Building a website is much easier nowadays than ever before because there are simple guides and easy to use tools for making websites. In fact, anyone can do it. Just sign up for a hosting plan that gives you a free domain and download a free template to use on your site. From there, you can add as much content as you want on your site. If you want your website to look like a professionally-made site and get the best results from it, you have to hire a competent web designer to sort you out. If you need a secure site that is mobile friendly and can accommodate other applications, on the other hand, you should hire a web developer. There is a difference between web design and web development, so be sure to hire the right professional for the job at hand. To get the best web design and development services, you should not be in a rush to make a decision. Be sure to take your time to consider the following factors:

i) Experience

Web developers and designers with years of experience in the industry deserve to get special consideration. Be sure to give priority consideration to web developers and designers who have previously designed many websites. Be sure to check the types of websites different service providers have designed or developed to ensure you only shortlist firms that have previously handled similar jobs. Hiring experienced service providers will help to ensure you get the highest quality of service.

ii) Reputation

Before you even start checking the quality of service different firms have been offering in the past, you have to check their reputation. Highly-rated web design and development firms are more likely to offer quality services than firms with poor ratings. Be sure to also read reviews and go through as many testimonials as possible before committing yourself. This will ensure you find a trusted, reliable and competent service provider.

iii) Service Quality

The quality of websites previously developed or designed by a firm can tell you many things about the quality of service they normally offer. For this reason, you should visit the sites built by the shortlisted firms. Among the things to check are the; page load speed, security, organisation of information, graphics, ease of navigation and page rank among other things. Only firms that have built amazing sites in the past should be given further consideration.

iv) Cost

The fees charged by different web designers should be considered. You are looking for affordable services, so you have to request quotes and compare them before you commit yourself.