An excellent website is a huge asset to modern companies, so choosing the right developer is not a time to cut corners. For the uninitiated business owner, however, shopping for web developers can be intimidating. As more and more developers step into the industry, the expanding market grows increasingly overwhelmed with talent. You’ll want to research thoroughly before determining which web development company matches your needs, only committing when you’re sure a team can deliver on every requirement. In order to ensure the agency you hire is a good fit, ask yourself these five essential questions. 

1. What is my ideal timeline? 

Web development comes in multiple levels. Some developers work with platforms like WordPress, using the website’s pre-existing tools to build amazing websites. In a case like this, the turnaround time will be quicker than with a fully customized website. 

The difference here is whether a developer is using a template or coding something from scratch. Both methods are valuable, but a customized website will be tailored to your business in particular. An agency that makes fully customized websites will have a longer project timeline because the developers are collaborating with designers to build intricate websites from the ground up. 

With a custom website, there are more opportunities for high-tech tools like AI chatbots. If your company is in a pinch and needs a site sooner rather than later, a more templated approach will be your best bet. Before you start shopping around, have an idea of how quickly you’d like your website completed. This will help you determine which agency to work with. 

2. Which elements of my site need improvement? 

Most full-service web agencies have no shortage of talent. Developers and designers are creative, always eager to provide solutions and offer big ideas. Before deciding on a web agency, brainstorm what shortcomings your current website has that are in need of solving. Identifying areas of concern can help you narrow down your options, because an agency’s website should tell you who they’ve worked with before.

For example, By the Pixel’s site contains a thorough section about Solv Assistant, an AI chatbot we designed for one of our long-term clients in the healthcare industry. This bot answers patient questions and assists in the appointment booking process, making the experience of finding urgent care less stressful. If your business has roots in the healthcare world, and patients have struggled to book through your current website, this is a pain point a good web agency would be able to alleviate. 

If you’re especially concerned with site appearance, you’ll want to find designers who expertly utilize color, logos, and subtle motion. Being aware of site weaknesses ahead of time means you’ll be able to look for a company that’s solved problems like yours before. You’ll likely feel more comfortable knowing a team has proven their competence in this area during previous projects.

3. What is my competition doing? 

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s important to keep a finger on the pulse of current trends. If other companies in your field are seeing success from custom web development, this may be an avenue worth exploring. Likewise, if your competition is keeping up with the ever-evolving capabilities of AI, you may want to jump on the trend so as not to fall behind. 

By studying the businesses around you, you can decide what does and doesn’t work. Are customers upset by your closest competitor’s lack of website accessibility? Try searching for a web agency that cares about making your website accessible to all. On the other hand, if clients are ranting about being outranked in search results, incorporating similar methods may be a recipe for success. 

Taking the time to learn about your competition will aid in your search for a web agency. If your competitor has a site that runs poorly or looks bad, you’ll know to steer clear of the agency they used. If their site sparks inspiration, however, you can find an agency with similar (or superior!) capabilities. 

4. What goals do I have for my site? 

Before the hunt for a web agency begins, you should have some semblance of an objective in mind. Though industry consultants will point out fixes a website needs, no one knows the ins and outs of your company like you do. If SEO is where you feel your site is lacking, you may want to find an agency that pumps out high quality blog content. 

If an AI chatbot is the cure for your problems, a company that specializes in AI will probably be the better bet. Knowing what you want a new site to accomplish can help lead the way to an agency with those capabilities. Take some time to consider if you want to place focus on starting a blog, increasing conversions, or some other goal. Fortunately, a well-rounded web company will have more than one area of expertise. 

5. Would I prefer working with a big or small company? 

Web development companies range in size from huge corporations to small, tight-knit teams. Deciding between a large company or a boutique agency is a matter of personal preference. A huge company might have more resources, but strict guidelines can make it difficult to navigate red tape and get things done on time and on budget. By contrast, small agencies often have an appealing workplace culture and more agility. Since they aren’t usually bogged down by corporate guidelines, small agencies can oftentimes quickly pivot when your project looks like it needs new direction. Likewise, they tend to get things done much quicker so that you can see the fruits of the labor you’re paying for. No matter which kind of web development company you feel most comfortable with, making this decision early on will save time in the search process. 

Collaborate with By the Pixel

Whether you want a simple, low-key site or a high-tech platform to crush the competition, By the Pixel can deliver the solutions you need. Our dedicated team is skilled in all aspects of design, development, and more, so you’re sure to be happy with the final product. Check out a few of our previous projects to view the custom websites we’ve built in the past.