*Crucial* Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Web Designer

Launching your first website or upgrading from a DIY site to
an outsourced one can be an exciting milestone in any
woman’s business.

Like so many decisions, who you choose to build itcan have a HUGE impact on your ROI and your happiness!

Here are a few of the most crucial questions to ask a web design agency or freelancer BEFORE hiring them:

1) Can I see examples of websites you’ve built in the past?

2) Do you have reviews, before and afters, or case studies from recent happy clients? Do you mind if I reach out to 1-2 of them?

3) What platform will you use to build my site? (For example, WordPress, SquareSpace, Wix, etc.) What makes this particular right platform for my business? Does the platform you recommend integrate with my existing tools (for example, MailChimp, Hubspot, Swoogo, etc.)?

4) Will I be able to make updates myself? What is the extent that I’ll be able to manage my website in-house once it’s complete?

5) What additional fees may be included in making my website look or function the way I want it to? For example, do I need to pay for a photoshoot? Will I need to purchase stock photography? Are there any 3rd party services, plug-ins, or integrations I’ll need to pay for in addition to your professional fees?

6) How long from the time we kick off the project to the time that my site will go live? 

7) How will we work together during the project? Please explain your process and how we will communicate.

8) How many rounds of edits are included in the project?
What happens if we exceed the number of edits included and I’m unhappy with the result?

9) In what increments will I be billed throughout the project?
For example, will I pay a deposit? When is the final payment due?

10) How much time and what type of inputs will be
expected from me? For example, will I write the content for the site or is that included in your cost?

11) What is the makeup of your team? Will you be my primary point of contact? Who will be involved (full-time, part-time, and 1099 contractors)? Will you be outsourcing my work, or will your team create it? Are you a professional graphic designer, or do you have one on staff? Do you or a team member have the ability to write code or do any custom development if my needs exceed the platform’s capabilities?

12) Please provide a list of what is included (and not included) in my website package. For example:

  • Number of Pages

  • Number of Edits

  • Do you provide training on how I can make updates myself? If so, how long? How many team members can attend?

  • Do you include any SEO services, for example, metadata, alt tags, or Google Search Console setup?

  • Is mobile optimization included? How about tablet?

  • Will you connect my existing domain or help me purchase a domain?

  • Is hosting included or will that be a separate cost?

  • Will my site have SSL?

  • Do you provide post-launch support? What happens if I run into an issue?

 

An experienced web designer should have no problem answering these questions for you with full transparency.

If not, proceed with caution! The most important part of any creative project – especially one involving technology – is communication. You want a partner who is open and honest and sets clear expectations about what you’ll receive for your money.

 

Wanna give us a try? We’d love to answer these questions and help you launch or relaunch a website that’s as cool as you.

SEE MORE IN THE STUDIO

The StudioMelissa Barker