How to Choose the Right Website Design Company

Let’s face it - many companies out there promise a website to help take your business to the next level. But here is what you need to know before you commit to paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for your site.

Not All Web Design Companies Are Created Equal!

Don’t fall for the “cheap and easy” website trap—a poorly made site can hurt your brand more than having no site. Sure, platforms like Fiverr or VistaPrint might promise a site for a few hundred bucks, but if you want to stand out, you need more than just a digital placeholder. Investing in a skilled designer can make all the difference in creating a website that represents your brand and sets you apart from the competition.

What to Look for in a Potential Website Design Company?

Your website is a piece of virtual real estate, and quite often, customers' first impression of your business. Don’t just settle for the lowest bidder!

So, what important components do you need in your website design?

1. Website Look & Feel

You probably have a sense of how you want customers to feel about your product or service, and most likely, something they can feel good about, too. Observe your competitors’ websites: if you were the customer, which would you prefer? Imagine the edge you'd gain if your site stood out in your industry or community. Even if you're not a web design expert, you can spot quality when you see it, like in the comparison below. Which one would you pick?

2. Ease of Navigation

A messy or confusing website will send visitors straight to the “back” button. Great design isn’t just about looks—it’s about guiding users smoothly from first click to conversion. Thoughtful layout, clear fonts, and strategic placement of buttons and content make all the difference. DIY tools can’t replace the strategy behind a site that actually turns visitors into customers.

3. Search Engine Optimization

Even the best-looking website won’t help if no one can find it. That’s where SEO comes in—it helps your site show up in search results when people are looking for what you offer. With the right keywords, structure, and content, SEO ensures your website gets seen by the right audience.

Unfortunately, SEO is a technical branch of digital marketing, which means web designers are not always well-versed in it. This often means even a newly designed site may not be very effective and could need a lot of additional design/development work to be properly optimized for search engines.

When it comes to a website, getting found by your customers is the whole point. It won’t matter if your website is the best looking and is planned to convert users to customers if they never make it to your site to begin with!

So What Now?

Now that you know what to look for, finding the right web designer comes down to asking the right questions. Review their work, compare it to your competitors, and ask about their strategy. I started my agency to give small businesses a one-stop solution, because most designers only offer part of the puzzle.

You shouldn’t have to juggle multiple services to get what you need. With the right knowledge, you can make a confident, informed choice.

Still Have Questions?

We are Harford Digital Marketing Agency. If you’re seeking similar information to help you decide about your business’s marketing needs, visit our website. We can review your current website and suggest improvements, quote a new project, or even help with growth strategy through paid advertising for no cost or obligation.

Additional questions may be emailed to harforddigital@gmail.com