web design

Why You Should Hire a Small Web Design Company

More and more companies are realizing that a well-designed, user-driven website can make or break their relationships with potential audiences. How does a company choose whom to hire for their new website project?

Introduction

More and more companies are realizing that a well-designed, user-driven website can make or break their relationships with potential audiences. How does a company choose whom to hire for their new website project?

Common Choices

To say that the website design industry is ‘pretty competitive’ would be an understatement. More and more companies are realizing that a well-designed, user-driven website is tantamount to their other branded efforts and can make (or break) their relationships with potential audiences.

This importance, along with the perceived complexity of websites, is set against budget restraints, especially among smaller businesses, new entrepreneurs, and start-ups, and companies tend to look for the same service on two ends of the spectrum:

  • A well-established design agency with prices to match
  • A freelance website designer, usually from a platform like Fiverr or Upwork.

Both of these are good choices, as long as the people company needing a website designed have done their research; that old saying, “You get what you pay for,” applies very well here.

In both cases, the client company would do well to look into the individual(s) working on their very important project. This would allow them to determine whether the company will be able to meet their needs and move on if this is not the case. For example, choosing a design company whose portfolio is full of boxy, chunky websites would not have demonstrated an ability to build something that utilizes shape, depth, and space to create movement.

Similarly, a portfolio full of ‘techy’ websites, easily recognized by black backgrounds and highlighter-green buttons, may not be able to return from Infinity & Beyond to conceptualize and create a toned-down life coaching website.

A Third Option

I’d like to propose a third option in the middle of this spectrum: hiring a relatively new design company (yes, like ours).

With that said, it’s important to note that the people behind the client company, as well as the small design company itself, should look into one another to determine whether or not the goals of the project will be achieved.

As mentioned above, the client company should look at the smaller company’s portfolio, read reviews, and even speak to them directly to find out more about the company, the people behind it, and why they might be a good fit. The smaller design company would also need to learn more about the project, its goals, and the scope of work and clearly state whether they have the experience, technology, and manpower to properly design a functional website that meets the client’s specific needs.

With careful consideration, communication, and transparency regarding the needs and abilities of both parties, the project can be a success. Here are some other benefits of hiring a smaller design company:

Cost Savings

Small website design companies often charge lower rates than design agencies because they have lower overhead costs. This can be a cost-effective option for small businesses or individuals with a limited web design budget.

Direct Communication

Working with a smaller website design agency allows for direct communication between the client and the designer. This can lead to a more personalized and collaborative design process with fewer intermediaries involved.

Customization

Small website design companies can offer a higher customization level than larger design agencies. They often have more flexibility in their approach to web design and can adapt to specific client needs and preferences.

Experience and Expertise

Even website designers working at small companies will have years of experience in web design and development, which means they have a deep understanding of the latest design trends and technologies. They often have a specialized skill set that they have developed over time. This means you don’t have to sacrifice experience to save on cost.

Faster Turnaround Time

Smaller website designers can often complete projects more quickly than design agencies, as they are not juggling multiple projects at once. This can be beneficial for businesses that need a website up and running quickly.

Personalized Attention

Smaller website design companies can provide more personalized attention to each project. This can lead to a better overall experience for the client and a more satisfying final product.

In Conclusion

Whether or not a business chooses a smaller website design company over a big agency will depend on that business’s specific needs and preferences. With that said, it’s always important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and choose the option that best fits your business goals, timeline, and budget. At the end of the day, you’ll find your best answer somewhere in the middle.