A website is a significant addition to any business, so partner with a Vermont website design company that can create a virtual department to match your company's style. There are many designers who develop websites. 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.

A Vermont website designer 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 from Vermont web designers, make sure of the following:

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

2. When checking a Vermont website design firm’s references, ask past clients about the firm'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 design process.

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

Decide which services you need from a VT web design firm

Vermont web design firms 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 web designer, this will save you significant time and hassle.

I recommend: Both Vermont Web Designers and Mad River Consulting can handle your project, from web hosting to marketing. Their services include web design, search engine marketing, web maintenance, support and consulting.

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

If you want to sell products online, then e-commerce is for you. Many web designers include e-commerce development in their services, but their prices are really dependent on the volume of products you wish to sell, and 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 so your designer is clear about the charge.

I recommend: Vermont-based EMH Design provides e-commerce and marketing services that include link building, email campaigns and marketing. KT Web Designs can integrate your shopping cart into your web design.

Figure out who will maintain your Vermont web site 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: Eternity Web Development offers SinergE, a user friendly program that lets you easily update your company's website. Vermont Web Productions provides you with a simple web editor so you can make changes as needed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you start looking for a Vermont web site designer, plan what you'd like your site to offer. If you're hoping to launch quickly, start with a basic website to establish your company's web presence. You can add new features and products without your site looking like a work in progress.