7 Top Tips To Choosing the Right Web Development Company For Your Business

Gone are the days when Internet Marketing was a tool that only those with a large budget or great technical expertise could actually make use of on a day to day basis. These days most businesses of all sizes and backgrounds recognise the important part that online marketing and web development can play in promoting and expanding their enterprise.Baring all of this in mind, I’ve put together "Mancala’s 7 top tips" when choosing a Web Developer:1. The first thing to think about is what does your website need to achieve to expand your business. This is important as many businesses can end up spending money on unnecessary features which may not directly be beneficial to them. It is important that you have a clear idea of what you would like your website to accomplish early on, as the greater the functionality, the more research and work will be involved which will inevitably push up you costs.

2. Even if this is your first foray in to online marketing check your developer credentials. It is important that you and your development partner should be able to communicate easily and that you feel you can trust them to deliver the best possible solution within your budget. By researching other clients the developer has worked for you can begin to build up a picture of how they work.

3. When it comes to reading through the developer’s proposals it is important to look carefully at exactly what is being offered. Developers will base their proposal on not just what you have discussed initially but also on what they feel they can offer you, which may include extra features and functions. By weighing up the practicality of how these will directly affect your business, you will find yourself in a better position to make an informed decision which isn’t just based on the cheapest/most expensive option.

4. Although not everyone can be an expert, it wouldn’t hurt to be armed with a bit of information regarding web development best practise. These include any legislation which may affect your business, including the DDA (Disabilities Discrimination Act) and The Companies Act. It’s also important to have an awareness of Search Engine Optimisation as having a great website is all very well but if it isn’t visible to search engines then it is unlikely to gain decent exposure. By making sure your potential development company are not only aware of these issues but can also elaborate on them you’ll know that you’re in experienced hands.

5. Getting your website off the ground and gaining a good spot in the search engines is all very well, but it is worth thinking about the future and how your needs are likely to change in the coming 2-3 years. It is important that your web developer will be equipped to offer you a good upgrade on your site, or a whole new system if needs be without compromising your SEO and putting your web presence back to the start. It may seem a long way off, but by discussing these issues now, you’ll get a greater idea of if you will be able to work with the development company long term.

6. Once your website is launched it is important you know exactly what it is you can expect from your web partner in terms of support and maintenance. For example will they provide support in terms of written user guides, through phone training, or be on standby should you need any extra advice or training? By setting out the details of a long term support plan you know exactly where you stand.

7. Finally, although it may seem obvious it is important that not only do your web developers have a good understanding of your business needs but also that they are compatible on a personal level too. Web development can be an involved business and it is important that you feel you can rely upon your supplier to deliver the best possible solution for your company.