5 questions to ask your web designer
by Christie Browning
Imagine that you’re going to build a new home. You look at photos, you pick out colors, and dream of other design elements you can incorporate. You realize that this is a job you don’t want to tackle on your own, so you start searching for home builders and general contractors. When you select a professional to build your home, you will have questions beyond just “how much” and “when will this be completed?” It makes sense that you’ll want to know about each board, each nail and each knob that goes into your home. You’ll also want to know what it take to maintain your home after the builder turns the keys over to you.
Now imagine you need a website… or want to refresh the one you’ve got. You see other sites you like, determine how you would like your site to operate and function, and maybe you’ve even got a few ideas on some design elements. Just like building a house, you’ve decided to turn to a professional to help you build this project. That’s when the parallels come to an end. To often, web design clients simply ask, “how much” and “when will this be completed?” However, there are some other critical questions to ask. Here’s a few to consider:
1). “How much copy will you need me to provide for this site?”
Some designers are all design and tech, with little-to-no writing skills. Unless it’s a larger firm, there won’t be a copywriter on staff. Smaller web design companies rely on the client to supply a bulk of the copy. While this may be something you’re willing to work together on with your designer, be sure you know how much writing you’ll need to do to get the site completed. Also consider that writing for your site is copy that needs to be compelling, not just informational. Be sure you or someone on your team is up to the challenge.
2). “Where will you get the images for my site?”
It’s no doubt that you will have some photos for your website. However, every site has some stock photos used to build banners, graphics and the like. And while there are a lot of images out there to grab and use, be sure you know that the design company you choose is pulling stock photos that are free to use…. meaning there is no copyright issues. Because the website it yours, any illegal use of images ultimately comes back on you. And even if you can point the finger at a fault on the designer’s part, you will have already gone through a lot of headache. Ask if the design company will actually take photos to use and if that’s included in your web design price. Or inquire about the source of stock images they may pull from. Be sure to get clarification on the ability to use these image without infringement.
3). “How will you communicate updates and how often will I receive them during the construction of my site?”
Time and time again I encounter clients who are frustrated with their design company because of the time it took to get their site completed. As we talk about their project, sometimes the blame is on the designer… sometimes it’s on the client. Wrongly placed expectations can make for a frustrating experience for both the designer and the client. To help minimize this, ask your designer not just how long the project will take, but ask how they will communicate updates and the status of the project. Also ask how often you’ll get these updates. This will ensure you know when you can expect to hear from the designer and the designer can know exactly how to satisfy your need for communication.
4). “How many changes can I make to the design of my site?”
Depending on your site design agreement, changes to your design may be included up to a certain point. After so many changes, the price may fluctuate. Be sure to get a clear idea on how changes are charged to you. Also find out how you need to communicate these changes. It may be that the designer wants you to discuss them in a review meeting or they may prefer that you email your changes before the next meeting. Again, expectations need to be managed so ask for certainty and clarity.
5). “What type of ongoing maintenance does my site require?”
Some clients are caught off guard when ongoing maintenance is needed for their site. They expect to have a set-it-and-forget-it approach to their site, which is possible to some degree, however it’s important for the designer to know that in the beginning. Otherwise, what typically happens to a site that does need some ongoing maintenance is that the client doesn’t know this until plugins expire or forms and links breakdown. This brings some confusion and panic to the client and they begin to think their site is broken. While aspects of it are in effect broken, it can be made whole. But this is not something you want to accidentally find out about. The reality is, some website platforms require more maintenance than others. Some site designs require more maintenance than others. Be sure that you talk with your designer at the beginning to determine what level of maintenance you feel comfortable with and what platform gets you where you want to be.
Of course there are other questions you will have and consultations should be as much for you as for the designer. The key to remember when selecting a web design company is to be sure you feel that the designer is willing to listen to your needs and your ideas. Know that the designer is willing to meet your expectations and has your overall interest at heart. Use your instincts and go with someone you feel like you can trust and that you feel at ease with. Avoid simply picking the designer based on price alone. Get referrals and view their previous work. Check out their client reviews and testimonials. And ask questions… lots of questions.
