The advancement of CMS platforms like Kentico may mean that web development has become more accessible, but it’s still a job that many would prefer to leave to the professionals. Rightly so, since the quality of your website can have a significant impact on your ability to attract new business online.
With that in mind, choosing your web development services team is one of the most important decisions you will make.
A quick search online for “web development in Melbourne” will bring up hundreds of potential companies who are all keen to attract your business. So, what should you consider as part of the decision making process? Read on to find out!
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Look for accreditation
First up: accreditation. Now, just because a company has worked with one type of CMS platform doesn’t mean they understand them all. And building one website using Kentico CMS doesn’t mean that a company fully comprehends the capabilities and functionality of the platform.
A Kentico XPerience partner has high level skills and a thorough understanding of the Kentico CMS system. It’s an important accreditation that can provide you with additional confidence that your chosen web development team is up for the job.
Check out the kentico website for more information about their partners.
Check for experience
Of course, no amount of accreditation can replace hands-on practical experience. It’s a given that all web development companies will loudly advertise their past projects on their website. If you can’t see any evidence of successful Kentico development or quotes from satisfied customers, it’s a good indication you might want to look elsewhere.
Monitor response time
It shouldn’t take more than a few hours to receive a response to an initial website development inquiry. Any longer than that, and you’re already starting off on the wrong foot before a single line of code has been written.
During early discussions with a development team, ask how they prefer to maintain communications. Do they use an online communication platform like Slack to keep stakeholders up to date? Do they find old fashioned email works better? Are there going to be weekly update meetings? Can you meet the team working on your website in person?
It’s very important to ask these types of questions as early as possible to establish baseline expectations for how the project will be organised. If at any stage you get a bad feeling about the company’s response time or attitude towards keeping the client informed, steer clear!
Consider culture
Your web development services team doesn’t have to be made up of your best friends. It is important, however, that you feel they understand your digital goals and are respectful of your own company culture.
After all, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time with your developers and will be entrusting them with the task of transforming your company ethos and story into a digital product. If they don’t get “you,” they’re unlikely to do a good job.
Factor in all the costs
By all the costs, we mean all the costs. This includes everything from web hosting to ongoing maintenance.
Building a website is quite an expensive undertaking. Whatsmore, there are many costs that someone unfamiliar with the process may not even understand. Before signing any contracts, check the full cost of the project with your development team. Ask them to break down each individual line item of the bill and explain why it’s important.
It’s almost guaranteed that your website will require ongoing maintenance, which will come at a cost. Ensure this is factored into your ongoing web development budget.
Look for a full services digital agency
Once you’ve built your state-of-the-art Kentico website, the journey to establishing your online presence isn’t over. In fact, it’s only just begun.
You’ll need a marketing strategy known as SEO, or search engine optimisation, to ensure your website attracts the attention it deserves. Not all development companies offer SEO or digital marketing services. Some may not even have a dedicated UX designer on their team.
Ask about the full range of services a web development company offers and how they can help you continue to engage with customers online, even after your website has been launched.
Don’t be afraid to meet with several Kentico CMS development agencies before making your final decision. Each will come with their pros and cons — ultimately you’re the client, and you need to be happy that your chosen web development services team are going to deliver your digital dreams.
