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Whether you’re just starting your business or you’ve been in business for many years, it’s likely that you’ll eventually have to invest in the services of a web design studio. This isn’t a task for the faint of heart because while there are some outstanding studios out there, but there are also some really bad ones. Picking the right one can put your business on the fast track to Internet success, but choosing the wrong one can leave you with nothing to show for your time, money and frustrations.

The key to choosing the right web design studio for your unique situation is doing your homework. There is much more to it than just looking for the cheapest price. By following these steps, you’ll have a far better chance of choosing a studio that is the best fit for you.

1. Look at their website. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people overlook it. If a web design studio doesn’t have a website that really grabs your attention and draws you in, chances are that they won’t be able to design one for you. And don’t believe the “cobblers children” excuse. Any professional web design studio will take their own website very seriously.

2. Compare their prices. You’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest price however. If many of the firms that you talk to are in the $3,000 – $5,000 range, don’t get excited when you find a firm that is offering to design your website for $700 – that lower price comes at a cost. As in any industry, you get what you pay for. Value is more important than price; decide what you can afford to invest in your online presence and then choose the firm that provides the most value at a realistic price. For a ballpark figure, an investment between $2,000 – $5,000 should meet the needs of most businesses.

3. Research their history. Have they been in business for a few years? Have they been featured in any major business publications? How about testimonials? Every company will have some unsatisfied clients, but what you’re looking for is a trend. If a lot of high-profile people have great things to say about them, that is a strong indication that they are a reputable company. The same applies to positive coverage in the media.

4. Talk to their customers. Most honest web design studio will gladly provide the phone numbers of a few customers that you can call and ask about their experiences  with the firm. You can also track down clients from their portfolio. If they won’t let you speak to any previous customers, that should be a huge red flag.

5. Look at their process from beginning to end. Does it seem professional and structured or does it feel like they are putting it together as they go? Most serious web design studios will have a very structured process in place, beginning with by discussing your particular needs and situation. Many will send you a creative brief, which is basically an in-depth questionnaire that collects the information they will need to plan and design your website. They should also have contracts prepared that cover the terms of your project. Usually, the more detailed and organized firms are the ones that will meet your needs most effectively.

6. Consider their size. If you run a Fortune 500 company, a two-man website design studio may not be able to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you run a start-up company and have a small budget, a larger website design studio may not be the right fit for you. The key is to choose a firm that will be able to handle your project, but will still treat you as more than just a number.