According to a Stanford University study, users are quick to judge a website based on its design alone.

While the internet has made it so easy for users to design their websites, for companies that utilise websites as a platform to present their brand, it’s recommended to hire expert web designers. Doing so can help a company boost credibility, conversion, and consumer loyalty.

There are several factors to consider when using a web design service. Singapore alone, for instance, has hundreds or even thousands of companies that offer this professional service. How do you choose one?

Be guided by this article as we discuss the key qualities you should look for before hiring a web designer.

Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Competence-Related Considerations

The technical capacity of a web designer should be the number one consideration when you’re entrusting them with your web design. Singapore is among the leading countries in Asia that provide the world with quality web design and development, and this enables them to deliver additional technical services.

Before hiring someone, here are some specifics on assessing their technical capabilities.

• Industry Experience. There’s nothing wrong with hiring web designing companies that are only starting, but having experience aligned to the field you are in is certainly an edge.
• Knowledge and Skills. This is something you can gauge from speaking with them during the consulting stage. They must be well-versed and eloquently present their capacities at a level that you, as their potential client, would easily understand.
• Portfolio. To better evaluate their knowledge and experience in the field, you must see a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their best works. You should also consider visiting the websites they designed. It would be great to see designs similar to the results you have in mind.
• Scope of Services. It’s better to partner with a company that has the experience and knowledge to set up your website according to the best SEO practices and other features that can boost your online visibility.

Photo by Edho Pratama on Unsplash

Company-Background-Related Considerations

Aside from the competencies of a web design and development company in Singapore, you should also evaluate their background and principles, as this make up their foundation.

• Customer Service Support. Responsive support makes the service much better. Constant communication is important, so you’re aware at what stage they’re in, or if there are any issues they need to discuss with you during the process.
• Company Core Principles. A company that values continuous learning can be an asset. With a growth mindset, the transaction would be much more rewarding and productive since both parties aim for a single thing – improvement.
• Fair and Transparent Fees. You cannot take the cost out of consideration. But bear in mind that what you’re doing is an investment. It’s better to invest money in developing your website rather than in solving mistakes due to a substandard service.
• Sensible Contract. Additional services you wish to avail yourself of must also be included in the contract. Web maintenance is worth considering if it’s available and you don’t have an in-house team to take care of it.

Soft-Skill-Related Considerations

Despite being a technical skill, people skills are still crucial in web design because of the partnership between the service provider and the client.

• Rapport. This is a combination of listening, communication, presentation, and other skills that will help both sides to build mutual trust in each other. Good teamwork is an indicator of positive rapport.
• Passion. When you’re passionate about your job, you’ll be more creative, innovative, and proactive in designing and developing your website. Find a web design agency whose outputs you approve of.
• Focus on User Experience. A web designing company that is user-centered should be one of the standards because you must work with a company that values consumers as much as you do. The drive to give the best experience to the users will inspire all technical aspects of it such as UX/UI designing, usability testing, and market researching.
• Work Ethic. This is much harder to evaluate beforehand but should be a vital deciding factor. Your business partner must be professional, punctual, and polite.  They make you feel heard or understood but they’re not afraid to stand their ground if it means keeping your project on the right track. Disagreements are natural, but when they say no, it must be for good, data-backed reasons.

More Resources:
Partnering with A Web Design Singapore Agency: Key Considerations
How Web Design Creates A Huge Impact to Drive Your Business
The Dangers of Overdoing Web Design

Conclusion

There are a lot of factors to take into account when looking for a web designer. It may be difficult to settle for one company but if given enough thought, this could be a learning and eventually, rewarding experience.

If you’re looking for a company that embodies all the qualities listed above, then consider working with USER – a company based in Singapore. Web design and development, user research, and UX/UI design are only a few of their services. Visit their website now to know more about the team: https://www.user.com.sg/