How Do Web Design Firms Differ from One Another?

Web builders come in all shapes and sizes. As the medium grows, so do the opportunities for niche and specialty shops to find a place in the market. Here are a few pointers on what to expect from different kinds of firms.

Small "sole proprietor" shops: These include firms with a few employees who have a good general knowledge of HTML, scripting and graphic design. Small firms may also hire freelance employees who provide database, programming or e-commerce services on a case-by-case basis.

Pros: Small firms are inexpensive.

Cons: Beware of small firms that stretch themselves too thin.

Medium-size Web development shops: These firms employ up to a few dozen employees spread across several technical specialties. They can handle most projects in-house, and they may also provide marketing or advertising services.

Pros: These firms can provide one-stop shopping at a reasonable price.

Cons: Many Web firms are growing too quickly, and they may not be able to provide consistent service or support.

Large interactive firms: These shops provide end-to-end planning for even the most complex Web development projects. In addition to first-class technical expertise, a large firm can offer marketing and brand management services, develop online advertising campaigns, and provide custom systems integration and consulting. Some of the largest firms, such as USWeb/CKS, have morphed into international franchises with dozens of branches and hundreds of employees.

Pros: These established firms can handle any project.

Cons: You'll pay dearly for their services.

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