In today’s competitive business world, properly designing and developing a website is more important than ever.
As technology advances, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to ensure their websites are modern and up-to-date.
And it is not enough to have just another website.
Check this out…Google prioritizes websites with a responsive web design, as up to 94% of website visitors judge a website based on its responsive web design.
This means that finding the right web development and design team to create your website is essential for achieving success online.
Identify Your Goals
Before revamping your site in Kenya, you must know what you want.
a. Analyze Your Needs
Before hiring a web development and design team, it’s essential to analyze your needs.
This step is crucial because it will help you understand what exactly you want from the team.
Start by identifying the goals of your project, such as increasing sales or improving user experience.
Once you know your objectives, create a list of features you’d like to see on your website or application.
Next, consider the scope of your project and how much time and resources you’re willing to invest in it.
Determine whether you need a full-stack developer who can handle both front-end and back-end development or if separate specialists will suffice.
You’ll also want to consider any specific technologies or frameworks vital for your project.
Analyzing your needs thoroughly allows you to communicate them more effectively with potential web development teams.
It will also make it easier for them to provide accurate estimates and ensure that they can deliver on what you’re looking for within the given timeframe and budget.
b. Set A Budget
Setting a realistic budget is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for the right web development team for your business in Kenya.
Your budget determines the kind of services you get, so it’s important to evaluate how much you are willing to invest in your website.
Keep in mind that web design services in Kenya can vary greatly in price, depending on factors like complexity, customization, and level of expertise.
While choosing the cheapest option available may be tempting, keep in mind that quality often comes at a cost.
A higher budget may allow you to work with a more experienced team with a proven track record of success.
It’s also worth considering the long-term benefits of investing in high-quality web development and design services – an effective website can drive significant growth for your business over time.
Ultimately, the key is finding a balance between what you need and can afford.
Don’t be afraid to ask potential web development and design teams about their pricing structures or if they offer payment plans – this will help give you an accurate idea of what options are available within your set budget.
Research Different Web Development Teams in Kenya
There are hundreds of design agencies promising you heaven!
Sadly, only a handful of them will get you what you want.
The question is, how do you tell a wolf from the sheep?
a. Check References
It’s crucial to get feedback from previous clients to evaluate how well they work, the quality of their output, and if they can deliver on time.
You may ask for references from the web development team or search for reviews online.
When you’ve collected a list of references, take the time to contact each one directly.
Ask them about their experience working with the team, how responsive they were during communication, and if any issues arose during the project.
Also, inquire about their level of expertise in your specific industry as this will give you an idea of how well-suited they are for your project.
In addition to checking references, it’s also helpful to review portfolios and case studies before making a final decision.
This will show you what type of work the team has done previously and what kind of projects they specialize in.
With these details in mind, you can make an informed decision when choosing a web development team that is right for your business needs.
b. Look For Specializations
Consider their specializations when looking for a web design team to work with in Kenya.
You are better off with someone who has dealt with your industry before.
This means they have experience creating websites and designs that appeal to your target audience, understand the unique challenges of your business or industry, and can offer tailored solutions.
For example, if you’re in the healthcare industry, working with a team specializing in building medical websites will ensure that your site complies with HIPAA regulations and features content that resonates with patients.
On the other hand, if you’re in e-commerce, finding a team with experience creating online stores can help increase conversions and sales through effective design elements such as easy-to-use shopping carts.
Choosing a web development agency with relevant specializations can save you time and money while ensuring you receive high-quality work catered to your needs.
Ask potential teams about their previous clients in similar industries to gauge their expertise level.
Related: Web Design Using WordPress in Kenya
c. Inquire About the Process
As you dig around, inquire about their process.
How do they deliver on their projects?
Are they transparent with their methods, or do they have a “black box” approach?
The answers to these questions can give you insight into how competent and trustworthy a team is.
A good web development company in Kenya should be able to explain its process in detail, from start to finish.
They should be able to tell you how they plan, design, develop, test and deploy websites.
And should also be open about any challenges or obstacles that may arise during the project.
Asking about their process can also help determine if the team has experience working with businesses like yours.
For example, if your business requires an e-commerce website with specific payment gateways and shipping integrations, then the web development and design team must have experience building similar websites.
By asking about their process upfront, you can avoid headaches down the line and ensure that your project is in good hands.
Make Your Decision
Time to eat that frog?.
So far you’ve been scouring looking for the perfect team to handle your projects.
You must have a huge list right now.
a. Compare Quotes
While it you should compare quotes from different companies, price shouldn’t be the only determining factor.
It’s important to look for value rather than the cheapest option. Remember that you get what you pay for; a low-priced quote may indicate lower quality work.
Comparing quotes can also give you a sense of each company’s level of professionalism and attention to detail.
Take note of how detailed their proposals are in terms of project scope, timeline, and deliverables.
A company that takes the time to provide a comprehensive proposal is more likely to be organized and detail-oriented throughout your project.
b. Evaluate Communication
Remember, effective communication is essential to ensure that your vision for your website is understood and brought to life.
Therefore, you need to assess how well the team communicates with you during the selection process.
One way to evaluate their communication skills is by observing how responsive they are to your queries or concerns.
A good web development company in Kenya will be prompt in answering emails or phone calls, providing updates on project progress, and being open to feedback.
Additionally, it’s important to note whether they ask relevant questions that show they understand your needs.
Another factor in evaluating communication is their ability to explain technical concepts in layman’s terms.
Using industry jargon without explaining what it means may indicate a lack of understanding or unwillingness to communicate effectively with clients.
In contrast, a team that can explain complex ideas clearly demonstrates expertise in their field while also enabling you to make informed decisions about your project.
c. Consider the Team Structure
When it comes to building a website in Kenya, the team structure is crucial to ensuring smooth communication and efficient completion of tasks.
It’s important to consider the size of your project and what roles will be necessary for its success.
You may only need a designer and developer working together for a small project.
However, larger projects may require multiple designers, developers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists.
In addition to considering the number of team members needed, think about their skill sets.
Make sure that each team member has expertise in their respective areas, such as front-end development or user experience design.
This helps ensure that every aspect of your website is executed with precision.
Finally, think about how the team will communicate throughout the project.
Will there be regular check-ins or meetings?
What tools will they use for collaboration?
Establishing clear communication channels at the start can prevent misunderstandings and delays later on.
And remember, they need to provide you with a contact person. This is someone you can contact at any time to inquire about the project.
If it is a huge team, you will have a hard time getting them accountable. So make sure you have a contact point.
Finalize and Execute
By now, you should have picked the right man for the job.
a. Agree on the Timeline
A clear understanding of when you want your website to be up and running can help ensure that all parties involved are on the same page.
This should be in line with your goals.
And that’s why you must first know what you want.
Allocate adequate time for designing, developing, testing, and launching your website.
If you have a specific launch date in mind, communicate it clearly with your web development team so they can plan their work accordingly.
Once you have agreed on a timeline with your web design team, make sure that it is realistic.
Rushing through the process may lead to subpar results or even missed deadlines.
You should also agree upon milestones along the way to ensure progress is being made, and any necessary adjustments can be made as needed.
Keep in mind that delays can happen due to unforeseen circumstances such as technical glitches or changes in requirements; therefore, having a buffer time built into the schedule can help mitigate potential issues.
b. Sign the Contract
It is important to sign a contract before moving forward with any work.
A contract protects both parties involved and outlines the expectations, timeline, and payment terms for the project.
Before signing the contract, make sure to review it thoroughly and ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have.
Ensure that all details discussed during negotiations are included in the contract such as deliverables, deadlines, milestones, and communication channels.
Once you are satisfied with the terms outlined in the contract, sign on the dotted line.
Remember that a signed contract is legally binding and failure to fulfill its terms can result in legal consequences.
c. Kickoff the Project
Contract signed?
It’s time to kick off the project.
The first step in this process is to schedule a meeting with your new team.
During this meeting, be sure to outline your goals and objectives for the project and any timelines or deadlines you may have in mind.
Next, establish clear lines of communication between yourself and your team.
Make sure that everyone knows who they should be speaking with if they have questions or concerns about the project.
You can also use this time to discuss any specific requirements or features that you would like included in the final product.
Finally, don’t forget to set up regular check-ins with your team throughout the course of the project.
This will help ensure that everyone stays on track and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Questions to Ask
Here are some questions to ask a web design agency before you hire them.
What type of development services do you offer?
sking this question can help you determine whether the agency has the technical expertise to handle your project.
For instance, if your website requires complex e-commerce functionality or integration with third-party systems like CRMs or ERPs, you need an agency with experience in those areas.
What sort of design experience do you have?
Knowing the design experience of a web development and design team can greatly benefit you as a client.
It provides insight into their level of expertise and capability in delivering quality work.
A team with extensive design experience is more likely to execute your project according to your vision while adhering to industry standards and best practices.
It’s important to ask about their specific design experience in relation to your project needs, as different types of websites require different approaches.
For instance, an e-commerce platform may require more emphasis on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, while a blog or news website may need more attention on content layout and readability.
What does your design process look like?
Understanding a team’s design process can also give you an idea of how they approach projects from start to finish.
Do they conduct research before designing?
Do they create prototypes for testing?
How do they incorporate feedback from clients?
By asking these questions, you can determine if the web development company has a comprehensive approach that aligns with your expectations.
Do you have experience in my industry?
While universal design principles and techniques are applicable across different industries, having knowledge of the particularities and nuances of your industry can make all the difference.
An agency with experience in your industry will be able to understand your target audience better, anticipate their needs and preferences, and craft a website that resonates with them.
They will also be familiar with your industry’s jargon, terminology, and trends, which can save time and prevent misunderstandings during the collaboration process.
Moreover, an agency that has worked with clients in your industry before may have insights into what works and what doesn’t in terms of design elements, functionalities, or user experience.
They may even provide recommendations or suggest features that you haven’t thought about yet.
Therefore asking this question is essential to ensure that the web development team understands how to communicate effectively with you!
How do you handle customer support?
Why should you ask about their customer support?
The answer is simple.
Customer support is a crucial aspect of any business, and you want to ensure that your web development and design team will be available to assist you whenever you need them.
A good web design agency in Kenya understands this and will have a dedicated customer support team in place.
When it comes to handling customer support, communication is key.
Your web design team should be able to provide you with multiple ways of reaching them such as phone, email, or chat.
They should also have a well-documented process for handling support requests so that issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
In addition to communication channels, ask about the availability of customer support.
Does the web design agency offer 24/7 customer support?
What are their response times for different types of issues?
Asking these questions upfront can help prevent any surprises down the line so that you can feel confident in your choice of web development and design team.