Best Atlanta Web Design Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a web design company?

Focus on their portfolio first. A legitimate web design company shows real client work with live website links, not just mockups. Check if their designs match your industry and aesthetic preferences.

Next, verify their technical capabilities. They should build responsive sites that work on all devices, understand SEO basics, and offer content management systems you can update yourself. Ask about their process for testing sites before launch.

Consider their communication style and project management. Good agencies provide clear timelines, regular updates, and have a structured revision process. They should explain technical concepts without jargon and respond to emails within one business day.

How much does professional web design typically cost?

Web design pricing varies based on complexity and features needed. Basic 5-page business sites typically range from $2,000 to $8,000. Custom designs with unique functionality start around $10,000 and can exceed $50,000 for enterprise solutions.

Beware of extremely low prices. Companies charging under $1,000 often use templates without customization or outsource work overseas, leading to communication problems and poor results.

What questions should I ask web design companies before hiring?

Start with timeline and process questions. Ask how long similar projects take, what happens if deadlines slip, and how many revision rounds are included. Get specifics about their design process from initial concepts to final launch.

Technical questions matter too. Ask who owns the website code and design files after completion. Confirm they build sites with clean, semantic code and test across browsers. Request details about hosting recommendations and ongoing maintenance options.

Don't forget about post-launch support. Clarify what training they provide, how they handle urgent fixes, and their rates for future updates. Ask for three recent client references and actually call them.

How can I tell if a web design company's portfolio is legitimate?

Real portfolios include live website URLs you can visit and interact with. Click through multiple pages, test forms, and check if the sites load quickly. Legitimate companies show diverse work across industries, not just variations of the same template.

Look for case studies with specific results. Professional agencies share metrics like increased conversion rates or improved search rankings. They explain the client's challenges and how design decisions solved specific problems.

Red flags include portfolios with only screenshots, broken links to client sites, or designs that look dated. Be suspicious if all sites look identical or if the company claims work they can't verify with live examples.

What's the difference between template-based and custom web design?

Template-based design starts with pre-made layouts you customize with your content and colors. These sites cost less and launch faster, usually within 2-4 weeks. Templates work well for standard business sites but limit unique functionality.

Custom design builds your site from scratch based on your specific needs. Designers create unique layouts, features, and user experiences tailored to your audience. Custom sites take 8-12 weeks minimum but offer complete control over functionality and appearance.

Consider templates if you need a professional presence quickly with a limited budget. Choose a custom design when you need specific features, have complex content requirements, or want to stand out from competitors using similar templates.

Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for web design?

Freelancers typically charge less and offer more personal attention. They work well for smaller projects with straightforward requirements. However, freelancers may lack expertise in certain areas like backend development or digital marketing.

Agencies provide teams with specialized skills - designers, developers, copywriters, and project managers. They handle complex projects more efficiently and offer broader services like SEO and ongoing marketing. Agencies also provide backup if someone gets sick or leaves.

What should a web design contract include?

Your contract needs specific deliverables with measurable outcomes. List exact page counts, features, and functionality rather than vague descriptions. Include mockup approval stages and revision limits to prevent scope creep.

Payment terms should tie to milestones, not just time. Common structures include 25-50% upfront, progress payments at design approval and development completion, with final payment at launch. Specify what happens if either party terminates early.

Ownership rights require clear documentation. Confirm you'll own the final website code, content, and design elements. Include provisions for the designer to use work in their portfolio. Add confidentiality clauses if sharing sensitive business information.

How long does it take to build a professional website?

Standard business websites take 6-12 weeks from contract signing to launch. This includes 2-3 weeks for initial designs, 1-2 weeks for revisions, 3-4 weeks for development, and 1 week for testing and launch preparation.

Timeline factors include content readiness and feedback speed. Sites launch faster when clients provide all content upfront and respond to revision requests within 48 hours. Complex features like custom databases or third-party integrations add 2-4 weeks.

Rush projects are possible but cost more. Some companies offer 2-week turnarounds for simple sites with ready content. However, rushed timelines often sacrifice quality testing and SEO optimization that improve long-term performance.

What ongoing maintenance does a website need?

Websites require monthly security updates and backups to prevent hacking and data loss. Content management systems like WordPress release patches regularly. Ignoring updates leaves sites vulnerable to attacks that can destroy your online presence.

Performance optimization keeps sites running fast. This includes image compression, database cleaning, and removing unused plugins. Slow sites frustrate visitors and rank lower in search results. Most businesses need quarterly performance reviews.

Content updates maintain relevance and search rankings. Add new blog posts, update product information, and refresh dated content. Sites without new content for six months start losing search visibility. Budget 2-5 hours monthly for content updates or hire ongoing support.

How do I prepare content for my web design project?

Start by auditing existing content. List all current pages, identify what to keep, what needs updating, and what's missing. Create a spreadsheet with page titles, main topics, and target keywords for each page.

Write content before design begins. Designers need real text to create effective layouts. Lorem ipsum placeholder text leads to design revisions when real content doesn't fit. Provide all text, images, and videos at project kickoff.

Organize content hierarchically. Group related pages under main navigation categories. Each page needs a clear purpose and call-to-action. Include internal links between related pages to help visitors and search engines understand your site structure.