Top 10 things you should ask your web designer before you hire them

Making the decision to purchase a website can often be a complex process with many unknowns, variables, and prices. It’s hard to grasp the concept of what it takes to build a website, because websites aren’t widgets. You can’t hold them, feel them touch them.

As you’ve probably experienced first-hand, website companies come in all shapes & sizes. Prices vary from as little as “Free”, to well over $600 million dollars (Federal Healthcare Exchange website)… So what’s the difference? What separates a good web company from a bad one? A profitable website from a poor one?

We’ve put together a helpful list of the top 10 things you should ask your web designer before you hire them.

10) Will my website have content management, how does it matter to me?

Like many terms in the web industry, “content management” is a buzzword that gets thrown around all the time. Let’s get to the bottom of what content management truly is, and how it relates to your website…

Content Management Systems (CMS) or platfoms like WordPress or Drupal are functionality built into your website and allows you (our customer) to edit the content within your website. You’re able to edit the text on your pages, add/change photos on your page, create pages or manage a blog.

Essentially, you’re able to manage static content on your website without needing to be a programmer or web-guru… pretty cool!

At Limelight Department we’ve taken content management one step further, and through the help of our development team have developed solutions for custom content management that works on top of your CMS to provide even more customization on a new level. Custom content management recognizes that not all businesses are created equal, and thus each website should work specific to your company’s needs. Our programming team builds custom plugins that allow you to manage even the most advanced of functions on your website… without needing even the slightest of programming skill.

for example, with Committed Partners for Youth of Lane County we built a tool that allows our client to quickly edit their homepage slider promotions, images, and calls to action; something that traditional “content management” wouldn’t allow for.

We can also integrate Client Relations Management (CRM) with your website CMS as well as other software solutions to streamline business.

Regional law firm Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. hired us to build custom management tools as well as integrate a custom CRM into their website. Their website is 98% complete content management. This means that their administrative staff can edit just about every element on their website, aside perhaps from the design itself. This is an incredible accomplishment, and we’re proud to have a programming team with the skills needed to execute Harrang’s vision. Read more about Harrang’s specific project here.

9) Who owns my website?

Website ownership is vitally important. Some web companies offer you ownership, some websites don’t. There are two main website design business models; “rent to play”, and “ownership”. Both have their pros & cons I’ll explain below:

Rent-to-play model: In this business model, you (the customer) pay a company to build you a website. There’s generally a low introductory fee, and an ongoing monthly fee that never ends. If you stop paying, the website goes away. You don’t own the content. This business model is very popular in niche companies. For example, a company that builds websites for doctors. Or a company that builds websites for car dealerships.

Ownership model: In this business model, you (the customer) commission a web developer to build you a website, and you own all of the content. The introductory fee is usually higher, but there are generally low (or no) ongoing fees. In this model, you own all of the content: pictures, copy, design, etc…

Both options have their own strengths & weaknesses. I’ll leave it up to you to choose which is best for you. In either case though, make sure you get the definition of ownership in writing from your web developer.

8) How many employees do you have?

This question often goes unasked, and it’s too bad. This question is very important! There are many “one-man/woman shops”. These are companies comprised of one employee or freelancers. They generally beat their competitors on price… but is the lower price worth it?

What happens if that company-of-one gets into a car accident or gets sick? What happens to your project? What if they decide to move or pick a new line of work?

Employees are so important. At Limelight Department, we employ a team of talented specialists; all experts in their field. On each project, we have a team of designers, copywriters, marketing strategists, programmers, and your dedicated account executive who are dedicated to your project. A team of experts looking at your project means that you’ll have several different perspectives. Ultimately, this creates the perfect product!

7) Who is hosting will my website?

This question actually has three separate parts, and three separate answers. Make sure you your web developer’s hosting plan written down and signed. 

So, what do we mean by three separate parts? There are three elements to your online presence: Your website, your email, and your domain name. All three of them need to have a home. “Domain registration”, “website hosting”, and “email hosting” are their official names.

Sometimes your web developer will host all three. Other times your web developer will register your domain name & host your website, but an IT company will host your email. Any combination is acceptable, but make sure you have the following things in writing between you and your vendors:

  • Make sure your domain is registered in your name, NOT your web developer’s name
  • Know who is hosting your email, and know what kind of support packages they provide. Email is a complex beast. You’re going to need assistance sometime or another
  • Know where your website will be hosted. Your website should be hosted in a safe, secure, off-site data center such as Media Temple or GoDaddy. Your website SHOULDN’T be hosted in your web developer’s office.

6) What’s your process, from beginning to launch?

This is a great question, because it’ll expose so much about the kind of work, effort, and expertise that go into your designer’s work. When done thoughtfully, the web design process is one that is backed by research, comparative analysis, considerations for user experience & conversion ratio, etc… There’s a lot that goes into it!

We have an infographic which explains what the proper web design process, from initial meetings, to gathering content, to alpha & beta testing!

Make sure your designer clearly explains their process to you.

5) What if I don’t like your design?

This might deserve a higher placement than #5 on our list, because this question is a) the most-often asked, and b) sadly, the most-often taken advantage of by web firms.

Your web designer needs to have a clear set of procedures & protocols in place to address this question. The reality is, web design is half art, half science. There is an honest chance that even if you hire the most talented of web designers, you’ll dislike the design they provide you. You need to get, in writing, the procedures that will take place if you don’t like the design. This will resolve any conflict, pressure, and confusion.

At Limelight Department, we have very clear guidelines that dictate your options if you don’t like the design. Every proposal we write includes a section written in non-legal-gibberish that outlines your options if you’re dissatisfied with the initial design at all. This way, everyone knows their options before they agree to the contract.

4) How long will it take to design & build my website?

This is another great question for your designer. First, recognize that some of the variables that determine project duration are out of your designer’s hand. For example; site content. Web designers often need content from you to complete the job, logos, copy, photos, other graphical materials, etc…

If you delay in providing this to your designer, your project will fall behind schedule, period.

Internal factors that determine project timeline:

  • How successful (and thus, busy) the firm is
  • How long their project pipeline is backed up
  • How their staff is structured
  • How their workflow is structured
You should run for the hills if your designer promises that they’ll build you a website in a week… that’s too fast, and somebody is cutting corners somewhere. No bueno.
Also, you should probably be concerned if your designer tells you 9 months (unless you’re hiring them to build a massive, million-dollar website).
An average timeline for a successful web firm will fall somewhere in the window of 45-120 days, depending on your site’s size & complexity.
That time is broken into:
  • collecting content
  • design
  • design approval
  • development
  • dropping content
  • alpha testing
  • beta testing

3) What’s SEO? Do you do those services?

This is a short question with a very, very long answer. A quick Amazon search will show you thousands upon thousands of books on the subject. Here’s what you need to know in layman’s terms:

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) are a set of tools & strategies that are deployed with the hope of getting your website ranked highly in search engines.

There are hundreds of factors that determine good search engine ranking, and are generally broken into two groups: Internal and External factors.

Internal factors are things done on your website. External factors are, of course, outside of your website.

Good SEO equates to traffic.

Achieving SEO/ traffic requires ongoing investment. Generally, it never ends. You always pay for SEO. That’s why conversion ratio is so critical.

Conversion ratio is the rate at which someone a) finds your website, and b) takes a desire action. If your website has a higher rate of conversion, you can spend less ongoing money on SEO/ traffic. See #2 below.

2) How does conversion ratio play into your design strategy, and how do you measure conversion?

Conversion ratio is the rate in which people take a desired action. We can define it as: “For ever 100 people that visit your website, which percentage of people _____”? The _______ depends on your business model. Traditional conversions are signing up for an email newsletter, using a web form, making a purchase, etc…

Conversion ratio is arguably the most important element of your website. It is what will drive the success or failure of your online marketing footprint.

REMEMBER: A website is an active marketing channel. It should be creating business for you. Tracking, then improving conversions becomes paramount.

A properly-designed website uses what we call a ‘Conversion Funnel’. Using sophisticated methods, we get in front of your target audience(s) at their awareness level, and walk them from one conversion to the next, until they ultimately make a purchase decision.

We take the conversion process very, very seriously. We’ve read tons of books about how conversion works and have devised a very specific marketing plan that we deploy for our clients that has proven successful in every case study. Take a quick ‘gander at some of the books in our personal research library:

 

 

Conversion ratio is so important!

1) Do you offer plans to help me market my website to attract clients?

This is, without a doubt, the most important question you need to ask. There are many different versions of “Web design” companies. You need to know which one you’re hiring. Below is a list of the kinds of companies you’ll find:

  • Web designer – A company that just designs websites. Often described as a ‘design boutique’.
  • Web’ designer– A company that traditionally designs offline collateral; brochures, trade show displays, ads, billboards, and also claims to design websites as well.
  • Online marketing firm– A company that offers ongoing marketing services for online marketing endeavors
  • Branding agency/Ad agency– Typically a traditional “Ad” agency that offers a wide suite of services including online brand development
  • Web developer– A company that often builds large & complex web projects
Now, all of these business models have strengths and drawbacks. We’ll leave the judgement to you.
What we do feel compelled to say, however, is that everything is interconnected. And you should be looking for a vendor that:
  • Has specialized skills in website design. Web design best practices are different than brochure design best practices
  • Has specialized skills in website development/programming. Good programming makes a world of difference
  • Has both the vision & staff to put together a well-rounded online marketing plan for you
  • Has a portfolio filled solid projects & happy clients

BONUS QUESTION: Ask your vendor to describe ‘Customer Service’

This question isn’t asked enough! Make your vendor describe how they define customer service. Are they available before or after hours if there’s an emergency? Do they have weekend support? How quickly will they respond to emails or calls?

Set expectation levels with your vendor! They need to continually work to earn your money.

We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about Limelight Department!

 

accreditation + associations

testimonials

We have 4.8 of 5 stars on Google+ with 14 reviews, 5 out 5 on Facebook and over 25 testimonials.

“Quality web developers and e-marketers are hard to find, but these guys are the real deal.”
-Ryan Line | Frequent Flyer Academy


“Hiring Limelight was one of the best business decisions we could have made!”

-Bret Stuart | 24/7 Guide Service


“This has reflected in our company’s growth and profit and we are very grateful for their guidance and expertise.”

– Mark Hoge | Cascade Restores

Get in Touch for Your Free Strategy Call

Please provide a few details so we can assess your needs and hit the ground running.