The ultimate 20 questions to ask your Website Designer

Your website is the hub of your digital marketing strategy and essential for online growth. Before signing on the dotted line with the company that will be designing and coding your new website, you want to be armed with the questions to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Here are 20 must ask questions before enlisting a website developer:

1. What is your experience in web design?

Understanding your designer’s background and expertise provides insight into their ability to handle your project.

2. Can you share examples of your previous work?

Reviewing a designer’s portfolio helps you gauge their style, creativity, and versatility in different projects.

3. Who will be the main point of contact overseeing my project, and how will communication be handled throughout the design process?

Establishing clear communication channels and understanding who oversees your project ensures a smooth collaboration.

4. What specific information or materials will you need from me as the client to facilitate the design and development process?

Clarifying the requirements from your end helps streamline the project and ensures that the designer has all the necessary resources to deliver a successful website.

5. How many rounds of revisions are included in the design process, and what is the process for requesting and implementing changes?

Understanding the revision policy is crucial for managing expectations and ensuring the final design meets your vision.

6. How do you handle unforeseen challenges or roadblocks during the design and development process?

Addressing how the designer manages unexpected issues demonstrates their problem-solving skills and commitment to delivering a project on time and within scope. What website development processes do they have in place?

7. How do you approach responsive design?

With mobile users on the rise, responsive design is crucial. Ensure your website will look great on all devices.

8. What platforms do you specialise in?

Different designers may have expertise in various platforms (WordPress, Shopify, etc.), so ensure their skills align with your needs.

9. What is the timeline for completing a typical project?

Setting expectations for project timelines helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures both parties are on the same page.

10. What SEO practices do you incorporate into your designs?

A well-optimized website is essential for visibility. Ensure your designer understands and implements basic SEO principles.

11. What analytical tools do you recommend for tracking website performance?

Monitoring your website’s performance is vital for making informed marketing decisions.

12. Will my website be custom-built or based on a template?

Understanding the level of customization helps you envision the uniqueness of your site.

13. How do you ensure website security?

In the age of cyber threats, knowing the security measures in place for your website is crucial.

14. What is your approach to user experience?

A positive user experience is key to retaining visitors. Ensure your designer prioritises usability.

15. What is the project’s total cost, and what does it include?

Clearly outlining the financial aspects helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises.

16. What is your approach to user testing, and how do you ensure the functionality and usability of the website across different browsers and devices?

Understanding the testing procedures helps guarantee that your website functions optimally for all visitors.

17. Do you provide website maintenance services?

Knowing if your designer offers ongoing maintenance helps plan the upkeep of your site.

18. How do you handle website hosting?

Understanding the hosting arrangement ensures your website performs optimally.

19. Is there any training provided after the website is launched, and how can I or my team update content or manage the site post-launch?

Knowing if training is available post-launch and how to manage the website’s content ensures you can confidently take control of your online presence.

20. Do you provide analytics insights or reports after the website is live, and how can I track the performance and engagement of my website over time?

Monitoring the success of your website is crucial for ongoing improvements. Understanding the post-launch analytics reporting process ensures you have the tools to measure your website’s impact and make informed decisions for its continued success.

These questions serve as a guide to ensure transparency, effective communication, and successful collaboration. By addressing key aspects such as project management, required contributions, revision processes, and post-launch training, you’re setting the stage for a well-crafted website and ensuring the project goes smoothly with clearly laid out expectations for both parties.