Web design company in Boston

A hosted builder such as Wix, Squarespace or Webflow suits a small site you want to run yourself. You get a way to manage the site without commissioning a custom build, but have less control over the code and speed. Moving away later can mean rebuilding, so consider how much control you want before choosing a platform for convenience.

A custom-coded site in Next.js suits a company that wants fast pages, tight security and a design without template limits. Allow for a developer to handle structural changes. A headless setup pairs a custom front end with a separate content editor; it suits heavy editing alongside the need for speed, but adds parts to host and maintain.

Your editing routine is the starting point. We recommend WordPress or a custom Next.js site after learning how your team works, including who will update the content and how the site needs to support them. That gives you a choice based on the work you will do after launch.

For a business open to the public, US guidance says the ADA covers the goods and services it offers on the web and points to WCAG as helpful guidance. Agree an accessibility target in the brief. We set up the sitemap, wireframes and page designs around that target, with your feedback before the build.

For a state or local government website, the applicable rule requires WCAG 2.1 Level AA. That target needs to be part of the project brief and the page designs, so it is addressed during the work rather than left as an unspecified launch requirement.

Bring what you have, and note what still needs work.

• Brand filesGather your logo in SVG, AI or EPS format, plus your colours and fonts.
• Services or productsRank what you want to feature so the navigation and home page reflect your priorities.
• Website examplesNote sites you like and dislike, with a reason for each choice.
• PhotosCollect images of your team, premises and finished work, or arrange a photo shoot.
• GoalsDecide which enquiries you want and who will handle each kind.
• Proof of workGather case studies, testimonials and client logos you have permission to show.

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  Accounts in someone else's name

  Hold the domain and hosting accounts yourself, then grant access to the people doing the work.

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  Desktop-only approval

  Review every page on a phone as well as a large screen.

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  Copying the old sitemap

  Check which pages you actually need. Clear service pages are easier to scan and keep current.

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  Leaving search setup late

  Check page titles and the sitemap, and remove any development indexing block before launch.