Over the years, I've received many calls from business owners wanting to start a website and not knowing where to begin. This is common. The internet can be a daunting place and a keyword search for web designer returns more than 4 million results in a given city. But choosing a designer is not your first step. So, what is your first step?

Before deciding whether a design company or an advertising company is right for you or even a freelancer is right for you, there are several decisions you will need to make.

1. Why do you need a website? This is the most important question that you can ask yourself. The answer to this question should be well thought out and you should be able to answer it on command when discussing your needs with any web designing company.

2. What kind of website to do you need? Do you need to sell something on the internet? Will you be linking to your bank's merchant account? Will you need to charge shipping and taxes on your website? Or will it be an information-based website?

3. What is your budget? Every project has its own budget and your budget will determine what kind of company or freelancer you hire and the type of website you will launch. Have a realistic budget. Yes, you can find web designers for dirt cheap. Trust me, when i tell you that find a good designer instead, will cost you less in the long run.

4. What is your timeline? If you do not plan a timeline to launch your project, you will be wondering why your site is taking years to launch. The more nonchalantly you approach your deadline, the less chances the project will be finished in a reasonable time.

5. Who will provide the content? Content should not be left in the hands of web designers. No web designer is qualified to be an expert across all industries and nobody knows your business better than you and those in your industry. Web designers are never taught to write copy and they are never taught photography. However, organized and long standing web design companies deal with translators, photographers and copywriters and they know where to go and who to ask for content that fits your budget.

Finally, your deciding factor on choosing a web design company should be based not on cost, but on trust: trust that your questions will be answered, your project will be delivered on time, your website will be built correctly and your dealings will be ethical and satisfactory, and that is worth a lot more than any bargain deal.

Happy Gathering!

Source: SWDWebDesign.com

SWD Web Design is a professional web design company based in Toronto. SWD Web Design.com is an award winning web design company that specializes in developing creative, functional web sites and online marketing based on target audience, consumer trends, internet viewer statistics, interactive psychology and user friendly navigation. Since 1999, SWD Web Design.com has been delivering professional internet campaigns and providing web design services that consistently exceeds client expectations. Toronto: (647) 863-7292 Montreal: (514) 865-7292

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