Most business owners wouldn’t think twice about hiring an accountant to help with finances, payroll, etc. So why do some owners think that outsourcing their website maintenance isn’t necessary? Of course, many owners can DIY their websites, but many are under the impression that once they have a website, they don’t have to touch it again – and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if your site doesn’t showcase changing inventory or collect sensitive information, it still needs to be maintained regularly.
Outsourcing gives you more time to focus on your business and ensures that it gets the attention it needs. Here are some things to consider when hiring a website management company:
Reputation
Take your time and research the company to determine if they have a strong reputation and are committed to working with you long-term. We hear many stories of website companies that vanish into the night, look for a company that is stable and will be around for the life of your business.
Experience
How much experience does the company have and how long have they been in business? Does the company have experience managing a large number of sites and handling all types of functionality? Consider making a list of questions to ask before hiring. For example
- How long have you been in business and how experienced is your team?
- Who will I work with if I have a problem?
- What happens if you I an issue outside of traditional business hours?
- How many websites does your company manage?
Response Time
If your website went down today, do you know how quickly the company can get it could be back online? What happens if you have a problem after traditional business hours, is someone available to help? A maintenance company should have a real-time backup of your site ensuring that if the worst happens, there is a good version of the site saved that can be quickly restored.
Additional Services
Does the company offer additional services that you may need in the future? Having a one-stop shop for all of your website needs is a definite perk. What if you decide you need a website redesign down the road? Do they offer SEO in case you want to boost your search engine rankings? What if you want to add a blog, online applications, e-commerce, or accessibility, can the company manage that or will you need to find another company to work with?
Is Hammersmith Support The Right Fit?
Thinking Hammersmith Support may be the experienced company you are looking for? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to talk through your questions and discuss the services we offer, including our comprehensive maintenance packages!