While hiring a professional web design team, it is important to ask a few key questions to ensure they’re the right fit for your business. A web designer is going to communicate your business’s image and message online to reach additional potential customers.
It is important the web designer has experience, skills and resources to get the job done successfully. When choosing a web designer, here are a few key questions to ask:
Five Questions to Ask a Web Designer
1.) How will I make changes to my site?
Content management systems will allow you to make changes to your website easily on your own time. Some companies will have a 48 hour turn-around time and when you need something changed quickly (such as a 24-hour special, closed notice, etc.), it is vital to update your website in a timely manner with that information. Be sure to ask if there is a training session for the content management system as well!
2.) Do I own my site if we part ways?
Be sure to not toss money away! The website purchased should be owned by you when it has been completed. Should the relationship with the web design company turn sour, ownership will allow you to transfer it to another web host easily. Admin access for the content management system, cPanel and FTP access are all required to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.
3.) Is my site responsive?
Being able to access all areas of a website on a mobile device is extremely important to customers. If a website is hard to use on mobile devices, there is a possibility of customers navigating to another website. Additionally, a responsive website is important to search engine optimization.
4.) Do you have examples of work in my industry?
Having a designer that has worked with clients in your industry could be beneficial to you. The end result is also going to depend on communicating your business goals, what functions you would like to see on your website and what you find to be important. If you’re looking for a team that can achieve a specific look, feel or function, the first meeting is the perfect time to ask this question.
5.) What is the expected launch date?
Depending on the scope of the project, the timeline can be anywhere from a week to a month. All design teams have different methods. Communicate your timeline to the design and programming team and ask for a to-do list to complete (website photos, content, hosting and domain information, etc.). Everyone on board need to have the same launch date goal to keep things on track.
The process of choosing a design team can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Ask questions, communicate your wants, needs and goals. Leave us a comment and let us know what questions you ask your web designer!