There are some key points that you should address early in the relationship, to set the boundaries for both parties - many difficulties come about simply through misunderstandings. Don't let it happen to you - follow the five simple steps in this article and you will be better-placed to avoid such pitfalls.
1. Agree - up front - the scope of the project
Ensure that both you and the agency know what is to be produced and just as importantly, what isn't. It may be that some features are held back for a second phase of development, or that you need to time aspects of your website to coincide with your business development. Get them written down and ensure both parties put their name to it. Any changes in scope can then be gauged against this document. It gives you protection against functionality going missing, and it protects the agency against the infamous scope creep. It's a win-win.
2. Fix the price, don't dabble with discounts
As the with scope, ensure that the price is fixed up front, or at least ensure that you know what you are getting for the funding you are providing. Agree a cost with the agency. Rather than push for a discount which automatically makes you a second-class citizen, ensure you get first-class service for your outlay. Web agencies aren't discount stores where they can sell at a reduced margin to encourage you to come back for more. Time is money and if you pay a reduced rate you're not going to magically get greater productivity from the staff at the agency, you're likely to get reduced time, rushed work, and lower quality. Don't risk that happening.
3. Understand how many revisions you will be entitled to within the scope of the project
Particularly with aspects of design, ensure you know how often and to what degree you can come back with changes and variations. Some agencies may offer a set of designs from which you select one (or different parts from different designs). Other agencies will focus on understanding your needs first and develop a design which ticks all your boxes. In either case you will want to make modifications along the way, but in order to keep any project on track - time- and cost-wise - these revisions must be finite. If you know how many iterations you have, it helps to focus your mind, and any discussions with your agency.
Stay focused on the ultimate goal, and don't find yourself out of time and out of revisions. Neither party will win in that situation.
4. Be clear about what you want and ensure you keep your agency focused
You know what you want, and you will want to make sure the agency doesn't lose sight of that. Don't let them introduce the latest technology because they want to try new things; don't let them take a path you're not comfortable with because it might be easier for them. You've (hopefully) agreed the scope and the cost, now make them stick to it. Any good agency will do this as a matter of course, and may help to keep you focused - it's a two-way street.
5. Don't be afraid to discuss the merits (or otherwise) of any existing design
If you have an existing design, don't be overly-precious about it. You are having your site redesigned for a good reason. If you agree with an agency to conduct User Experience (UX) test, don't be afraid of the feedback. Who knows, that original design might have been yours, so don't get defensive if an agency critiques it. You're engaging with them to make something better, so always be forward looking.
Want to know more?
Deep Blue Sky provide a range of services from pure web design to bespoke development, incorporating hosting and support, business systems, digital consultancy and successful marketing automation amongst other services.
If you would like to discuss a digital project of any kind or any of the other services we provide please contact us online or call 01225 444674.
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