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Typically quotes that are much cheaper than other companies come from newer design firms that do not have
experience to and need to lure in clients with low rates. For some this may be fine, but for others this may cost them thousands of dollars in lost revenue, leads and reputation. Usually design firms that cost more will save you more in long run. Just be careful not to pick most expensive without considering others, it is very possible that most expensive may go out of business tomorrow and take all your money too.
* Experience: Experience comes in many forms, it is possible for firm to be a specialist in one area or have a wide variety of experience. Unless your budget doesn't allow for it, typically you want to choose a design firm that specializes in all of specific areas you need. Whether it is one single thing, or many, make sure that company you choose can cover everything you need.
* Ability to learn: When you are considering a firm for your project, make sure that they ask questions. Do you want firm to just do work based on what you tell them? Or do you want design firm to ask questions about your business and market and try to design a website that will fit your companies identity? In order for a design firm to create an effective website that will accomplish your goals design firm that is creating it must understand your business and be able to turn that vision in their head into a functional and appealing website.
Finally, remember that if you just want a new PHP or Perl script that will integrate into your existing systems, choose a web development company; but if you are looking for a new identity online that will increase sales and leads, choose a design firm that can see your vision online.
Joel Strellner is a freelance web designer and php programmer located in Sacramento, CA. You can visit his website at http://www.joelstrellner.com. This article and many more are available there too.
