If you’re like the many businesses out there who are trying to get noticed on the world wide web, hiring a web design company is definitely something to consider. Admittedly, there are a lot of free tools with customizable templates that you can use to design your website. However, it’s one thing to design a website, and another to design an effective and responsive website.

So, for a professional and functional website that will get your business noticed, you will need the services of a reputable web design company. But you need to be careful though, as there are many ‘ham and egg’ companies that are out to take your money, and won’t deliver as expected.

That said, below are 6 things to avoid when choosing a web design company for your business:

1. No CMS (Content Management System) included

If the website you paid a web design company to build for you doesn’t have a built-in CMS, then you’ve been cheated. Every website should have a CMS built-in, as it makes the editing of its content easy.

If there is no CMS platform like WordPress or Magento (for e-commerce) incorporated, it means you will have to reach out to the company again any time you want to edit your website content, and they will probably charge you again for it. This is just a way to keep getting more money out of you. Stay away from such companies as they don’t have your best interests at heart.

2. Too cheap

This is a weakness for many people who need a website, but don’t have any idea of how things work. As soon as they see a web design company is offering cheap rates compared to others, they jump at the offer.

When a company offers rates that are too cheap, then you will likely be getting just a basic website with no features. Plus, you will be forced to pay extra for any additional features and functions, which means you may likely end up spending more in the end. If you don’t have any idea of professional website design rates, do some research or ask your friends.

3. A lot of technical talks

This should be a big turn-off. You don’t need all the technical mumbo-jumbo because you probably won’t understand them, which is why you’re looking for a professional web designer in the first place.

Whenever a web design company starts speaking a lot of technical stuff when pitching the plans for the project to you, it may be a way to get you to pay for things you don’t really need. Of course, you’re going to oblige because you don’t understand any of it.

You need a company that can explain everything to you in simple English you can understand, not the one that speaks a lot of technical jargon.

4. Asking full payment in advance

Which would you trust? – A web design company that asks for full payment upfront before they do any work or the one that only asks for a deposit?

Any company that asks for complete payment before anything is done doesn’t trust their own services. So, how can you now trust them? A reliable web company will only ask for a deposit and the rest of the payment when the website is up and running.

5. Non-responsive website design

Almost everyone accesses the internet with their mobile devices these days. Research has it that the number of tablets and smartphone users far outweighs that of desktop users. So, you will need a website that is very responsive and able to display correctly across all devices. Steer clear of companies that don’t offer responsive web design.

6. Companies that don’t offer all-inclusive web design

Any web design company that ‘knows its onions’ should be able to offer both web design and web development. Some companies only make a website look good, without making sure it functions effectively. Never hire such companies.

These are just some of the important things to avoid when choosing a web design company to work on your website. If you notice any of these signs, then look for alternative companies.