Many companies, in fact, set about looking for a supplier more or less at random, without knowing what criteria to use when making their choice. They are easily swayed by irrelevant arguments, and are often left disappointed in the end that the new website does not live up to their original expectations and, above all, does not generate a profit.
So how can we go about choosing the ideal website supplier for our specific needs?
And how can we even recognise a good offer?
It’s worth asking yourself these 3 questions before you start the selection process.
1/ Do I know the difference between a request for a quote and a brief?
Perhaps you’ve created several websites before, perhaps this is your first time. In any case, you should never be left to your own devices when commissioning your website. Having a vision and describing it in your request for proposal is a good start. However, an experienced provider knows that your actual needs may lie a little further down the line and can guide you through the process of thinking about your new website. A professional will provide you with a comprehensive view of your new website and help you avoid the mistakes that clients often make. If the contractor is experienced and cares about providing a high-quality service, a well-structured brief is in their best interests too. They know that this is the only way you can avoid a number of obstacles together and ensure your efforts lead to a successful outcome.
Tip: When choosing a contractor, find out carefully what they will need to know to draw up the brief. Do they ask about your marketing strategy? Do they analyse the competition and take an interest in your business model? These and many other questions must be addressed at the outset, before anyone even begins to think about what your website will actually look like. Taking a shortcut won’t pay off. A good supplier asks, asks and asks.
2/ Do I need a preliminary study?
A lot of text. But also the best investment you can make in your new website. A carefully conducted initial study will often tell you more about your website than you previously knew. Sometimes even about your entire company.
What can your company expect from the website? What goals are realistic to achieve? What are the weaknesses of the current website and how do customers perceive it? A high-quality initial study will break down your text, graphics, structure and effectiveness into their constituent parts. It will answer key questions and provide a comprehensive overview with all the relevant context and proposed solutions.
Tip: The world is full of websites for which, clearly, no one carried out an initial study in good time. Don’t make the same mistake – find a provider who devotes as much care to this as to the actual creation of the new site.
3/ How do I identify my favourites?
Over the phone or by email, everyone will promise you the moon. But how do you know you’ve knocked on the right door? How do you narrow your selection down to two or three agencies to start negotiations with?
A good provider has experience and knows how to guide you towards your goal from the start. They ask you questions. They’ll bombard you with lots of questions and take the time to listen to you. They can spot both opportunities and pitfalls and explain them to you clearly. They won’t claim that you can get a great website quickly and easily. They have satisfied customers and are happy to provide you with their contact details. And above all – they have their own team of specialists who understand their work and have a proven track record of success. You won’t be afraid to ask questions, because they’re happy to answer anything.
Tip: Trust your first impression, but don’t rely on it alone. True professionals with the best results won’t try to win you over with a dazzling animated presentation or a discount. Ask to see specific references and data.
The more you delve into choosing an agency, the more questions will gradually arise.
And the more you ask, the better you’ll know which provider is right for you.
Would you like a no-obligation consultation about the brief for your new website?