viewed as an investment in your business rather than simply another expense.
Check What Happens After Your Website Goes Live
The relationship with your web designer shouldn’t necessarily end when your website is launched.
Websites need to be maintained and kept secure. WordPress, themes and plugins require regular updates, while websites may also need new content, changes to existing pages or technical support from time to time.
Before choosing a web design company, find out what support is available after launch.
Linkni provides ongoing website support and maintenance for businesses that need help keeping their websites updated, secure and running properly. We can also provide hosting and email services, giving clients a local point of contact when they need assistance.
Choose a Web Designer You Can Actually Talk To
One of the biggest advantages of working with a local web design company is having someone you can contact when you need help.
For many small and medium-sized businesses, dealing with a large agency can sometimes mean being passed between different departments or contacts. Working with a local web designer can provide a more direct and personal service.
Linkni Web Design is based in Northern Ireland and works with businesses throughout Dungannon, Mid Ulster, Tyrone and across Northern Ireland. We aim to provide a straightforward, personal approach to web design, without unnecessary complexity.
Why Choose Linkni Web Design?
At Linkni, we understand that choosing a web design company is about more than finding someone who can build a website. You need a website that represents your business professionally, works across all devices, is built with search engines in mind and ultimately helps you attract and convert customers.
We provide professional web design and website development in Northern Ireland, including new website design, website redesigns, ecommerce development, website hosting, email services and ongoing website support.
Whether you’re starting a new business and need your first website or your existing website is looking outdated, we can help you create a modern, professional online presence.
Looking for a Web Design Company in Northern Ireland?
If you’re considering a new website or want to give your existing website a complete redesign, get in touch with Linkni Web Design to discuss your requirements.