Many clients have told us terrifying tales about their terrible experiences hiring various freelancers and organizations to develop websites.
We are aware that choosing the wrong partner can occasionally be difficult, have a detrimental effect on your finances, and even cause you to commit mistakes.
It can be challenging to assemble the ideal team to realize your goal, so it’s essential to consider it carefully. It’s a significant choice and investment.
Your website reflects what you do, how you do it, and who you are as an organization. It must retain the look and feel of your brand while still being sensible and useful.
It is crucial to collaborate with an individual who comprehends your idea, offers suggestions and input, and can execute the project within a suitable timeframe and budget.
If you’re ready for a new website and don’t want to be the next horror story, we’ve compiled a list of 6 qualities to look for in a website designer and development partner.
1. What is Their Web Design Process?
By finding out about a possible web designer’s methodology and process for creating websites, you may quickly determine if you and they are on the same page. They should use a cooperative approach rather than a unilateral one.
You can also make sure that your online presence is consistent and fits with your overall brand strategy by taking into account website branding services.
Though they should have their own opinions, they should also hear yours. They should be looking to you for your expert understanding of your own company, just as you are turning to them for their professional advice on website design and user experience.
Potential questions to ask:
- How is the design process for your website carried out?
- How participatory is the procedure?
- To what extent must I participate? When am I going to be hauled in?
- What occurs in the event that scope creeps?
You want to be certain that they can execute your vision seamlessly and without much back-and-forth.
2. Do They Have an Outstanding Portfolio of Web Design?
A reputable web design firm should make its portfolio publicly available for you to view, either on its own website or on social media platforms, where you may witness their creative abilities in action.
If all of their websites are gorgeous, that’s terrific, but if you’re an accountant and all of their websites are apparel merchants, the functionality and aesthetic might not work well together.
Beyond the website’s aesthetics, usability, accessibility, and conversion rates are critical factors.
Do their websites offer an easy-to-use interface? Do all pages have calls to action? Is important information hidden or readily available?
Lastly, confirm that you can view these websites in action by requesting the URLs of the websites they have developed, experimenting with them, and ensuring that they are responsive to mobile devices.
Potential questions to ask:
- Do you enjoy their design work at first glance?
- Is it uniform in appearance?
- Does it all pertain to the same industry?
- Can you provide the URLs of websites you’ve built?
- What industries have you built websites for?
- What is your design process? Your user testing process?
- Do you use responsive design for your websites?
- How do you make sure your websites are accessible to all?
- What do you anticipate some website design trends to be in the next 1-2 years?
3. Does Their Expertise Match Your Project’s Requirements?
Even though it might not matter for every website project, consider how complicated the website you want to create and whether your web designer needs specialized technical knowledge to complete the task.
If you’re looking for a website with features like custom HTML or CSS, search engine optimization, e-commerce, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integrations, examine the experience and qualifications of your possible web designer.
Possible inquiries to make are:
- What credentials do you possess that make you the most qualified person to develop my website?
- Do you employ a group of web developers and graphic designers in-house? or independent contractors?
- Which project management philosophy do you adhere to?
- Can I sign up to use your project management software?
4. Do Your Personalities Complement Each Other?
You could not think about whether or not you genuinely like the web designer. Keep in mind that, depending on the scope and intricacy of the project, you might collaborate with this person for three to five months. They will be your new best friend.
Possible inquiries to make are:
- What led you to pursue this career path?
- What aspect of creating websites do you find most enjoyable?
- What hobbies do you have when you have free time?
5. Does Your Web Designer’s Location Matter?
Does your web designer’s location matter in the modern world? It is unlikely. We are able to create websites for businesses all around the world because of the amazing technology currently available.
All are not made equal, though. Ensure the selected supplier has the tools and know-how necessary to manage a well-organized project.
Our experience has shown that operating efficiently online and with any organization requires a thorough understanding of project management and the ability to use a project management system effectively.
Along with being able to ask the proper questions, your partner should be skilled in leading online brainstorming sessions and bringing your site architecture to life through a tried-and-true process.
Possible inquiries to make are:
- What location are you in?
- Do you schedule face-to-face or online meetings?
- If not in the area:
- How can you get in touch with us regarding the project?
6. Is the Cost of Their Web Design Reasonable?
And lastly, the major one – costing.
Obtaining multiple quotations from different web designers is a recommended strategy for any leader of an organization or business owner. However, not all quotes are made equal, so be sure to read the tiny print and the specifics of the offer:
- Do they charge by the hour? or a fixed fee? What is the cost per hour?
- Is it all-inclusive, or does it require a subscription?
- What does the quote include?
- SEO?
- Auditing?
- Writing content?
- Signing up for a domain?
- Organizing?
- Does the quote cover continuing upkeep?
- What is the number of revisions covered by the price?
- What should I be aware of that is not stated in this quote?
- Do you possess the finished item?
Final Thoughts
We hope that this aids in your selection of a reputable web designer. We know how much time, money, and effort it takes to create a fantastic website that is free of errors because we are a small business ourselves.