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Top 10 Tips on Choosing a Web Designer for Accountants

If you want to find out what to look for when choosing a web designer to create your practice website, then read on. Our tips were written to help accountants choose a websites for accountants provider, but they can be applied to the selection process of any website design company.

  1. Ask for a Bespoke Design. Some suppliers that focus on websites for accountants will only supply template sites. This means that your website will have the same look as most of their other sites. They typically just change the logo, some colours and a few basic layout features. We would recommend against using suppliers that would deliver websites that are not designed to match your practice individuality. Choose a design company that will create an individual bespoke design for you.

    While some of the content from the resources and other sections will be the same across all the sites of a particular supplier, you don't want someone to mistake a local competitor and you because your websites look alike!

  2. Frequency and Amount of Changes Allowed. Find out how many changes you can make to your website before it's created and how many changes you are allowed to make once it's been launched. You want your site to be individual to you, so you don't want to be restricted in the changes you are allowed to make.

    Ideally, your website designers will also provide a content management system allowing you to make many of your own changes whenever you want.

  3. Portfolio of Designs. Ask to see examples of sites they have produced for other accountants so you can see the quality of design you are likely to get.

    You want a designer who can match the feel of your practice, not just create a design that they like. If you're a small friendly practice aimed at the small business market, you want your design to convey that, not make you look like a large corporation.

  4. Extra Tools. Some of the suppliers of websites for accountants can supply you with additional online tools such as...
    • Secure Document Exchanges;
    • Email marketing applications;
    • Email Newsletter for clients and prospects;
    • Human resources document centre for your clients;

    Check the cost of these items if you want them in addition to your website as some suppliers charge an additional montly fee for each item.

  5. Search Engine Optimisation. Getting to the top of the search engines is a specialist skillset that goes beyond website design. Find out how experienced your designer is and what help they provide. Ask to see references and if he is not a specialist, we recommend you involve one - called search engineer or seo - from the start, as it can be more costly to correct the mistake after your site has been built.
  6. Cost. Ensure you are comfortable with the cost, especially if extras are being charged for. Most suppliers of websites for accountants will charge a monthly fee, which in most cases is the most sensible, so you need to ensure you are comfortable with the fee level on an ongoing basis. However, some supplier also charge a setup fee in addition to the monthly fee. Make sure you ask your chosen supplier if they do.
  7. Tie in Periods and Guarantees. Although most web designers for accountants will charge on a monthly basis, some will want to tie you in for a minimum period (usually 12 months). It's safer to use a supplier who does not tie you in, in case they do not deliver the level of service they promised. We would also recommend asking them about the guarantees they offer and how quickly your new website will be ready.
  8. Web Standards and Accessibility. You should choose a designer who will produce a site built to the very latest web standards. This means that the site is not built using tables for layout, but rather CSS. This separates the content from the design and results in a site that:
    • will perform better in the search engines;
    • is more accessible to visitors with disabilities;
    • is more likely to be viewable on portable devices (mobile phone, PDA);
    • is faster to load and easier to maintain;

    It also means that you web designer is a professional who will be able to advise you on the best web solution for your practice.

  9. Marketing Support. The most common reason for having a website is usually to help attract new clients. Ask you web designer how the sites they produce will attract new clients. We also recommend asking them about the form of support and knowledge they will deliver in helping you use your website to gain new clients. Most accountants are not just looking for an information site, but rather a website that is primarily designed to sell your practice to potential clients.
  10. Endorsements. Ask to see testimonials from existing accountants / clients that use that websites for accountants provider and ask to speak to a few of them to find out their experience. This is may be the most important step in making sure the designers you choose will deliver on their promises.