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What to Look for in a Web Agency

by | Mar 5, 2018 | Small Business Advice

The Best Web Agencies in 2018 Fit Your Needs

When it comes to your website, turn to a professional. It doesn’t matter if you need help building your website, revamping your site or improving your internet presence. But unless you’re in the web development industry, you may have difficulty figuring out what makes the best web agencies in 2018 rise to the top. Even if you work in the field, it’s still a chore.

Find the best web agencies in 2018 with help from Ray Access

While interviewing potential web developers, remember that professionals tend to specialize. You may need to talk to a website design firm, a website developer or a company that specializes in search engine optimization (also known as SEO). Some of the best web agencies in 2018 offer all those services under one roof, but that may not be the best fit for you.

Finding the Right Agency

Ray Access has been seeking to partner with web agencies to offer our services to them and their clients. As a result, we’ve done a lot of the research you need to do to find the best web agencies in 2018 for your needs. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Full-Service or Specialty. The type of agency you need depends on what you’re looking for:
    • If you want to rebrand your company, you may want to start there before thinking about a website.
    • If you want to scrap your existing website and relaunch with a new one, look for a full-service agency that offers design, development, content and marketing.
    • If all you want is to market your website, find several that specialize in SEO and interview them to find the best match.
  • Big or Small. Big firms may offer more services than smaller agencies. But smaller firms provide personalized service and more flexibility. The best web agencies in 2018 work with you to deliver whatever it is you need, no more and no less.
  • Communication. Find a firm that listens to your goals. That’s a sure sign you’ll end up with a product (your new website) and services (design, content and marketing) that satisfy you.
  • One Shot or Repetitive Work. Some creative firms, including the best web agencies in 2018, give you options when delivering their services:
    • Web design firms give you different designs to choose from or different color palettes to match your goals.
    • Content writers often provide a free revision to better target the tone and style you want to portray.
    • Online photographers take a lot of pictures to find the one you like best.
    • Web developers, however, may only build your website once. Changes may cost extra.
  • Price. Some agencies may charge you an arm and a leg to build your website, and if you don’t know what you’re getting, it may seem reasonable. That’s the value of shopping around and getting several quotes before you enter into an agreement. Tips to make sure you keep your costs in order include:
    • Have a budget in mind. If it’s unrealistic, the agencies you contact will tell you, and you’ll have to reassess what you need and what you can afford.
    • Weigh the price with their promises and the feeling you get from them. Ask for references and referrals and then call them. Every reputable company can put you in touch with past clients.
    • Be clear about your goals and ask about alternatives. Some services are more expensive than others. If you want monthly help to market your website and your company, for example, it can run into the thousands of dollars, whereas publishing a weekly blog on your website may be minimal.
    • Ask for a contract. To avoid escalating fees and add-on charges, know what’s included when you sign an agreement.

Do Your Homework

No matter what you’re looking for or how much you have to spend, you must do some research even before you start talking to agencies. The best web agencies in 2018 love talking to potential clients who are knowledgeable about what a web agency can and can’t do. Talk to more experienced small business owners who’ve already gone through this phase to get a general idea of what you may need and its market value.

And ultimately, make sure you end up with what you want – a website that’s working for your business. It should look good (and be reasonably modern). It must function seamlessly and respond quickly, with compelling images and engaging content. It should, ideally, get visitors to contact you.

If you want a referral from the best online content firm in the world (aka Ray Access), contact us and we’ll give you the names of some reputable agencies. The best web agencies in 2018 are the ones that deliver what you want, for the price you expect and by the deadline you’ve agreed to. And remember that Ray Access is the leader in providing the words for your blogs and website that empower your business.

Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.