Choosing a company to create your new website can be a stressful process – but it doesn’t have to be! If you know what questions to ask a website design company, the process can be much more enjoyable. This industry is vast, and not every company offers the same services. However, the right questions will reveal to you whether you’re working with the right partner.
10 Questions to Ask a Website Design Company
Before signing a contract with any website design agency, be sure to ask these questions. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting before you sign a proposal.
1. What is the timeframe in which my website will be ready for launch?
Remember, you’re not only paying for good service – but also the time it takes to receive your results. A good web design pro will have your website ready to launch within 6-8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the content of your website and how many pages it consists of.
2. Who will own my website?
While it seems like you’d own your website since you’re the one paying for it, this isn’t always true. Some website services such as hosting providers and “system-based” developers may deprive you of complete ownership of your website. For example, some of the website design companies in Chattanooga own all the websites they build for clients.
Your website developer should be able to tell you that you own the design, source code, HTML, style sheets, and any content you’ve provided them with. You’re paying for it. You should own it.
3. Will I be able to change things on my website after it’s been launched?
Your website design company should install a content management system in your website so that you have free ability to change content even after the website’s initial launch. Different developers will use different content management systems. However, WordPress has proven to be one of the most flexible and useful platforms for SEO and content management.
4. Do you offer continuous website maintenance after the initial launch?
If anything goes wrong with your site after it launches, what will you do? A good website developer will offer general advice whenever you may need it. However, if you feel you require further assistance, ask about website support and maintenance packages. This may be one of the most important questions to ask a website design company.
5. How will I measure the performance of my website?
Most web developers offer additional packages that include website monitoring and analytical reports of activity and engagement. However, some don’t offer these services, or you may want to monitor your site’s performance without assistance. In that case, your web designer should have no problem with walking you through your website’s Google Analytics page.
6. What do you need from me?
A good web design agency needs steady communication and feedback from you throughout the website creation process. They’ll want to know your thoughts and preferences about the content they’re creating for you. Additionally, they may need images or videos of your business in action, or of your products.
7. What content can I expect on my website – and who’s writing it?
The initial content writing for your website should be part of your discussion with any web development company. It may come from your old site, be written by you, or be written by the website design agency for your approval. Any cost for it should be part in the contract.
A blog is a wonderful way to improve user experience on your website while also building your knowledge credibility in your industry. Google also favors websites that boast regularly updated content. You’ll want to find out who will be writing your blogs or other pieces of content. It may be a service you can pay your website design company to provide.
In addition, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) articles can be a vital part of your site’s content. Full-service companies like Interactive ID offer SEO packages to produce content that can move your site up in Google rankings, get you seen by more people, and get you selected based on your expertise.
8. What security steps will you take to protect my website?
Interestingly enough, this is one of the most easy-to-forget questions to ask a website design company. A good agency will be able to tell you exactly what software, plugins, or scans will be used on your website for security. In addition, ask how often your website will be backed up. This saves the entire content of the site just in case of a potential security breach. If your website is frequently updated, it’s smart to run a backup every day.
9. What happens if I’m not happy with my website?
Good communication between the company and the client usually prevents any unsatisfactory results. However, dissatisfaction may still happen. A good web design agency will listen to any ideas or concerns you may have throughout the entire development process. A good relationship should include allowance for time to adjust your design until you’re completely happy with it.
10. Can you walk me through the proposal in depth?
Before you sign anything, make sure your web design company breaks down the entire agreement so that you understand everything. You’ll need to fully comprehend the exact services you’ll receive, the payment amount, and the payment process. A good partner will never leave a meeting until you’re completely aware of all factors.
Call Us Today
At Interactive ID, we understand the risk of entrusting your public image to a partner. As you consider all these questions to ask a website design company, know that we’re experienced in answering all of them. Our company works with you, communicating and listening to ensure that your results are exactly what you asked for. We work in a professional and timely manner. In addition, we offer a wide variety of website design and marketing services to meet your every need. Call us today at (423) 508-0251.
