Don't Get Stuck on the Couch – Ask the Right Questions Before Your Website Project
If you don’t know, I'm a small-town girl. Born and raised here in Devine. Population 4,410.
A dozen years ago, I found myself in the big city of Houston as a young 20-something newlywed. Back then, I hardly knew anyone except my husband.
I'll never forget the time I got invited to a brunch by an acquaintance/friend. I was excited to make new connections and meet people in this new city I was trying to call home.
As we settled in, enjoying fancy breakfast foods on tiny plates, the conversation took a turn. Maybe you've found yourself in this situation before, especially if you're as green as I was to the ways of suburban life.
This wasn't just brunch; it was an MLM sales pitch.
I could feel the tension in me rising. I wasn't here to have fun; I was here to buy. But with my hourly job that paid less than a babysitting gig, I couldn't afford these overpriced items from catalogs that promised happiness.
Not knowing the right questions got the best of me that day, and it kept me from making the connections I needed. Have you ever NOT asked important questions and ended up feeling awkward on the couch, swallowing a sour mimosa while seeking new friends?
I don't want that to be you!
We've had clients come to us with similar "surprise" moments – their website held hostage for thousands of dollars, their website manager vanishing without a trace, or feeling like they're in a standup comedy show for highway robbery!
Here are the questions you need to ask before hiring a website designer:
1. What is your design and development process?
Process: To ensure that your project is handled efficiently and with attention to detail. It's important to know the steps they will take from concept to the final product.
2. Can you provide examples of websites you've designed for similar businesses?
Experience: To gauge their expertise and whether they are familiar with your industry or business type. If they've never done a website for a service-based business with a vibe you like, they may not be a fit!
3. What is your fee schedule, and are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Budget: This is crucial to prevent unexpected financial surprises during the project. You don't want to be caught off guard.
4. How do you handle changes or revisions during the design and development process?
Management: To ensure you have a clear understanding of how changes will be managed and to avoid situations where you're left waiting for updates.
5. Can you provide references or client testimonials for your web design work?
Reputation: Hearing about the experiences of other clients can give you valuable insights into the agency's reliability and quality of work. Check their Google reviews!
6. What is your estimated timeline for the project?
Timeframe: To set clear expectations for when your website will be up and running.
7. Do you have experience with both e-commerce and service-based businesses?
Commerce, Service-Based: Depending on your business type, you may need specialized features or functionalities, and it's essential to ensure the agency has experience with your specific needs.
8. What platform or content management system (CMS) do you recommend for my website, and why?
Platform: To make sure they choose the right platform that aligns with your goals and requirements. We use Squarespace exclusively. If you want to know why we'd never recommend Wordpress, we've got a list, let's grab lunch.
9. Can you explain your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy for the website?
SEO: To ensure that your website is not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for search engines, which is crucial for online visibility. What good is a pretty website that isn't getting found?
10. What ongoing support and maintenance services do you offer after the website is launched?
Maintenance: To understand how they will assist you in keeping your website up-to-date and secure.
11. Are there any related or additional services you provide that could enhance my online presence or brand cohesion?
Related Services: To explore opportunities for a more comprehensive and cohesive brand strategy, beyond just web design. Create a cohesive look and marketing plan with things like email marketing, social media, advertising, and print collateral.
12. How do you handle website hosting and domain registration?
Hosting and Domains: To ensure that these critical technical aspects are properly managed.
13. What is your approach to user experience (UX) and mobile responsiveness in website design?
UX and Mobile Responsiveness: To make certain that your website is user-friendly and performs well on various devices.
14. How do you track and measure the success of a website after it's launched?
Analytics: To understand how they will assess and improve your website's performance over time. Will they show you how to monitor your website heat map and analytics?
Want more? You can read, watch, and share more from our blog here.
Asking these questions will help you evaluate potential marketing agencies thoroughly and make an informed decision about which one is the best fit for your business's website design project.
Ready to talk about your project and get answers to these questions? Book a call with us, and if we're a fit – let's turn your website vision into reality. Click here to schedule a call.
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