Bath and the South West in general is becoming something of a hub for the digital and creative industries. It is no surprise that there a wide range of web designers that you can contact get to help with your site or software project. But with the costs ranging from ‘too good to be true’, to astronomical, we guide you through some of the things to look out for.
In this guide we take a look at what you can do to prepare before employing a web developer, and provide some good options you could go for in the area.
Define your project
The phrase how long is a piece of string often trips up in these conversations. A website or software project is rarely a finite task, the goalposts of what you are trying to achieve tend to move during the project, and that is no one’s fault – it just happens. For example, at the beginning you think, I don’t need to manage content myself, but by the end you see why it might be useful.
Sit down and map out EXACTLY what you need before even talking to a web designer/developer. This cannot be overstated, it will make both your lives easier. You can do this in a nice Word document or Excel spreadsheet, or whatever you find easiest to use.
Try to understand the difference between UI designer / UX designer / web designer / developer
This may seem basic, but many people go into a project without knowing what a how a web developer differs from a web designer. Now admittedly, it is incredibly confusing, even for the professional. There is just so much overlap in the terms.
Generally a web designer handles the design of the website only. They design what it will look like, but they won’t specialise in actually building the digital product. A UI designer is essentially the same. UI stands for User interface.
A developer is able to take a design and build the website or application using code. There are lots of decisions the developer will have to make that will affect your project, and the path your business takes, so it is very important to have a good relationship with your developer and try to understand the decisions they are making. Making a wrong decision can have a huge implication on your business’ long term success.
Cheaper web developers in the Bath/Bristol area (but higher quality)
In this day and age , pretty much anybody can build a website. With this being the case, there are many people who will offer to build you the website you need for a lower fee than elsewhere. Beware, if the needs of your project are more advanced, or change, you may be stuck with an unusable website. Sites built in Wix or Squarespace are notorious for hitting a ‘wall’ and you then have to pay someone to start from scratch.
If you use a developer who is adaptable and can build websites in a number of technologies (ask if they know WordPress or React) this will give you an idea that they have weighed up what is best for your company and chosen the best option. You ultimately want a website that will last for years and will be able to grow with your business. The danger is you end up with something that causes you more headaches, and restricts you from doing things when you need to add new features.
You don’t need to spend all your money on a website. Despite the age old saying, “you get what you pay for” this is not always the case, that is way if your are savvy and practise the above tips you might find a more cost effective way of building your product. If you don’t know what you want, you will not get it – even if you spend the big bucks.
The problem with going for the very cheapest website designer, who offers you the world, but they don’t demonstrate knowledge and understanding – is that they will probably not know that much more than you – you will just be paying for their time. So you need to ensure that they do know what they are doing.
AquiCreative are a company that offers website design using Next JS, React and WordPress – without you having to shell out vast sums of money. They are knowledgeable in all areas of digital, including UX, design and SEO. If you are looking for a company that loves the craft of building custom websites and doesn’t cost the world, go with them.
Agencies in the Bath and Bristol area
Here are a selection of great agencies that will build your product the right way. It could easily cost you well into the tens of thousands but it will be worth it.
1. RocketMakers – Bath
Rocketmakers are are an established company, with a track record of producing great websites and applications. It will cost you more but you will get a product that is built professionally and will last, as long as you yourself have a strong plan and vision in place.
2. Orca – Bristol
Orca are a BCorp company that makes well thought out and beautifully designed websites. Again with an agency like this you will get what you paid for.
3. True Digital – Bristol
On the larger end of the spectrum, for those with the budget, you can choose a company like True Digital , you will be in good company – companies like Ardman have chosen their services. Bigger agencies like this will be able to dedicate a huge team of creatives to your
4. Nixon Design – Cornwall
Based in the Cornwall, with a small and highly talented team, Nixon are a company that consistently produces top quality work. You cannot go too far wrong with them. As long as you don’t mind the drive down to Hayle in Cornwall for planning meetings.
Summary
To wrap up, remember that planning and understanding the creative services you are going to be paying for is key to your success. Do not think any agency has a magic switch they can press that will make your project happen overnight, and that they can do this without your input and hard work, – this depends on you. But choosing the right team of creatives will determine how smoothly the journey goes in arriving to your vision. Arm yourself with lots of knowledge and information, talk to lots of people and go with your gut feeling. You are investing in a partner for your business so it is not a decision that should be made lightly.
