Last year, I had the opportunity to quote on designing and building a new website for a company that works within the construction industry. I was one of three companies approached, and I thought I had a good shot at it. However, after submitting my proposal, I didn’t hear back from them, which usually means I didn’t get the work. It happens, you win some, you lose some. But being the curious type, I asked for feedback on my proposal, as it helps me to better understand where I sit amongst my competition.
The feedback I received was that they didn’t feel my company was big enough and that I wasn’t charging enough. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard this response, but it still stung. While I know my capabilities and knew I could deliver the project to a high standard, I understand that some companies see this as a red flag. I also understand the second point about my fees not being as high as bigger agencies. It’s an age-old belief that a higher price tag ensures a better product or service. But in my experience, that’s not always the case.
A few weeks ago, I had some spare time and decided to check out the completed project that went to another agency. I was curious to see how much better their work was than mine and hoping to gain some inspiration – I really don’t mind losing to a better opponent. However, what I found was shocking – the website was downright awful! It looked like a child had put it together. No finesse, no quality design, and certainly not reflective of the company’s current size or its future growth plans.
This got me thinking – how often do businesses settle for subpar work just because they believe that a bigger agency or a higher price tag equals better quality? The truth is that it’s not always the case. Sure, some big web agencies have a lot of resources and experience, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to better work. Smaller companies and freelancers can also deliver top-notch work. In fact, many of us are more flexible and adaptable than our larger counterparts, and we can offer a more personalised service. We tend to be readily available when you want to speak to us, directly, cutting out the middle man.
As a freelance web designer, I work with a lot of small companies and startups, but I also tackle big projects too. I see myself as a small agency, really. And whilst I can’t spill the beans on my top-secret work for bigger agencies (thanks, NDA!), I can tell you that I’m no slouch when it comes to delivering the goods. I have the skills and experience to handle even the most complex web projects, and I always strive to deliver work that exceeds my client’s expectations.
So, the real point of this post is that when you’re next looking for a web designer, don’t just focus on size and price. Do your homework and dig a little deeper. Look at their portfolio, check their reviews, and ask for examples of previous work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be clear about your expectations. A good web designer will listen to your needs, offer suggestions and advice, and work with you to create a website that truly reflects your brand and message.
In conclusion, don’t let the size or price of a web design agency or freelancer be the deciding factor when choosing someone to create your website. Look beyond these factors and focus on the quality of their work, their experience, and their willingness to work with you to achieve your goals. And who knows, you might just find that a smaller company or freelancer is the perfect fit for your project and save yourself a few grand in the process.
