Choosing a Web Production Company
|
|
 |
Email to Friend |
 |
Print |
|
Do they have an online portfolio? You want to see some of the work the web
production company has already completed and get a feel for their abilities thus
far. Do you sense that they will continue to learn and improve their skills as
the Internet grows and changes?
You want high traffic hosting--is the web production company situated on an
Internet backwater in which your site will be hopelessly lost--or a busy
portal/content destination that is already picking up and handling a large
amount of traffic?
Do they have any awards or recognition? The Association of Webmasters and
Designers awards for web excellence and a logo should be visible on approved
companies' websites. See if the web production company has any local business
affiliations. No company should be too big that they can't work with their
community. How do they rate with their local Chamber of Commerce? Some women's
site affiliations to seek are those with the National Association of Women
Business Owners (NAWBO) and Business and Professional Women International (BPW).
Finally, look for testimonials--the best viewpoints come from people who have
already worked with the web production company.
Find out if it is a PC or Macintosh shop--that can be relevant to the
construction process and compatibility of machines and materials. PC operations
are usually geared toward office tasks and database management while Mac systems
tend to allow for greater design and user interface sense. Find out which
platform will serve better for the mission of your site.
A variety of website design and development packages should be available,
based upon your needs and goals. Does the web production company offer
copywriting, marketing, and advertising services in addition to website design?
During the initial meeting with the web production company, observe their
location and office arrangement. Do they make you feel comfortable and assured
of their abilities? Are they capable of answering your questions or willing to
find answers for you? You have to get along with them, as you will be
interacting for more meetings and maintenance. The website design process will
be discussed in another article.
Will the web production company provide timely maintenance once the site is
constructed? Don't think for a second that your site will never require changes
and updates. If it doesn't, you may wish to reevaluate your business--it will
assuredly require tweaking at least once in a while.
What is the web production company's marketing and promotion plan? You know
it now--there is more to "making it"--you must "market it."
The web production company should work with you to determine the best marketing
strategy--is there "niche marketing" available?
Is there additional support available from the web production company --cybrarian
services, research, continued site promotion, homepage remodeling? The web
production company should work with you no matter what the future holds as being
well-connected takes on a whole new meaning.
Finally, while we all like to get a bargain, the lowest price might not be
the best deal--the web production company should be keeping up with the fast
changing new technology--not leaving you stranded with those that can't adapt.
You have every opportunity to take full advantage of this exciting marketing
and communication medium--make sure you consider all the previous points, don't
be afraid to ask questions and choose carefully your chosen conductor on the
Internet Express. With the proper preparation, it will be a wonderful journey.
- Article provided by The Women's Business Institute (WBI), Taneytown,
Maryland and written by Bonnie Raindrop and Stacy Meyn
One of the founders of the web production company DoubleClick'd Publications,
Bonnie Raindrop has over 25 years of experience in marketing, graphic design,
print media, and now 6 years in web publishing. She and DCP produce WorldWide
Wellness, a health and wellness site; and Voices of Women Online, targeting
women's concerns. DCP services over 350 web clients. Additionally, Bonnie has
published Baltimore Resources Journal, a popular health and wellness quarterly
serving the greater Baltimore area for over twelve years. Bonnie can be reached
at 410-337-8644.
| 
