10 June 2009
If you are considering hiring a web design company to help you with your site or starting up a new online business the best thing you can do is acquire many bids before you make a decision.

Knowing how to compare the different proposals you are given by these professionals is very important. Here are a few things to consider when you compare the different bids.

The most important thing you want to look for when you are comparing proposals for web design is if they are specifically designed for your business. If you receive a bid that looks like the same thing every business receives with your company name filling in the blanks you most likely want to choose someone else. You want a company that is focusing on your needs as a customer and designs the proposal around you. If they cannot design a proposal based on your needs then how can they effectively build a professional site for you?

You want to ensure a web design company can offer you many different site designs. If you are only offered three site designs then this may mean your site is going to look very much like many other sites out there, or at least other clients of this design firm. The more designs offered the better. Also, if you have a particular design in mind, be sure they can cater to this request.

Revisions are important. Always confirm a site design company can provide as many revisions as it takes until you are happy. The last thing you want is a new site built you do not like and have to incur additional fees to make any changes. Some web design companies will have a small fee for each additional round of changes. Make sure you are clear on the costs and if they will offer you the option.

Content is very important on a site and when you hire a web design company they should offer you optimized content. Which proposal offers unique content that works best with the search engines? You also want to be sure the content provided does not contain errors and is professionally written. If a web design company cannot offer this you should not choose them.

When you are comparing bids for site design you need to look at many things. Make sure the proposal you choose includes a maintenance contract also. Will the firm teach you how to maintain your site on your own? Find out if there are charges for work performed on your site considered to be outside of the scope of the project. Also, have a clear definition of work inside and outside of the scope of the project so you do not incur additional charges you thought were covered. Be sure to have a timeline. If a company claims to do an entire site in a few days with optimization and more then this may show you the work may be rushed.

There are many things to compare when you are reviewing project bids to build your new website. A company needs to meet your needs in many ways. The proposal should also demonstrate relevant experience and if the bid looks amateur you site may too.