“My next point is references. Can your potential website company offer strong references , and I don't mean a few happy customers or positive remarks from closely affiliated sites. I mean a number of strong well known clients that are really happy with their end result.Ask the company for a client list or try and find their clients online. Feel free to contact their clients directly for a completely unbiased view. It's the few unhappy clients that you really want to speak to, to determine possible pitfalls when dealing with a particular company. Also remember that finding one or two clients that are not 100% ecstatic does not necessarily mean that the company might not be the right supplier for you. Rather try and figure out why there might have been a problem before making a ruling. And when you have finally made up you mind, get more references.Other important areas to consider include you new websites ownership. I have not heard of this happening in a long time, but there were a few website design companies in Cape Town about 5 years back who used to own the source code for websites they developed for you. When you tried to have a different company make changes to your site, you would suddenly discover at that point you in fact do not own your website - Really appalling behaviour.That said, your new website should be a pleasant experience and often this is the case. Please do not be deterred by my above comments, but rather be attentive in the supplier selection process. Should require any advice on a particular project feel free to contact me. ”