Having a website is no longer optional for most businesses. In order to project a competent image and allow your customers to find you, your company must have an online presence. Your website will often be your company's first point of contact with your customers, and it has to make a great first impression. Your web design firm can make or break the success of your website-which is why finding the right one is crucial.

Know what you need. Web sites come in all shapes and sizes. If you envision a bustling e-commerce site where customers can search your catalogue, place orders, and get online customer support, your needs and budget will be much different than if you need a non-interactive site that gives information about your company. You should know what you want your website to do for your company, and have a sense of your budget.

Know where to look. Your first step should be to do an online search. Notice how well each firm is ranked in the search engine you use-this is a good indication of how adept the firm is at search engine optimization, which is crucial to your website's effectiveness. Referrals are another important tool-make a point of asking colleagues, particularly others in your industry, for recommendations. At the end of this process, you should have a long list of candidates.

Narrow it down. Contact each firm and ask for links to other websites they've designed. Do they have websites in their portfolio that are similar to what you have in mind? If so, how well are they constructed? Can you navigate easily? Do an online search using relevant keywords-does the site appear in the search results? How well is it ranked? If possible, contact the owners of the sites and ask about their experiences with this firm. Talk to a representative from each firm. Can they meet your needs within your budget? Do you get a sense that they understand your business? You should now have a much shorter list of possible candidates.

Get a Proposal. After discussing your needs and budget with each firm, ask that they submit a formal proposal outlining exactly what they will deliver and how much it will cost. Ask the following questions when evaluating proposals:

* Does it meet all my needs and stay within budget?
* Does it include search engine optimization?
* Can I easily modify my content?
* Does it include ongoing tech support?
* Is a domain name included?
* Is a clear time frame spelled out in the contract, and are there financial penalties for non-delivery?
* Will you own the copyright for the graphics used in the site?
* Is the cost calculated per-hour or per-project? If it's per-hour, you should have a not-to-exceed price included.

Once you've evaluated your proposals, you should have enough information to choose the web design firm that best fits your company. Never hesitate to ask questions before making your choice-you are entrusting this firm with an integral part of your business. If you take the time to get to know your needs and your options, you'll have a much better chance of choosing the right web designer-and getting a website that takes your business to the next level.