Foreword by Alan Eager, founding director of Web on High Limited

Tips on choosing a web development company - how to choose a web development company

See also: Thoughts and Considerations to Web Design

When I was asked to contribute to this directory, I knew immediately where I would start, what I wanted to say. Having worked with many companies since 1999 I speak daily to people who just have no idea where to begin. "How do I chose a web designer?" "Do I need flash?" "What about search engine promotion?" And the questions go on. Truthfully, and disappointingly, the answer is often more complex than they hoped and starts with "well, it depends upon a number of factors."

Allow me to elaborate and take you through the labyrinth that is promoting your company on the Internet.

Everybody has one!

Do I need a website?

What types are there?

So many options.

How do I choose?

Back in 1999 when I established my first web design company, it was my belief that there were some companies, or perhaps groups of companies, that truly didn't need a website, and just maybe the World Café in Crouch End London doesn't need one now? (Great breakfast by the way - just fabulous!)

It is almost trite to say that the Internet has expanded at such a pace that I truly believe now, however, that if your business is to expand, you have to embrace the potential of the World Wide Web, and I guess if you are reading this article that you have taken that first step. But what is that potential? And how can your company take advantage of it?

Following the (now infamous) dot-com crash of the mid 90's, there was an understandable reluctance for investors to get involved (in Web projects) but I can't help feeling that many of the ideas that "launched and crashed" were just too early, and the only thing their principles could be accused of was investing heavily in something the World wasn't ready for; or at least not yet!

I can remember discussing this with my technical director at that time, when we observed that many websites were far too complex and as a consequence far too slow to download (open on your PC), as a result of which they would never be successful.

Enter stage left. Broadband, which has transformed the face of Internet access and ushered in an age of much, much faster and cheaper access, making more complex (web) sites, flash video, multiple windows and bigger better quality images a practical option. On the back of this, the vast majority of people with Internet access (in the UK certainly) enjoy the benefit of Broadband access speeds, and the popularity of websites has been growing at a pace that not even Tim Burners-Less could have imagined when he took us down this path back in 1989/90.

This new phenomena of social interaction, or social networking, across the (World Wide Web) has become known as Web 2.0 - the World's 2nd attempt at making it work!

Do I need a website?

Is this not just the most basic question, but I'm pleased you have come here for advice and ignore those that look with scorn because you should know.

The fact is that not every business needs or will benefit from a website, and before some of my readers scream from the heights, I defy anyone to explain how a small roofing company in the village where I live in Berkshire would benefit. The company is run by a chap called Kevin and his wife. Kevin's so busy you are lucky if you retain his services for the next year! But it's a different matter for his competitors. As Kevin is so busy, those people frustrated at a lack of a local roofing company will be looking for "roofing services" on the net. And the same could apply to our gardener and perhaps Jane in the town (who alters my trousers as I put on the pounds).

Conversely, you could argue that all these people could benefit if they wanted to expand and attract sales enquiries wider than they currently do, and you'd be right!

By talking (or writing) about these examples, what we are doing of course is considering each one of these scenarios more carefully, and therein lies the answer. One has to consider the aspirations one has of the business, if it's to expand and grow, and your research tells you there is a market out there for your products - you need a website. If you are happy with a small local (almost cottage) business and want to keep it that way for personal or lifestyle choices, then perhaps you don't need a website.

How do I choose a good web designer?

And furthermore, how do you know if they are recommending the right solution? Now, if the question of whether you need a site or not is the most basic, the question of choosing a good developer just has to be the most complex and important. After all, if you are working with a good and ethical developer, even mistakes are less of a problem because they will knuckle down and help you resolve them.

So where do you start? I believe there are certain basic things to consider, and the first is their stability as a company - how long have they been in business? Are they in profit? (You need them to be profitable, as you need them to be stable and still there next year also). How local are they or how easy is it to get to see them? Will they come and see me?

How long have they been in business?

The world of business is awash with failed web projects, and company principles that are frustrated at being let down by web developers with whom they had originally struck a rapport, and been beguiled by their apparent knowledge only to find theirs was the developer's first project.

I would advise that, as the client, you need to be comfortable that your developer has been in business long enough to be familiar with the business world of management, project management and customer services, as well as being a general all round "good egg". If I'm pressed, 2 years in business would be kind of a minimum.

Are they in profit?

This is such a critical question, as is the question of whether they need your deposit because it's good practice or because they have cash flow problems?

Importantly, you need to be comfortable that the web developer you choose has the financial stability to stay in business for the duration of your website development project, and still be there in 6 months when you want to expand or ask a question. Perhaps even more so if there is a search engine promotion project included.

Establishing their profitability isn't as hard as you may think, and the first steps are easy. Ask them for a bank reference and a copy of their last year's accounts. If they hesitate to give you the information or fail to do so - walk away, there is a problem and many more web developers.

If they are a bigger company you can check with Companies House in Cardiff by just paying a small online fee. For instruction on how to check their accounts click here.

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