A strong web designer can help positively illustrate your brands appearance
It’s important to ask the right questions during your web designer selection process. Who you pick to work with will determine the end product, which affects how your customers interact with your products and services. Scheduling a meet-and-greet can set up your project for success.
By asking the following smart questions, you’ll not only sound prepared, but you’ll also develop a stronger understanding of what your web designer can bring to your next project.
1. Do you have a portfolio I can look at?
Many web design companies showcase their work on their website. For example, The 215 Guys from Philadelphia have a diverse portfolio that includes eCommerce, lifestyle, and more.
Always look at their client work and take note of their design style and whether or not they place focus on user experience. Then ask yourself, “does their style align with my business?”
2. What research will you conduct for my business?
Great branding and web design require a lot of research of your business and industry to successfully market your business. Your preferred designer should want to work with you to understand your ideal client and build a marketing strategy around them.
Ask if they have a business specialty or have private information about a specific audience or industry.
3. Do you offer other services besides web design?
Most web design companies in the U.S. offer more than one service to their customers. For example, it’s common for web design companies to offer logo design, illustration, copywriting, and video editing.
Oftentimes, designers will outsource jobs to independent contractors that can fill in their skill gaps. Ask if they do this because outsourcing can lead to delays or additional costs.
4. What is your estimated time of delivery (ETA)?
It’s always good to ask about the timeframe for your project and whether they can complete it in time. Make sure to allow for extra time for unexpected changes or issues. Ask the follow-up question “what is your design process,” so you can predict where hang-ups may occur or whether or not they use project management software to lead you through the project.
5. What do you need from me before starting the project?
Some web designers need their clients to hand over their passwords, content, or images before they can start working on the project. Most web designers can’t do it all, and if they have to contact you in the middle of the project for needed information or content, it could push your delivery date back. If you ask early, you’ll be able to come up with content at your own pace.
6. When and where can I contact your web designers (or you)?
The web designer you hire must be easy to contact. There’s nothing more frustrating than multiple days of silence from a team you’re paying to construct your website. Ask where you can contact the individual web designer or team, what their office hours are and how quickly they respond to avoid frustration, delays, and buyers remorse.
7. How many rounds of revisions or edits are included?
Before signing a contract, establish checkpoints throughout the project. Explain that you want to be able to review and approve the project in stages before the designer comes up with a first draft.
This process benefits both you and the designer because they can adjust to your needs periodically rather than all that once, which wastes time. Designers typically offer 2-3 revisions.
8. Is my website secure and responsive?
Even if you don’t plan to sell any products on your website, it still needs to be secure and responsive. Ask the design staff what content management system they’re using (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.) to determine which security measures you need to take. Your website also needs to be responsive and secure on all platforms, especially on smartphones and tablets.
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