What to Ask Before Hiring a Website Design Company

When you're searching for a website design and development company, it's crucial to know what you're getting into. Here's what you should expect from this kind of work and the important questions to ask before committing.

What This Work Should Deliver

At its core, a website should do more than just look good. It should help turn visitors into booked work. This involves creating a site that loads quickly, is easy to find through search engines, and provides a seamless experience for users. It's not about unnecessary bells and whistles but about functionality and effectiveness.

Questions to Ask Any Provider

Before you sign on with a provider, arm yourself with these questions:

• What is your process for understanding our business goals?
• Can you provide examples of websites you've built for businesses similar to ours?
• How do you ensure the website is optimized for search engines?
• What kind of support do you offer after the website is launched?
• How do you handle revisions or updates post-launch?

These questions help you gauge whether the company has the experience and approach that aligns with your needs.

Answers That Should End the Conversation

Not every answer you receive will be a green light. Watch out for these red flags:

• "We don't focus much on SEO." This indicates they might not prioritize findability.
• "We charge extra for any post-launch support." This could mean unexpected costs down the line.
• "Our designs are template-based, with no room for customization." This suggests they may not tailor to your business needs.

If you hear any of these, it might be time to look elsewhere.

What a Fair Scope of Work Looks Like

A comprehensive scope of work should include these elements:

1. Initial Consultation: To understand your business goals and target audience.
2. Design and Development: Custom design tailored to your branding with an emphasis on usability.
3. Search Engine Optimization: Basic setup to ensure your site can be found by search engines.
4. Testing and Launch: Thorough testing across devices and browsers before going live.
5. Post-Launch Support: Ongoing support and updates as needed.

This structure ensures you're not just getting a pretty website, but one that functions and supports your business objectives.

How to Tell in the First Month Whether It’s Working

Once your website is live, monitor these indicators:

• Traffic and Engagement: Are visitors finding your site and spending time on it?
• Leads and Bookings: Is there an uptick in inquiries and bookings?
• User Feedback: Are users reporting a smooth experience?

If you notice positive trends in these areas, your website is likely on the right track.

For more insights or to discuss your project, feel free to contact us and ask these questions directly. We’re here to ensure your website achieves your business goals.