Shoelace Creative, one of the best web designer companies in Canberra. Photo: Shoelace Creative.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketing executive for a big brand or a salesperson converting prospective buyers into loyal customers, you can’t overestimate the importance of a professional and well-designed website.
A purpose-built website is more than a nice piece of design. It should be intuitive and easy-to-use. It should also work equally well on mobile devices, tablets and PCs.
Designing a website that’s functional and attractive isn’t as easy as you might expect. For a successful website project, you’ll need to hire a professional digital company. This can help you sort through the complexities involved. It can also help you streamline your project.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a website designer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great website designer?
There are plenty of resources for building your own website. A professional web designer, however, understands the technical, visual and functional aspects of web design and structure. They are experts at developing unique site. This is a site that reflects your brand and supports your business to grow.
Choosing the right website designer can help fast-track your project. It can also take the stress out of dealing with a technical environment.
- Technical know-how. You’ll want a website designer who uses a platform that suits your needs, whether that’s WordPress, Drupal or another site-building platform. Seek advice from your website designer on different platforms. Make sure they have experience with the one you choose.
- Eye for design. A huge part of web design is, well, the design. Your finished website should be as attractive as it’s straightforward to use. Check out website designers’ own websites. Also explore their portfolios. You can even ask the designers to talk you through projects they’ve completed.
- Briefing and communications. Check your chosen web designer pays attention to your brief. Ask for an in-depth conversation at the start of your project. Cover your needs, desires, target market, culture, style and competitive edge. Make sure your web designer is a great communicator. This will help you understand what you’re getting. It can also minimise costly revisions.
- Search engine optimisation (SEO) knowledge. Search engines are complex beasts. You’ll want a website designer who understands all that is involved. This way, existing and new clients can find you. Make sure your designer clearly communicates what SEO is. Ask how you can take advantage of it.
- Value-for-money. It’s no secret that higher quality, more complex sites can be more expensive. Whatever your budget, you’ll want to shop around for quotes. This will make sure you pay a fair price and get value-for-money.
The best website designers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
OPC IT
OPC IT knows what it takes to develop effective website designs that attract audiences and produce real business results. The team of experienced website experts offers the full range of digital services. This includes gathering requirements, as well as designing, developing and delivering memorable websites. It also includes maintenance, support, hosting and training.
Visually stunning and responsive web designs are critical to usability, credibility and effectiveness in achieving business goals. OPC IT puts users at the center of the design process and create functional websites that are enjoyable to use. Designers present strong brand images and websites that convey professionalism, credibility and trustworthiness.
OPC IT also designs around highly effective search engine optimisation, with websites sporting well-organised structures, clean code and optimised images. Strong visibility drives search engine results and greater traffic.
Last, but not least, OPC IT designs and develops websites that are easily accessible on mobile devices. The team’s responsive designs ensure user-friendly access on all devices.
With an impressive portfolio, OPC IT offers best-practice GovCMS, Drupal and Wordpress—the latest versions of each platform—for both public and private sectors. All websites adhere to strong, industry-standard, cryptographic controls. The team guarantees trusted, daily ICT support, and managed service solutions that are tailored and proactive.
Michael Sassella wrote on Google, “My workplace uses OPC for its IT and OPC does a great job. It is responsive and has the most obliging, technically competent staff who are always ready to help when I contact them for service.”
Project Simple
Project Simple offers affordable and effective web design and development services for growing businesses. This trusted local Canberra agency, with 20 years’ experience, deals direct with clients and unleashes the potential of their businesses. All work is handled inhouse for maximum quality control – no outsourcing.
The Project Simple team of experts collaborates with clients to define project scope. Web experts then create a design brief, develop creative concepts and ensure designs are responsive and optimised for all devices. Project Simple also conducts user testing and optimises search engine capability.
Websites are fully tested and Project Simple offers ongoing maintenance and support. Last, but not least, Project Simple offers clear, considered and easy-to-understand advice, important for clients who are not ‘tech-savvy’.
Project quotes are itemised and detailed. Service is professional and timely.
Carryn Jack wrote on Google, “The most professional, straightforward and helpful website designer I've ever worked with!”
Shoelace Creative
Shoelace Creative designs user-centric websites that stand out and take client brands to the next level. A boutique agency of content experts, Shoelace Creative delivers innovative, impactful websites that work for business growth.
End-to-end website solutions begin with strategy, concept development and graphic design services. Then websites are built with precision, with effective search engine optimisation. The end result is a creative website that delivers meaningful metrics.
Each project starts with a free discovery session to scope marketing objectives. Shoelace Creative’s team works in partnership with clients on elements such as video, design, photography, brand and marketing.
Shoelace Creative has offices in Canberra and Melbourne.
Melissa Lee writes on Google, 'Had the best time working with Ty and Jules on a number of projects. Their professionalism, expertise and friendliness made the whole experience super fun.'
FIBER
FIBER is a Canberra-based digital marketing agency that offers bespoke digital marketing and web design and development services.
FIBER’s team of dedicated UX and UI designers and developers produce graphics and content that seamlessly integrate between a business’s websites, apps, social and online marketing platforms. FIBER believes the best design is an equilibrium of functionality and aesthetics, and they know that websites are the most important marketing tool to date. The team is dedicated to constructing a site that will be mobile and tablet responsive, fast to load, easy to navigate and, of course, have a fresh and elegant look. FIBER also ensures that it will be simple for clients to modify and maintain the site themselves after handing over the reins.
As Stephanie Bow says of FIBER on Google, “We switched from previous SEO agency and started working with Kevin and his team from start of 2019. Our relationship has gone from just managing SEO to now powering all of our marketing, everything digital.”
Futuretheory
Futuretheory designs, develops and manages web solutions that help businesses grow with greater predictability.
Experts in website development, website design and search engine optimisation, Futuretheory combines data with design to boost clients’ potential across all industries, stages of business, and locations. Every decision and strategy is backed by reason and intent.
With over 15 years’ experience, Futuretheory takes a partnership approach. The team listens carefully to clients to understand their needs before executing web design the right way, without cutting corners or making matters complicated. Other services include branding and marketing.
Futuretheory practices sustainability to minimise the impact on the environment.
On Google, Andrew Howes wrote, “We had a great experience working with Germaine and the team at Futuretheory to redevelop the website for Femili PNG … The team's collaborative approach and commitment to the project helped us to fully realise our vision, within our timeframe and budget. We've gotten great feedback since launching and have an uptick in traffic.”
Whilst you’re searching for a web designer, you might also like to look at our articles on the best cyber security services, best managed IT support services, best data recovery services, best web developers, the best graphic designers, the best photographers, and the the best videographers Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with website designers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the Canberra website designers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a website designer?
You’ll want a website designer with an excellent portfolio, proven experience and great communications skills. You’ll also want one who wants to learn about your business and your brand. Choose a company that will design and build your website to deadline and budget. And make sure you choose a designer with a personality you can work well with.
How much does it cost to have a website designed?
The costs involved are influenced by many factors. This includes the type of website you need, its size, complexity and functionality. If you run a small business, you might not need a highly complex website, which means you might not need to pay as much as, say, a large corporation. Make sure you ask for detailed and itemised written quotes. Do so before you sign any agreement. Also ask how you’ll be billed.
Can’t I just build a ‘do-it-yourself’ website?
You can build your own website, and there are plenty of platforms for doing so. The question is: “How well do they work for your business?” Developing effective websites that are intuitive and drive business to you are complex. There’s a lot involved.
Who owns the website after it’s built?
This is a good question. It’s a good idea to discuss this in advance with the website designer so it’s clear before you begin.
How do I keep my website up-to-date?
This is something you should discuss early with your website designer. You might want to manage your own website. Or you might want ongoing external help. With external help, you’ll want to work out how much this will cost. Again, ask for detailed and itemised written quotes.
