Outsourcing the library’s website to a professional design firm requires an initial investment, but can lead to a superior product. Here are some questions to consider when selecting a web design firm:
-
Has the company designed websites for libraries or non-profits? Libraries have unique needs for their websites, so some experience with the library landscape is very helpful.
-
How much experience do they have? Can they point to examples of their work?
-
Will they put you in touch with past clients (especially other libraries)?
-
How quickly do they respond to your questions? This might be a good indication of their response time once they’re maintaining the site.
-
What is included in the price? A customized design, maintenance, hosting, and search engine optimization (SEO)?
-
Can they deliver on time?
Daviess County, Taylor County, and Russell County Public Libraries recently overhauled their websites. Daviess used Red Pixel Studios, Russell selected Kirby Stephens Design and Taylor chose KTL Computer Concepts.