When setting out to build or revamp your website, it’s vital to be actively involved in the process to ensure your vision comes to life as expected. Working alongside your website designer means asking the right questions. To assist you, we’ve crafted a comprehensive tick sheet that can act as a guide in your website development journey.
1. What is the Primary Objective?
- Explanation: Before any design begins, it’s paramount to know the purpose of your website. Is it for branding, e-commerce, blogging, portfolio display, or something else?
2. Do You Understand My Brand?
- Explanation: The designer needs to comprehend your brand’s tone, values, and message. It ensures consistency and authenticity in the website’s design.
3. Can We Incorporate Mobile-First Design?
- Explanation: With an increasing number of users accessing websites from mobile devices, it’s essential to ensure your site looks and functions perfectly on smaller screens.
4. How Will You Enhance User Experience (UX)?
- Explanation: The ease with which visitors navigate your site significantly influences their likelihood of returning. Enquire about navigational structures, loading times, and interactive elements.
5. Do You Implement SEO Best Practices?
- Explanation: SEO helps improve your website’s visibility on search engines. Even during design, elements like site speed, mobile compatibility, and URL structure play roles in SEO.
6. Can You Show Examples of Past Work?
- Explanation: This provides insight into the designer’s style, proficiency, and adaptability. It’s a window into their potential performance on your project.
7. How Do You Approach Website Security?
- Explanation: Protecting both your website and its visitors from potential threats is non-negotiable. From SSL certificates to regular backups, security must be front and center.
8. Will the Website be Built on a CMS? Which One?
- Explanation: A Content Management System (CMS) lets you manage the content of your website without requiring coding knowledge. Common examples are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
9. How Customizable is the Design?
- Explanation: As your business grows, your website might need tweaks or overhauls. Knowing the flexibility level helps in anticipating future redesign needs.
10. What’s the Timeline for the Project?
- Explanation: Clear deadlines and milestones help in tracking the project’s progress, ensuring that both parties stay on the same page.
11. How Will We Handle Website Maintenance?
- Explanation: Websites need regular updates for security, performance, and content. It’s crucial to discuss if the designer offers maintenance packages or if you’ll need to handle it internally.
12. What are the Costs Involved?
- Explanation: This isn’t just about the initial design but also potential costs for revisions, additional features, and other unforeseen expenses.
13. How Will the Design Facilitate Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)?
- Explanation: A great design isn’t just about aesthetics. It should also drive visitors towards desired actions – whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or filling out a contact form.
14. How Do You Ensure a Fast Loading Site?
- Explanation: Site speed is crucial for both UX and SEO. Your designer should be able to incorporate compressed images, efficient coding practices, and optimal server response times.
15. Do You Offer Copywriting Services?
- Explanation: The textual content on your website is equally important as its design. Good copy can enhance SEO and user engagement, so it’s worth asking if this service is available.
16. Can the Website Be Integrated with Other Tools and Platforms?
- Explanation: If you have existing tools, such as email marketing platforms or CRM systems, it’s crucial to ensure your new website can seamlessly integrate with them.
17. How Will We Measure Website Performance?
- Explanation: Websites need continuous analysis for improvement. Tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into visitor behavior and site performance.
18. How Do You Approach Accessibility?
- Explanation: Everyone deserves access to web content. Ensuring your site is accessible to individuals with disabilities not only widens your audience but is also ethically sound and can be a legal requirement in some places.
19. Can I Get Training on Managing the Site Post-Design?
- Explanation: If you plan to take over website management, it’s helpful to receive training from the designer on the CMS or any other tools in use.
20. How Will Feedback and Revisions be Handled?
- Explanation: It’s inevitable that you’ll want tweaks and changes. Having a structured process for feedback ensures smoother communication and project progression.
In conclusion, these questions are designed to streamline the website design process for both the client and the designer. They cover crucial areas that affect the site’s functionality, aesthetics, and overall impact. Remember, a transparent and comprehensive conversation at the beginning of the project sets the stage for a more efficient and satisfactory outcome.