Questions To Ask When Hiring A Web Designer

Hiring a web designer can be a daunting task. You have a lot of options when it comes to web designers and if you don't ask the right questions, you may regret your investment. There are several factors to consider as you are choosing a web designer. It’s crucial to ask the right questions in order to find the right fit. The livelihood of your business may depend on it. It’s a good idea to enter this process with clear goals for your business and needs for your website. However, a good web designer will be able to help you in those areas as well. Communication is key, don’t hesitate to ask all of these questions!

What is your design process and practice?

Your web designer should be able to give you an outline of their approach to your project. You should discuss your preferred styles, colors and vision for your brand. Make your business and aesthetic goals crystal clear. You want to make sure that your designer can accommodate your needs and create a successful online presence. One question you must absolutely ask, especially when looking at long term marketing strategies, is if your preferred company outsources work if 100% of the work is done in house.

What is your timeline for completing my website?

Any good web designer can lay out a solid timeline of when you will see movement on your project. However, it's always important to note which parts of their timeline will hinge on your responses to move the project forward. The last thing you want is for there to be a delay in completing your project. If you believe your web designer's timeline will not work for your needs and goals, let them know in advance. They may have an option or suggestion for someone wanting to operate at your speed. 

How do you handle revisions and feedback?

Designing a website is a collaborative process. Your web designer should be willing to make revisions and build on your input. There will inevitably be edits along the way. It is imperative that you feel comfortable with the designer you choose. You may have some back and forth on design and marketing goals. They will need to take your opinions as seriously as you will take their advice. You need to feel confident in navigating those situations with professionalism.

Can you provide examples of your work and references from your past clients?

Maybe you heard about your web designer from a friend or a local business. If not, you should ask to see other websites your web designer has created. You can also ask for references from other clients. Websites can make or break a business. Confirm that your web designer has helped other businesses grow, has design style, and that you feel they can build the online presence you want.

Do you have experience designing websites for businesses in my industry?

At The SEO Answer, we don't recommend working with niche marketing agencies. The majority of the time niche marketing companies are working for your competitors and their success is not hinged on yours. However, that doesn't mean you should stray away from making sure that the web designer has experience helping businesses like yours succeed. Ask them how they will approach your unique needs.

How do you ensure that my website will be user friendly?

Your website should be simple, intuitive and easy to navigate regardless of where and how they found your site. You don't want to lose customers or clients on any platform. Mobile view is going to be the most frequented in today’s world. Because of that, you want to ensure that any web designer you choose is able to meet particular standards. They should be able to ensure a quality mobile, desktop, and tablet experience for all of your new potential customers.

How do you handle website maintenance and updates?

After your website launches, there will be maintenance and updates essential to keeping your site running. Not everyone realizes that keeping your site running smoothly is an ongoing process. Ask your web designer what kind of maintenance your site will require. Determine if that is a workload you feel capable of, or ask if they have a retainer option and will take on any ongoing maintenance. On the off chance that your web designer does not offer a maintenance package, you may simply want to ask for a referral.

Do you offer additional services related to web design?

Designing your website is an important step in establishing a presence online, however, other features are important as well. Websites are not a one-size-fits all situation, especially if your goal is to outrank your long term competitors. It's essential to know what your web design or marketing agency offers beyond website design. This will help determine what additional partners you may need to complete your marketing team. Lead generation, SEO, social media marketing and more can all be essential parts of any marketing plan.

What is your fee structure?

You definitely want to make sure you have a solid understanding of what fees you will be responsible for. Some designers will include hosting, where others allow you to pay and manage that yourself. However, there can be hidden fees with some contractors, like contracted work, plugins, fancy fonts and more. You don't want to get to the end of your project and be in a tug-o-war to launch or keep ownership of the web design.

Final Thoughts

Asking these questions could help you feel a bit more confident in your web designer and allow you to build a positive foundation with them. All business relationships are better when you start them with a solid foundation. The right fit will have all of the answers and the ability to meet all of your needs. We would love to speak with you about your business, your goals, and your web design needs. Schedule your free consultation now!