Do Your Homework
There are many web design companies in Asheville. When choosing a website developer, it is important to do your homework because often having a poorly developed website is just as bad, if not worse, than having no website at all.
You Are Not Your Audience
There are only a few companies I can think of where the owner/ceo/primary stakeholder was a customer as well. Hair Club for Men comes to mind, and perhaps Mary Kay. Keep in mind your customers may not know your industry jargon, or share your appetite for information about your company. The front page of the site should target your primary audience.
A Website is Never Done
Recognize that a website is never done, it's just due: During the course of my career I've seen websites agonized over, built and then ignored. Make sure yours is built on a content management system and you have someone dedicated to keeping at the very least your front page current. People won't come back if you don't.
Think About the Elements of Your Website
To develop your company’s online presence, you are going to want a good designer, a good programmer, and a good writer. You may even need a photographer or videographer, depending on the vision you have in your head. That’s why you will want to consider a website development firm that can give your site everything it needs, soup to nuts, using their own team of professionals.
Know What You Want
Make sure you know why you want in a website and what you want your website to do for you. Write down some short term and long term goals. Establishing an Internet presence for your business is an important step make sure you do it right! You need to have a clear vision before you start.
Surf the Internet
Compile a list of websites that appeal to you in aspects of: colour scheme, content, layout and other related design properties. This will help your web designer factor in your personal tastes and preferences into the design process and produce a website you're proud of!
Avoid Flash
It is quite attractive and very tempting but the truth? It is usually annoying to your visitors and EXPENSIVE! Beside, flash websites are not SE (Search Engine) friendly. Try searching Google, have you seen a flash animation on a first-page search result?
Use a Content Management System
Content Management Systems take the effort out of writing web pages, just the same as word processors take the pain out of writing documents. Content Management Systems (CMS) are great for both simple and complex sites alike. They allow you to change your web message at a moment’s notice.
Focus on Quantifiable Results
Math is one of the few things in this world that we can rely upon to be undeniably consistent. Work with your team to develop results that can be tracked, evaluated, and, most importantly, repeated.
Communicate with the Designer
Remember that most web designers are good at what they do but they cannot read your mind. Send as many questions and instructions as you need to get across your message. Keep everything you talk about with your designer in writing or just keep notes. This keeps everything running smooth.