If you’re at the point where you are considering whether or not it’s time for you to invest in a website for your business, congrats! Even if you are at the very beginning stages of consideration, this is a huge step for your business. There are so many different items to consider when choosing a website designer. This may be overwhelming if you’re not super tech-savvy.

The person or agency you choose to work with is extremely important because it will set the stage for how you feel about the process and your final website product. Not to worry, we’re here for you! Here are some important things to consider when choosing a website designer.

What is your website design & development process?

This question serves multiple purposes. If they aren’t able to give you a straightforward answer, that might mean they are disorganized. If there is no process, this will leave you feeling frustrated. This question also lets you know from the very beginning stages exactly what you can expect from this person or agency in terms of communication and organization.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

Most people have a specific timeline in mind when they decide they’re ready to have a website built. It’s important to ask how long the process will take so you can make sure it falls within the timeline that you have in your mind. A website isn’t built overnight, though, so make sure to set realistic expectations of how long it will take.

It’s important to keep in mind that website designers may have a delayed start date if they are already booked out in advance for projects. Ask for a start date, as well.

How many revisions are included in the design process?

Most website designers have a set amount of revisions included in their contract, so this should be a straightforward question on their end. It’s important for you to know how in-depth you need to be with your edits, though, so you aren’t left with an incomplete project that doesn’t reflect all of your edits.

Will my site be optimized for mobile devices?

As of March 2020, mobile device traffic accounts for more than 50% of global website traffic. If your site isn’t mobile-optimized, your business could be taking a serious hit without you even knowing it.

Make sure your website designer already has a process in place for designing the mobile version of your site. Ask how it will differ from the desktop version!

How will you ensure my site is secure?

Have you ever visited a site that sends you to an error page and asks you to “proceed with caution?” You don’t want this happening on your site! Depending on the functionality your site requires, you may have different plugins on your site that need updating. If your platform updates them automatically, that’s great, but you still need to make sure your site is secure.

Many platforms include an SSL certificate with their monthly plans in order to maintain the security of your site. Ask your potential website designer if there will be an SSL certificate installed on your site.

Will you integrate my CRM and email list with my website during the design process?

When you’re spending all of this time and money into investing in a website, you should absolutely take advantage of how this can streamline your business processes.

Have an email list setup already? Make sure that whoever is designing your site is embedding your mailing list form so it automatically adds your subscribers to your list! Also, if you have a CRM, ask if they will embed the form on your site so your clients’ information is automatically added to your CRM.

Do you have a website designer in-house or do you outsource your projects?

Some agencies will take on projects and then outsource the work to someone who is not actually on their team. This can lead to complicated processes and delays in communication, as well as extended timelines.

Be sure to ask whether or not the website designer they work with is in-house.

Do you have a portfolio and/or testimonials from previous clients?

It’s always a good idea to verify that your potential website designer actually has the experience they claim to. This will give you peace of mind prior to starting work with them that they create websites you like! Most will have an online portfolio (like this one) that they can share with you.

What do you need from me in order to get started?

This will save you a huge headache in the long run. They will likely give you a list of logins, passwords, a general idea of photos & content they need from you, as well as any design assets like logos. If you ask this question beforehand, you’ll have a good idea of content you need to generate in order to have your website built out in the set timeline.

What training & support do you offer after the website process is complete?

Wouldn’t it be a shame if you had a beautifully designed website, but weren’t sure how to make updates? Some agencies hold the keys to your website so you have to pay them to make updates, but others will provide a training so you can make simple edits like swapping out photos and written content as your business evolves and grows.

These are just some of the items you need to consider prior to hiring your website designer. Do your research! Visit websites you like and see who designed them. Ask for referrals! All of these things will make sure you end up with a website you are absolutely obsessed with.

Find this information helpful but don’t even know where to start looking? We design websites! Contact us by visiting waterloostreet.co/contact.