If you’re a local business looking for a web designer in town, you’ll start out like most folks and search for “web designer near me” to begin comparing results. In doing so, you’ll find out not all design firms are created equal. To appear in the coveted Google listings, a business needs to create an account with the search engine and then complete a verification process. But are all the listings you find with this search actually headquartered in Sheridan?

The steps for verification include having the business answer a form that arrives by snail-mail to a local address, then requires a second step where the company reviews each listing by hand. Currently, because of local and corporate policies that have forced the tech giant to keep employees from attending work in person, the verification process has been dramatically limited; from approximately 3 days to an unknown timeframe.

With that being said, it’s worth comparing the true claim to local web designer with Sheridan ad agencies. Let’s take a look!

Currently, there are 20 results that come back with this search. Of those, 30% don’t even have websites listed or ones that work. Another 20% don’t have a local address or phone number and their contact information indicates they are not in or around the Sheridan area. Those companies have out of state or overseas phone numbers, little to no contact information, and in the case of one is closed and for sale. Of the remaining 10 listings, one serves only law firms and of the remaining 9 there is some nuance to the details.

If supporting a local business for your web design needs is a priority for you, you not only want to consider their location but their product quality. Several of 9 local agencies are great options but can get pretty pricey. However, if they have a capability that you need which I can’t offer, I would be more than happy to recommend their services. While we may have competing interests, I see these companies as a valuable part of the local tech landscape and ultimately my commitment is here. I’d rather you support a firm in town that go outside for one.

But let’s take another closer look and what these companies offer. Are you getting truly local products even with a local firm? While an agency might be based in town and support the local economy, a portion of their products might actually be outsourced. Why should you pay the same amount for a web designer when the company advertising their services doesn’t even use local photography for their own materials? Comparing the 10 agencies actually headquartered in Sheridan, only one seems to use a photo that might be original, non-purchased photo stock.

Grues Tech on the other hand limits the use of stock photos for production. Initially, my plan was to not use them at all. But to ensure quality and meet customer demands I plan to use them when requested or appropriate. Otherwise, all photos are either self-taken or I source them from artists I know – as opposed to generic ones from stock-photo companies.

Why is that important? Because customers can tell the difference between an original product and something that’s a cheap copycat like the rest. Stock photos are the canned-goods of advertising. While they work sometimes for small, quick projects like printed materials, product prices may be more likely to be scrutinized by customers if they suspect you cut corners. It’s not worth a reduction to the quality of your products.

So if you’re looking for a truly local experience and that includes original materials like the photos of your business, operations, and employees, consider Grues Tech first. If you have advanced tech needs beyond what I’m able to offer, I’ll happily recommend a local agency that can complete the task for you. That’s a consultation I’m willing to make free of charge. I hope you find what you’re looking for here however, and if there is any support I can provide please don’t hesitate to call and ask.

-James

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