So, you’re on the hunt for a web design company. You’ve checked out a few websites, scrolled through some portfolios, and maybe even read some reviews. But before you decide, you must ask the right questions.
Choosing the appropriate web design company is a significant investment for your business. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 30 essential questions about what to ask a web designer before hiring them to ensure you’re making the best decision. Let’s dive in!
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What to Look for When Hiring a Website Design Company
If you’re in the process of choosing a web design company, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
Experience
A web design company with a demonstrated track record is more likely to deliver exceptional services that surpass your expectations. Therefore, it is advisable to collaborate with an experienced team that can contribute their expertise and assists your business in achieving online success.
Expertise
Prioritize those who specialize in web design and have a solid background in SEO optimization. By partnering with a company well-versed in both areas, you can ensure the creation of a website that not only captivates visually but is also optimized to rank well on search engines.
Customer Reviews
Don’t forget to check out customer reviews and testimonials. They provide valuable insights into the level of customer service and satisfaction that the company delivers.
Communication
By choosing a company that values clear and prompt communication, you can establish a solid working relationship and ensure your project is executed seamlessly.
Cost
Cheaper rates can often correlate with lower-quality work, resulting in additional costs and headaches. Prioritize value over focusing on cost to ensure you receive the quality service and results your business deserves.
Considering these factors can help you choose a web design company that will provide quality services that meet your SEO needs.
30 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Design Company
Now that you know what to look for in a web design agency, you must be armed with the right questions to ask. We’ve curated a list of 30 crucial questions that you should ask before sealing the deal.
So, let’s dive in and ensure you’re equipped to make the best decision possible.
1. Can you provide any case studies?
While a service provider may boast about their experience and numerous website projects, you must request a tangible proof. Ask for recent case studies to see their work firsthand and validate the authenticity of their projects and gauge the company’s capabilities.
2. Do you design websites for a specific industry or company type?
Web design companies have different approaches to the industries they serve. Some specialize in specific industries, which can lead to faster and more tailored designs. However, opting for agencies with broader specialization offers a better chance of getting a unique design.
3. What are the major steps involved in developing a website?
There are key stages that experts always prioritize when it comes to web design development, including:
- Research and planning
- Designing
- Development
- Testing
- Launching
Choose agencies that can provide clear insights into their project delivery process. If an agency cannot articulate how they will execute your project, they may not be the right fit for you.
4. Will you integrate third-party apps, extensions, etc., into the website?
Extending your website’s functionality through custom plugins or third-party solutions is crucial to meeting your business needs. Discuss these developments during the interview with your web design company.
5. Will you conduct quality assurance before launching the site?
While design is essential, testing is a vital stage in web development. Ensure your service provider explains their testing approach and allows you to provide input and set priorities.
Look for QA specialists who cover various testing aspects, including functional, performance, usability, security, database, and A/B testing, to ensure a robust and high-quality product.
6. What kind of research will you conduct on our business?
Collaborate with a web designer who comprehends your target audience. Your customers, prospects, and partners are the heartbeat of your business, so build your marketing strategy with them in mind.
7. Will you review my current website before building a new one?
Ask if they will review your existing site. A designer and developer must assess your current website, history, and future goals to create an effective strategy for rebranding or rebuilding.
8. What other services do you offer besides web design?
For a high-performing website that generates leads, choose a web design agency with graphic design and logo skills, content writing abilities, expertise in SEO strategies, and marketing experience.
Building a website that serves as a marketing machine is crucial, attracting visitors rather than being a beautiful but unnoticed site.
9. Can you create a website within my budget?
Before starting a web design project, communicate your budget. Some companies list pricing on their websites, while others require a custom quote.
Ask your web designer about pricing options and consider them against your budget, considering additional costs like web hosting, domain registration, plugins, and stock images.
10. Do you outsource or work in-house on projects?
Be aware that some agencies outsource web design and development, which can have pros and cons. While it can assist, it may also result in communication challenges, project delays, and extra expenses.
If your web designer plans to involve additional support, clarify who they are working with and what tasks they are responsible for.
11. Will I have a dedicated project manager or main point of contact?
Collaborating with a team on your website can be both efficient and slow. To streamline the process, appoint a dedicated point of contact to oversee the entire project, from research and strategy to design, development, launch, and review.
12. How do you approach website design?
Inquire about your web designer’s documented design process or SOP (standard operating procedure) and their utilization of project management software.
These indicators suggest their expertise and capability guide you seamlessly through the entire web design and development process like a professional.
13. What is the estimated timeline for completing my website?
Ensure that your web designer provides a timeframe based on your existing content and necessary preparations before starting the project.
Verify if the timeline suits your requirements and allocate extra time for unforeseen complications. Communicate the deadline clearly and review the contract, as some companies impose late fees for delayed projects.
14. What details do you need from me before starting the project?
Consult with your web designer to obtain a checklist of the required materials for the commencement of the project.
Written content, photography, and logo design are essential components, but their creation may depend on the designer’s approach and your budget.
15. Is it necessary for me to provide written content for the website?
Web designers often outsource content writing as it falls outside their primary expertise. Marketing-focused content plays a vital role in the success of your website, serving as the primary means for people and search engines to discover your site.
Fortunately, some web design companies also specialize in providing quality content writing services to assist you in this aspect.
16. Should I provide the website images, or will you supply them?
Collect your images, graphics, videos, and brand materials, such as logos, fonts, and colors. Consult with your designer to determine if your existing images can be incorporated into the new design. To elevate or rebrand your business, acquiring new custom brand photography is likely necessary.
17. Can you show me examples of websites you have designed in the past?
Before engaging a design company, review their previous client work displayed on their website. Pay attention to design styles and user experience in their showcased projects.
Remember that some companies may only present a few featured projects on their website. If you want to check more of their previous work, don’t hesitate to inquire and ask for additional samples.
18. What’s your go-to content management system?
The content management system (CMS) is used to create and organize website content unless you opt for custom coding (which is rare). You must inquire about the CMS your designer uses for your website development, especially if you plan to add and maintain content on your own after the launch.
19. Do you whip up custom sites or roll with templates?
Clarify if your website is custom-made or built on a CMS platform with customization based on an existing theme/template.
Building websites from scratch without a CMS is rare, except for enterprise-level projects. Design firms usually use CMS platforms as a starting point and customize them to meet specific needs.
20. Are your web designs responsive?
The responsive design leverages HTML and CSS to adjust a website layout for different screen sizes, ensuring the content can be accessed from mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.
Ensure that your website design can automatically adjust to different platforms without compromising the quality and content of your site.
21. Do you follow SEO best practices when building sites?
Strategies like creating fresh content, optimizing images and URLs, conducting keyword research, and implementing on-page SEO techniques such as meta descriptions and mobile-friendliness can help improve your site’s ranking on Google.
22. Can you seamlessly integrate my marketing strategies?
Integrating marketing strategies like automation and email campaigns with your website can help boost your site’s visibility and increase customer engagement. Discuss this with your web designer if it is part of your marketing strategy.
23. How many pages will you create for my website?
Consider asking your web designer if they can create a custom 404 page and incorporate terms and conditions, privacy policy, cookie policy, and additional landing pages during the website development process. Note that some designers may charge extra per page for these elements.
24. Can you hook me up with an e-commerce site?
Discuss e-commerce functionality with your web designer to understand the CMS platform’s capabilities and limitations. Check if your CMS supports online stores and accepts payments. Ask about payment processors and in-person point-of-sale synchronization.
25. How many rounds of edits do I get, and can we revise until it’s perfect?
Designers usually provide 2-3 rounds of revisions as part of their services. If you require additional revisions beyond that, you may be charged an hourly rate based on the changes until they are finalized.
26. Will my website be secure and all good to go?
Maintaining a website involves keeping it secure and up to date. This includes:
- Protecting against bugs, hackers, and spam
- Regularly updating software and plugins
- Having backups and an SSL certificate.
Your CMS platform will determine the necessary security measures, so discuss this with your web designer.
27. What kind of training/support can I expect once the site launches?
If you intend to make changes and updates on your own, ensure your web designer uses a user-friendly platform that allows you to maintain your site easily.
Inquire about website training options with your web designer. They may offer 1:1 training, group workshops, or custom video tutorials to help you effectively manage your website.
28. Do I own the site and all its content once it’s live?
Ensure that your domain name and web hosting are registered in your name and clarify if there’s an ongoing contract post-launch. Request ownership of graphics created by the designer, such as logos.
29. Is my website ada-accessible and all-inclusive?
Inquire with your web designer about their accessibility testing process. Optimizing your website for accessibility is crucial to ensure a seamless user experience.
30. Can I check out some of your client references?
Request to see past websites or portfolios that the web designer has created. Ask for client references and check online reviews to understand their services better.
Consider these questions and ensure your expectations are met before signing any contracts.
Additional Considerations When Choosing a Web Design Company
Aside from the factors mentioned above, consider the following when deciding on a web design company:
SEO-Friendly Design
Look for a web design company that creates websites with SEO in mind. This means the company should create a website that is easy to crawl and index by search engines, has fast loading times, and is optimized for mobile devices.
Content Creation
Consider a web design company that also provides content creation services. High-quality, relevant content is essential for SEO, and having a company that can create content for your website can save you time and effort.
Ongoing Support
Look for a Web design company that provides ongoing support after launching the website. SEO is an ongoing process; you may need assistance with updates, changes, and maintenance.
Accessibility Compliance
Choose a company that creates websites that are compliant with accessibility guidelines. This means the website should be accessible to users with disabilities.
Security
Look for a web design and development company that offers robust security measures to safeguard your website against cyber threats. This includes measures such as SSL certificates and regular software updates.
Transparency
Choose a company that is transparent about its processes, timelines, and pricing. It will help you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth and successful project.
Consider these factors to select a web design company that fulfills your SEO requirements and delivers a user-friendly, secure, and accessible website.
Why Ask a Web Designer Questions?
Asking questions allows you to gain insight into their expertise and observe their ability to respond on the spot. While a proposal may be well-prepared, questioning the designer allows one to understand their true capabilities.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the selection process, as a reputable web design business will always be accommodating and supportive of its clients.
2 Red Flags You Can’t Ignore in Your Web Design Company Search
Stay alert when searching for a web design company. Recognize and address red flags early to avoid potential pitfalls in your web design journey.
1. Lack of Contract Agreement
Having a contract is essential to protect both you and your designer. It should clearly outline payment terms, ownership of licenses, deliverables, and other crucial details.
2. Absence of Testimonials or Reviews
Ensure that the company has testimonials and reviews to validate its credibility. Trust your instincts and conduct a gut check to assess if they genuinely appear trustworthy.
If you encounter either of these red flags in your search, exercising caution and looking for a more reliable web design business is best.
Get the Right Web Design Company – Start Asking Questions Now!
Choosing the right web design and development company is essential to your website’s success. Asking questions is key to ensuring you get the most out of your web design project.
Our experienced web design team is here to bring your vision to life and create a stunning online presence for your business. Don’t settle for anything less than exceptional. By asking the right questions, you can ensure you choose the best web design company that meets your needs.
At BrandLume, we welcome your inquiries and are ready to showcase our expertise. Contact us now to get started!
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