Are you wondering what questions to ask your web designer? You’ve found the right post. We’re web designers, and these are some of the best questions we can be asked during the inquiry process.
Thanks to advances in web design tools, creating your own professional-looking website is now easier than ever before. However, while anyone can build a website these days, if it falls short on design or usability best practices then it won’t be able to achieve the success that it deserves.
When engaging with a web designer for your new business website, asking the right questions at the start of the process sets up both parties for success further down the line. Read on to discover 13 essential questions to ask your web designer!
What experience do you have in web design?
So you want a website that really pops? Well, before you hire just anyone to bring your vision to life, there’s one question you need to be asking your web designer: how much experience do you have designing websites like mine?
So if you’re a photographer, it’s good to know if a designer that you’re interested in working with has worked with those within the same industry as you in the past. This isn’t a make or break if they say they haven’t, but it can give you a leg up to work with a designer who has worked with creatives in your industry.
A designer’s experience within your industry is one of the most important things you can ask about.
How long do you usually take to finish a website design project?
One question that you shouldn’t overlook is asking about the timeline for your project. If you want to launch within the next month or two, you want to make sure that you can find a designer who has room for your project.
Not only is it frustrating to be left in the dark about the progress of your website, but it can also end up costing you time and money. So, be sure to ask your designer how long they anticipate the project will take, especially during the inquiry process, so you know what date to plan your launch around.
Are there any restrictions or limitations on the design that I should be aware of before we start working together on the project?
So you’ve found an amazing web designer and are ready to start building your dream website. But before you get too carried away with visions of your digital masterpiece, you need to ask your designer a crucial question: are there any design restrictions or limitations?
It’s like asking your bartender if there are any drink specials – you wouldn’t want to get your heart set on a particular cocktail only to find out it’s not on the menu.
Knowing the limitations up front will prevent disappointment and ensure that the final product meets both your expectations and the designer’s capabilities.
What’s your process like?
Before deciding to move forward with a designer, make sure you understand how they plan to create your online masterpiece. Do they start with sketches or dive straight into coding? Are revisions and feedback part of the process or a burden on their time?
Asking about their design process will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also help you understand what will be going into your project. Your website is your online home, and you want to ensure it’s built on a solid foundation.
Do you offer payment plans with your services?
Another of the questions to ask your website designer is if they offer payment plans. Not every designer does offer these, but payment plans can make it easier for you to budget and prioritize your expenses.
Don’t be afraid to ask if payment plans are an option! Most designers will offer at least a spit pay option, with 50% due at booking and the rest due before project hand-off.
Here at Inkpot Creative, we offer monthly payment plans starting at the time of signing the contract.
What kind of support do you offer after the project is finished?
When reaching out to a designer, be sure to ask: what kind of support do they offer after the project is complete? Because let’s face it, websites have a tendency to misbehave, and sometimes things can get messed up as you go in and make updates after project hand-off.
You don’t want to be left all alone to deal with anything that comes up. So, make sure your web designer has your back and can provide the necessary support to keep your website running smoothly, even when it’s not feeling like cooperating. Trust me; it’ll save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Most designers do offer hourly help or at least have maintenance plans available for previous projects.
How familiar are you with search engine optimization techniques? Is SEO included?
If you’re investing in a brand-new website, you’ll want to make sure potential customers can actually find it. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in.
So, before you seal the deal with your web designer, ask if they have experience with SEO and if they plan on incorporating it into your site. Trust us; you don’t want to end up with a beautifully designed website that no one can find.
It’s like buying a sports car with no gas – looks great but won’t get you far. So, let’s ensure your website is turbocharged and ready to be found by the masses.
Keep in mind that not all website designers are SEO experts – they are very different skillsets. Most designers will at least set up basic SEO for you; however, it’s best to ask to make sure.
Here at Inkpot Creative, we have experience growing a blog to 30,000 pageviews per month and growing from Google. So, we offer SEO as an add-on to our website services.
What platforms do you design websites on?
Asking your web designer what platforms they design websites on is important to know because it could potentially affect the outcome of your project. The platforms your designer uses can make all the difference in the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your site.
Many designers focus on just one platform, like WordPress, Squarespace, or Showit. If you’re tied to being on a specific platform, you want to find a designer who works on that platform.
Are there any other services you offer besides web design and development?
When it comes to designing your website, you want to make sure you go with a web designer who can do more than just create a pretty layout. Ask them if they offer other services like copywriting or branding or if they at least have referrals for you.
Not only will a skilled copywriter ensure your content is perfectly polished, but a branding specialist will ensure that your website looks and feels like an extension of your business. So, don’t settle for a website that’s just “good enough” – ask your web designer what else they can offer to make it great.
At Inkpot Creative, we offer add-ons like branding, blogging (so you can get more leads from Google), SEO optimization, and more.
How often do you communicate updates with clients during a project?
Picture this: you’ve hired a web designer to create your dream website. You’re excited, you’re pumped, and you’re ready to see the progress. But suddenly, radio silence. (We’ve heard this story way too many times from others.)
To stop this from happening, take a deep breath and remember to ask your web designer one very important question early on in the project: how often will they communicate with you during the project?
Try to find a designer who communicates in a way that you’re comfortable with. Some designers send lots of updates while others don’t.
Is the web design process collaborative?
One essential question to ask is if the design process is collaborative. You want a designer who will work with you to make your vision come to life.
Think of it like making a pizza – sure, the chef knows how to make a delicious pie, but you know what toppings you want on it. The same goes for your website. You know your brand best, and a collaborative designer will help you showcase it in the best way possible.
Some designers are more collaborative than others, though. Make sure you find a designer that’s collaborative in the way that you’d prefer.
Do you build websites from scratch, or are they template-based?
The majority of website designers offer a completely custom service and a service that uses templates as a starting point, especially given the recent rise in the popularity of VIP days. So, one of the best questions to ask your web designer is if your site will be built from scratch or with a template.
Sometimes, a template-based site is more in your budget, and that’s okay! If that’s the case, be sure to see how customized a designer can make your site if it’s using a template.
Are there any additional fees?
Last but not least, ask if there are any additional fees. Often, additional fees or expenses that you’ll have to pay on your own is hosting, any platform fees, your domain, etc. However, this is different with every designer, so it’s important to ask this ahead of time.
Now you know all about the questions to ask your web designer!
If you’re still looking for a web designer, we’d love to help. We exist to create standout websites that live rent-free in your client’s minds. Click here to get in touch.
Read these next:
- Good vs Bad Feedback Examples When Working with a Designer
- How to Plan Blog Content as a Small Business Owner
- 13 Standout Websites for Creatives
- 11 Client Red Flags to Look Out For as an Online Service Provider
- The Importance of Boundaries in Business
KP’s design journey began in book publishing, but she fell in love with the truly limitless possibilities that web design presents. Since then, she’s been helping photographers and creatives become the no-brainer option for their dream clients before they even get on a call.
- Brand Evolution: Clients Have Evolved—Has Your Brand? - November 20, 2024
- How to Use AI in Business Authentically with Kinsey Soderberg - November 18, 2024
- How Rebranding Helped Olivia Get More Wedding Vendor Referrals from Planners - November 15, 2024
4/24/23
Published On:
Krystianna Pietrzak
