As a small to medium-sized local business, you may be considering hiring a web designer to create or update your website. But before you do, it’s important to ask the right questions. Here are some key questions to ask your potential web designer:
1. Will you review my existing website prior to building my new website?
If you have an existing site, ask your potential web designer if they will look it over. If they won’t or say they don’t need to, that’s a red flag.
It’s necessary for a designer and developer to see what you’ve been working with, your history, and your future goals in order to strategise a rebrand/rebuild.
Small websites (1–10 pages) are pretty straightforward to review and give general verbal feedback on. If your website is in the medium-large size range (10+ pages), you may want to request the designer to provide you with a site audit/analysis or at the very least feedback of your current site to learn about the designer’s thought process and ideas.
2. Do you offer services other than web design?
If your web designer has graphic and logo design skills, content writing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategies, and marketing experience that means they will be able to build a high-performing website that will generate leads.
It’s important your website is built to be a marketing machine—not just a beautiful site that no one ever visits.
3. Can you design a website that fits my budget?
Clearly communicate your budget before starting any project. Some companies list pricing on their websites and some require a custom quote that includes all services.
Ask your web designer what options they offer and consider them against your budget. Web hosting, domain registration, plugins, and stock images are additional costs unless otherwise noted.
4. What is your design process?
Ask your web designer if they have a documented design process or SOP (standard operating procedure) and/or use project management software.
If they do, it’s a strong sign they have solid experience and will lead you through the entire web design and development process from start to finish like a pro.
5. What do you need from me before we start the project?
Ask this at the beginning of the project to prevent scrambling for content, images, login info, etc. Talk with your web designer and get a checklist of exactly what you’ll need to give them to get started.
You will definitely need written content, photography, and logo design, but that doesn’t always mean you will be providing that content. Content creation really depends on the designer’s process and your budget.
You want your designer to take the lead on the process, that is what you hired them to do after all. This isn’t DIY – this is done for you… expertly, efficiently, and looks and works smoothly after it’s done.
Summing Up
In conclusion, these are five important questions you should ask your web designer before hiring them. Asking these questions will help ensure that you hire the right person for the job and avoid any potential problems down the road. If you have any other questions or need help finding a web designer, feel free to get in touch with me. I’d be happy to help!
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Andrew Backhouse, a skilled independent designer based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, assists small and medium-sized enterprises, well-established brands, and dedicated creative professionals with their website design needs. Have a look at his portfolio and reach out for collaboration.