Although our industry has experienced significant changes in the past decade, we remain committed to helping our customers make life easier.

Clio Websites was founded in 2007 and has been developing websites ever since. Through the years we have learned a lot about Calgary web design and development.

For small and large businesses, keeping up to date with technology can be a challenge. We've compiled a list that will help you choose the right web design company for your next job.

We will start by explaining the basic website design services that online marketers and web agencies offer.

COMMON WEBSITE DESIRED SERVICES

Common web design services generally fall into one of the following three categories: launching sites, search engine optimizing (SEO Services), and website maintenance.

WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - LAUNCHING WEBSITES

This broad service range includes branding, design, copy, and everything necessary to launch a site. Full-service agencies are capable of launching a complete website for your business, while some companies may specialize in certain areas.

Clio's specialty is designing and developing responsive websites. To learn more about Clio, check out our portfolio. We offer complete services and have a solid track record.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION / SEO SERVICES

According to moz.com SEO is:

"... This is the practice of increasing website traffic quality and quantity, as well exposure to your brand through non-paid search engine results.

So, what does this all translate to for you and your company? This is a great way to boost your digital presence and visibility. It can lead to new leads and more sales.

SEO is a complex topic. There are many methods and approaches to it. It can include both organic concepts such as website usability, user experience and website performance. To maximize performance and exposure, both techniques should be used.

This broad service range includes branding, design, copy and everything necessary to launch a site. Full service agencies are capable of launching a complete website for your business, while some companies may specialize in a particular area.

Clio's specialty is designing and developing responsive websites. To learn more about Clio, check out our portfolio. We offer end to end services, and have a track record.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – SEO SERVICES

According to moz.com SEO is:

"... This is the practice of increasing website traffic quality and quantity, as well exposure to your brand through non-paid... search engine results.

What does this mean to you and your company? This is a great way to boost your digital presence and visibility. It can lead to new leads for your company and more sales.

SEO is a complex topic. There are many methods and approaches to it. It can include both organic concepts such as website usability, user experience and website performance. To maximize performance and exposure, both techniques should be used.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CHOOSE A WEBSITE DESIGN COMPANY

PORTFOLIO

The portfolio of the web design company is what you need to start looking at. Here are some things you should look out for:

  • Does their portfolio appear professional and up-to-date?
  • Are their websites responsive and free from errors?
  • Is the portfolio consistent across different projects? Many providers use the same theme over and again to reduce costs. This ensures that their websites all have the same look.

We take great pride and ensure each website stands out among the competition. Take a look at our portfolio for examples.

REFERENCES

Good reviews and references should be a red flag when choosing a web agency. Always ask for references. Look for reviews on the website, Google and then follow up with those who have provided them.This is a point we cannot stress enough

Also, retention rates can be used to gauge how happy clients are with the services they provide.

We also post many of our testimonials to our website. Clio can also provide references for you to follow up with to see what it was like working with us.

THEIR APPROACH

Does the approach they use make sense? How does it align with your business goals and objectives? When developing websites or working with clients, for example, we prefer an iterative approach. This means that your input and feedback will be sought before the project is complete.

Many companies will gather your requirements but you won’t hear from them until they start working on your project. We've found this to be not only frustrating for the client, but also for the company. We ensure clients are involved in every step of the process. We also check in frequently to make sure that everything is on track.

To find out more about our iterative approach, check out our about us page.

MODERN TECHNOLOGIES AND USE

This one might seem trivial to you, as a business owner, but we are serious. This will ensure that your website is easily transferable and supportable by learning and using modern technologies.

If you have legacy technology, it is difficult to find resources that are capable of looking after your website in the event you want to switch providers.

WordPress and other supported frameworks ensure your website is always secure and responsive. This is why it is important to ensure your website is using the most current technology stack.

MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT ON AN OPERATIONAL BASIS

What will their support and maintenance look after you have launched your website? After your website goes live, are there any fees and costs? If your website isn’t performing well or you have difficulty updating it, the ongoing support and maintenance costs could quickly add up.

WordPress allows clients to make changes without having to hire a web development team. Recently we wrote about startup costs of launching a website. SEO is about keeping your website safe and loading quickly. It is important for SEO to keep your website safe and fast loading. Check out our WordPress support and maintenance plans.

BEYOND WEB DEVELOPMENT

A successful web project can be launched in many ways. Website design must be appealing. It should perform well, be accessible, and generate leads or sales. It is essential to choose a company who has a track record and is able to apply these principles effectively.

You must ensure that the company to whom you are going to hire understands the following:

  • What motivates you (passions, motivations) to start your business? And what differentiates you from your competitors?
  • What are your goals for your website?
  • What technology can do to help you understand your business goals?

Your website needs to be able to attract leads and many visitors. This requires ongoing investment. It is essential that the agency you choose has previous experience working with companies within your industry. They should also be able and willing to help you invest where it is most effective. Referrals and portfolios should reflect their experience.