Choosing the Right Web Designer for Your Business is So Important!
If you need a new website or help with an existing site, there are literally thousands of companies to choose from. Your first thought might be to do a quick Google search which is great for finding local businesses, but how do you then choose which one is right for you? There are a number of things to look for in a web designer, and there are some vital questions to ask.
What to Look For
When you are choosing a web designer, take a look at these things first:
- Take a look at their website. Is it easy to navigate? Can you understand what they’re saying? Chances are if their own website is written in heavy technical jargon, then any quotation/correspondence you have with them will be too.
- Have a look at examples of their work. This will help you to get a feel for the business and decide if they’re a good fit for you.
- Check out the reviews! Personally, I don’t buy anything before I look at the customer reviews. Choosing a web designer is no different. Have a look at their reviews on Google and Facebook where the reviewer has to be verified. This will give you a true representation of the company before you do business with them.
The Right Questions to Ask
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice, you then need to know what to ask the web developer before you commit to anything.
Meet with them face to face and ask questions. You will be working with this person/company closely and it’s so important that they understand you, your business, and that you feel comfortable putting your business in their hands.
You will have your own list of questions to ask, but make sure you include these as a minimum:
- Is the quote a fixed price or an estimate?
- Is content writing/uploading included?
- What about hosting – is that included in the price?
- Will support and maintenance be included or does that cost extra?
- What if I want to make any changes – what are the costs of future development?
- How easy is it for me to update the website?
- Will I receive any training?
- Who will own the site/domain?
- Can my website be moved in the future or am I tied to you?
- What Search Engine Optimisation services do you offer?
Getting answers to these questions will give you a clear picture of what the website developer is offering, how much you will actually have to do, and how much it will cost so that you can make an informed decision.
