A professional website is crucial for businesses to establish their online presence and attract new customers. However, choosing the right web design company that can satisfy your requirements, can be a daunting task. To ensure that you invest in a design service that aligns with your business goals and delivers the results you desire, it’s essential to ask the right questions before committing. Whilst cost is one of the deciding factors, it is also very important to determine the value you are getting. Here are 7 key questions to ask a web design company before you make a purchasing decision:
What is your experience?
This is by far the most important question. Find out how long they have been in business, and what is their background in web design and digital marketing. Do they only talk about creating a good-looking website or do they also talk about website conversions and lead generation? Whilst having a good-looking website is important, it does miss a key point. The primary purpose of a business website is to attract more visitors and for those visitors to become customers to then drive business growth. This part of the web design process is often overlooked, but without the key functionality of lead generation and website conversions, you'll be missing out on a significant opportunity for business growth and profitability.
(To find out more about lead generation, have a look at our article on website conversion and why it is so important.)
Can I see your reviews and case studies of your previous work?
Reviewing the portfolio of a web design company is essential to gauge their expertise and style. Ask for examples of websites they have created for businesses similar to yours. This will give you insight into their design aesthetic, functionality, and ability to tailor solutions to meet specific needs. Look at their reviews to get an honest and independent view of what other businesses think.
What is your design process like?
Understanding the design process will help you manage expectations and ensure that your project progresses smoothly. Enquire about the steps involved, from initial consultation and conceptualisation to development and launch. A transparent and structured process indicates professionalism and reliability. What is their estimated timeline for completing the website? Knowing the timeframe helps with planning and setting expectations. Ensure they offer responsive design as standard. This is a process that creates websites that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices and is non-negotiable in the digital world of mobile devices.
What is included concerning Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)?
As a minimum, you should expect them to talk about identifying keywords for your website content to then use in your headings, Meta tags and image alt tags. Also, create compelling title tags and Meta descriptions that accurately summarise your page content.
Will I have ownership of the website and its content?
Clarify ownership rights before finalising the agreement. You should retain full ownership of your website and its content once the project is completed. In particular, ask what would happen to your website if they stopped trading. Additionally, enquire about access to the content management system (CMS) to make future updates and modifications independently. Importantly, ensure you have a clear understanding of what updates to the website are included and what would incur additional costs.
What ongoing support and maintenance do you provide?
Websites require regular updates, maintenance, and technical support to ensure optimal performance and security. Enquire about the web design company's post-launch support services, including software updates, backups, security measures, and troubleshooting assistance. This would normally come under what is called website hosting so make sure you have a detailed breakdown of what is included in the hosting charge and if there are any additional support costs.
To find out more about web hosting and support, have a look at our article which covers what it is, what it covers and importantly what it should cost.
How do you measure the success of a website?
Beyond aesthetics, a successful website should achieve specific business objectives, such as increased traffic, lead generation, or sales. Discuss key business requirements and metrics that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the website. A reputable web design company will prioritise measurable results and offer strategies for ongoing improvement.
Selecting a web design company is a very important decision, as the success of your company depends on you making the best choice. By asking these questions, you can gain valuable insights into a web design company’s expertise and approach, and you can make an informed decision on their suitability for your project that satisfies your needs and budget. Remember that communication and clarity are paramount throughout the design process to ensure a successful outcome and a website that drives your business forward.
If you would like to find out how we can help you gain more customers through your website, please get in touch for a free consultation.
