Views on using the same web design company as a competitor?

[DestinationUK]

I'm very interested to hear views on this from anyone who could help, as I can't decide whether it's a good or very bad idea!

I would like to have a complete re-design of my website with a fresh approach from a new web design company and have identified a company that have produced some great work across all sorts of different industries and I like the look of everything they've done, so am confident that they could come up with what I'm looking for. I would, of course, seek references, etc. before committing to them. They coincidentally - and conveniently - happen to be very local to me which has it's benefits alongside everything else.

The big problem is that they have recently completed a full redevelopment of the website of one of my major competitors.

A few years ago, I was in the situation of being a client alongside another major competitor with a web design firm and I was constantly uncomfortable about the situation, but it was made worse by the fact that the MD was a personal, close friend of the head of the competitor's firm, so there was scope for indiscretion and a breach of confidentiality, but I was never sure whether it was just me being a bit paranoid!

The plus side is that this firm have created a great website for my competitor and will have learnt a lot about the business/industry sector in terms of web marketing and the logistical requirements of the website along the way, so should in theory, be already tuned in to the needs of my business on the web.

Do you think this is a good or very bad idea?

Thanks. Jules.

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[Philip Hoyle]

I think it depends on the seriousness of the competition. If they are your only or main competitor, then I think it would be madness for you to use them unless you are absolutely certain that they can put Chinese walls in place so that workers never work on both yours and their website. You may like the idea of them using their knowledge & experience to help you, but what about when the tables turned and they're updated your competitors website after they've learned some new snippets of knowledge after doing yours?

However, if you have lots of competition then the potential conflicts of interest are greatly reduced.

You may even find that the web designers won't take you on as a client if they think there is going to be a conflict of interest.

For example, I have a client who is an e-commerce trader with a niche market and is only one of maybe 5 websites in the UK. By absolute coincidence, a potential new client approached me and in our initial discussion, I found out that they were one of the other 5. I hastily divulged my conflict of interest and we agreed it wouldn't be wise for me to be their accountant. It may have been OK if all I do is year end accounts preparation, but I often get heavily involved in business development, business plans, etc. so I would become aware of marketing strategy, new product launches, etc.

In contrast, there are many clients in similar trades who aren't in direct competition or where there is so much competition is doesn't matter if I act for several at a time or where I just do year end work and know little of marketing and business strategy. For example, I have two guest houses in the same seaside town and another in a different town all of which only need year end accounts/tax and tax planning - absolutely zero conflict of interest - no possible information I receive from one is of use/relevance to the others - no problem, everyone happy!

Whilst you may be happy to benefit from knowledge/experience they gained from working on your competitors website, how would you feel if they then updated your competitors website after learning even more when doing yours? Like I say, if there is lots of competition and you're relatively small players in a big industry, then probably no problem, but if you're in direct competition, then probably not a good idea.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

What he said!

 

[webgeek]

If there were only 2 good web design agencies in the world, then of course, use them.

But, since this is not the case, why even consider doing so? It would be like hiring the same SEO company - crazy like square pancakes.

 

[Ashley_Price]

As webgeek has said, why are you contemplating using this firm when you have some many concerns? There are many website design firms out there who will be able to do what you want, why not search out another one?

 

[makeusvisible]

We may actually find that the web design company may not be able to take the job on if they are working on (for example) SEO for the other client. You can get into a conflict of interest situation where it just isn't viable.

When it comes to web design there are so many options out there, but I do agree that having someone local is a huge benefit. As them questions, follow up references, and do the same for some other providers..... you might be surprised.

 

[altwebdesign]

There's more than one!

Bit you mentioned about them being local, if they are the only ones who seem to be able to deliver something to your standards and are the only local ones who can do this, then you have a bit of a point.

As has already been said, there are thousands of top class web design agencys out there and this company may not be able to work with you due to a conflict of interest.

But if you need someone who must be local and they are the only ones you feel match you standards.....

 

[DestinationUK]

Thank you so much everyone for your advice - decision made, I won't be using them. It's really not easy to find a really good, reliable, highly skilled and professional web design company however. I've had my fingers burned before, by a company that was recommended to me, talked the talk but failed to deliver - big style.

However, I'll start searching and hope to find a good local company, but thank you again for your great advice

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[DomainsRegistrar]

Being in the web design and SEO field we would see it as a conflict of interest working with two competitors. It is fine if they have different lines of expertise and we would be happy to do a website but definately not on the SEO side as this in my opinion would raise questions of our ethics should both clients know we are working on behalf of both.

There are many excellent companies so I would not imagine you would be restricted on finding a company to portray you in the way you would wish to be.

 

[bdw]

Do you think this is a good or very bad idea?

I have been approached two or three times by people seeking websites in particular niches. It happens when a designer makes a good job of promoting a website and competitors obviously find it as it is near the top of the results.

The dilemma for the designer is that when you have created a website in a niche you have learned a bit about that niche and what you have learned will probably be applied to the new website. They may possibly get a better VFM service than the original client.

Having said that, SEO takes a bit of time to bed in so it would take a few months to see this.

.

 

[DestinationUK]

Thanks for all your advice, it's really helpful and definitely clarified that the conflict of interest issue is of paramount importance - particularly in regard to SEO.

Having mentioned my idea of a new design for our website to quite a few people around me and a few regular customers, the reaction has been one of disbelief and horror however! No-one can believe I would want to change it as the general consensus of opinion seems to be that it is that it's the best they have ever seen in our market sector. So I am suitably humbled and think I have perhaps been seduced by the sight of some 'alternative' colour schemes being used and, with working with my own site day in, day out, I'm so used to seeing it, it was tempting to consider a total change.

But I agree with the philosophy that you shouldn't change a winning formula, so will stick with what we have for the time being at least!

(If anyone happens to be interested in seeing my website please message me and I'll give the link. There is a complicated reason for me not posting it in this thread!)

Thanks again for all your great advice guys

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