Recent studies have found that the average web user really only spends about 90 seconds of time on a webpage to find what he or she is looking for. If it’s not found, forget about it — you’ve already lost that potential client. For businesses looking to make a big splash on the web, it’s really all about making the feel of the site as comfortable and appealing as possible.

That’s why it pays to invest in the strongest, most engaging web design content you can. And with hundreds of new graphic design graduates entering the work force every year, you’ll have no shortage of choosing the most qualified agency to work with your business. Of course, such a large amount of options may also make your head spin. So, to make it easy for you, here’s a list of important criteria to keep in mind when considering a web design firm.

Look for experience and proven results.

This is true of any agency you’re thinking of working with, but it’s especially true when it comes to online marketing. Since this is such a (relatively) new industry, a company that’s only been around for a year or two could still be a reputable agency. However, they could also be still learning the ropes, and that’s not what you should be looking for in a design firm. You need a seasoned pro that’s worked with a multitude of diverse clients before.

Ask for an estimate up front.

Yes, good web design comes at a price, but what is that price? That’s up to you to figure out. Asking up front for a quote on the service will allow you to go to a number of other agencies and compare it until you find what you determine to be the best deal for you. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the best service at the most affordable price for you. There are plenty of other operation costs to consider, too.

There’s a balance between arty and operational.

Web design is an art, but it also exists to better serve the needs of a business. That means creating a masterful work of art for a website will likely only take you so far. Users like to embrace what’s familiar and what’s easy to understand on the first go-round, so good web design should always be a balance between some kind of larger creative work and a very pragmatic, strategic and functional website.

Web design, SEO and social media go hand-in-hand-in-hand.

Remember that investing in solid web design is really investing in a future of online marketing prowess. In order to land the top clients, it makes a lot of difference to appear as a professional business with plenty of creative, driven people working there, you have to have a charming website, yes, but you also would do well to branch out and expand your social media use, too. In addition, partner with an SEO agency to create more content that can help get you found in the search rankings. For more, read this link: www.hope.edu