Web sites that feature products – especially furniture or other large items – require a careful balance of text and images to convey value of each product.

Let’s face it. Consumers like to see, feel, and “experience” a product before they make a purchase decision. If you can elicit senses in your on-line presentation of an item, you will increase your chances of making a purchase tenfold.

In addition to basics of an effective web presence, such as complete contact information, a successful furniture sales web site will convey following:

* Credibility of merchant to provide any product available through site; * Dimensions, an invigorating text description, and multiple images for each product; * A replacement or repair policy in event an item is damaged during shipping; * Delivery or shipping options, with pricing; * Customer testimonials from those who have shopped with merchant; * Full payment options, preferably with telephone, on-line, and invoice credit/debit options.

Style and Navigation

Again, developing a successful furniture sales site depends on web designer’s ability to elicit senses through a careful combination of text and images. “Presentation” design elements, such as Flash and Java components, may be useful in establishing a professional, yet comfortable tone across site.

Site navigation should be effortless and flow seamlessly throughout entire web site, including on pages that do not relate specifically to products. Subconsciously, site’s ease of use will affect prospect-customer’s impression of merchant.

Content Elements

As saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” This is certainly case in on-line furniture sales.

Regardless whether you manage a small business, charitable organization, or Fortune 500 company, choosing right web design firm can quickly become a full-time research project. With thousands of design firms to choose from, what factors truly determine which design firm is best for your business?

The primary considerations for choosing a web design firm are:

* Price * Customer service/access to support * Credibility indicators of design firm * Portfolio and design experience * Other services offered (domain renewal, hosting, SEO) * Turnaround time

Let’s take a closer look at each consideration in detail, and explore how to identify and qualify right design firm.

Price

Like many products and services we purchase, both personally and professionally, deciding on a web design firm can often come down to price. But value of services rendered is really what’s important. A $200 web site usually turns out to look, feel and perform like a $200 web site.

The price of your site’s development will depend on three factors: features of site, amount of content, and service options included with design package, such as hosting.

Because pricing varies by firm, here are several principles to use when determining validity and value of a web design quote:

* Does quote state one all-inclusive price for entire project? * Is there a reoccurring monthly fee for hosting? * Is site custom-built, or is it customization of an existing template? * Is there a separate fee for content development, such as writing sales copy? * Is domain registration/management included in package? * Will firm provide multiple design concepts, prior to actual development?

It’s important to compare quotes from at least three firms to, determine value of services offered. Looking for best value is important in a competitive service market.

Customer Service

There’s nothing worse than signing with a firm that offers a great product, only to find out they are impossible to contact. Consistent, open contact with your web design firm is important for ensuring success before, during, and after your web site is developed.

Throughout design process, you may identify text, photos, or contact information you’d like to change before site goes live. If you have immediate questions regarding your site’s development, you’ll be glad to have immediate contact with customer support staff by e-mail, telephone, or live chat.

If you are limited to e-mail technical support, consider other firms that offer a wider range of customer service options such as telephone and live chat support. E-mail is great for convenience – when it’s convenient.

Credibility Indicators