A website is a significant addition to any business, so partner with a web designer in Massachusetts who can create a virtual department that matches your company's style. There are many Massachusetts website design firms offering many levels of service. As you start your search, decide whether you need a basic site that functions as an informational resource, or an interactive site offering tools, products and membership.

Massachusetts web designers can take a website from concept to completion, but building the website itself is only the first step. A fully functional website is only as good as the amount of traffic it attracts. Therefore, you need to ask yourself if you want your web designer to go further and market your site, a significant service that can make or break your online presence. When picking a Massachusetts web design firm, make sure of the following.

1. Ask to see a Massachusetts web designer's portfolio, request references and make sure the designer has enough experience to make the website you desire.

2. When checking an MA web designer’s references, ask past clients about the designer’s professionalism, response time and organizational skills.

3. Certainly, time tables and budgets change; but sign a contract so you can stay in control of the process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide which services you need from a Massachusetts professional web designer

Massachusetts web designers differ not only in style, but in the services they offer. Some design companies limit their services to simply designing a site and filling it with client-provided content. Other designers will go further and use your ideas to design, layout and write the copy for your site, and then carry out a search engine marketing strategy. If you can afford these services, and trust your Massachusetts web site designer, this will save you significant time and hassle.

I recommend: Boston-based Ripcord Design and Allstar Designs can both handle your project, from web hosting to marketing. Their services include web design, search engine marketing, web hosting, maintenance, support and consulting.

Opt for a Massachusetts web design company that specializes in e-commerce

If you want to sell products online, then e-commerce is for you. Many MA web designers include e-commerce development in their services; but their prices are really dependent on the volume of products you wish to sell, as well as the merchant services you plan to offer. Database driven e-commerce solutions require additional software and coding, so make sure you are clear about what you want and your designer is clear about the charge.

I recommend: Industrial Traffic.com offers a wide selection of e-commerce solutions, including security, fraud detection and automated recurring billing (ARB). WebGrow boasts eleven years of experience in e-commerce development.

Figure out who will maintain your Massachusetts website design

If you are web savvy and have the time, or maybe you already employ a web savvy person, then you may consider self-maintenance. This will definitely save costs. Most design companies have a content management system (CMS) set up so you can to maintain your own website, should you desire to do so. This option usually requires no programming skills and ultimately saves you money.

I recommend: NetSpeak Solutions provides automated content management solutions programmed to one or more of your website pages. At Swanzey Internet Group, you can manage content through their portal and community-based website solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you start, plan what you would like your MA web design pages to offer. If you want to launch quickly, have a basic website to establish your company's web presence. You can add new features and products without the site looking like a work in progress.